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Dale Erwin
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“Although my being a piano technician wasn’t a planned event, I can now see that my unintentional & unofficial training came by accompaning my dad to countless tunings and soaking in the craft through hours of absorption in a shop environment. My official training began with my Dad & Dick Hamlett in 1972 at the family Yamaha dealership in Modesto.
I became a registered piano technician in 1980. I’ve had the privelege to serve as president of our local Piano Technician Guild chapter five years, a tuning examiner for 8 years & an instructor at the local, state, and national level. I’ve had enormous opportunities and have taught many classes at state, local, and national Piano Technicians Guild conventions. including: - - “Everyday Voicing” with team teacher Bob Davis
- - In Vermont, Sacramento. & Kansas City
- - “Under the bridge” A class on soundboard analysis and construction
- - In Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Anaheim conventions
- - “Soundboards by design”
- - In Rochester, N.Y. National convention, Los Angeles, and Anaheim
- - “Voicing the Ronsen Hammer” team teacher with Ray Negron of Ronsen Hammer.
- - In San Diego, CA, Sacramento, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Anaheim, CA and Philadelphia, PA
- - “The New Weickert special Felt” Team taught along with Ray Negron, Rick Baldassin of Renner U.S.A. and Jack Brand, owner and felt expert Wurzen Felt Co. from Germany
- - Taught in Anaheim, CA
- - “Finding the magic Hammer Strike Line”
- - San Francisco
For the last 2 ½ years I’ve had the honor to work with Ronsen Piano Hammer Company. Master hammer maker Ray Negron and myself have been deeply involved in research and development for Jack Brand of Wurzen Felt Co. in Germany. Together with Jack our work has culminated with the re-introduction of the legendary Weickert special hammer felt. (See more under news and events soon)
Erwin’s Piano Restoration Inc. has had the privilege to display, by invitation only, a restored Steinway B 7ft and model D 9ft. concert grand pianos at the New York PTG Convention 2006 in Rochester, NY, Los Angeles, CA in 2007, and Anaheim, CA convention in 2008
My most special duty of all is working and training my sons in the business.
I am a tenor who loves to sing and I am passionate about piano, choral, orchestral music. ”
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Trix Erwin
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Beatrix (aka Trix) Erwin started in the business in 1985. Her specialties include chief book keeper, action tear down and reassembly, all facets of keyboard restoration, & saleswoman of the year…every year!
Her fastidious stringing is well known among colleagues far and wide.
Our business success has definitely been a collective effort. She is skilled in human relations as evidenced by her many abilities. She is usually the pleasant voice answering the phone and is keenly adept and patient at helping clients discover what their piano needs are.
She worked in billing and purchasing for 15 years for a food company prior to her current occupation. I am glad to say that she is an expert accountant.
Trix also loves playing flute & piano, singing and cooking. Her hospitality is famous.
-Dale Erwin
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Dennis Erwin
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To our great delight eldest son Dennis Erwin, age 26, has decided to make pianos a career.
In 2005 he chose to attend piano technology course from the highly regarded North Bennett Street School in Boston. Located next to the old north Church this school specilaizes in old world crafts including ,violin making, fine wood working, jewlery making, book binding, and piano technology. A staff of excellent teachers were of enormous value in fine tuning Dennis’ piano related skill set.
In 2006, he graduated from North Bennett Street School of Boston, MA. He is now a Certified Piano Technician and works both in the shop and in the service field. Dennis was the first intern chosen from N.B.S.S. following his graduation in 2006 to intern at the prestigious Aspen Music festival in Colorado. Steinway brings in hundreds of pianos to the school each year which require constant care and tuning.
With several years of shop service under his belt he is proficient in action rebuilding, hammer boring/weight preparation, hammer hanging & woodworking. He shares concert duties with Dad at the Gallo Arts Center and other performance venues in the region.
He is becoming proficient in the art of soundboard manufacture and design. He rebuilt his first piano at age 15 to earn money to purchase his first car. He too is a musician.
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Jacob Erwin
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Our youngest Son Jacob, age 25, graduated from Universal Technical Institute in 2006. He worked for Mercedes-Benz as a Technician for 2 1/2 years and decided the business wasn’t for him.
Trix and I are glad to say he has joined the family business and is now working full time as of September 2009! Currently on the fast track to tuning pianos with Erwin precision. Jacob apprenticed in the shop during his high school years and is at work learning the finer points of tuning, regulation, wood work, and re-finishing.
He also has a natural tuners ear and is our newest staff tuner. Jacobs skills are multi-faceted including web designer, plate and soundboard finisher, jack of all trades, and of course…Auto mechanics!
Jacob also rebuilt his first piano when he was 15 & then bought his first car and then…. more ….and….more cars
(he has owned 7 already).
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Harold Erwin
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Harold on the right with friend Laroy Edwards
Harold Erwin began his musical career as a very fine tenor soloist & music major. Aiming at being a music teacher his voice teacher quickly realized his other talents & suggested the Modesto area needed another good tuner & that he should check out piano tuning.
With a background in wood & metal shops plus music, his mechanical aptitudes made him the perfect candidate for a profession in the piano services.
In 1950 Harold traveled to Chicago to study with master piano tuner, technician, and teacher William Braid White. Under Mr. White he learned how to tune aurally to the highest levels & also perform traditional repairs, voicing & regulation skills. He has worked in the service industry for 55 years including 20 years as a Yamaha dealer.
Sadly, in early 2012 Harold passed away, just shy of 85 years old. He has given us a legacy of honor, integrity, and skill which we are proud to be a part of today. His life will remain in our memories and his reputation for quality piano service will live on through us. Thank You Harold for for starting us down a wonderful musical journey.
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