[pianotech] Final word on this subject

[David Love]

The RPT test is a basic skills test.  One could argue that there should be
more in the test (like basic rebuilding skills) since people use it as
implicit certification for that arena as well.  The choices about what's in
the RPT test can be altered and have, for example, to accommodate the use of
ETDs.  You now can take the test with and ETD, though there are some basic
levels of non ETD skills to pass.  I think the guild encourages people to
upgrade to RPT in an effort to advance the overall level of competence of
its members.  There are several non RPTs that I know of who do all kinds of
work and are some of the most skilled people I know.  Some of them are
regular contributors to this list and are highly regarded.  I worked in this
trade for 15-20 years before I decided to take the RPT test.  I can't really
say that it's made a difference in my business but people do ask on occasion
if I have that certification.  I don't the pompous attitude you accuse the
organization of is misdirected.  Bottom line is that if you do consistent
good work (each job is a performance really) then you will get referrals and
your business will do fine. 

I agree with you that people can deliver very good tunings using an ETD.  If
they lack very refined aural skills it might even be better.  However, even
with an ETD about 2/3ds of the tuning is done aurally--the unisons.  So you
have to have some aural skills.  Checking the decision made by the ETD as
you go is definitely a good idea as calculated tuning curves rarely agree
100% with reality.  

All that said, I think you need to knock the chip off your shoulder and
support the organization that does a lot to support continuing education for
its members in an ongoing attempt to elevate the overall level of the trade.
I'm sure you don't mind benefitting from the information made available
through mediums such as this list.  Unfortunately, there is a cost for
administrating these types of information sources.  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Duaine & Laura Hechler
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 12:29 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Final word on this subject

I quit the organization because of the pompous attitude that if your not
an RPT, your nothing.

I quit the organization because of the pompous attitude that unless you
are servicing grands, you nothing.

As far as ETD's, my mentor of 30 years, who - is - an RPT, is now tuning
exclusively with Cybertuner, reported that all of his customers reported
that the pianos have never sounded better.

Enough said,
Duaine

-- 
Duaine Hechler
Piano, Player Piano, Pump Organ
Tuning, Servicing & Rebuilding
Reed Organ Society Member
Florissant, MO 63034
(314) 838-5587
dahechler at charter.net
www.hechlerpianoandorgan.com
--
Home & Business user of Linux - 10 years