I have to agree with Davids last in which he underlines more firmly what I tried to state in my own reply. I would add that it may be that the fellow trying to push this through is trying to find a back way in to fix a job for a freind. It might be wise for you to mention this as well. So.. I recommend the following concrete action. -Warn the head of department and CFIC that the water alchohol treatment is not appropriate for the piano. -Mention the possiblity of the adjunct trying to usurp you with someone else and mention also that if there is any reason to try out a new tuner.. then there are more appropriate ways of doing this. -Suggest that if outside expertise is desired for this instrument, then a Regional Yamaha Concert technician is available and that Yamaha America is the place to contact. -In the end, put the decision firmly in the hands of the Administrator and head of department after the above is done. - Position yourself also such that you appear to welcome qualified outside expertise and are eager to use such expertise as a learning experience. This last is a good card to play in counter recommending a Yamaha Concert tech. You could arrange a kind of personal voicing seminar .... and play the adjunct off onto the sidelines at the same time. Hope this all helps.. Cheers RicB _________ David Love writes: I still think you have to make your position known but in a diplomatic way. Disagreement should be allowed in such a situation and I don't think you should fear stating your case. You can make your points without trashing the other person. I would explain as clearly a possible what the down sides are, what will likely happen to the tone, why it may have projection problems, how that doesn't fit into it's current use on stage, what that will mean once the work is done if the result is less than satisfactory, what the alternatives are that are more controllable and can be approached in a more gradual way, that Yamaha doesn't advise using this treatment on their pianos for all the reasons given. Then stand back and let them decide. My experience suggests that belief tends to trump knowledge in these cases. Remind them that this operation tends to produce the best results when the moon is in Pisces. To quote Carl Sagan, "It's a demon haunted world". David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net
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