Dale is a second-generation piano technician. Having grown up in the piano world, and in a deeply musical family, prepared Dale for a career in custom piano restoration and rebuilding. His wife Trix and his sons Dennis & Jacob work together at the family business: Erwin’s Piano Restorations in Modesto, California. They are the exclusive makers of what we consider the best soundboards in the world, and DAP is proud to put one in every custom full piano restoration we do.

Dale’s 35-year journey inside pianos has been one of incredible discovery, high enthusiasm and rich experience, both personal and musical—and a steep, constant learning curve. He builds his own soundboard panels and pin blocks from incredibly old, rare, intentionally selected raw stock. His trademark soundboard design, the variable radius soundboard, has been displayed and heard at national piano events since the early 1990’s.

Dale has rebuilt and replaced soundboards in over 100 Steinways, Mason & Hamlins, and other fine pianos. His pursuit of what he terms the “golden piano tone” has led to the development of several classes taught in many venues: “Everyday Voicing” with Bob Davis, “The Ronsen Hammer for the 21st Century” with Ray Negron, and, on his own, “Finding the Strike Line” and “Soundboards by Design.”

Dale has partnered with David in teaching several classes together, including all-day piano technology seminars, in cities all over the U.S. over the last ten years.