universal bass string deadness

[Farrell]

Because some folks wish to pay only for "acceptable", and do not wish to pay
for the very best possible. When I install a universal bass string, I am
usually there to tune the piano also. I charge $75 for the tuning and $30
extra for the bass string. Can I assume that you would charge whatever fees
are appropriate the first trip to the piano, and then charge again at least
a minimum service call fee when you return a week later with the custom of
factory made string?

I indeed do this when the client wishes for this level of service. But for
the little 1948 Gulbranson spinet in the run-down downtown church with the
crooked floor that has a note that will not play and it is Friday (and there
is a Saturday wedding) - well, they simply do not wish to pay for a Cadillac
if the bicycle will get them by for now and it can be done immediately.

I would never try and pass a universal off to be "as good as" a
custom/factory made string. IMHO - there are simply too many old cruddy
pianos owned by folks that for whatever reason wish to pay a minimal amount
to get that note to make a sound - to suggest that there is no place for the
universal replacement bass string.

----- Original Message -----
From: <Bigeartb@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2001 11:49 PM
Subject: universal bass string deadness


> Dear List:
> I decided years ago that installing universal bass strings on instruments
was
> like trying to pass a bicycle for a Cadillac. If a piano needs a wrapped
bass
> string, I order a new string to the old string specifications. If one
breaks
> on a double, I then order two new strings....and the same for a tri-chord.
I
> have given the customer the very best possible....Universal strings are
just
> that....they don't properly fit any piano without cutting the copper wrap
and
> then they don't produce good tone quality. Why do a half way job when you
can
> do the job to the best of your ability?
>
> Tommy Black
> Birmingham, Ala chapter