Landing in Leipzig Airport, Germany and searching the journey ahead of myself to the C Bechstein piano factory in Seifhennersdorf it became very clear – I should have rented a car.
After three train journeys, all navigated through Google Maps and very poor secondary school level German I made my way out of Rumburk Train Station on the Czech German border. This was to be my home for the next four days as I undertook a grand piano regulation training weekend with the Bechstein piano company.
I was excited for many reasons. This would be my first time visiting an actual piano factory, my knowledge of grand piano regulating would hopefully increase, and it was an excuse to travel to a part of the world that isn’t on a list of typical tourism hotspots.
In the breakfast hall of our hotel I over heard what was very clearly piano technicians discussing the finer details of the job. I introduced myself and instantly took to the six Norwegian tuners who I would end up spending much time with over the weekend. Their company also proved to me that Irish and Scandi countries share much in common, including a wicked sense of humour.
Arriving to the factory my insecurities were high. Internally I was questioning if my regulating skills would be good enough – foolish given we were attending a training weekend on the very topic of regulating. Quickly these concerns were put to ease by our trainer for the weekend – Hanna, a very competent and patient teacher.
It was a gift to work on a brand new baby grand Bechstein piano. From the signature on the Action it seemed this piano had been completed in September 2023. A two month old piano – unregulated by yours truly over the course of three days.
Much like the day job itself, the weekend reminded me why I love piano tuning. Meeting the other participants on the course, technicians from France, Norway, Switzerland, America and of course Norway, and sharing stories of pianos and customers who caused us difficulties was a brilliant way to pass our downtime in the evenings in Germany.
Since returning home my regulation skills and enhanced repairs skills have been put to the test on a 95 year old John Broadwood and Sons baby grand and a new Yamaha which required some adjustments. All work was successful and left customers in Ireland happy, following the knowledge acquired in Seifhennersdorf, Germany.
Gary Woods Piano Tuning 