Piano Servicing, Tuning, Rebuilding by Reblitz: Book Review
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This book is best for the beginner piano technician, the curious piano owner, and the hobbyist. It provides much of what's needed to pass all 3 exams (Written, Piano Tuning, and Piano Repair).
When I embarked on my piano tuning education, this was my very first book of piano technology and so I enjoyed turning through each page of this book. At the time I didn't own the new edition, but owned the second edition (the third edition of this invaluable handbook is now available). This was when I was working on becoming a Registered Piano Technician more than 10 years ago.
It's an easy read for any lay person who is interested in learning more about the trade of piano tuning.
Many technicians are familiar with this book, which is part of why it can be a great way to get started with your piano technician education.
The book provides in-depth regulation steps, repairs, and also includes a helpful image listing the parts within each upright or grand piano.
Knowing simple vocabulary is one of the best ways to bridge the gap between a beginner technician and piano experts.
It's especially helpful for those looking to pass their Registered Piano Technician exams.
Praise for the Reblitz Book
John H. Steinway wrote to the publishing company at the time, Vestal Press, a letter of support and recommendation of this book shortly after it was published in 1976.
At the time, there scarcely were manuals for either professionals or advanced amateur piano tuners for consumption to learn about the trade in an accessible way in which Arthur A. Reblitz readily provides.
This book is time-tested and stood out in the era it was published as a highly regarded manual for the field.
Overview of the Arthur A. Reblitz book
This must-have book is written in a simple format. It provides pictures, diagrams, definitions, how-to, and broad explanations for many of the facets in the field of piano technology.
The book is dated, though, it is a terrific resource for beginners, as it was for me when I began my piano tuning journey.
It discusses common action problems, in depth explanations, and a good foundation of knowledge in this most approachable manual.
Pictures/Diagrams of Piano Servicing Tuning & Rebuilding
There are over 400 images of piano anatomy, grand piano mechanics, and all detail of upright pianos. The pictures are in black and white, though they clearly demonstrate methods, repairs, and best practices throughout.
The illustrations are simply produced and represent about 10% of the images throughout the textbook.
There are just over 300+ pages covering all contents authored by Arthur A. Reblitz.
Today, more extensive textbooks like Pianos Inside Out by Mario Igrec far exceed depth and span of information about all of the things piano related. This book is better suited for the advanced piano technician.
For its specific era, Piano Servicing Tuning & Rebuilding provided a great benefit to the piano trade for early professionals and advanced amateur piano tuners alike.
8 comprehensive Chapters in the Reblitz book
Introduction to the Piano: Styles, Shapes, and Sizes Over the Years
Inside Information: The Names of the Parts and How They Work
Evaluating an Old Piano: Is It Worth Buying or Repairing?
Cleaning and Minor Repairs: Fixing Worn and Broken Parts
Regulating: Adjusting the Action, Keyboard, and Pedals to Work As They Should
Tuning Theory and Terminology
Tuning Procedure
Complete Restoration: Rebuilding a Piano in the Shop to Perform and Look Like New
This is really all the information you need to at least get started in the piano world. Though nowadays, pianos are multifaceted with electronics and extra mechanisms that are better learned about elsewhere.
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Index full of over 1,500 terms in the Reblitz book
One of the very best methods of gaining familiarity within the piano industry is by understanding the basic terminology of the trade.
This book embodies the perfect place to start by offering a solid foundation that is easy to access in terms of understanding and comprehension.
I highly recommend paging through this book to learn the basics of the piano tuning trade and become familiarized with this one book that has touched many of the great minds within the world of piano technology.
Related:
Top 3 Piano Tuning Books for New Piano Technicians and Tuners
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.