<html> Dear Wim, I deal with this dilemma also.  There is a piano competition at our local state university, where an outside expert is brought in to take care of the pianos during the competition.  I currently have no problem with this, because the outside expert is Kent Swafford, and he is more skilled and experienced than myself.  He has been gracious in allowing me to spend time with him while he is working so that I may get extra training.  Also, we have an outside expert do rebuilding of pianos.  Again, I have no problem with that, because the expert rebuilder is Greg Hulme and he does excellent work. I am trying to increase my abilities so that there won't be a need to call in someone from outside.  When I am at the same skill level as Greg Hulme and Kent Swafford, then I suppose I might be a bit "miffed" if an outside expert were brought in.  But right now, I am trying to learn as much as possible. Just a different perspective. David Vanderhoofven Registered Piano Technician Non-Contract Technician for: Missouri Southern State University Ozark Christian College Cottey College At 07:42 PM 1/13/2004 -0500, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite cite>My friends I have somewhat of a dilemma. It has to do with the new D. If you recall, I've had two artists complain about the tone of the piano. Now the piano faculty have convinced themselves that they don't like it either and that there is something wrong with the piano. But instead of asking me to fix the problem, they are pursuing the idea of getting a "consultant" in here to work on the piano. I know who they want to get, and I have no problem with this person. This person is highly qualified, and a friend of mine. But here is where I have a dilemma. Willem Blees, RPT Piano tuner/technician School of Music University of Alabama </blockquote> </html>