voicing with VODKA

[Michael Jorgensen]

Hi Frank,
     My advice, Go back, do your best, It's worth it!  You aren't alone,
it happens to everyone, and some people will fuss about rediculous
things.  Sometimes the "buzz" won't even be the one you heard.
       As a "full service" tech, I avoid many problems by asking on the
phone if there's anything needing attention other than tuning and the
brand/type/age of the instrument.  While driving, I create a mental
checklist of possible sources of described problems.  When I meet the
customer they show me the problems and I play a four octave test which
demonstrates how rough the tuning is and/or alerts us to more things. At
this time, I can be clear on what a tuning fee can include.  I work on
problems between the pitch raise and final tuning as now I've likely
discovered all of them.  This strategy avoids much trouble (but not all)
and saves time and grief.  Also be careful never to let customers
"bluff" you into conceding that normal piano noise is abnormal, (some
will try).
Best of luck, be strong! Try to enjoy the challenge! You haven't failed
as all pianos have problems which can't be solved within a tuning fee.
(All easier said than done, so please forgive).
-Mike




Frank Cahill wrote:
> 
> In Susan Kline's article this month, she describes the use of vodka to
> soften hammers.  I have some questions:
> 
> 1. How long should I waite for the solution to take effect?
> 
> 2. Is this method better or worse than steaming?
> 
> 3. How does this compare to fabric softener/alchohol solution method?
> 
> Another subject:
> 
> Hey, I got burned again on a voicing problem. I tuned a Kawai with lots
> of false beats in the top.  There were some bad strings in the bass, but
> overall, a good sound, better than most.
> 
> The customer calls and says there is buzzing in about ten strings from
> E4 on down.  I have her play some unisons, they were good except for a
> mismatched unison in the bass.  Then I had her play some octaves, all
> good.
> 
> Over the phone, it's hard to hear buzzing because the phone only passes
> voice frequencies, but I could hear some buzzing.  I ignored it durng
> the tuning  becuase most folks don't seem to notice it..it's very faint.
> 
> I explained that there may be some voicing problems from what I could
> hear and perhaps some of the strings were bad. It did not sound like a
> tuning problem and would take a little work.
> 
> So now she's calling the dealer and I suspect I'll never see her again.
> I can't understand why people refuse to try to work out a problem.
> Perhaps they feel that tuning solves all problems. I can see how you
> full-service techs have an advantage...you fix what needs fixing.
> 
> I should have been tipped-off that she'd be a pain when she said her
> piano teacher said never to pay over $65 for a tuning. I charge $80
> minimum for first time clients, which seems about normal for my area.
> 
> I feel better now ( well, only a little better).
> --
> 
> Frank Cahill
> Associate Member
> Northern Va