[pianotech] Is this the work of an RPT?

[Laura Olsen]

Plenty of economic reason to be an RPT in Chicago. I've even had people ask me if I'm an RPT.  We upgrade Associates on a regular basis and while some people use electronic keyboards, serious students don't.  Plenty of pianos to go around.  If you do good work, you'll get customers. Here's my feeling about electronic keyboards.  I don't see them as a threat.  I think the dip in piano sales is because the market is  nearly saturated.  I service enough pianos  that are 50+ years old (a lot of nice new ones too!).  There are plenty of technicians in the Chicago area (two PTG Chapters worth) we're doin' fine, thank you very much.

Laura Olsen, RPT

On Aug 31, 2011, at 4:47 PM, Mark Schecter wrote:

> Frankly, Duane, I think your suggestion to Ed is highly inappropriate. Even if your analysis of the economics in your area is correct, that does nothing to invalidate the general principle that Ed expressed. And, even more frankly, I find it highly ironic that you persist in a stubborn and dogmatic disrespect of the very organization that makes it possible for you to spout your opinions to a wide audience of people who apparently DO find it worthwhile to achieve RPT status. If PTG is so worthless, why do you continue to hang around?
> 
> Mark Schecter, RPT and proud of it, PTG member since 1978
> 
> 
> On 8/31/11 1:53 PM, Duaine Hechler wrote:
>> Sorry to say but - Ed - open mouth and insert foot ......
>> 
>> At least in our area, there is NO economic advantage. My mentor and RPT
>> of 30+ years is losing business just like the rest of us non-RPT;s
>> because of the countries economics and the better issue of persons going
>> to electronic keyboards.
>> 
>> Now, chomp down on your foot.
>> 
>> Duaine
>> 
>> On 08/31/2011 08:46 AM, Ed Foote wrote:
>>> I think it is to give the RPTs an economic advantage, to encourage the
>>> non-rpt to consider the benefits of upgrading. Otherwise, what is the
>>> point?
>>> Just my guess.
>>> 
>>> Ed Foote RPT
>>> http://www.piano-tuners.org/edfoote/index.html
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> From: Bill Frit
>>> Hi Ed, (by the way, I've always enjoyed & respected your ideas &
>>> comments in this PianoTech venue.)
>>> If in fact what you say below is correct (w/ which I wholeheartedly
>>> agree), then why does the PTG now only identify RPTs to potential
>>> customers, rather than listing both RPTs & Associates, like they used
>>> to? (which also included the caveat re: RPT vs Associate)
>>> Bill
>>> From: Ed Foote <a440a at aol.com <mailto:a440a at aol.com>>
>>> To: pianotech at ptg.org <mailto:pianotech at ptg.org>
>>> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Is this the work of an RPT?
>>> Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:32:32 -0400 (EDT)
>>> 
>>> Greetings,
>>> The quality of work done is often a reflection of the craftsperson's
>>> ethics, rather than their ability. <snip>
>>> Regards,
>>> 
>>> Ed Foote RPT
>> 
>>