Shop Tour: Patrick Branstetter in Los Angeles, CA

May 25, 2020
Barbara Rutkowski

Patrick Branstetter PT ’10, PA ’11 @pianomanvt is a graduate of both the Basic and Advanced Piano Technology programs. He moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, and recently set up a home shop in a converted garage on his property. He gave us a tour around his shop, showing off his tools and his 1966 & ’67 Volvos – which he calls “pianos with an engine.”

Originally from Vermont, Patrick worked at the Village Piano Shop for many years, maintaining and restoring pianos. He then moved to LA and currently works as a piano technician at the Colburn School, alongside fellow NBSS alumnus Ryan Mass (who’s in one of the throwback photos above). Patrick came back to NBSS last summer to take our harpsichord maintenance course, so he now works on the Colburn harpsichords too. He also restores vintage Volvos and is an active acrobat and circus artist.

Watch a video tour below.

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