MY STORY
Welcome to Cal Champine, Registered Piano Technician. I have been expertly servicing pianos for families and organizations for many years, and I look forward to helping you! A legacy of quality piano services and instruments built to last.
Firstborn of Seven Children
I was firstborn in a family of seven children, six boys and one girl. My father was the head piano technician at Wurlitzer Piano Co. during the 60’s and 70’s. Later, he became an independent businessman. Our dad’s love of music inspired us all to be very musical, and eventually, all of us brothers formed a band.
My Father, My Teacher
Maintaining a small shop in his home, my dad taught me the use of tools, how to make quality repairs, and also the fundamentals of tuning pianos.
Piano Technicians Guild, Inc.
Registered Piano Technician (RPT)
Attending college, I completed an Associate’s degree and married soon after. By this time, I had the beginnings of a career in Piano technology and a small, solid customer base. I applied and passed the exams to become a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) through the universally respected Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. I continually expand my education by attending local chapter meetings and traveling to yearly conventions, where I reap the expertise of my colleagues.
Early Career
Early on in my career, I was a technician at Smiley Bros. Piano Company in Detroit and worked there for seven years. At that time, the company was the largest Baldwin and Yamaha dealer in the Midwest. Eventually, I worked exclusively out of their Birmingham, Michigan, store.
Business Growth
My tuning business grew quickly, and I set up an independent piano tech service in the late 70’s. The majority of my clientele is derived from personal references from satisfied customers. Today, I maintain a rebuilding shop in Troy, Michigan. Serving a broad spectrum of customers has given me ample opportunity to perfect my technical skills and promote lifelong friendships along the way. My clientele is made up of many fine local artists, Piano Guild teachers, over one hundred churches, several community centers, concert venues, and numerous wonderful customers.
Highly Skilled and Clever Ingenuity
Piano work demands a highly skilled hand and clever ingenuity. In addition to restoring hundreds of pianos, I have found time for custom woodworking. There are many parallels in the fine detail of piano rebuilding and crafting cabinetry. My lifelong passion for woodworking has included building kitchen and office cabinets, bathroom vanities, china hutches, tables, lamps, and dozens of miscellaneous projects. This has enriched my knowledge and appreciation of detailed, finely finished products. One of my pieces won the Grand Prize in a Min-Wax competition.
Leadership and Training of New Guild Members
Through many years of PTG membership, I have been an active participant and leader in our local chapter, teaching classes, hosting technical meetings, serving as Examination Chairman, Vice President, and for several terms as President.
Family
Through all the ups and downs of self-employment, my wife and I have managed to raise two beautiful children who are now married and have given us precious grandchildren. My life is active, full, and tremendously blessed by God.
