45 min tunings

[Charly Tuner]

I believe the point should NOT be "how fast can i tune this piano". but 
rather, "how WELL can I tune it in a reasonable amount of time. To 
paraphrase what they say in theatre, "the PIANO'S the thing". I like to 
treat each piano as if it were my own, and i would not do a rush job, but 
rather work at a comfortable pace that will insure a solid, stable tuning.

Terry


>From: "John M. Formsma" <jformsma@dixie-net.com>
>Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org
>To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
>Subject: RE: 45 min tunings
>Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 23:35:05 -0500
>
>Bill,
>
><<Remember that the RPT Tuning Exam is a very specific, controlled
>situation.
>However, the tolerances that are used can be thought of as minimum
>professional standards.  Long ago, I made those my standards and would not
>charge for a tuning that didn't at least meet minimum professional
>standards.
>  In most cases, I want my work to be well above the minimum.  Only in the
>case of a piano which cannot be tuned because of structural weakness or
>deterioration might I charge for the tuning but inform the customer of the
>circumstances.>>
>
>OK, this is good to hear. Last time when this was discussed on the list, I
>was a little unsure about how the quick tunings would sound. If one never
>asks, one never knows. I agree with you--that minimum standards ought to be
>met whenever possible.
>
>  <<You really can tune the piano much faster twice than you can fight with
>it once.>>
>
>How long does it take to "build up" to this kind of proficiency? I suppose
>there comes a time when you just go on "automatic pilot." I have not 
>reached
>that stage yet.
>
>  <<How are your unisons? Three strings perfectly tuned, really close, or
>what? [John F]>>
>
><<Maybe not as perfect as the most rigorous concert tuning but certainly
>well
>within minimum professional standards.>>
>
>So, the thing to keep in mind seems to be that, with a "lesser" piano, 
>there
>can be a loosening of rigid standards, whether set by PTG or oneself. That
>means that we don't have to fight with the pianos that refuse to be tamed.
>We can do our best, but that's all.
>
>
><<The purpose for talking about minimum times that it takes for tuning is 
>to
>show what *can* be done, not what must or should be done.>>
>
>OK. I was getting the impression that a 45 minute tuning was almost the
>"standard" that  just about everyone (except me <g>) was doing. Maybe one
>day I'll get to that standard too.
>
>Thanks for the response--it was helpful.
>
>John Formsma
>Blue Mountain, MS
>
>

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