Should I feel bad (busted strings)?

[Bonifield/Poulson]

Glenn: Thare are many ways of handling the major pitch raise situation, 
and I'm sure you'll get many different opinions about this.  I have two 
rates for pitch raises, a lower one for a @50c pitch raise, and a higher 
one for the 100c raise.  I usually find that a 100c+ piano vill have to 
be tuned three or four times before it settles down, and do two rough 
tunings on the first visit, followed up within a day or two with another 
quick tuning and then a fine tuning.  I usually charge extra for 
replacing broken strings, although you could include that charge in the 
initial estimate also.  I always mention the possiblity of string 
breakage with a major pitch raise, especially on an older instrument.  A 
quick examination of the instrument's condition before starting is also 
a good idea, to be sure that there are no problems with cracked bridges 
or soundboard problems.  I'll usually go through this procedure over the 
phone with them when they call for an appointment so that they are 
propared for the extra work and expense.  There will always be a few who 
complain about the extra money, but you have to remember that it's not 
your fault that the piano was neglected.  If you are doing a 
professional job of tuning the instrument and bringing it back into good 
condition, you should be compensated accordingly.  Patrick Poulson, RPT