Perceived Worth

[Avery Todd]

Clyde,

   I've usually done basically the same thing during my career, with one
exception.

>I have often pondered the "best service" thingy.  Let's set up a very
>likely scenario.  A family buys a big old dead piano and moves it into
>their home.  Then they call me.  I go out and charge them a couple
>hundred to put the thing in "reasonable playing condition;" that is, all
>the keys do something, broken parts are repaired or replaced, and it is
>reasonably in tune even if it's flat.

   The tuned flat thing is the one thing I've always *tried* to do
differently. If the piano is being used for a young student taking or
beginning lessons and if I think the piano will stand it, I will do
everything I can to get it up to A-440. My belief is that you're training
ears as well as fingers and the piano should be up to pitch if at all
possible.
   If it can't be brought up, I would probably still do what I could but
I would also explain about the pitch level thing and encourage them to
upgrade as soon as it's feasible.

SNIP

>I have the gut feeling I just opened a plastic bottle of centipedes.  I
>request your forgiveness in advance.  Thanks!  :-)

   Let 'em loose. Keeps things interesting. :-)

>Clyde Hollinger, RPT
>Lititz, PA

Avery

___________________________
Avery Todd, RPT
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
Houston, TX 77204-4893
713-743-3226
atodd@uh.edu
http://www.music.uh.edu/