rebuild-redo-renovate-recondition

[David Porritt]

Ralph:

I think this is fairly common practice amoung techs.  This is certainly
specific and does not lead to misunderstanding (usually).  I think the
need for restoration catagories comes when a piano is re-whatevered for
sale.  The seller - store, technician etc. - uses a word for the work
done that will enhance the marketability.  This is where we get the
"completely rebuilt" for the piano that has been cleaned and the hammers
filed.  

dave

ralph m martin wrote:
> 
> List
> 
> I know I'm late with this but thought I'd toss my hat in the ring as
> well.
> 
> To divide what we do to a piano and attempt to fit the parameters within
> a specific, pre-determined category I believe to be a totally
> non-productive effort for the following reasons:
> 1. Even if we were to institute such categories,  only the ethically
> minded members of our rather small profession would conform to them
> anyway.
> 2. It would do nothing to benefit either ourselves or our customers since
> the customer would be unaware of the parameters anyway.
> 3. No matter what we officially name the category (such as rebuild,
> restore, etc) the customer will rename it anyway.
> 
> I solve the problem for myself in the following manner:
> 
> After appraising the work,(for which I charge, but later rebate if they
> should elect to have the work done), I mail out a stock letter/estimate
> that begins with a paragraph borrowed from the late John Travis. It
> states: "In accordance with my usual custom, I am presenting the
> following proposal so that you may be informed of what will be done to
> REPAIR (my emphasis...not emphasized in the proposal) your piano:".
> 
> "I agree to furnish the labour and top quality materials for the repair
> of your piano as follows:"
> 
> I then itemize exactly what I will do in a series of sentences numbered
> from one to wherever
> 
> At the bottom of the page it reads: We accept the above proposal for the
> REPAIR.(again, my emphasis) of our piano as stipulated in lines one
> through whatever and do hereby authorize you to proceed. Accordingly, I
> agree to pay the full amount of $XXXX. upon delivery:.
> 
> There are two copies. One for myself with their signature and one for
> them with my signature.
> 
> The contract is printed on my stationery and enclosed in my printed
> envelope, of course.
> 
> This has worked for me very well and has eliminated any possiblility of
> misunderstanding. Further, I have a signed copy to support exactly what I
> said.
> 
> In short, why use phrases that can be misconstrued? It can so easily
> result in misundrstandings between parties.
> 
> O.K. I'm getting off the pulpit now. Please note that I've carefully
> stayed off for quite some time now.
> 
> My best to all and a Happy New Year to each and everyone.
> 
> Ralph Martin

-- 
_______________________________________________

David M. Porritt, RPT
Meadows School of the Arts
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
_______________________________________________