Do you play piano?

[Annie Grieshop]

I like my mouse buttery, 'though it's hard to hang on to.

Annie

> -----Original Message-----
> From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org]On
> Behalf Of Jon Page
> Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 4:25 PM
> To: pianotech at ptg.org
> Subject: Do you play piano?
>
>
> I do but with my lack of practice I can't plow through an Invention.
>
> But being able to play certainly has it's assets.  After tuning, I'll
> 'play one of my little things' (as a friend/piano teacher puts it)
> and will comment on what I notice with the touch.
>
> Many times, especially with a well known brand, I'll ask,
> "Do you like the way it plays, this heavy touch"?  Usually
> they'll respond with, "No. but I thought it was supposed to
> play like that". Or, "I thought it would loosen up with playing".
>
> I get a lot of jobs that way.  But playing well without diagnostic
> ability just makes you another good player.
>
> A good analogy to this was in a cooking program this past weekend.
> Jacques Pipan was being interviewed talking about chefs. He considers
> himself a good technician where he'll work with efficiency and
> forethought. He compared himself to his wife, who also is a good cook.
> If they are out dining and she says that she doesn't like the mouse
> because it is too buttery tasting; he knows why: the cream was
> whipped too long.
>
> Much the same with piano actions. A good pianist can say, "I don't like it
> because it's too heavy, or too light, or doesn't respond well."  A tech
> who plays well can come up with a few reasons why the piano doesn't
> strike a chord.
>
> A pilot doesn't need to know how to repair the engine because
> when it konks out, it's too late, no pulling over; but they do
> have to know
> about the mechanical systems and verify their functioning in a pre-flight
> inspection. However, I prefer to have my car mechanic to be able to
> take it out for a test drive.  Plumbers and electricians have it easy,
> all they have to do is turn valves and flick switches.
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Page
>