Top 10 Questions for Piano Technician Interview

1. What are the key differences between regulating and tuning a piano?

Answer:

• Regulating: Focuses on adjusting the mechanical action of the piano, including key height, repetition, touch weight, and damper alignment.
• Tuning: Aims to adjust the pitch of the strings to achieve a specific concert pitch.

2. Describe the factors that affect the tension of a piano string.

Factors Affecting Tension:

• Length: Longer strings have less tension than shorter strings.
• Thickness: Thicker strings have more tension than thinner strings.
• Density: Heavier strings have more tension than lighter strings.
• Temperature: Strings expand and contract with temperature changes, affecting tension.
• Humidity: High humidity can loosen strings, while low humidity can tighten them.

3. How do you diagnose and repair a sluggish key action?

Answer:

• Check friction points: Inspect key bushings, felts, and guide rails for wear or binding.
• Examine springs: Ensure springs are appropriately tensioned and not broken.
• Test hammers: Check for sticking or sluggish hammers.
• Adjust clearances: Ensure proper clearances between keys, shanks, and other components.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply appropriate lubricant to reduce friction.

4. What techniques do you use to remove rust from piano strings?

Answer:

• Mechanical cleaning: Use fine sandpaper or a rust eraser to gently remove surface rust.
• Chemical cleaning: Apply a rust-dissolving solution to the strings and let it sit for a recommended time.
• Electrolytic cleaning: Submerge the strings in a baking soda solution and apply an electrical current to dissolve the rust.

5. How do you assess the condition of a piano hammer?

Answer:

• Visual inspection: Check for cracks, chips, or wear on the hammer felt.
• Compression test: Press down on the hammer to assess its firmness and elasticity.
• Voicing: Play the hammer and listen for even and consistent tone quality.

6. Describe the process of repinning a piano soundboard.

Answer:

• Remove old pins: Use a pin puller to carefully remove the old pins.
• Prepare new pins: Sharpen new pins to a specific angle.
• Install new pins: Insert the new pins at the correct angles and depths.
• Cut excess pin length: Trim the excess pin length above the soundboard.
• Tune and regulate: Finish by tuning and regulating the piano to ensure proper pitch and action.

7. What are the different types of piano pedals and how do they function?

Answer:

• Sustain pedal: Lifts dampers, allowing strings to vibrate freely.
• Soft pedal: Shifts the action towards the player, resulting in a softer sound.
• Celeste pedal: Moves the action horizontally to engage additional unisons.
• Sostenuto pedal: Lifts dampers only on the currently depressed keys.

8. How do you adjust the voicing of a piano hammer?

Answer:

• Needle voicing: Inserting needles into the felt to harden or soften it.
• Filing: Shaping the felt with a file to adjust tone quality.
• Sanding: Using fine sandpaper to smooth the felt and enhance sound.

9. What are the common causes of piano buzzes and rattles?

Answer:

• Loose screws and connectors: Check and tighten all screws and connections.
• Worn or damaged felts: Inspect and replace any worn or damaged felt components.
• Misaligned keys: Ensure keys are properly aligned and adjusted.
• Loose pedals: Inspect and tighten pedal attachments.
• Resonance in the piano case: Identify and dampen any resonant areas within the piano body.

10. How do you maintain the optimal humidity level for a piano?

Answer:

• Use a hygrometer: Monitor the humidity level regularly.
• Control moisture sources: Avoid placing the piano near windows, humidifiers, or other moisture sources.
• Consider a humidifier or dehumidifier: Add or remove moisture as needed to maintain a consistent humidity level.
• Regular maintenance and inspections: Have the piano inspected and serviced regularly to prevent moisture-related damage.

Piano Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing pianos. They must have a deep understanding of the instrument’s mechanics and be able to diagnose and fix any problems that may arise.

1. Tuning and Regulation

Piano Technicians use specialized tools to tune the piano’s strings to the correct pitch. They also regulate the piano’s action, which is the mechanism that allows the keys to strike the strings, to ensure that each key plays smoothly and evenly.

2. Repairs

If a piano is damaged, Piano Technicians are responsible for repairing it. This may involve replacing broken strings, repairing cracked soundboards, or fixing loose pedals.

3. Maintenance

Piano Technicians also perform regular maintenance on pianos to keep them in good working order. This may include cleaning the piano, lubricating the moving parts, and checking for any signs of wear or damage.

4. Voicing

Piano Technicians can also voice a piano, which involves adjusting the hammers to produce a specific sound quality. This is a specialized skill that requires a deep understanding of the piano’s mechanics and the ability to listen carefully to the instrument’s tone.

To ace an interview for a Piano Technician position, it is important to be prepared and to have a clear understanding of the job’s key responsibilities.

1. Research the Company

Before the interview, take some time to research the company you are applying to. This will help you to learn about their history, their values, and their current projects. It will also allow you to tailor your answers to the interviewer’s questions.

2. Practice Your Answers

It is helpful to practice your answers to common interview questions in advance. This will help you to feel more confident and prepared during the interview.

3. Be Enthusiastic and Professional

It is important to be enthusiastic and professional during the interview. Make eye contact with the interviewer, speak clearly and confidently, and be respectful of their time.

4. Ask Questions

At the end of the interview, it is a good idea to ask the interviewer some questions about the position and the company. This will show that you are interested in the job and that you are eager to learn more.