Classification,clarification,&accountability

[PIANOGUY]

Dear David . .
You have presented a very interesting series of questions, and refreshingly
on topic for this list lately. ( I  joined this list a few years ago to
glean information that was  / is not available in my area )
Over the years, I like others, have wondered whether it was worthwhile to
pursue the designation of RPT, and all that it implies in terms of ability
to rebuild a piano from the ground up.

I like to tune, enjoy the process, the result, and the effect on the state
of mind of my customers when I am done. I don't know how to completely and
competently replace a set of hammers, a bridge, etc etc.
I actually do replace hammers, flanges, strings etc when needed, but again
in this area, that kind of activity is infrequent enough to not warrant
becoming a specialist. ( Like a mechanic who is faced with rebuilding a
transmission once a year . . .  even I would go to a specialist  ! )

I DO know when such a task is required, and will happily refer such work to
others, though they are somewhat distant to my area.

 Frankly, I don't have the time, or inclination to learn such things. Does
this make me any less able to do what I do . . . I don't think so . . .

I use the analogy, perhaps only in my own mind, of a GP who treats a variety
of minor. everyday ailments, and has the GOOD SENSE to refer more difficult
things to specialists.
I gather from posts from the list members that there are some strong,
proprietary, feelings about the profession.
That's a good thing, though I found, David your observations and questions
more stimulating and worthy of consideration than the constant suggestions
that someone named Bill needs a shrink, no matter how irritating that
individual's opinions may be.

In your musings about the designation RPT, perhaps you should consider the
purpose . . . is it to identify yourselves to each other ?
Well, then different levels, etc would serve a useful function.
Is it to identify, to the public, different levels of ability or competence.
. .? Well, it probably represents too much in the way of education. . . .
as we've seen on this list, there are those who use a label to get business,
without the ability to back it up.
Think about your car and where you have it serviced . .  you settle on
someone who is honest, competent and reasonably priced. How many people read
or understand the letters that may follow your mechanics name ?
The product is the best endorsement. Conversely, I guess we all have been
ripped off, or disappointed by dealer service with the "trained, qualified"
technicians . . . .  but I digress.
Thanks for listening on a gray, Sunday afternoon.
cheers

Jim Kinnear, The Pianoguy
www.pianoguy.com
jkinnear@pianoguy.com