Tuning it where it is

[Maxpiano@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 1/9/00 4:43:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
staytuned@idirect.com writes:

<< Students practicing on "flat" pianos seldom progress beyond the first 
year. Your records (of repeat business) will bear this out. >>

I do a lot of pitch raises, but I tend to leave the pre-1930 uprights where 
they are unless I am convinced of the structural integrity.

As a child, I learned to play on an instrument that was 1/2 tone flat.  It 
was raised to A=440 (by me) only after I had learned tuning on the side while 
studying music in college.  I have never felt that I was disadvantaged by the 
years 1/2 tone flat.  

Perhaps that was because as a teenager, I got interested in radio and 
discovered WWV (National Bureau of Standards) when it was broadcasting 440 
pitch for 4 out of every 5 minutes.  I memorized the sound and the 1-second 
pulse intervals.  The latter helped me guage 5 beats per second when setting 
C3-E3 in the C temperament I learned.

When I learned tuning in the 1950's in rural New England, most uprights were 
1/2 tone flat.  The Gentleman from whom I learned had tuned in the Mason & 
Hamlin factory, with Stieff and with Steinert's (Boston), was a stickler for 
accuracy but not for raising pitch on old klunkers whose plates might let go. 
 I don't believe he informed everyone of the low pitch.  Few tuners did.  

I make it a point to inform the customer of the pitch level and present the 
alternatives.  Since getting my SAT III I record the exact cents deviation in 
my records and never let a piano slip below that when doing repeats.  And 
yes, I do have many repeats.  (Many of the appointments set up 6 months or a 
year ahead when in the home to tune)

Bill Maxim, RPT
Simpsonville, SC