45 min tunings

[Phil Bondi]

> I think this is true, but if it is possible to do the same level of work in
> half the time, then that means mo money (and mo free time).  :-)
>
John, it is my suggestion to you that you be careful with this line of
thinking..it is my opinion that you do not want the customer to ever feel
short-changed in any way..even if it takes you 35 minutes to tune the piano,
spend some time with the regulation - clean the keys - touch-up a spot here and
there..NO, I am NOT advocating giving away the farm - I am offering suggestions
to help with the perception that it takes xx amount of time to 'tune'..those that
see you, as a technician, caring for their instrument more than they do(in many
cases) will be the first people who will call you back to service their piano or
will be the first to ok your suggestion to them that it is time to  service their
piano again or will be the first people to refer your services to their friends.

Many times I will spend 3-5 minutes playing on my work - I do this for 2 reasons:
1) I still like to play! and 2) The customer likes to hear what it sounds like
after you're done..yes, it is part of my persona as a piano technician that I can
play what I work on..not very well!, but in most cases, better than the customer
can play - If I know the customer is a player, I offer the bench to them to 'test
drive' my work..again, part of my overall persona.

This has been my experiences to date...yes - time is money - charge
accordingly..it has taken me a while to figure this out for myself.

Rook