Friends: On rare occasions I do something similar. Suppose I tune a piano every six months in September and March. If I tune A440 in September, it can be 30 cents flat in the tenor by March. Best solution: humidity control. Second best solution: change the six-month rotation to more moderate months. Third best solution: leave the piano slightly flat when it's VERY flat, and leave it slightly sharp when it's VERY sharp. Although I make money from pitchraises, doing them over and over on the same piano, when the client doesn't seem to have an ear for music anyway, seems futile. Which raises another subject: For the average household, should the recommended tuning schedule still be every six months? Most of my clients tune annually, which is what I usually recommend (key phrase: average household). This totally avoids the whole "pitch anticipation" question, and the piano is sometimes remarkably close to where I left it the year before. Clyde Hollinger Lititz, PA > >> Even now with the school I service I will tune them (hang on to your hats) > >> as much as six beats sharp (September).
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