About Carl Eisenstadt
With instructor at the Yamaha school
1969
I began training in 1969 at the age of 15 with the late James Pruitt, RPT, of Decatur, Ga. Mr. Pruitt was very skilled in tuning, rebuilding, and refinishing and was a wonderful introduction to fine and honest work.
At age 16 I continued training with William Maxim, RPT in Columbia. Bill is an excellent tuner/technician. He has continued to help me throughout my career. Without Bill I wouldn’t have the career I’m enjoying.
Later, I was fortunate to work for Chris Finger, RPT and Hank Lea in Boulder, Colorado. With Chris’ guidance my understanding and vision of what high quality work could be was instilled. At that time I started attending Piano Technicians Guild chapter meetings.
1988
The PTG promotes education and training and sets high standards. In 1988 I passed all the PTG exams and earned the Registered Piano Technician rating.
Later I worked for 5 years rebuilding grand pianos for Rice Music House, who is the Steinway dealer in Columbia. There I worked for A.J. Connor who was a fine troubleshooter and taught me much. He generously helped many technicians and was a great friend to many piano teachers and their students.
Certificates
1994
I set up a rebuilding shop up with Jake Mesaros of Applegate Furniture Repair. He produces beautiful finishes on cases, soundboards, and plates. And does excellent repairs. We are still taking on projects.
Afterward I helped the Yamaha dealers for a number of years. In 2002 I was fortunate to attend Yamaha’s Little Red Schoolhouse for training in grand piano regulation and voicing.
I continue to have a close affiliation with Rice Music House doing both technical work, tuning, voicing, and Spirio service. Former owner Jyotindra Parekh generously sent me to Steinway 4 times for training. JP and Mary Parekh have been big supporters of music in SC.
2015
I trained at the Steinway factory in NY on their new Spirio player system.
2019
In October 2019 I was back at Steinway for more training on their updated recording Spirio system.
Then in December 2019 I attended the Steinway Academy at the factory for a week of training in Regulation and Touch Control.
2022
I attended the “Voicing and Tone Building” class at the Steinway factory in NYC.
2024
I attended Advanced Spirio Training at the Steinway factory in NY.
I still attend classes at national and regional Piano Technicians Guild conventions, and recommend connecting to PTG for anyone interested in learning the trade. The PTG has national and regional conventions offering a wide variety of classes.