[pianotech] Grey market pianos, seasoned pianos, etc.

[Ryan Sowers]

Manipulating the tension: i.e. tuning!

A nominal pitch raise can easily add 1500 pounds of tension to the structure
of a piano. I'm not guessing how much or in which ways the structure moves
around, but we certainly know that it does.

On Fri, Apr 2, 2010 at 12:47 PM, <tnrwim at aol.com> wrote:

>
>  I just explain to folks that the piano is under 35,000-40,000 pounds of
> tension. The structure, even though it is strong, is flexible and will bend
> and twist to some degree when manipulating the tension. This is why the
> piano's tuning has to be reasonable close to proper tension before a fine
> tuning can be executed.
>
>
> Ryan
>
> Good explanation. Now, what causes the piano to "bend and twist to some
> degree"? You say "when manipulating the tensions". What is it that is
> manipulating the tension?
>
> WIm
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ryan Sowers <tunerryan at gmail.com>
> To: pianotech at ptg.org
> Sent: Fri, Apr 2, 2010 9:41 am
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Grey market pianos, seasoned pianos, etc.
>
> I just explain to folks that the piano is under 35,000-40,000 pounds of
> tension. The structure, even though it is strong, is flexible and will bend
> and twist to some degree when manipulating the tension. This is why the
> piano's tuning has to be reasonable close to proper tension before a fine
> tuning can be executed.
>
> We rarely go into this when quoting prices over the phone.
>
> We tell people that for most pianos we recommend a 2-hour service
> appointment ($200). If the piano is way out of tune this will cover mostly
> tuning. If the tuning takes less time there are always other maintenance
> issues that can be addressed. This satisfies most prospective clients. If
> the piano has been well maintained then there is a chance it will be an hour
> and a half appointment ($155).
>
> On the suggestion of Carl Lieberman, we started quoting the higher price
> first. This creates an expectation. Then the client is really happy on the
> occasions that the appointment is less then 2 hours.  **When they
> anticipate a higher fee, and then you bill them less, it really secures your
> reputation as an honest and fair business person.
>
> Ryan Sowers, RPT
> Puget Sound Chapter
> Olympia, WA
> www.pianova.net
>



-- 
Ryan Sowers, RPT
Puget Sound Chapter
Olympia, WA
www.pianova.net
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