-----Original Message----- From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org] On Behalf Of James Gammon Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 12:56 AM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Re: Broken String Did I miss something? Is this request unusually outlandish? Did I somehow indicate that I wanted the string pre-tuned, or even thought that such a thing was possible? I just happen to be a guy who likes to fiddle with stuff, and wouldn't mind the experience of putting the new string in myself. My understanding is that a new string costs around $10, so unless this understanding is wrong, it's worth breaking another one (or two) to a tinkerer like myself to have the experience of re-stringing it. I know how to tune it to a unison with the other E3 string. Perhaps I stand to do serious damage to the piano somehow? If this is the case, by all means, I'll have a registered technician do it. Confusedly, Jame James, Please don't take offense. What you've just witnessed is the style of good natured humor found in our little trade. I apologize, as I started all this with my "pretuned" comment. We as tech's all spend time advising piano owners, (Usually on the phone) with requests similar to yours. The end result is lost time with no compensation and a client over their head with no option but to call a piano tech to save the day. (Often a different tech gets the job because of embarrassment) Please don't misunderstand, this ain't rocket science. I could teach you how to install a bass string in 15 minutes even without the specialized tools that make the job easier, Maybe it's because we work alone and enjoy the chance to goof off with our compatriots after our day. You opened that door, I peeked in and these other Chuckleheads knocked the darn thing down! Go to it -good luck. I find satisfaction myself in repairing things around the house without calling in a pro, just ask me about that pipe I tried to solder - better yet ask my Plumber who came and fixed my mess. Tom Driscoll RPT P.S.Want to see some real fireworks? Watch this. EQUAL TEMPERMENT IS THE ONLY WAY TO TUNE A PIANO.ALL OTHER METHODS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL.
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