Bad Refurbish - Warning - Rant

[David Andersen]

on 5/14/04 2:49 PM, Farrell at mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com wrote:

>I stop with just one last comment: what crap work.
> 
> At PTG conferences I have seen a number of rebuilt pianos that clearly were
> examples of very fine workmanship. Out in the wild though over the few years
> I have been servicing pianos I have run across maybe a dozen or two grands
> or high-end uprights that have been restrung/action work/etc. I have yet to
> see one that I would describe as being "nice". A few might be reasonably
> classified as "marginally acceptable". But most have been poor or worse.
> What's the deal?
> 
> I feel marginally better now. Thanks  ;-)


Now you're starting to get a sense of just how few rebuilders---so-called---
do even the minimum of quality craft protocol.

You truly can't believe how many pathetic, hacked-up Steinways and Mason &
Hamlins I've seen in 30 years.  So sad.  Terry, be very, very grateful that
you have the consciousness, intent, and support to do world-class work.
You're in a small minority of piano technicians who really give a damn about
their work and have the patience to execute fully.

Virtually every new client piano I come upon needs, minimum, a full 2-day
service---complete action & damper system regulation, plate bolts, string
voicing, fine tuning, hammer voicing, cleaning---everything I can fit into
15-16 hours.  Some of these pianos have been maintained for years by
very recognized people---and guess what? They need a LOT. I try to ask
players when the last time they saw the action come out of the piano.  You'd
be blown away by the answer of a majority of players:  "Never."

Ahhhhh....work forever. My Golden Years are secure; I'll just give a small
discount for cash after I "retire."

xoxoxo

David Andersen