[pianotech] Subject: Broken plate

[Gerald Groot]

That is a very true story.  This fellow was a member of my chapter, the
Western Michigan Chapter.  Terry Zimmerman was his name.  I can't recall
anymore if he had to buy her a piano that was equivalent to what she had or
if he had to buy her a brand new piano.  He lost because the judge said that
it happened while HE was working on the piano.  Therefore, HE was
responsible for any damages to it.  Since then, he has customers sign
waivers.  If I remember correctly and I may not as this was something like
30 some years ago, it was to the tune of over $2,000 but, I'm not too sure
about the cost.  Too long ago to remember it.  

 

I had a Janssen console one time, I raised it over 1 full tone to A/440
during the winter months.  6 months later, in mid July, she called saying
she heard this loud BANG!!!!!!!  She opened up the piano and saw a big crack
in the "gold part of the piano."  Yep, it was the harp.  Fortunately for me,
I warn everyone if I have to raise pitch 3/8 tone or more of the
'possibility' of harp and string breakage and we are not responsible for it.
She understood the situation and bought a new piano.  I always ask my
customers..  Do you wish for me to continue?  I then proceed from there.  I
have never had them sign anything..  I know, I  should.

 

 

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Kerry
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 1:27 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Subject: Broken plate

 

I recall that there was once a court case where the tech was sued over a
broken plate and won. As I recall, various other technicians and industry
types testified in his behalf. Does anyone else remember that, and/or have
any information on it? It would be a handy precedent to point to, just in
case. 

 

BTW, I did have a small grand plate break on me years ago. About all I
remember is that it was loud and nearly caused me to go home and change my
trousers. Fortunately, I had mentioned the possibility and the customer was
very understanding. The next one might not be.

 

Kerry Kean

 

  _____  

From: Ryan Sowers [mailto:tunerryan at gmail.com] 
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 12:18 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Subject: Broken plate

 

 




    In hindsight, I probably should have declined to tune the piano.  Chuck



Chuck,

It's probably a good thing you did tune the piano! Best to get it over with.
Now the piano is out of commission and won't iay waiting for some other
hapless technician. 

Its good to have the reminder about warning customers. It should probably be
part of the normal spiel. That was nice of you to find her another piano -
these are the situations that can really boost your reputation. 
-- 
Ryan Sowers, RPT
Puget Sound Chapter
Olympia, WA
www.pianova.net



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