This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment Hi Terry, "All at once" meaning from however flat it is up to pitch followed by a fine tune and then maybe a 3rd pass just to touch up.. all the same appointment. Mike Farrell wrote: > "all at once" > > As in one pass? > > Terry Farrell > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Mike McCoy <mailto:mjmccoy@usa.com> > *To:* Pianotech <mailto:pianotech@ptg.org> > *Sent:* Thursday, November 11, 2004 12:36 PM > *Subject:* Re: A-440 and Ethics. > > I have yet to walk away from a piano leaving it flat, and the > majority of my customer base is 1920-30's uprights and I do it all > at once with RCT. Rarely do strings break and once I had 3, but > that was the most. I don't do this because of any philosophy of > mine, but because it has been what I learned from the Potter > course, convention classes and other techs I respect. It was > explained to me that early on that ear training is very important > for piano students. If the piano is intended for lessons and it > can not handle a pitch raise then it's time for a different piano, > but I have not had to condemn one yet. It is also my understanding > that if the plate breaks because of a pitch raise/correction then > there was most likely a defect in the plate, is that not true?? > > Is a new student's progress hampered by a flat piano? > > Mike > > > > Mike McCoy > Langhorne, Pa > > Alpha88x@aol.com wrote: > >> Greetings, >> >> Usually, when I get a tuning call, it is a piano >> which hasn't been kept up the tunings on. I always ask how long >> since it was last tuned. They usually don't know. especially if >> they have taken in an "orphan" piano. >> >> I do not like to raise the A4 pitch on any piano >> more than say 1/4 a tone or so, if it's been neglectd tunings. >> This is because I don't want to run the risk of cracking anyone's >> harp plate, let alone breaking strings. Especially on the little >> spinets, whose plates are 5/8" or less thick. >> >> When I get to the house, I check the A-440 and it's >> octaves and get an idea of the overall tone of the piano; whrere >> it went flat the most. I always explain the concept of A-440 to >> the customer, and more times than not, it doesnt matter to them >> if its up to A-440 or not. >> >> They just would like it in tune with itself. I also >> explain that pianos are designed to be tuned to A-440 for best >> results. (unless it is an extremely old, dry upright that's seen >> better days and wont let you even gradually take it up that far, >> even with subsequent tunings/loose pins or bridges coming off) I >> tune it the best I can get it, to sound at the A-4?? and suggest >> subsequent tunings so we can gradually get it there. They agree >> to a reminder card from me for follow ups ....say, 4 to 6 mo for >> the first follow-up. I also inform them that with each tuning the >> piano becomes more stable and to never let a piano go more than 2 >> years max. >> >> On hearing these pianos, they are so, so neglected and >> out of tune, the piano /always/ sounds better upon my departure, >> and thats all alot of folks want in order to start the kid's >> lessons, without paying "an arm and a leg". With customers who >> are more vigilant of how their piano sounds is another matter. >> >> My tuning teacher used to say "As long as it sounds a >> lot better when you leave than from when you arrived". >> >> Julia, >> Reading, PA > ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/2f/ae/82/a2/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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