David, >>I know a couple of techs that actually tune with cotton and or ear plugs...something unsanctamonial about that. << Yes, I agree it can be befuddling to see your tuner wearing earplugs, and yet, I find that I rarely am asked to explain why I do use them for portions of most tunings. The piano simply produces more sound than I need to do approximate work during pitch raising and even the pounding in of fine work in much of the midrange. If I am asked, I might draw the analogy of an airplane pilot wearing sunglasses. Technically, the sunglasses impair the pilot's vision, but of course the pilot actually sees better because the sunglasses cut down the glare. Earplugs also cut down the "glare." OK, I'll admit that I'll remove the plugs if I hear the customer approaching--it's easier not to have to explain at all! Regards, John Baird
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