---------- > From: Glenn <rockymtn@sprynet.com> > To: pianotech@ptg.org > Subject: Should I feel bad (busted strings)? > Date: Monday, July 21, 1997 5:30 PM > > > . > > I was called to tune a Shuman spinet. The owner inherited it and didn't > think it was tuned for at least 15 years. Came to find out it hadn't been > tuned or serviced since 1975! > > It was 100.6 cents flat. I decided to pitch raise it to plus 20 cents. I > knew it needed to go higher but I didn't think it wise. I broke three > strings on the pitch raise and a fourth while changing one of the others. > All of the stings were past the last break on the top third of the piano. > The strings looked original and some had already been replaced (the ones I > didn't break!). I felt so bad that I split the cost of the 3 string > replacement with the client and told him the 4th was on me. > > My mentor told me (since it was 100 cents flat) that I should have first > brought it up to pitch, then a pitch raise, then a fine tuning. I > exclaimed "but that's THREE tunings" to which he said YES. It is hard > enough to explain and sell a pitch raise let alone a third tuning! > > > > Glenn. Glenn, Here is how I handle these situations. Anything over 100c flat. First trip If strings look rusty or you see replacement strings lubricate bearing points. first pass pull to A-440 period.2nd pass Pitch raise tracking every 6 notes from there. Normal tuning fee 2nd tuning in 2 weeks. First pass Pitch raise tracking every 6 notes 2nd pass give it a decent tuning. Normal tuning fee. 3rd tuning 3 months tune to A-440 solid, Normal tuning fee. Impress them that piano needs regular tuning every 6 months so they don't have this problem again. If client will not make the 2 other appointments they are not serious about getting a usable piano. All string breakage cost belong to the client. James Grebe from St. Louis pianoman@inlink.com
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC