Plate Break after restringing-Preliminary report +

[pianoman]

Wow, Don't we all wish for that type of a response on a touchy situation. 
That would make me bend over backwards now to satisfy her to keep the piano
as a remembrance piece.  Sometimes things do work out well.
Good for you for being upfront with her.  Honesty is still the best policy.
James Grebe
R.P.T. from St. Louis
pianoman@inlink.com
"Only my best is good enough"

----------
> From: Warren Fisher <fish@communique.net>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Plate Break after restringing-Preliminary report
> Date: Saturday, November 01, 1997 11:00 PM
> 
> My customer came in today, looked at the crack, which is all the way
> through the hitch pin area between two struts, and said "Wow! That's big
> isn't it?  I thought it was just a little crack in the wood or
> something!"
> 
> I explained all the implications of the break, including much of what
> you gugs have told me.  I gave her a sheet with all the plate repair
> suggestions and price guesses you sent; told her I would be contacting
> welders this week for prices and suggestions, and would get back to her.
> Next, I explained the cost implications of removing the plate versus
> repairing it in place (restringing again, dis-assembling the case and
> removing the keybed.  The possibility of having to step up to a larger
> size tuning pin again).  Then I asked her what she thought we ought to
> do.  Her answer was completely off the wall!
> 
> She asked if the crack really HAD TO BE FIXED!  She said she chose the
> piano out of a house full of furniture when a relative died, did not
> play a note herself and just wanted something on which to learn a few
> tunes!
> 
> I told her that I thought the strings in the break area would not stay
> in tune, and that some other part of the plate could eventually break if
> it was not repaired.
> 
> She asked if I could tune it well enough to play tunes without repairing
> it.  I said I hadn't the foggiest idea!  She said she wanted me to try
> because she couldn't afford additional expense right now and that we
> could always take it back to the shop later for repair if it doesn't
> work.  I told her I would pull up the strings, tune it and check it
> after a week to see if it was holding and let her know. We could make a
> decision then.  By that time we should have the estimates and
> information from the welders.
> 
> Folks, this nice lady has not given me any indications that she thinks I
> am liable in any way for this tragedy and wants me to it make as well as
> possible.  I don't want to get too defensive legally or it may create
> the exact situation I want to avoid.
> 
> Any thoughts?
> 
> Warren
> -- 
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> Warren D. Fisher
> fish@communique.net
> Registered Piano Technician
> Piano Technicians Guild
> New Orleans Chapter 701