Today we’d like to introduce you to Jude Reveley.
Jude began his apprenticeship as a piano technician in 1992 while completing his B.A in Music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. His fascination with the piano and its inner workings led to the founding of Absolute Piano Restoration, Inc. where his Design Driven™ approach to restoration was developed and continues to evolve.
This involves the manufacture and design of new soundboard panels and assemblies, new keyboards and actions, as well as products, tools and workshops for the trade. Jude has taught numerous classes for the PTG and other piano related organizations at the local, regional and national level and continues to refine his understanding of the piano through the many associations he has formed within the industry. Jude was awarded The Crowl-Travis Member of Note Award at this year’s Annual Piano Technician’s Guild Convention.
The Member of Note Award is presented for recent outstanding service to the Piano Technicians Guild and the piano industry. Requirements include significant dedication within the past two years to the causes, ideals and purposes of PTG and outstanding contributions to and implementation of ideas, programs, etc., resulting in improvement to and upgrading of the piano industry.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has always been a struggle between the artistic and financial aspects of my business. I literally started with next to nothing, a set of worn-out tools pulled from a drawer at my parents’ house to a million-dollar workshop. Every dime has been reinvested into the research and development of piano restoration and the margins are slim to none. Then pianos have a way of throwing curve balls at you so that you are deep in the red by the end of a job. Passion and the anticipation of the final result are what keep me driving day after day to keep showing up and doing this increasingly rare but important work.
Absolute Piano Restoration – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Absolute Piano specializes in one of the most comprehensive approaches to piano restoration. On occasion, this might involve a detailed refurbishing of original parts to maintain an instruments historical relevance; usually however, performance is the overriding factor and this will involve minor to significant modification to the original design. Absolute Piano is one of the only companies left to manufacture its own soundboard panels and custom designed keyboards. We also work as consultants and suppliers to other quality piano restoration and manufacturing companies.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Receiving the The Crowl-Travis Member of Note Award.
Pricing:
- In-home service averages in the $175-225 range; whereas a complete restoration will be in the 40-50k range.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.absolute-piano.com
- Phone: 978-323-4545
- Email: info@absolute-piano.com
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
