WAS Re: Tune-off

[Frank Cahill]

Delwin D Fandrich wrote:
> 
> Gregory Torres wrote:
> 
> > This thread brings to mind a question probably some or even most of us have asked.
> >
> > How hard is it really for the manufacturers to just put a decent scale on some of these
> > smaller pianos ?
> > I have tuned many pianos that were maybe not the highest quality construction overall but
> > they tuned nicely. On the other hand far too many seem to have been made with some care
> > but no matter how hard we try the scale prohibits a smooth temperament.
> >
> > Why is it that we should have to re-scale these beasts when perhaps it can and should be
> > done correctly at the factory?
> >
> > Regards,
> > Greg Torres
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> 
> I don't know why there is not a stronger desire on the part of manufacturers to bring their
> scales into line with at least current scale design practice. In most other industries, when
> manufacturers are faced with declining sales, at least one cause of which is traceable to an
> obsolete product line, they respond by pouring money into product design and development. In
> the piano industry they pour money into slick marketing and sales programs and look for ways
> to cut manufacturing costs. Marketing and sales programs are important, but it seems to me
> that the task of marketing and sales would be made somewhat easier if there were a
> contemporary, dynamic product to market and sell. It would also make the life of the poor
> tuner a whole lot easier.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Del


Hi folks,  The answer to your question seems obvious to me.  Most of the
pianos that are sold these days, I beleive, are verticals.  I suspect
they are also the cheaper verticals of manufacturers' product line.
Profit margin is probably less on the vert. pianos than for grands. 

Now, maybe a re-scaling would make the piano better from the tuner's
point of view. But most owners of cheap pianos, from my experience, are
not able to appreciate a well scaled piano.  Most of these pianos don't
even sound all that great after being tuned, at least to me.

So, if changes were made as you suggest, I don't think it would increase
sales at all!  Why then, would a manufacturer re-tool, spend lots of
money on the lowest profit margin segment of his product line, when
increased sales would be unlikely?

I was once at one of Al Sanerson's seminars. In the room was a rep from
Baldwin. This question came up during class.  The rep's reply was that
they hold hold millions of these pianos...why change?

I doubt piano sales are down because of poor scaling.  Most people I
know have owned more than one computer and have spent more money on
those computers and associated equipment to purchase a very nice high
end upright.  These same people will hesitate to spend the money for a
very much needed regulation.

Piano sales are down for one simple reason...peoples priorities have
changed!  They buy VCRs, computers, answering machines, micorwave ovens,
luxury cars, cell phones...almost all of which did not exist 20 years
ago. (yes..VCR/camcorders were around in the late 60's.  They cost about
$2000.  VW bugs sold for about $1600 back then.)

I agree that it would be nice to tune nicely scaled starter pianos, but
it won't happen. It's not cost effective.  I come from a manufacturing
environment...if it won't increase the profit margin or allow increased
sales via lower pricing, product redesign probably won't happen.
-- 

Frank Cahill
Associate Member
Northern Va