Upgrading.....

John Formsma john@formsmapiano.com
Sat, 11 Feb 2006 21:40:01 -0600


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Marshall,

 

It's important to think through the "why it works" and not just be content
with the "that it works." In other words, you have to understand why you're
doing something instead of just because someone said that's the way to do
it. When you start thinking this way, things make more sense and you
eventually become less dependent on others.

 

Put a small rubber mute in between the first and second strings or use two
large mutes - one beside the string and another against the strut. The first
way you'll be tuning the string closest to the strut, and the second way
you'll be tuning the middle string.

 

Speed will come. I remember very well when I was in the same situation.
There are several things you are working on all at once, and it takes time
for them to come together. Keep practicing, but remember to practice
correctly. Otherwise, you'll pick up bad habits.

 

John Formsma

 

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf
Of pianotune05
Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 9:12 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: Upgrading.....

 

Hi John,

Sorry I gave you the impression that one stops at RPt and doesn't keep
learning.  I should have mentioned that more clearly in the  e-mail ,but I
was in a hurry as usual to get moving with the day.  I agree, never
stoplearning. I told someone that the other day.  I said that this is a
great trade, always more t o learn.  

 

When you say find what works, are you referring to, strip muting one section
then using mutes in another verses strip muting the entire piano for
example?  I do different things especially when I get to a point on a grant
where no mute will stay because the space is so great between the last
string and the strut. I haven't figured out what to do on that one yet.  

 

My biggest challange and headahce frustration aggrevation is speed.  I just
cannot seem to speed up.  I mean how many pianos do I have to tune before I
get past 3hours. does a little light and buzzer go off when I reach the 2
hour mark? :) 

 

Well anyway, sorry I gave you the impression that I'm going to stop at RPT
an d sit back and say, ah, I'm done learning.  No, I'm not done, and that's
why I asked so many questions on here and got a few upset with me. Oh well,
I guess there's nothing I can do but keep moving on and learning. 

Marshall

----- Original Message ----- 

From: John Formsma <mailto:john@formsmapiano.com>  

To: Pianotech List <mailto:pianotech@ptg.org>  

Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 9:46 AM

Subject: Re: Upgrading.....

 

Marshall,

First, it's important to recognize that RPT is not the "prize." It's a
recognition of proficiency, not a recognition of maximum ability. We should
go on from RPT to higher levels, both in tuning and other areas of piano
technology.

Second, PTG has a number of resources available to help a person attain the
RPT goal.

You've heard the saying, "practice makes perfect." That is only true if you
practice correctly. :-) So, I'd recommend using the old noodle to think
through these things rather than doing them a certain way only because "so
and so piano guru" says that's the way. Find what works, and understand why
it works. (I'm still working on that, by the way.)

John Formsma

pianotune05 wrote: 



Here's another question. What can one do in order to start preparing for the
PTG exam even though it's premature or early?, ie. tune a zillion pianos,
shape a gillion hammers, rebulid a loughhead piano to make it sound better.
:)  what can an assocate do, and one like myself who is a pre associate
member, I haven't been to my first meeting yet, do in order to keep RPT as
the goal the prize as far as piano tuning is concerned in their mind?  

Marshall 

----- Original Message ----- 

From: John Formsma <mailto:john@formsmapiano.com>  

To: 'Pianotech List' <mailto:pianotech@ptg.org>  

Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 12:06 AM

Subject: RE: Upgrading.....

 

Ron, 

  

I was just about to send what I wrote to Dean when your post hit my inbox.
You have said it so well that it totally eclipsed mine so I'm not sending it
now. J 

  

Yes, yes - there must be a way to promote excellence. And, "Craftsman" and
"Certified" are much more descriptive. I prefer either of those to
"Registered." 

  

Isn't it a problem that PTG comes up with the terms, but it's we who have to
do the educating? We don't have much time for that. Is there a way PTG could
educate the piano playing populace? I'm thinking, wow, that would be hard.
The first step could be beginning at the university and piano teaching
guilds, and hopefully it would filter down after a while. But before that,
you would have to demonstrate that PTG people are generally more skilled.
(There will always be exceptions, of course.) I don't think you can do that
as it is currently set up unless you get rid of the Associate status. Wow,
big situation when you start to think about it. 

  

BTW, How many different places are you registered to vote in Florida ? <g> 

  

John Formsma 

  

From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf
Of RON MAY, RPT
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 10:27 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: Upgrading..... 

  

Hi People 

  

Until the day comes that the public  becomes educated,  aware and demands
expertise and professional performance or heaven forbid the government
becomes involved and demands licensing such as that demanded for other
trades such as plumbers and electricians, we are just lighting a fire under
and empty skillet. Now that anyone can show themselves as a member of PTG
and we have come up with "Registered" members, which no one has the
slightest idea about instead off craftsman ratings or some other descriptive
rating there is only one motivation and that is from within.. Unfortunately
not very many seem to have this motivation or pride in their work and
profession. Whether we are RPTs, Certified Tuner Technicians,or craftsman,
getting the message out is up to we individual technicians and most of us
are busy and have become very complacent about the problem. To me Certified
says a whole lot more than registered. I'm "Registered" to vote in Florida
and we all know what that means but obviously some don't know how to do it. 

  

We as PTG just continue to shoot ourselves in the foot on this issue.
Something needs to be done and it needs to become a priority. 

  

Ron May   

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Avery <mailto:avery1@houston.rr.com>  

To: Pianotech List <mailto:pianotech@ptg.org>  

Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 4:37 PM 

Subject: Re: Upgrading..... 

  

This subject HAS been on ptg-L. For DAYS!!!!!!!!!! Weeks? :-( 

Avery 


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