Hands on Training course with David STANWOOD

-An Exceptional Event-

David Stanwood presents the Stanwood New Action Protocol, also known as SNAP. It’s his empirically derived, workbench friendly, and computer free method for producing pianos of the highest possible quality by smooth scaling hammer strike weights and key front weights to achieve a desired balanced weight level with an expected dynamic playing quality. SNAP method is Stanwood’s ultimate model for the world. Designed for factory production or aftermarket workshop customizing.

9 Participants will work together analyzing and improving the touch and tone of three late model concert grand piano actions with SNAP method:

• Steinway & Sons - D 274 - Hamburg, Germany

• Bösendorfer - 280 - Vienna, Austria

• Yamaha - CFX - 275 - Hamamatsu, Japan

The event is organized by FJV Piano Design®

It will be held in Puidoux, VD Switzerland March 9-13

This is the kick off training course for the new educational institution:

Stanwood Precision Touch Design® International

Fee

The registration fee is CHF 1,100.00 (approximately USD 1,375.00 or EUR 1,180.00).

Payment can be made online by credit card once the registration has been accepted.

These fees do not include accommodation, meals, or travel expenses, which remain the responsibility of each participant individually.

Class schedule with partial descriptions of daily activities

Day 1 - History and Component Touch Weight Analysis

Class:

Chronology of Stanwood’s Piano Innovations from 1988 to present and insights gained.

Wool Science and properties of wool felt.

The relation of hammer weight and felt quality to tone color and potential decibel output

The perception of keystick inertia, Friction, Hammer weight, & traditional touch weight

Hands On:

Qualitative assessment of playing quality in the 3 concert pianos.

Measurement protocols for Strike Weight, Front Weight, Down/Up Weight, Wippen Balance Wt

Quantitative analysis of the Hammer and key weights, Balance and friction Wt components.

Day 2 - Touch Designing and Hammer Weight Scaling

Class:

Discuss data analysis results for the 3 pianos and propose strategies for scaling SW/FW

Review protocols when strategies for replacement hammers

Review protocols for altering Ratio

Review issue of arc geometry and regulation specs

Designing FW scales for wippen support spring applications

Hands On:

Mock up sample notes to test design choices

Come up with SW/FW scale specifications

Method and practice for reducing and increasing hammer weight

Weigh off Strike Weights to smooth specifications

Day 3 - Key Weight Scaling

Class:

Discuss strategies for working with existing weights versus stripping out all weights.

Key weight placement, non lead options, and inertial pattern strategies.

Hands On:

Strip and plug holes as needed

Weigh off Front Weights to smooth specifications

Day 4 - Key and Damper Weighting

Class:

Open discussion

Hands On:

Finish up key weighting

Class:

A discussion of Damper action Weighting

Day 5 - Half day wrap up

Qualitative assessments of results.

General discussion of the experience.

Awarding certificates for class attendance.

About the teacher

David Stanwood graduated from the North Bennet Street School in 1979. In the early 1990s, he invented Touch Weight Metrology, the first fundamental measurement system for piano touch, based on his Equation of Balance. This breakthrough isolated core components of keyboard function in ways previously thought impossible and led to his award-winning Precision Touch Design method. Stanwood’s work employs customized tools and techniques to build a piano action tailored to a pianist’s individual needs and artistic goals. His development of the Equation of Balance, and Precision Touch Design - simplified into the SNAP method, represents his lifetime achievement. Together, these innovations open new pathways in the art and craft of piano making, empowering piano builders worldwide. Pianos balanced using Stanwood’s methods are widely recognized for their flawless and responsive playing characteristics.

Awards: On June 1, 2007 Stanwood was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the North Bennet St. School for his contributions to the craft of piano technology. In 2009 he received the Crowl-Travis Member of Note Award from the Piano Technicians Guild. In 2019 he was inducted into the Piano Technicians Guild Hall of Fame.

Tools

You can bring some of your own tools if you are familiar with them, but essential tools will be provided on site.

During this seminar, some new tools will be introduced that may be of interest, including the Renner Key Measuring Device and new tools from FJV Piano Design. 

Access conditions for the seminar

You must be fluent in both spoken and written English.

You must be an experienced piano technician with proven expertise in the preparation of grand piano actions, particularly concert grand pianos.

We reserve the right to refuse a registration if the required conditions do not appear to be met.

Travel expense, food and accommodation are not included.

Accommodation

The attendees must find accommodation nearby for the duration of the course. We can recommend several options. You may also arrange shared accommodation to reduce costs.

Seminar Location : Piano Workshop - Matthias Maurer - Puidoux / Vaud, Switzerland

Route du Verney 20B, 1070 Puidoux, Switzerland

Easily accessible by train : Puidoux Train Station nearby (with stairs). 13 min from Lausanne, 1h00 from Geneva.

Car Park also available nearby (Blue zone).