to master or not to master

[Dmsaerts]

Dear Rob,

It is generaly adopted that a wide variety of repair techniques are to be
acceptable. But this variety can not cross the line to where any person with
some technical knowledge can do the job. The titles RPT or MPT could indicate
that the person carrying these titles not only knows what she/he does but also
does what he/she knows.  It is up to the specific organizations to indicate
where the line has to be.  The credibility of the title could be defined.
Passing an exam is not a passport to unlimited "repair" techniques that are
acceptable and endorsable by any self respecting guild.  Some industries are
guided by safety standards and are sometimes forced to recall their product.
Pianos can be manufactured or repaired without any standards.  A guild could
see it as part of their task to set certain standards to protect the customers
they serve.  About innovations, all are to be given a chance.  Not all are to
be given long lives.  All are to be judged by the people who work with these
innovations after the product leaves the factory.  No good?  Say it.  Stop
endorsing it.  Some Manufacturers admit mistakes and recall generously.
(Yamaha's yellow key tops) It is important that the industry interacts close
with the technicians who recognize and eventually eliminate problems.  I know
that many times technicians repair problems without alerting their customers
nor the manufactures out of fear to lose the customer with the expensive piano
or to lose their credit with the manufacturer.  There are indeed many
varieties in quality standards due to price/product marketing set by
manufacturers.  That makes in my opinion the watch dog function only more
important.  And if a manufacturer makes certain claims of superiority or calls
their innovation an improvement there is opportunity for a critical voice.
"Setting the standard"gives responsibility.  When a manufacturer publishes a
service manual they should be the first to read it and produce quality
accordingly.
"You are what you eat"

Cyrillus.
Ps thanks for everyone's contribution to this over due discussion