Manipulating the tension: i.e. tuning! A nominal pitch raise can easily add 1500 pounds of tension to the structure of a piano. I'm not guessing how much or in which ways the structure moves around, but we certainly know that it does. On Fri, Apr 2, 2010 at 12:47 PM, <tnrwim at aol.com> wrote: > > I just explain to folks that the piano is under 35,000-40,000 pounds of > tension. The structure, even though it is strong, is flexible and will bend > and twist to some degree when manipulating the tension. This is why the > piano's tuning has to be reasonable close to proper tension before a fine > tuning can be executed. > > > Ryan > > Good explanation. Now, what causes the piano to "bend and twist to some > degree"? You say "when manipulating the tensions". What is it that is > manipulating the tension? > > WIm > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Ryan Sowers <tunerryan at gmail.com> > To: pianotech at ptg.org > Sent: Fri, Apr 2, 2010 9:41 am > Subject: Re: [pianotech] Grey market pianos, seasoned pianos, etc. > > I just explain to folks that the piano is under 35,000-40,000 pounds of > tension. The structure, even though it is strong, is flexible and will bend > and twist to some degree when manipulating the tension. This is why the > piano's tuning has to be reasonable close to proper tension before a fine > tuning can be executed. > > We rarely go into this when quoting prices over the phone. > > We tell people that for most pianos we recommend a 2-hour service > appointment ($200). If the piano is way out of tune this will cover mostly > tuning. If the tuning takes less time there are always other maintenance > issues that can be addressed. This satisfies most prospective clients. If > the piano has been well maintained then there is a chance it will be an hour > and a half appointment ($155). > > On the suggestion of Carl Lieberman, we started quoting the higher price > first. This creates an expectation. Then the client is really happy on the > occasions that the appointment is less then 2 hours. **When they > anticipate a higher fee, and then you bill them less, it really secures your > reputation as an honest and fair business person. > > Ryan Sowers, RPT > Puget Sound Chapter > Olympia, WA > www.pianova.net > -- Ryan Sowers, RPT Puget Sound Chapter Olympia, WA www.pianova.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20100402/ef2132b0/attachment.htm>
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