A meeting of the Long Island Nassau Chapter, PTG was held on April 12, 2011, at Frank and Camille’s Keyboard Center located on Old Country Road in Carle Place. Five chapter members and five guests attended.

President Slavin called the meeting to order at 6:07 P.M. A business meeting was not held. Mike Collins, from Wessel, Nickel, and Gross, was introduced as our guest speaker and was given the floor.

Mike Collins distributed boxes containing sample grand piano action parts made by Wessel, Nickel , and Gross. The presentation started with an introduction to the history and development of composite piano action parts. Following the research and development stage, the composite parts were introduced to the music industry at the NAMM show in 2009. In 2010, the action parts were used in new pianos and sets of parts were made available for sale to piano rebuilders.

Mr. Collins continued his presentation with a detailed analysis of each part and the material used. Hammer shanks can accommodate a knuckle placement ranging from 15mm to19mm from the center of the hammer-flange center pin. Knuckles come in three different diameters and use a synthetic buckskin covering. The wippen design has changed. Due to the strength of the composite material used, design changes were incorporated into the wippen that would not have otherwise been possible using wood parts. The position of the wippen heel is adjustable to accommodate different action designs. Procedures for installing, regulating, and servicing the new parts were also discussed and demonstrated.

Wessel, Nickel, and Gross also manufactures and sells other action parts, including anodized aluminum capstan screws, keypins, centerpins, and back action parts. Specialized tools and traditional action regulating tools are also for sale. Wessel, Nickel, and Gross would be offering a discount to attendees on orders placed through April 30, 2011.

Mr. Collins answered various questions that were asked during his presentation, and encouraged people to visit the company’s web site for additional information.

The meeting ended at 8:20 PM. Mr. Collins was thanked for his informative presentation.

Respectfully submitted,
Allan N. Schumacker, RPT