Marks inside Pianos

[David ilvedson]

> Date:          Fri, 28 Mar 1997 11:11:29 -0600 (CST)
> From:          Ron Nossaman <nossaman@southwind.net>
> Subject:       Marks inside Pianos
> To:            pianotech@byu.edu
> Reply-to:      pianotech@byu.edu

Ron,

I think tuning marks are totally useless.  What does it matter
whether it was tuned last month, six months ago, four years ago.
Is it up to pitch?  No, then pitch raise and fine tune.  Yes,
then tune and be on your way.  Rebuilding is a different story...
I usually leave my mark on the side of key #1 when rebuilding.
My customers know that their service record is on file in my
computer via Dean Reyburn's "Piano Service Manger".  I will
print them up a copy if they move.  I really believe if you must
leave a mark leave it in pencil for easy removal.

David ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA


> I don't like mysteries. For many years, I've cursed the people who refuse to
> leave a permanent record of service in the pianos they tune. A piano
> shouldn't have to be a "black box" with no information other than that which
> is immediately observable. I don't give an eighteen-legged damn about who
> owned it, slept in it, or played it, but I would like a SERVICE history of
> the instrument. A loose piece of paper WILL be removed from the piano by the
> first non-tech who lifts the lid, losing the service record for all time. I
> request that the old business cards I find in pianos be left there for this
> reason. I'm not threatened by the last tech(s) who tuned it. If I can't do
> the job to their satisfaction, they SHOULD call someone else next time!
> Isn't that how I got here this time? I log all tuning dates, temperature,
> and relative humidity info on the KEYS, in INK. Talk about ego problems, I
> don't feel that the only valid history info is that which I generated
> myself. If the last guy there left an indelible, informative  record, I'm
> grateful. That's verticals. In Grands, the underside of the music rack is an
> ideal spot for a sticker with the same information. I also leave a business
> card under the music rack (with all the other old cards, if any) with the
> same information.
>
> PS: Tuning records ain't defacement. Performers signing Grand plates with
> Magic Marker... now that's ego, graffiti, and vandalism!  That's my call.
>
>  Ron Nossaman
>
>
>