Pat and I will host the annual "Oklahoma Chapter Christmas party" this year on Dec. 9th. All are welcome! Please RSVP by Dec. 1st. See you at the next meeting. Bob
Chapter Officers
President - Bob Scheer
Vice President - David Bonham
Secretary - Nathan Sobel
Treasurer - Gary Bruce
Newsletter Editors - Norman Cantrell & Blaine Morris
“All expression of opinion and all statements of supposed fact are published on the authority of the author as listed and are not to be regarded as expressing the view of this chapter or the Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. unless such statements or opinions have been adopted by the chapter or the Piano Technicians Guild, Inc.”
Meeting Notice
The November chapter meeting will be held Thursday November 16th at 8:30 a.m. at Larsen Music. (Northwest Highway and 63rd) The technical will be presented by Norman Cantrell on the topic of Vertical Damper Regulation. This promises to be a real tone stopper.
Norm’s Noncents
Have you noticed that there is a holiday this month? If you were to gauge this holiday by its presence in the retail stores you would probably find it missing. It seems we have moved directly from Halloween to Christmas (Do not pass Go! Do not collect $200). The overlooked holiday I am of which I am speaking is of course Thanksgiving. I realize that to many across America this has become just a day to gather with friends and family, eat some turkey and watch some football. It is easy to fall into that habit and never pause to give thanks for all the blessings we enjoy. We live in the wealthiest country on the planet. We have a government that is able to change leadership every four years or so without a single shot being fired or a drop of blood being spilt. Most of us have more than one car per household and since a majority of us receive the Sooner Tuner via e-mail we have a lot of computers available and the endless opportunities they afford.
Let me encourage all of us to take some time to reflect on the many blessings we have this year. Think about the mentors who have guided and shaped your life to get you to where you are today. Reflect on the opportunity to make a living doing something you truly enjoy. Think about the many men and women who have served our county in the armed forces and have stood in the gap so we could enjoy the freedoms we have. Despite the current trend to bash the United States it is a fact that more people still try to leave their countries to come here than any other place.
I had the opportunity a few years ago to visit the replica of the Mayflower. It is amazing that 168 people crowded onto that small boat and traveled here to start a new life. I for one am glad they had the courage to make that journey. The world is a better place because of their courage.
Norman Cantrell, RPT
Technical Tip
When removing a spinet dropped action from a piano an effective tool to hold all the sticker wires in place can be made by using four pieces of 1/4" all thread and three rod couplers. This allows you to assemble a rod long enough to span the length of the action but which breaks down to a manageable size for transport in your tool box. The assembled rod can be secured to the action brackets using velcro ties that are sold at the home center. These are often used to tie up extension cords and the like. They are about 6 to 8 inches in length. The entire kit can be carried in a small pouch like a small umbrella type cover of the appropriate length. The rods should be about 14 inches in length.
This tip comes from the class Vertical Madness by Leon and Darren Speir