Prepared Pianos question

[LHudicek@AOL.COM]

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Del,

I agree that there are many, many thoughtless performers out there. That is 
one reason for this dissertation.  But I know a few technicians who would 
rather the piano not be played at all, or at least no Liszt (the common 
string-breaking pieces!)

Of course we should do no harm... use that in the document itself!

Thanks for the thoughts.  May I quote you?  I'd really like to use your last 
quote.  I need to find some technicians who are disgusted by the thought! 
(no, I'm not being sarcastic, I really need this)

In a message dated 2/16/2002 4:33:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
pianobuilders@olynet.com writes:


> Laurie,
>  
> I doubt you will find many piano technicians who will agree that the 
> practice of preparing a piano for a performance is a good thing. This will 
> be especially true among those of us who have had the misfortune of 
> following up some of those performances the day after and being then faced 
> with the task of repairing the damage done by ignorant and thoughtless 
> performers. 
>  
> There is probably not much you can do about the thoughtlessness, but it 
> will be a good thing if you can dispel some of the ignorance by including 
> in your thesis information on how easily damaged are certain parts of the 
> piano. Following some of these concerts I've personally repaired (more 
> often than not this means replacing) damaged dampers, hammers and strings. 
> In one case both the soundboard and even the cast iron plate were damaged 
> by a (in this case) so-called artist. Perhaps the guiding motto of the 
> prepared piano artist might be, "First, do no harm...."
>  
> After a few of these experiences my recommendation to all piano managers 
> became simply to allow the artist to do whatever he/she wished to do to the 
> piano--as you've pointed out, they are probably going to do so anyway--but 
> only after signing a binding financial responsibility agreement. It has 
> been my observation that most folks--even artists--are much more careful 
> with their preparing when faced with the prospect of paying out hundreds 
> (sometimes thousands) of their own dollars for the unpreparing. 
>  
> Regards,
> 
> Del
>  
> 
> 


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