Piano Tech Radio Hour - Dealers, Techs and Piano Innovation w/ Ric Overton

Dealers, Techs and Piano Innovation w/ Ric Overton

10/18/24 • 60 min

In this unique episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we’re thrilled to sit down with Ric Overton, a true veteran of the piano world, whose career spans decades of expertise and hands-on work. Ric brings his unique perspective on the craft of piano technology, blending stories of personal experiences with insights into how the industry has transformed over time.

From his humble beginnings in piano tuning to becoming a go-to expert for complex restorations, Ric’s journey is filled with dedication, learning, and a deep passion for the instrument. He shares the challenges and triumphs of his work, revealing the creative problem-solving that goes into each project. Whether it's troubleshooting mechanical issues or restoring a piano to its former glory, Ric's methodical approach and love for the craft are sure to inspire.

But it’s not just about technical skill—Ric also opens up about the changing landscape of piano technology. He offers a fascinating look at how modern advancements are shaping the way technicians work, from the introduction of hybrid pianos to the evolution of tools and techniques.

As a strong advocate for our community, Ric emphasizes the power of collaboration and lifelong learning. He believes that the heart of the industry lies in the relationships among professionals, and how sharing knowledge and experiences can drive the craft forward. This episode delves into the importance of building connections, learning from others, and contributing to a vibrant, supportive network of piano professionals.

Ric’s thoughtful advice for aspiring technicians rounds out the conversation, offering practical tips for those entering the field. He encourages patience, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement—traits that have defined his own success.

Whether you’re a seasoned piano technician looking for fresh insights, or someone new to the world of piano technology, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and a celebration of the craft. Join us to hear Ric’s story, his expert advice, and his reflections on the evolving world of piano technology!

About Ric Overton:

Ric Overton is a seasoned piano industry pro and the owner of R. Kassman, Purveyor of Fine Pianos, located in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over four decades of experience in the piano industry, his expertise spans piano performance, choir direction, and piano retail management. Ric’s profound knowledge of the global piano business has made him a respected figure among musicians and technicians alike.

Originally from North Carolina, Ric discovered his passion for pianos and music early in life. This led him to a career in piano sales and marketing, including significant roles with Baldwin Piano and his own store, PianoSD.com, in San Diego. His commitment to the piano community is evident through his active participation in various industry forums and his dedication to promoting the art of piano care and maintenance.

Beyond his technical skills, Ric is deeply involved in the musical community, appreciating all genres of music and serving on the executive board of a local performance company. He holds piano teachers and technicians in high esteem, considering them the driving force behind the industry's success.

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Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

How to tune pianos.
How to repair pianos.
How to rebuild pianos.
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About Ric Overton:

JOIN US FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT❗❗

How to tune pianos.
How to repair pianos.
How to rebuild pianos.
How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.

Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass

Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass

FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/

Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/

Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotech...

Previous Episode

Piano Pro Turned Viral Virtuoso w/ Loren DiGiorgi

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we had the pleasure of hosting the incredibly talented pianist, humorist, and composer Loren DiGiorgi. Loren's journey began at a very young age, and he has immersed himself in the world of classical music, creating and producing hundreds of songs in various styles. His unique talent for entertaining friends with musical antics, such as playing songs in reverse or blending melodies, has turned into a social media phenomenon with hundreds of thousands of followers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Loren has also spent decades perfecting the craft of piano tuning, making him a seasoned professional in the field and a perfect guest for our show. He combines his musical abilities with technical knowledge, offering a unique perspective on tuning and maintaining pianos.

Our conversation delved deep into the world of piano tuning, exploring how Loren’s mechanical mastery meets his musical talent. We discussed the intricacies of tuning temperaments, the artistry behind it, and the joy he finds in both performing and technical work.

Loren’s creativity shines through his innovative mashups and reimaginings of classical pieces in different styles, such as lounge or blues. He described how he deliberately seeks out melodies to blend and enjoys the spontaneity of creating these unique pieces.

We discuss the challenges and joys of piano tuning, the intricacies of the work, and the importance of understanding the mechanics of the instrument. Loren emphasizes his passion for performing and his aspirations to continue growing his social media presence, compose music for movies or shows, and potentially perform live shows across the United States.

The episode concludes with Loren demonstrating his improvisational skills by reimagining a Mozart piece in lounge and blues styles, showcasing his talent and inspiring us all to explore similar creative endeavors. This one was an insightful look into Loren DiGiorgi's multifaceted career, his creative process, and his plans for the future–an engaging listen for music enthusiasts and piano technicians alike.

As we concluded today’s show, Loren encouraged us to find joy in every moment of creative discovery and to rekindle our own passion for music—whether by playing or simply enjoying others' creations. Connect with Loren across all major social platforms under Loren DiGiorgi to join his symphony online.

About Loren DiGiorgi:

Loren DiGiorgi is a pianist, humorist, and composer. His journey as a classically-trained pianist began with private lessons at five. Since then, Loren has immersed himself in the world of music, creating, recording, and producing hundreds of songs across various styles.

During his formative years and throughout high school, Loren delighted friends and audiences with his musical antics. These included playing songs in reverse, seamlessly blending two melodies into one, and even reimagining classical compositions in novel styles (ever heard a jazz version of Beethoven’s Fifth?). A crowd favorite is when Loren invites the audience to choose random songs, which he then weaves together into a harmonious medley.

Today, Loren’s creative endeavors continue to captivate audiences. He boasts hundreds of thousands of followers across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. His musical journey began early, composing his first song at the tender age of seven. By the time he turned twelve, Loren had already secured his first copyright—a pivotal moment that ignited his passion for composing and arranging music.

As a composer, Loren’s work extends beyond personal projects. He has crafted production tracks that found homes in music libraries across the US, UK, and Canada. Some of these tracks have even graced Australian television. Loren remains committed to his craft, consistently releasing new music on streaming platforms and Bandcamp. And for those who want to play his compositions themselves, sheet music is now available for download and purchase.

Loren DiGiorgi’s musical journey is a testament to creativity, dedication, and the joy of sharing music with the world.

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Piano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclasses. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:

How to tune pianos.
How to repair pianos.
How to rebuild pianos.
How to service concert pianos for the finest...

Next Episode

Erard, Pleyel, and Peruvian Musical Diplomacy w/ Eathan Janney

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney continues the exciting journey through Peru, following up on the adventures from Episodes 76 and 77. This time, Eathan recounts his experiences in the vibrant city of Lima, uncovering rare and historical pianos in surprising locations.

Eathan shares the story of a remarkable discovery—an 1875 Erard piano, tucked away in a bookstore in Lima. This piano, once a diplomatic gift from a Chilean ambassador, offers a fascinating look into antique piano design. From its unique metal components acting as backchecks to its straight-strung layout, we break down the piano’s unique features and the challenges it presents for maintenance and restoration.

In addition, Eathan recounts his visit to Peru’s Presidential Palace, where he found two culturally significant yet neglected pianos—a Steinway and a Pleyel. These pianos were gifts exchanged as symbols of diplomatic ties, and their rich history offers insights into the cultural impact of music diplomacy.

The episode also delves into the practical challenges of restoring these pianos, particularly in a city like Lima where climate and resources add layers of complexity to the restoration process. Eathan shares technical advice on handling these issues, including strategies for mitigating humidity damage and sourcing replacement parts for rare instruments.

Whether you're a seasoned piano technician, a history enthusiast, or a lover of musical heritage, this episode offers a captivating blend of technical knowledge, cultural exploration, and historical storytelling.

Tune in to episode 79 to explore the hidden piano treasures of Lima and dive deeper into the art of restoration in unique settings.

About Eathan Janney:

Eathan Janney brings over 22 years of experience as a skilled piano technician, having trained with some of the most notable mentors in the field. Since relocating to Brooklyn in 2009, Eathan has built a strong reputation in the NYC area, becoming an active member of the Piano Technicians Guild and earning the title of registered piano technician.

Beyond his piano expertise, Eathan holds a PhD in Biology from CUNY, where his research explored the intersection between birdsong and music. His interdisciplinary work has gained international recognition, including prestigious residencies with the Djerassi Resident Artists Program. As a cultural ambassador, Eathan has worked in Peru, using his piano skills to foster cross-cultural connections.

Currently, Eathan is the driving force behind Piano Technicians Masterclasses, an online educational initiative designed for piano technicians worldwide. He is also the co-founder of Edge of Company, a pioneering venture supporting ecosystems in emerging tech through events and media like the Outer Edge LA convention and the Edge of AI podcast.

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