-----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Phil Bondi Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 6:31 AM To: Pianotech Subject: Re: President's message <<I am more than just a little tired of allegations without numbers being put into text..being made public on a world-wide list of respected professionals..which is what I am losing when I read stuff like this..respect. no flame suit required. -Phil Bondi(Fl)>> Phil, I don't think anyone is going to do a survey which is the only instrument I know of that will give actual hard numbers. But it has sparked a pretty lively discussion with a fair number of posts from both sides. Since we know more people just read than post (and some should do more reading than posting, present company excepted, of course) it seems to me pretty safe to assume that there are large numbers on both sides of the issue. No flame intended. Personally, I always try to do follow-ups when requested. But depending on the circumstance I may not or may choose to wait until I am in the area again. I had one 45 miles away that I never did go back to. It was a sorely neglected short console, 150 cents flat, with very stiff hammer centers. The man did not play and had a grandchild that came over occasionally to play. Not wanting to sell him more than he needed I did the pitch raise and squirted copious amounts of Goose Juice. The results were amazing. The piano became playable. There were still 3-4 hammers in the extreme treble that were a little sluggish. I pointed out to him how severe the problem was at the beginning and that my fix was the easiest and cheapest approach. If the results were not satisfactory we could do more to reduce friction levels but it would cost more. I also pointed out that the tuning would not be real stable. The next week he called complaining. It seems his neighbor who is a pianist came over, told him the tuning didn't sound good in places and pointed out the few sluggish keys remaining. He wanted me to come back and fix it for free. I declined. I had given him full disclosure ("I can do more to make this piano better, but it will cost more, and I really don't think you will need it considering its usage.") and made dramatic improvements to the piano, giving him full value for his money spent. But normally I will make the return. I've done it lots of times and had good results. I'm just not inclined to do so when I feel it will be a losing situation. Dean May
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