In-Piano Records Revisited

[David ilvedson]

Exactly!

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA

> From:          Billbrpt@aol.com
> Date:          Sun, 5 Jul 1998 11:15:20 EDT
> To:            pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject:       Re: In-Piano Records Revisited
> Reply-to:      pianotech@ptg.org

> In a message dated 7/5/98 6:52:29 AM Central Daylight Time,
> rootfamily@erols.com writes:
> 
> << Fourteen cards!?  Now there's a puzzler.  The standard joke around here
>  is that we use the card stock to shim key slips, grand actions, etc. 
>  :-) >>
> 
> That's what I use them for too, when needed.  I have a collection of about 300
> cards and also a mayonnaise jar full of pre-1965 coins that I have found in
> pianos.
> 
> The piano dealer I work for keeps a computer file of everything that was done
> on each piano, each time.  But for my own customers, I keep no records other
> than the invoice which I fill out and seldom refer to later.  When I come to
> the piano the next time, I seem to remember everything about it.  If it has
> been a long time, what does it matter then?  What matters today is its present
> condition,  not what might have been done or not been done any time in the
> past. Not wanting to sound arrogant, so no offense to Ron but I have always
> considered dates or anything else written in a piano to be "graffiti" and as
> such, is defacing to the instrument.
> 
> When another tuner comes across a piano that I have cared for and finds it
> clean, well aligned and regulated, up to pitch but in an *unequal*
> temperament, he/she will know who was there last.  I can tell who has been
> there last as well when I find a dirty, unattended action, off-pitch, reverse-
> well temperament condition.  If there have been "repairs", those often serve
> as a "calling card" in themselves.  The name might as well be written on it.
> 
> It is surprising how very often, the most substandard work is accompanied by
> either a calling card or graffiti.  I'm with those who make what were recently
> called "invisible" repairs.  The only difference between the hammer shank or
> the string that is replaced is the lack of patina on the new material.  Clean,
> in order, up to pitch in a musical tuning is the calling card that I prefer to
> leave.
> 
> Bill Bremmer RPT
> Madison, Wisconsin
> 
> 
David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@jps.net