ETD (Excellent Tuning Devices)

[Tom Dickson]

Hello, All!

   I was tuning, today, and thinking (off and on) about the concerns voiced 
recently in regard to the great tuning devices that are out, and coming, in 
the market place.  To me, the message from some was:  We (tuner/technicians) 
will lose market share because individuals will begin to tune their own 
instruments.  It was even suggested by some that our role would be changing 
to one of "repairer" as opposed to "musical/technical advisor".

   Personally, I do not buy that at all!

   First off, the public is capable of becoming anything.  Many of "us" were 
"them", until we decided to invest the money and time to perect our skills 
as tuners and technicians.  Most individuals, who will be our customers, 
will want to put their energies elsewhere.  Although everyone is capable of 
getting to the point where they can do everything for themselves, few will 
make that effort.

   Secondly,  we have among us people who are constantly pushing the "trade" 
into new areas and striving for better results.  Most piano owners - when 
educated- will realize that there is a lot more to piano tuning than 
twisting a few pins.

   A third point is plain, old-fashioned economics.  For me (in Canada) to 
purchase a lap-top and recognized tuning software, will easily be in excess 
of $3000 (CAN).  This does not discount the dedicated ETD's which will still 
be very expensive, in any market.  Do you think that the average person will 
layout that type of cash so that they can do their own work - and perhaps 
recover their costs, as opposed to hiring a technician, in, oh, say, 30 
years+?

   No, folks, I see the future as being full of possibilities.  Especially 
for those who educate their clientelle, stand behind their work, and espouse 
the benefits of acoustic instruments.

   For most of us, it means - just continue being yourselves!  Overall, we 
are doing a great job, and we will continue to prosper in the future.

Sincerely,
Tom Dickson
Regina, SK, Canada



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