Would you miss this list?

[David Andersen]

on 3/23/03 5:22 AM, Clyde Hollinger at cedel@supernet.com wrote:

> Friends,
> 
> Yes, I would miss this list.  What I like best about it is the combined
> expertise that is available to me when I come across an unfamiliar situation
> in a piano.  I am certain it  makes me a more knowledgeable technician.  I
> like being able to tell the customer about this list, and I do consider your
> combined responses to situations I ask about in deciding how to proceed.
> 
> I try to do my part in responding to others also.
> 
> Getting off the subject a little, I used to disparage my own skills, since I
> have such respect for those who rebuild pianos.  I always thought, those
> folks know everything, and my knowledge will never be that complete!  I
> suppose those with the most complete understanding would be those who both
> rebuild and also do field work, including servicing pianos of all quality
> and all condition levels.
> 
> I now think that some parts of my practice may be unfamiliar ground for
> rebuilders.  In a sense I am a specialist as well, having needed to learn
> efficient ways to deal with problems in the field that rebuilders don't
> face.  (I hope I'm not stepping on toes here.)  As I've said before, if
> we're doing respectable work, we're all needed.
> 
> Regards,
> Clyde Hollinger, RPT
> Lititz, PA  USA


This has been a big revelation, and a big relief, to me over the last 3 or 4
years.  I don't need to know and be able to do everything to be great and on
the road to achieving mastery in what I do.  Piano technology is a vast and
deep craft.  Truly rare---perhaps nonexistent---is the craftsperson who can
do it all at a world-class level.  I, personally, am light years from that,
and I've given up.  I concentrate on the few things I can do really well,
get paid for it, am completely backed up by longtime collaborators that can
do whatever I can't, and I'm happy as a clam. I used to always feel a taste
of shame because I couldn't excel in the shop; no more. I'm blessed with
some very specific talent, and I'm grateful I get paid well for using it.

Warmly, 
David Andersen

PS  Voicing protocol to come; be patient.