Two very nice and thoughtful letters appeared on pianotech on Nov.12,1995. Both letters dwelt on the same subject: PTG. Both letters showed deep concern- enough concern that it brought me in to give my thoughts on the problems of PTG. Even though I am not a member of PTG, many of PTG's actions have ramifications that effect my business, such as their Student Program. I Disagree with technician Mitch Kiel who states, "I thought we'd agreed that Pianotech would be a discussion area for piano technical matters and that PTG political issues would be avoided." I, personally, never agreed to any such action. I believe that there is more to a `technician then butts & flanges. We should understand our customers, our fellow technicians, and be aware of our surroundings. We should have a better relationship with the manufacturers, and the supply houses so they can better understand our needs, and we can better understand their problems. Friendship between technicians is a must, if we are to make a better life for ourselves. I was a member of PTG for 16 years from 1960 to 1976. I was past president of the Philadelphia Chapter, the third largest Chapter in the United States. We paid over $5000 a year into the National as dues. I was a delegate to the national convention for about 10 years, and I had gone to 13 conventions. The reason I am declaring this is to let you guys know that I understand PTG. I was there. A HISTORY LESSON: Back in the late teens or early twenties, an organization called the National Association of Piano Tuners was formed. I believe this was the first organized group of piano tuners ever to get together. After about fifteen years, internal fighting caused them to break up as a strong national organization. A few of the NAPT chapters did stick together in the mid- west. After World War Two there arrived on the scene another piano technicians' organization, The American Society of Piano Tuner Technicians.It cost $5.00 a year dues to be a member and anyone could be a member.You did not have to be a piano technician. Actually it was the Spinet piano which was the cause of ASPT getting started. (But that's another story) We now go into the late forties. There was a great deal of antagonism from both organizations towards each other. Some members favored a merger;others opposed it. In 1955 and 1956 there were some meetings held between leaders of the two organizations to reconcile the differences, but it proved impossible. Then in 1957 and 1958 they again got together to find grounds to achieve a single organization. In the summer of 1958 the merger took place in Washington D.C. with the Presidents of the two dissolved Nationals serving together as co-presidents for the first year merger. A Constitution Committee was appointed to define principles and draft by-laws for the new Piano Technicians Guild - PTG. In 1964 under the management of Jim Burton, National Secretary, the National became very strong. More and more power was taken from the general membership and given to the PTG National Office. Anger was developed at the 1994 Convention when Jim Burton hired a group called Wedgewood to run the national convention. One of the complaints I personally remember was that 2 hot dogs cost each member $35.00. There was so much anger that Jim Burton had to promise that Wedgewood would not be rehired for the 1995 convention in Hollywood, Florida. When the news came out that Burton had lied to us about rehiring Wedgewood the north east exploded. Letters went out, chapter newsletters went out some as large as 16 pages. Meetings between chapters and states were set up. A boycott of the 1995 convention was off and running, As I remember it only 245 paying members showed up. Also, Jim Burton and the National President of PTG a technician by the name of Kelly, were brought up on charges before the national Council. Without enumerating all the problems and there were many, some members felt there was no longer a place for them in PTG as independent Businessmen. So in 1997 a group of technicians made up of only PTG members struck out on their own. Within six months MPT was established in thirty eight states. Included in their membership were three past National Presidents of PTG and three past Reginal Vice Presidents. They called themselves the Master Piano Technicians of America. "MPT". The main differences of the two organizations are: MPT has no students. A weak national, while all the power stays with the chapter and the individual member. Each chapter is as close to being autonomous as is possible. Membership dues is only $25.00 a year. National conventions have never charged over $65.00 for members and non members alike. There is never a charge for the wives and friends to attend the classes. MPT is an international organization. It is incorporated, and registered as a non profit organization with the state of New Jersey. So as they say "what goes around, comes around". We are once again back to two organizations. I personally would like to see five organizations of piano technicians, so each organization would be better tailored to the individual technician's needs. Sorry about being so long winded, but this theme just hit my button. Fred Weinstein Fred Weinstein
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