When it's probably shot

[Kdivad@AOL.COM]

In a message dated Thu, 18 Jul 2002 8:15:15 AM Eastern Standard Time, mkurta@adelphia.net writes:

>     From experience I've found the best policy is to objectively look at 1. Where the piano is (Carnegie Hall or in a mobile home)  2.  Who is playing it ( Horowitz or 6 year old Emily)  3.  What the piano is  ( Bosendorfer or Lester) and a general feeling of associated items such as how serious musically the primary player and family might be, finances, long term repairs and service, etc. etc.  When these (and probably more) items are considered, assess what is needed in a impartial workmanlike manner, WITHOUT EMOTION.  Too often I've had my comments to a customer colored by feelings, and though that's not all bad, this calls for restraint and judicious control.  Sometimes a few minutes of simple piano education and explanation to the customer will pave the way for needed repairs.  I guess the bottom line is, treat the piano owner as you would want to be treated.  The old, but golden rule......
>     As for the "silly sap" comment, consider for a moment that the $100 might have been a real stretch for these folks.  Maybe it was the best they could do under the circumstances, and yes they should have had a technician look over the instrument before purchasing, but that didn't happen.  Nontheless, what a hero you will be to them if you can make a few simple repairs, give it a good tuning, suggest some future work they might do next year, and leave them with a piano in far better shape than when you arrived.  Just my thoughts......
>     Mike Kurta, RPT
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Clyde Hollinger 
> To: pianotech@ptg.org 
> Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 7:44 AM
> Subject: When it's probably shot
> 
> 
> Friends, 
> Do any of you condemn a piano without ever seeing it?  There are times when I feel like I probably should, but the client is looking for some professional input and hopefully a miracle. 
> I got a call.  A large family (eight kids) has a piano that was given to them four years ago.   It sounds tinny, some of the keys don't work, and the former owner told them it can't be tuned to standard pitch.  The kids are taking lessons.  Money may very well be tight; I didn't ask.  Such service calls can be an adventure, to say the least!  Thoughts? 
> Regards, Clyde 
> "Alan R. Barnard" wrote: 
> Someone buys it for $100 (silly sap) calls you to come and 
> tune it.

Thank you Mike, very well put!!

David Koelzer
Vintage Pianos
DFW