[pianotech] Pre-tuning preparation

[David Ilvedson]

I like that backpack, but it looks like it is no longer available...'-[

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: pianofritz50 at aol.com
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 12/10/2009 1:16:02 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Pre-tuning preparation



>Hi Al, I'd guess I'm in the 15-20 minute category of prepping before the tuning starts 
>if I've never tuned that piano before.  I want to look it over, ask questions, maybe 
>pull the lower panel, play a simple piano piece, chromatic scale to check each note & 
>key's action, etc.  (Most of these 1st time pianos need a pitch raise, which costs 
>extra, anyway.)

>If I HAVE tuned the piano before, I'm probably more like 10 min or less, unless the 
>client wants to talk more.  Hey, it's their buck, though I generally wouldn't charge 
>extra for that.

>I do have a backpack w/ my necessary "20 tunings" tools (as Randy Potter calls it).  
>My extra tool kit (for that 21st tuning/repair) is left out in the car.  That sure 
>facilitates getting in & out of the house easily.  And of course, after 40-50 tunings I 
>have to go thru that backpack and take OUT tools that haven't been used in awhile, 
>lightening it up.  And as far as recording the temp/humdity, I just have the indicator 
>sitting on my open backpack, and do the recording as I'm putting everything away in 
>it's little compartment.  

>I use the backpack that an older article referenced, and I'm very happy with it:  
>http://www.duluthtrading.com/69094.aspx  It even has a elastic pouch on the side 
>for a small Gatoraide bottle.

>PS  I use a Verituner PocketPC (and Spurlock holder) which easily runs on battery for 
>at least one tuning if not two.  I also do unison tuning as I go, which eliminates the 
>time needed to strip mute the piano.

>Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...   Bill Fritz, St Louis

>---------------------------------------------------------------
>From: Al Guecia/AlliedPianoCraft <AlliedPianoCraft at hotmail.com> 
>To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org> 
>Subject: [pianotech] Pre-tuning preparation 
>Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:28:04 -0500 
>I know we've talked recently about how long it take everyone to tune a piano. My 
>problem is getting ready to tune a piano. Greeting the customer, getting all the tools 
>I need out of my bag, taking a reading on the temp and hum, taking a reading of the 
>piano for my ETD, writing all the info on their bill, etc, etc. It's taking me about 15 to 
>20 minutes. What do you all do? How much time does it take everyone to get ready 
>to tune? Am I wasting to much time?
>Al