In a message dated 97-03-13 22:10:24 EST, you write: << Protect yourself and your reputation from the BOZOS in the world! BTW. great story! >> Les. My teacher used to say, "Stay away from certain pianos. They'll make a bum out of you!" I assume you're talking about when they affixed the piano bar while I was tuning it to the piano. fortunately, my horror stories are few and far between. I have gotten quite good over the phone in determining the clients dedication to seeing good work done and their level of respect for me. If the whole conversation does not contain the word "thank-you" or "do you have the time," etc. I get specific about details. Long pauses when you ask how they intend to pay you, are a tip off too. One gal here in Chicago recently asked me to inspect a piano prior to her buying it. She had been referred to me by someone I respected. I told her the price and she did not want to meet me at the piano. I asked her how she intended to pay. Long pause followed by "I thought....trust!" I politely declined the job. It has gotten to be an art determining who can and cannot be relied on to respect you. Remaining polite is an art too. I don't ask for quiet anymore in noisy situations. I merely say, "the quieter it is, the better a job I can do." Of course, when it is time to critique the tuning, I request that all of the attendant noises while I was working are supplied at the same time. I was once called in to tune a piano and check out a serious buzz. The son was there, shall I say a man of a different "persuasion." The previous tuner had found the buzz, told them it was irreparable soundboard damage and offered 2K for their Steinway grand. I found and removed the marble and tuned it. When I got home, there was a message from their "son" that I had scratched the fallboard when I had indeed not. I did not return the call. That's the thanks you get sometimes for saving a piano! Maybe I should have added a marble, but that's not my "schtick" I've managed to cut down the bogus work to about nil. I also wonder at times how I am going to pay the bills. Thanks for your comments. this post is too long. Sam G.
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