Artisan, Oboist & Piano Craftsman

About Robert M. Turner

Uniting over five decades of musical sensitivity, rigorous acoustic ear training, and precision mechanical engineering. Dedicated to honest, unpretentious piano craftsmanship in Central Alabama.

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Since 1967 | Hayden, Alabama

A Lifelong Commitment to Acoustic Excellence

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obert M. Turner is the craftsman and technician behind RMT Originals and Musicrafts. With over 51 years of experience across acoustic piano service, concert regulation, and reproducing electronics, his work is grounded in analytical precision and deep musical understanding.

Musical Foundation & Ear Training

Classical Training as an Oboist

Robert began his musical education at the LSU School of Music studying oboe under Earnest Harrison, followed by a Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree from Henderson State University in 1975. Performing as Principal Oboe with the South Arkansas Symphony from 1973 to 1978 developed an acute acoustic ear for pitch harmony, interval purity, and concert-level expressive balance.

Factory Benchwork & Rebuilding

25 Steinways & Concert Fieldwork

Starting in 1979 with on-site Pianocorder retrofit installations, Robert traveled across 38 US states, Sweden, England, Puerto Rico, and Mexico preparing instruments to concert regulation standards. Over a decade at Forbes Piano, he rebuilt 25 Steinway grand and upright pianos and attended Steinway training for a whole week to study how they put pianos together using jigs, fixtures, and templates.

Word-of-Mouth Reputation

Robert's client base is built almost entirely on personal recommendations rather than commercial advertising. Working directly with serious musicians, teaching studios, and dedicated owners, he maintains direct personal accountability for every instrument serviced.

Career Milestones

Five Decades of Craftsmanship

Tracing the key chapters in Robert Turner's musical and mechanical journey.

Hands operating precision metal tools to tighten and calibrate harp or piano hitch pins along an instrument bridge.

Aspen & Musical Beginnings

1967

Began crafting custom tools and studying oboe at Aspen Music Camp, launching enterprises developed over more than 36 years.

An experienced piano technician works on the action mechanism of an upright piano.

Education & Symphony Career

1975

Completed Bachelor of Music Education (BME) at Henderson State University while serving as Principal Oboe with the South Arkansas Symphony.

A technician reaches with a slender wire tool into the upright hammer mechanism of a piano.

Pianocorder Concert Regulation

1979

Conducted contract installations and concert regulation nationwide across 38 states, Sweden, England, Puerto Rico, and Mexico through 1987.

A close-up view of the interior mechanism of an upright piano being tuned.

25 Steinways & Factory Training

Forbes

Rebuilt 25 Steinway grand and upright pianos over a decade at Forbes Piano, completing factory training at Steinway in New York.

Problem-Solving Philosophy

Artisan Principles

Uncompromising standards shaped by analytical independence and decades of benchwork.

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Analytical Problem Solving

High-functioning analytical approach that visualizes mechanical solutions and diagnoses subtle acoustic flaws.

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Direct Personal Service

No salespeople or third-party contractors—Robert Turner answers your calls and works directly on your piano.

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Acoustic Ear Training

Trained symphony oboist with acute perception of harmonic intervals, partials, and soundboard resonance.

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Word-of-Mouth Trust

Proven reputation earned through decades of reliable service for discerning musicians and institutions.

Close-up overhead view of a disassembled electronic piano keyboard under repair on a workbench.

Personal Artisan Service

Speak Directly with Robert M. Turner

Ready to discuss your piano's tuning, regulation, or player system needs? Call directly to speak with Robert.

Hayden & Central Alabama

Service Area & Location

Serving piano owners within an 80-mile radius from Hayden, AL, traveling north to Nashville, TN, and south to Birmingham, Prattville, and Montgomery, AL.

2556 Fat Dunn Rd, Hayden, AL 35079

Serving: Hayden, AL, Nashville, TN, Montgomery, AL, Prattville, AL

rmtoriginals@mac.com

(205) 559-3485

PO Box: P.O. Box 95, Cleveland, AL 35049

Contact Robert M. Turner

Direct Inquiries

Call directly or send your piano inquiry below. Feel free to upload photos of your instrument.

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Message & Details

A piano technician uses a tuning hammer to adjust the tuning pins inside a grand or upright piano.