old clunkers

[Lance Lafargue]

Leslie,
I always stress the importance of tuning to international pitch.  When the
parent tells me they can't hear the difference, I tell them that I never
assume that the child inherited their parents poor ear.  Then I explain the
importance of the piano being reasonably regulated and that learning the
piano is hard enough without a small child having to struggle with notes
that do not repeat, sound, or feel as they should.  I then remind them that
if the child begins on a poor instrument and becomes discouraged and quits,
that they will never know if the child quit because of the piano or
something else.  The kid coulda' been a Elvis.  Then (if they haven't
kicked me out) I remind them that if they do not overspend on a good used
instrument and the child plays for six weeks, six months, or six years,
they will get their money back and if the piano is kept up, may even make a
profit.  It's not a big deal for a Republican friend of George's to spend
$500-$1,000 on a decent piano and turn it around later.  

When you give them ALL of the facts, they usually miraculously find some
"hidden" money.  I also recommend Larry Fine's book to those that are the
research-types.

Regards,

Lance Lafargue, RPT
New Orleans Chapter
Covington, LA.
lafargue@iamerica.net

----------
> From: Leslie W Bartlett <lesbart@juno.com>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: old clunkers
> Date: Wednesday, December 03, 1997 10:29 PM
> 
> List:
> 
> I'd appreciate some feedback, though this might also fan some flames. 
> Oh, well, another chance to have FUN.
> 
> I went to a home with a 1913 PSO, all original, a gutted player.  Bass
> strings were simply beyond any twisting-redemption. Dampers shot, hammers
> shot, tuning pins marginal, piano 75 cents flat. Nothing about the piano
> suggested it warranted major money invested.  Keys weren't level, and
> other regulation was out.
> 
> A small child is using it for lessons. The family is "strapped" for
> money, though the live in a home costing about twice what mine is
> worth.........  Lovely solid wood floors, etc.....  Husband is disabled,
> but has a picture on the mantle- just him and George Bush, both husband
> and wife work.
> 
> I told them I really did not want to tune it because 1) it might not
> hold, and 2) a young child is most sensitive to developmental harm if
> s/he hears bad sounds and pitches, and 3) things could start breaking. 
> My thought was to suggest renting-to-own at a local store, the dealer
> whom I trus
> 
> How do other techs deal with this kind of thing?  A local tech, who won't
> even look at these things, gave them my name.  They spent  $75.00 plus
> moving expenses on it..
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 
> Leslie
> lesbart@juno.com
> "I've given up my search for truth. I'm now looking for a fairy
> godmother."