Hi, Dave: << List, We just received a CF3 Yamaha as a donation-very nice piano. I am pushing (again) to restrict the use of that instrument for practice. I need to get some feedback as to what other schools do.>> The CFIII's which I service are high maintenance instruments, like any performance instrument. The stability of voicing, action centers, and piano wire fatigue are all related to the amount of use the piano receives. Restringing might be required as soon as 5 years from new, or as infrequently as 10-12 years, depending on how much restriction is placed on its use. <<1. Do you restrict the use of your main concert instrument?>> Yes, until about 2 years ago, when the piano professor went on sabbatical. Since then the department has ignored the policy. <<2. If so, how much time do you allow for practice for piano majors preparing for a recital?>> The published policy is 3 hours. <<3.If your hall is open all the time, as ours is, how do you monitor use of the piano, and if the piano is locked, how are keys given out?>> Pianos were locked with combination locks, and release of the comb. # was restricted. 15 years ago we used a keyed lock which was a sub of the building key, provided by the campus locksmith/security. The combo lock was used for 10 years. I have just completed the prep of a 30's Hamburg "C" in the recital hall which was recently rebuilt, and is always open. Thanks for the reminder, I need to get the department to enforce its policy again! Bill Shull University of Redlands, La Sierra University
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