Hamburg vs American S & S

[Dennis Johnson]

I agree with David that Steinway's response is rational and reasonable.
Since this really was started by response to a case of mine, I will grab my
rope and tread out on the thin ice briefly, only in hopes of addressing
some deeper issues.


1. As rebuilders, tuners, etc... we are always singularly responsible for
the performance of the work that we do no matter how much or little
something is modified.

2. If removing ALL the leads is an unacceptable, radical modification, is
removing some leads acceptable?

3. No one should expect any manufacturer or dealer to be liable for service
beyond that which conforms their product to their own specifications. If
some service goes beyond this, (to the customers satisfaction) the dealer
should not intervene and try to convince the customer otherwise. This is
non-productive, and no one wins.

4.I have seen recently that in the end this issue *can* become a
competition with dealers who stand to profit from the reversal of some
"modification" themselves. How can this situation be avoided?


5. We all well know that there has been an evolution of parts and
specifications as well as of "design and intent" over the past 100 years.
There still is  legitimate debate concerning the technical ramifications
and implications of this evolution. We have seen many changes in recent
years, and most for the good I agree, but lets not confuse warranty service
to manufacturer specs with concert quality refinement that can customize
strike ratio and strike weight in pursuit of optimum performance- that is
an art.  If anyone honestly believes that they have it all figured out, in
every way, and have all the answers, tell them to subscribe to this list.

Dennis Johnson
St. Olaf College
johnsond@stolaf.edu
djohn@skypoint.com