(Part 2)  Tim & I devised a method to calibrate the keyboard synthesizer while at its internal operating temperature by opening the unit back up & throwing a heavy blanket over it to keep the heat in.  So, there Tim & I sat for a 2nd intense re-calibration procedure; sitting side-by-side on a piano bench w/ a large blanket thrown over our heads.  I was now, for the 1st time, brought into Tim's normal environment: total darkness.  He & I were destined to become fast friends.  And after the second or third such visit, we opened up the synthesizer, threw the blanket over it & I began guiding Tim's right hand through a massive harness of wires and helped him locate each of the 64 miniature trim pots.  From that point forward, Tim calibrated the CS80 himself, totally by ear!!!  I could seriously go on and on about Tim's incredible talents and abilities.  I would sit in amazement witnessing him tweak the countless sliders & knobs on this keyboard synthesizer to program it to sound exactly like a b-flat trumpet, or an e-flat cornet, trombone, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, oboe, Hawaiian guitar, Pipe Organ, etc., etc., etc.  (Year after year, I heard the Yamaha professional clinicians 'attempt' to replicate the sound of a grand piano at the Chicago NAMM convention, but Tim was the ONLY person to ever perfectly program a Yamaha DX7 to sound exactly like a Steinway concert grand piano, a Yamaha grand, a Yamaha spinet, a Yamaha upright, and even a Yamaha CP-80 portable electric grand).  Shortly after Tim and Karen were married, Karen's face would beam when she would exclaim, "I get to go home to an entire orchestra!"  What more exacting words could be said of Tim?  Clearly, Yamaha should have hired him.  They have missed their opportunity, but I guarantee you that God hasn't.  When we go to be eternally with Jesus, I know exactly where Tim will be seated: 1st chair in God's Orchestra.  And it won't matter which instrument; because Tim can play them all!                   

     Well after midnight, I felt prompted to google the name Tim Bryant.  I was startled to learn that Tim was promoted to the Lord's Heavenly orchestra 6-1/2 years ago.  I first met Tim in the late 1970s when I worked in the electronic musical instruments service department @ Brook Mays Music.  The music store had just received Yamaha's newest, most sophisticated analog keyboard synthesizer, the CS80.  It was such a technical marvel for the time period that no one knew what to do with it, much less, how to operate it; literally, everyone was completely intimidated by it.  In walks this blind man with a gigantic smile and a countenance that practically glowed.  Soon after I was introduced to him, Tim sat down at this massive 240 pound single manual electronic conglomeration of keys, sliders, knobs, and switches and within 20 minutes, he had it mastered.  Everyone, and I mean everyone was amazed.  

     I had the privilege on multiple occasions journey to Tim's home to calibrate and tune this very sophisticated analog monstrosity.  It was literally an 8 hour endeavor that required opening the main control panel of synthesizer, lifting up a wide rack containing 40 circuit boards, and synchronizing 64 miniature trim pots (over-and-over-and-over again).  ...and during each and every step, after my expensive test  equipment indicated 'correct calibration,' Tim would continually tell me, "No, that's not quite right."  You must understand, Tim was not only blessed with "perfect pitch," Tim had what we call "absolute hearing."  This gentleman could hear what no one (in the human or animal kingdom) could hear.  And after 8 intense hours when I finally managed to tweak this synthesizer to Tim's (near) satisfaction, we would close the unit up.  Unfortunately, the analog circuitry inside the synthesizer would then begin to heat up and adjustments set by the 64 miniature internal trim pots would wander out of calibration.  (to be continued)                                  

You were a wonderful piano tuner and cannot be replaced.  I will miss seeing you, talking with you and hearing you play.

Tim you are going to be missed, you were a very gifted person and a good friend. Heaven has gained another great soldier for Christ.

for almost 30 years Yoka and I were neighbors to the Bryants - Tim and Karen. We bought our homes at the same time and both are identical floor plans. In those 30 years we have come to admire both Karen and Tim in how they conducted their lives in spite of some very challenging disabilities. We were always worried when Tim would get the mail, walked down the middle of the street, clapping his hands to find the right spot to turn into the next street, a wonderful way of determination and solution to a musician's ear. Karen, Yoka and I wish you the strength and wisdom to keep those memories alive, to find strength in your religion and church and to know that your neigbors are there to help you when needed. May Tim rest in peace and may you be helped knowing that Tim's struggles are over.
Henny & Yoka van Dijk

What a wonderful contribution Tim made to the Jubilee Banjo Band. He really enjoyed participating in the Grand Opera House concerts... a very gifted musician!

Karen: As you well know, Tim is in a much better place. And now he can see. May God bless & keep you. Bro Cobb & Linda

OBITUARY

Timothy Ray "Tim" Bryant

January 26, 1948 – November 7, 2012

Waltrip Funeral Directors

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services