In a message dated 8/27/99 2:22:49 AM !!!First Boot!!!, delgit@acc-net.com writes: << I have a customer with an Emerson 5' grand that was "re-worked" by another tech unknown to me and she has been disappointed with the sound. I examined the piano which has new hammers on old shanks, new bass strings with over-size tuning pins, doped treble wire tuning pins, no after touch, no crown, some speaking length bearing but negative rear (hitch pin side) bearing. I doubt the crown and bearing were ever measured. But, the new finish is OK. She wants to know if I can make it sound better. I suggested regulation and possibly re-hanging the hammers on new shanks and flanges wilst establishing a proper strike line (current one not good) might achieve a little improvement but the lack of bearing and crown is a major problem. Is it worth even considering re-stringing this piano as is? I wouldn't think so and an Emerson grand is not worth the costs of new soundboard and such. Del Gittinger, RPT >> Del: The customer wants to get her money's worth. She paid someone a large amount of money not to long ago to "redo" her piano, only to find out that what she wanted was not possible. Now she wants you to "work a miracle" It is unfortunate that we have people in our industry who do not have the understanding of what makes a piano work. They might have seen a few articles on replacing bass strings, and perhaps had someone else do the action, but this piano should never had any work done to it in the first place. As gently as possible, break the news to her that if she wants a piano that sound and plays like she wants a piano to play and sound, that she should look for another piano. Willem Blees
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