Concert Tuning for anyone

[Phil Bondi]

Don wrote:
> Hi Terry,
> 
> #1 have the lighting as it will be for the concert for 3 hours before you
> start tuning.

I'm usually working around the lighting guys 
when I get there..

> #2 tune as fast as you can
OK..

> #3 on your second or third pass tune aurally.

2nd or 3rd pass? How much time are you given??

> #4 start the tuning as close to the curtain time as is possible with an
> extra 15 minutes of "cushion" built into allow for emergencies.

..unless they've been on stage rehearsing for 
1.5 hrs. past your appointed time..then all you 
have is 15 minutes till doors..

> #5 stay for the concert and touch up the piano at intermission. Charge
> accordingly.

Are you kidding? I have to be TOLD they want 
stand-by. This is not an option, and I don't do 
it voluntarily.

> #6 give the hall a detailed report on pitch change, humidity, temperature,
> regulation, voicing and the general condition of the instrument.

As best as I can tell, they couldn't care less - 
no complaints-no problems.

> #7 don't invite comments about tuning, if the piano is acceptable you will
> hear nothing. If it is a disaster, you won't be back.

I must be doing somethin' right..

Don - honestly..what you've laid out here is 
best case scenario, and as long as I've had the 
pleasure to do concert work, I have NEVER had 
the opportunity to do 3 passes. I would hate to 
think that any piano 'needing' that many passes 
won't pass the test anyway.

With all due respect,

-Phil Bondi(Fl)