grand damper problem

[John Ross]

I have to agree with you, Terry.
When I was in the Navy, I would go on the courses, then when on the ship, I was on my own.
The books and theory instructions, only give you the information. It is when you are faced with the problem, and put the classroom/book knowledge into practice, that you really learn.
If some one is leading you step by step, it does not sink in, as much as you figuring out, and yes even making mistakes, by doing.
John M. Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Farrell 
  To: Pianotech List 
  Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:30 PM
  Subject: Re: grand damper problem


  A number of responses have suggested that John seek the help of a more experienced piano technician. Whereas I do agree that is the optimal way to go, IMHO, anyone with good mechanical inclinations that has some experience with common tools and building and taking apart things should be able to cautiously approach this problem. I'm probably sticking my neck out here, but as long as the John realizes that he'll have to fix (or pay to have fixed) anything he goofs up - and we are talking a LOWREY (not lovely) grand (I didn't know they made grands....sigh....) - and he does know the owner - I say go ahead, it should be good experience. He says he is learning piano technology - I guess I'm assuming that he has at least read about how to remove/replace a grand action.

  IMHO, I think that often technicians are too afraid to dig into a new problem. Pianos are mechanical gizmos. You aren't going to kill it. If you do something stupid it may cost you a bunch of $$, but most anything can be fixed.

  Now don't dig blindly into a new Fazioli and the local concert venue........ We're talkin' Lowreys and Kimballs here!

  I've never had the luxury of having any sort of mentor to show me the way (except for the billion PTG classes and things I have attended). Not all of us have those opportunities.

  I just spent all day yesterday doing a full action regulation on a grand piano that I did a bunch of other work to also (action "refurbish", bass strings, etc.). Got $2,200 for the job. That barely covered the cost of all the new action parts that I also installed after my dog ate the original parts (Mmmmmm - things with leather and hide glue - Mmmmmmmmmmmm-Yummmmmy!). 

  There she is tasting...... I mean helping me with another piano.......



  Maybe that's a different brand of stupid, but the point is, as long as the tech is willing to make it right, even at a loss, I would encourage a tech to dig into something s/he may not have experience with, but thinks they should be able to do it okay. I mean read about it first, prep for it, but don't be too afraid to try it.

  Flame suit buttoned up very, very tight.....

  Terry Farrell

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  SNIP
  > Ultimately you need colleagues.  I'm yet to learn of a "solo" technician who has the range and level of skills of technicians who share ideas with other technicians.
  > 
  > Ed Sutton
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