A-440 and Ethics.

[David Ilvedson]

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I agree, thats the way I do it...
David I.


----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: Mike McCoy <mjmccoy@usa.com>
To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 12:36:01 -0500
Subject: Re: A-440 and Ethics.

I have yet to walk away from a piano leaving it flat, and the=
 majority of my customer base is 1920-30's uprights and I do it=
 all at once with RCT. Rarely do strings break and once I had 3,=
 but that was the most. I don't do this because of any philosophy=
 of mine, but because it has been what I learned from the Potter=
 course, convention classes and other techs I respect. It was=
 explained to me that early on that ear training is very=
 important for piano students. If the piano is intended for=
 lessons and it can not handle a pitch raise then it's time for a=
 different piano, but I have not had to condemn one yet. It is=
 also my understanding that if the plate breaks because of a=
 pitch raise/correction then there was  most likely a defect in=
 the plate, is that not true??

Is a new student's progress hampered by a flat piano?

Mike



Mike McCoy 
Langhorne, Pa

Alpha88x@aol.com wrote:

Greetings, 

            Usually, when I get a tuning call, it is a piano=
 which hasn't been kept up the tunings on. I always ask how long=
 since it was last tuned. They usually don't know. especially if=
 they have taken in an "orphan" piano.

             I do not like to raise the A4 pitch on any piano=
 more than say 1/4 a tone or so, if it's been neglectd tunings.=
 This is because I don't want to run the risk of cracking=
 anyone's harp plate, let alone breaking strings. Especially on=
 the little spinets, whose plates are 5/8" or less thick.

              When I get to the house, I check the A-440 and it's=
 octaves and get an idea of the overall tone of the piano; whrere=
 it went flat the most. I always explain the concept of A-440 to=
 the customer, and more times than not, it doesnt matter to them=
 if its up to A-440 or not. 

           They just would like it in tune with itself. I also=
 explain that pianos are designed to be tuned to A-440 for best=
 results. (unless it is an extremely old, dry upright that's seen=
 better days and wont let you even gradually take it up that far,=
 even with subsequent tunings/loose pins or bridges coming off) I=
 tune it the best I can get it, to sound at the A-4?? and suggest=
 subsequent tunings so we can gradually get it there. They agree=
 to a reminder card from me for follow ups ....say, 4 to 6 mo for=
 the first follow-up. I also inform them that with each tuning=
 the piano becomes more stable and to never let a piano go more=
 than 2 years max.

          On hearing these pianos, they are so, so neglected and=
 out of tune, the piano always sounds better upon my departure,=
 and thats all alot of folks want in order to start the kid's=
 lessons, without paying "an arm and a leg".  With customers who=
 are more vigilant of how their piano sounds is another matter.

          My tuning teacher used to say "As long as it sounds a=
 lot better when you leave than from when you arrived". 

Julia, 
Reading, PA


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