Jim, Firstly, I would bet that the piano was either tuned below pitch the last time (either because the owner would not pay for a pitch raise or because the tuner didn't know how to do one - yes, there are those folks out there!), and that may be the only tuning the piano has had since it was delivered. Anyway, my policy on pitch raises on pianos which are not owned by musicians is to tell the customer that there are three "parts" of a piano being properly "in tune": the A is at 440, the unisons are perfect (and I explain what a unison is), and the intervals are equally tempered (I explain this as best I can in non-technical terms). Then I tell them that parts 2 and 3 can be perfect, the piano will sound perfect, but all the notes will be lower than "proper" frequency. I explain that no one other than a person with perfect pitch memory will know the difference, BUT if they try to play the piano with other instruments, those instruments probably will not be able to tune down to the piano. So if they want to accompany their kid on the flute or whatever, they definitely need a pitch raise. Then I leave it up to them. I always charge extra for a pitch raise, and I also explain why to them. I agree that in the Best of All Possible Worlds all pianos should be tuned to A440. However, customers who balk at this do not have concert quality instruments. They usually have the old spinet or upright that no one ever plays. I feel I am doing a service if I take a piano that is horribly out of tune and leave it sounding beautiful .... even if it is not at A440. Is it better to have a kid practicing on a badly out of tune (with itself) piano, or on a piano with correct intervals and unisons that is below pitch? I am also an orchestral musician, and I pick the latter. But as I said, I go to great lengths to educate the customer as to his/her options. Barb Barasa Ashland OR > 2. When confronted with a piano requiring a pitch raise, and the > owner refuses to pay charges beyond a standard tuning fee, do you (a) > refuse to do the work, (b) tune the piano at current pitch (c) spend > the extra time and do the job right for the standard fee? > "When nothing is sure, everything is possible."
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