Alexander Peppe learned the trade of piano tuning and repair from his father, Eric Peppe. He further developed his craft as the exclusive in-house piano technician at Starbird Music for six years, where he tuned, regulated, and repaired a wide variety of both consignment pianos and new floor models. This allowed him to explore the diverse range of pianos available in Maine, and taught him the value of listening and effective communication, thanks to Starbird’s legendary salesman, John Nickerson.
Today, Alex is an independent tuner and technician, serving throughout the Southern Maine region. He enjoys getting to meet a wide variety of incredible people, their pianos, and their pets. His goals are to provide an exceptional customer experience and to ensure customers feel their piano received more care and attention than they paid for.
With a strong foundation in acoustic piano repair and formal training in computer science and mathematics, Alex specializes in repairing Yamaha Disklaviers, hybrid pianos, and keyboards. He has a particular passion for maintaining older systems and cherishes the nostalgic sounds of vintage technology.
Alex lives with his wife Kati and his stepdaughter Saoirse. You can also check out their recipe blog, Plant-Based and Practical.
If you’d like to connect with Alex, please reach out through the contact page.
Computer and Web Hosting
Alexander Peppe got his start in computer science at the University of Southern Maine. He was the youngest student in 2002 (at 11 years old). He enjoyed writing computer code from a young age. In 2006, he was the youngest instructor at 15 years old, teaching introductory computer programming and computer architecture labs. He graduated with a major in computer science and a minor in mathematics.
Alex now runs a small web hosting business, and hosts both his and his wife’s websites, along with Starbird Music, Foreside Community Church, Piano Movers of Maine, and other local businesses. You can read about his wife’s business, Diamond K9 Dog Training, or check out the Diamond K9 Facebook Page.
Alex is also a licensed Amateur Extra class radio operator with the call sign WS1Q, and an avid hiker having completed the NH48. He’s a member of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT). See Knotting Matters Issue 122 for a brief article on splicing piano wire by Alex in 2014.
If only I lived in Maine. I recently picked up a Yamaha Clavinova CVP-305 for use at our church. It was free, and the person who put it on Facebook Marketplace told me up front that it did not work.
I assumed (not the best idea) that I should be able to get it serviced by a Yamaha Certified technician. The closest one to us (we are located in Stroudsburg PA) said they would charge $250.00 for a service visit, plus $200.00 per hour to diagnose the piano.
I checked the fuse. It’s good. Probably needs a keyboard replacement, and at least the power supply board (just a guess).
So quickly, a “free” Clavinova” becomes expensive, with no real idea on what the final cost would be to restore it to working condition. The Yamaha tech said he would only use Yamaha parts, so if Syntaur had the part it needed, he would not use them.
Looks like this is going back on Facebook for a pickup. I was in IT for 25 years, but repairing this with these obstacles seems to be a losing cause.
If you have any suggestions for me to get this repaired properly, I would really appreciate them.
Hello James! Thank you for reaching out. Yes—much like “free” pianos, “free” Clavinovas sometimes become expensive quickly.
The CVP-305 is a great instrument, but if it’s truly dead (no lights/display, no sign of life), the most common path is to have a tech confirm whether the power supply section is getting AC in and producing the expected DC rails out. That’s a straightforward check for a qualified tech with a multimeter. It’s not usually DIY work because there’s exposed mains voltage in there. If the power supply is working perfectly, then you know the problem is bigger (failed main board, etc.). If AC power goes in, but DC doesn’t come out one or both rails, then you’ve got your diagnosis. Expected voltages are typically printed right on the board.
Also, the power buttons on these fail somewhat often. Make sure it’s actually closing (i.e., resistance across the switch is effectively zero when it’s pressed).
Authorized shops generally have to stick with Yamaha parts for warranty work. The good news in this case is you can source the power supply straight from Yamaha, and authorized service centers typically aren’t restricted from using third-party suppliers for out-of-warranty repairs. The power supply for this unit is also listed on Syntaur.
You might also try a shop that’s authorized for other manufacturers (Roland, Casio, etc.)—some of those techs might be more willing to work on older digital pianos and source parts creatively. Those rates and restrictions are definitely at the very high end of expected costs.
Thank you!
You are the best. I understand about voltages – currently have a 2020 Chevy Bolt – there is a LOT of high voltage under the hood. But I will do what you suggest to see if can be salvaged. Appreciate you taking the time out from your day to give me some possible pathways to restoration.
Great! Yes, those are some high voltages indeed! (I think my Prius I battery was 300 V…) If it’s the power supply, it’s a relatively straightforward diagnosis and replacement, so here’s hoping that’s the csse! The Syntaur price for the power supply is good, and they’re a great source. If you want more details on what’s in there, send me an email and we can discuss specifics. Thank you!