Newbie

[Sheppard,Matthew J]

Hello!
This is my first posting as I finally got my butt in gear and started
getting my piano back into shape.  I "inherited" it from my mother when
she moved to an apartment, and it's a bit of a family heirloom.

Anyhow, my first question is about the brand in particular.  My tuner
(more on that later) says it is from 1926 and that Kranich & Bach are the
"Buick"s of pianos.  I would prefer them to be the "Volvos" but that's
personal preference.  Can anyone refute this claim?  I basically want to
know what kind of piano I have comparatively.

Second: My first attempt to get my piano tuned resulted in my spending
$100 to get this dehumidifier rod screwed to the bottom, which I now hear
is not appropriate for a baby grand (one rod) and I don't have the
corresponding humidifying equipment.  This tuner (name unmentioned) was a
very very strange induhvidual.
My new tuner I have heard has problems, and brought what I consider to be
a inappropriate assistant to one session.  Other than that I am pleased
with his work.  Have other people experienced problems locating a
reputable tuner?  Should I do something to ensure that this first tuner
does not "sting" anyone else?  He had all sorts of things he wanted to do
to my piano, many of which I doubt were necessary.

Lastly: My current tuner is teaching me everything he's doing!  It's
awesome!  We had to raise the pitch so the thing went out a little bit on
a string or two, and I tuned them myself! I was so physhced!  Normally
I'd have to transpose what ever I was playing to avoid the key! (I know,
that's pretty silly, but I was clueless)  Is there anyone else out there
doing a majority of the work on their own pianos (non-tech people)?  I
wanna start regulating the action and someday maybe voice the thing to
where I want it.  Can I ever hope to do this?  I don't think it's a
career for me, I just want to take care of MY machines.

M@
sheppard@idx.com
Software Engineer
IDX Systems Corp.