This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment Thanks to everyone for the response. At least now it`s not my word = against some un-named tech.I`ve been off the list for quite a while due = to my work load. I forgot how specific one should be. I presented a = thumbnail sketch of the situation to keep the post from being too long = and to keep from introducing bias to the responses. With all new = customers I discuss pitch raising in general, possibility of broken = strings, condition and quality of the piano, action, hammers ect. ect.. = However, never,never,never, has it entered into my mind to caution = against rib seperation in connection with a 15 cent or for that matter, = any percent pitch raise. Thanks again and get the heck away from those = computers, It`s Labor Day weekend. Al Williams -----Original Message----- From: Richard Brekne <richardb@c2i.net> To: pianotech@ptg.org <pianotech@ptg.org> Date: Sunday, September 05, 1999 6:25 AM Subject: Re: Liability advice =20 =20 =20 kam544@flash.net wrote:=20 > ...Since I did not give her fair warning as to what could = happen, she=20 >feels that I am liable for the damage to her piano`s ribs. Her = thinking=20 >is that it worked fine before I tuned it and now it is broke. = So what do=20 >you all think?...Thanks, Al Williams.=20 Dear Al,=20 Here's what I think.=20 Customarily, 'fair warning' is definitely in order for any piano = that has=20 been neglected that long, and especially one that you have no = previous=20 knowledge concerning it condition. Som regardless of the = condition of the=20 piano before you arrived, the ball has the appearance of falling = into your=20 court due to the omission of that one verbal oversight. And = indicating=20 that you have been an RPT for 19 years does little to strengthen = what=20 should be customary procedure by now.=20 Why not secure the ribs back to the soundboard to eliminate the = buzzing,=20 admit to the customer of your failure to mention firsthand that = anything=20 could happen, an error on your part at the most, and express = sincere=20 appreciation for them having the courage to contact you, thereby = allowing=20 you the opportunity to make things right. =20 Er.... DANGER....=20 =20 =20 My two bits.... First of all, it is perhaps a good idea when tuning = a piano of dubious condition and make, to advise the customer that = strings may break, a few problems may pop up, etc. The idea that tuning = an older piano up to pitch can cause major structual damage is = ludicrious. Any "reaction" to tuning from the piano, as you describe = above is due to some major weakness in structure previous to the tuning. = Under no conditions, are you responsible for this kind of damage.=20 As far as what the other tech said or did not say, remember you have = it second hand, from the customer herself who is understandably = motivated to be a bit prejudicial in her assesment of the situation and = advise she recieves.=20 Do not, in this case offer to fix the piano or in any way admit = guilt in this regard, this is a almost guarranteed can of worms.. If you = start fixing ribs on top of that you could very easily end up in a real = big hole full of them. grin.=20 (Sorry to dissagree so adamantly Keith. I have been down that road, = and seen others go there. There is a time and a place for a positivistic = approach, and this is more then likely neither. )=20 Be firm, polite and dont budge an inch in regards to your customer. = Be patient with them as well as they (in all ignorance) are = understandably upset and suspicious. Be also aware that your membership = in the PTG entitles you to some degree of legal support (correct me if I = am wrong, as in expert opinions and documentation of facts) in the case = you get into court.=20 =20 Richard Brekne=20 I.C.P.T.G. N.P.T.F.=20 Bergen, Norway=20 ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/4c/f7/f5/e1/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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