[pianotech] Is this the work of an RPT?

[Tom Rhea, Jr.]

List:

Good discussion about the merits of being a RPT.  I believe that earning a
RPT designation is a plus in this business, and I feel almost naked without
it.

Even though I subscribe to the list, I am not currently a member of PTG.
This is not due to lack of desire but lack of resources.  I am new to the
business (even though I'm 66) and an Honors Graduate of Randy Potter's
school.  I am working very hard to set aside the money required to join PTG,
though I have been graciously invited to the Hampton Roads Chapter meetings
and have developed close friendships with several members.  As soon as I can
gather the required monies, I will join PTG and begin the road to RPT.  I
have already talked at length with the Chapter President and he has agreed
to send for the Technical Test as soon as I'm ready -- hopefully very soon.

To those that see little or no value in moving beyond Associate status I can
only encourage you to earn your RPT and join the ranks of those who have
earned their designation.  I earned professional designations in the IT
industry and they helped immensely while I performed in that field.  A RPT
designation is recognized in this industry as indicative of a person's
commitment, training and devotion to our craft.  With perseverance, I, too,
hope to join you soon.

Thanks for listening.

Tom Rhea
Rhea Piano Service
Norfolk, VA

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Gerald Groot
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 9:46 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Is this the work of an RPT?

Exactly to the last two posts! Me too here in Grand Rapids Mi Laura!  I get
asked on a regular basis if I am an RPT.  I promote the PTG all the time.
In fact I receive a lot of emails from people that have found my name on the
PTG website.  

My college where I do about 320 tunings a year, many of them concert tunings
of course, would not hire me if I were NOT an RPT.  I'm busier now than I
ever have been.  

Here is an interesting fact.  Last year, we purchased 25 brand new pianos
for our college music department but, due to budget constraints, the college
also purchased about (I didn't bother to count them, I could care less)
12-15 maybe, digital pianos.  Every single time I am there tuning, which is
often, 98 % to many times, 100 % of the digital pianos are NOT being used
but, ALL of the real pianos ARE.  

Why is that we seem to get heckled by the non RPT's anyway?  

Jer Groot RPT 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Laura Olsen
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 6:33 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Is this the work of an RPT?

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
>> 
>>