Concert tuning was: President's message

[Barbara Richmond]

Aw, Susan, I want to be paid money for my work.  Yeah, I get satisfaction 
from it, but that issue is up to me.  As far as unisons slipping--well, 
there are a loads of factors--not just a tech's hammer technique.  I work in 
a performance facility and frankly, I'm a little on edge about a big concert 
on Friday--piano soloist with orchestra.  It's been hotter than you know 
what here, the university is saving money by not running the AC when there 
isn't an event scheduled and won't turn the AC on until some hours before 
the hall rental begins.  So, the piano has been sitting in 80-90 degree 
heat, the AC will come on and then let's throw in the effect of the stage 
lights.  Oh, did I mention that the piano really could use a new pinblock 
and is a ***** to tune?

Did I asked if the AC could be turned on the day before?  Yup.

Are they going to do it?  Nope.

Am I going to have to touch-up the piano between the rehearsal and 
performance?  Yup.

Do I expect to be paid for that service?  Yup.

There's no doubt that technicians' abilities vary, but touching up the piano 
between rehearsals and performances is considered quite normal.  If it's 
not, why do all these contracts that come through specifically list that 
service?  ;-)

Barbara Richmond, RPT


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Susan Kline" <skline@peak.org>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 11:42 AM
Subject: Re: President's message


> Timothy, thanks for coming forward. I think we needed to
> hear some of this.
>
> << Here's a
> question for you: I've seen local techs who don't set pins
> properly, then when the pins slip after a rehearsal, they
> want to charge more to fix unisons before the
> performance.>>
>
> I never _ever_ _ever_ _ever_ would do this! They hire me to
> tune for a concert, I tune for the concert, pre- or mid-
> added in as needed. I do insist on free admission. I consider
> it a perk that goes with the job. The job, for me, is to
> get the piano right (and keep it right) to the greatest of
> my ability, and that includes listening to it being played.
>
> I can't understand technicians tuning for concerts and then
> not going to them -- like painting a picture wearing a
> blindfold. And once there, what more natural than to touch
> up whatever needs touching up? Would I prefer to sit there
> listening to even slightly unhappy unisons, saying "I did
> that, I wonder if anybody else is noticing?"
>
> Susan (Conrad's latest-model flamesuit casually slung over
> shoulder, ready if needed ...)
>