analogies

[David ilvedson]

I explain to the customer that I can only do a "fine tuning" 
when I can make tiny adjustments to each string's tension 
while tuning.  I also ask them to imagine they were going to 
paint a wall white.  If the wall was in good condition and close 
in color to white they might very well be able to put on one 
coat and it would look great.  But if it was purple or such it 
would take a couple of passes to make it white.  This is what I 
the tuner am faced when I come to a piano that is off from 
pitch.  I need to rough tune or prime the piano/wall before the 
final tuning/coat of paint.  I have never been totally happy with 
this analogy but the customer understands as most have 
painted a purple wall...: }   

Date sent:      	Thu, 12 Aug 1999 15:08:24 -0400
From:           	Greg Newell <gnewell@EN.COM>
Organization:   	Greg's Piano Forte'
To:             	mpt@talklist.com, pianotech@ptg.org
Subject:        	analogies
Send reply to:  	pianotech@ptg.org

> dear list,
>     I've been know to use the description of "for every action there is
> an equal and opposite reaction. A very basic law of physics. They
> usually understand that with a large movement I cannot make it stable
> when I tune from one end of the piano to the other, as I do. I explain
> that by the time I get to the top, the bottom has moved due to this
> physics law. I really haven't had any trouble selling the idea. I only
> use it approaching a 1/2 step or for perceived very particular
> customers. I can often get away with the overhaul feature in TuneLab.
> It does such a nice job that for my residential customers I explain that
> the amount of change that I'll make on the second pass is not worth
> paying for in light of Johnny or Janey's first 6 months of lessons. My 2
> cents.
> 
> Greg Newell
> 
> 


David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@jps.net