> Rob Stuart-Vail wrote: > > > Well, I'm sending this again, <<snip>> I'm beginning to feel that > everybody wants to ignore the problem like I've pretty much been > doing. Rob,Since I was the person who posed the cigarette smoke/odor problem, I'll also field your actual question . . . . I've never had one that was totally horrible. I will ask the customer if they would like me to clean it - after showing them what it looks like with the panels off. I know there are many techs that carry vacuum cleaners around with them - I don't. I ask to use the customer's vac and vacuum out the rotting sandwiches, mouse carcasses and such. If it takes less than 15 minutes, I don't charge. If more than 15 min., I charge my regular hourly rate. I consider heavy duty cleaning shop work. That is, if it's more than a stiff bristle brush around the tuning pins, sound board steel and rag or general dusting or vacuuming. I agree with you 100% about the liquids around the tuning pins - no water, solvents, polish, whatever - in a position that might absorb around the tuning pins, "wick" up the wires to bass windings or drip on the hammers or action parts. I know, this wasn't much help, but I find that most people who maintain their instrument by having it tuned, regulated and otherwise maintained usually take care of it to the best of their ability. This includes cleaning the case and the other exposed parts that they can reach. Danny Moore Houston Chapter
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