[pianotech] Wurlitzer Reeds

[Paul T Williams]

It's pretty obvious that we don't charge enough hourly wage for our craft. 
 

I know we're not supposed to discuss our rates, but it would be very 
interesting to know what we all charge, or what the average is

Duaine for one, probably doesn't charge enough if he is the only one 
taking on those old player beasts, yet complains that he only makes enough 
to "get by", or sadly, doesn't have enough technical knowledge to 
re-string, regulate, rebuild all but major items like soundboards, 
bridges, and the like, or even rebushing keys;  therefore can't afford to 
take the time at a convention to learn more about the instrument he fixes. 
 Very sad indeed. 

The more one learns and can implement into his/her business, the more 
he/she can and should earn.  Learning more piano skills always ends up 
earning us more $; and I'll estimate our average is somewhere between 
$50-75/hr. or (should I say, more?..Less than that is very sad indeed). 
Every time I attend a convention, my head hurts from so much new 
information pouring into my brain in such a short amount of time. It's 
always worth more than the time I lose from not working for 4-5 days!! 

BTW, teachers at the conventions are the best in our industry and have a 
checkbook to prove it.  If you're not earning at least $50/hour, then it's 
time to add more knowledge and charge accordingly.

Nobody can do what we do....especially tune (ETD or aural....I'm not 
opening that can-o-worms again), yet people always need to have their 
piano tuned.  Perhaps people need carpenters, electricians, plumbers, more 
than us, but we're more specialized than most of these on the list. Tattoo 
artists at 200/hour??  I don't have one, but interesting! 

Time to boost the rates, eh?

Best to you all.

Paul




From:
Robert Uckie <robertuckie at gmail.com>
To:
pianotech at ptg.org
Date:
05/19/2010 03:49 PM
Subject:
[pianotech] Wurlitzer Reeds



I was just online ordering Wurlitzer reeds (for myself) at vintagevibe.com 
and came across this really great comparison on their FAQ page which I 
thought was pretty awesome. Here it is:

Examples:  If you were to  go out and look for any of these tradesmen 
there would be yellow pages full of them. Even amplifier techs are a dime 
a dozen comparatively. On the other hand, there are a small handful of 
truly qualified vintage keyboard technicians across the country. The true 
techs deserve every bit of money they get. 
 
Hourly rate in this area 
                          Tattoo Artist      200.00 per hour
                          Carpenter          100.00 
                          Electrician         125.00
                          Plumber            125.00
                          Mechanic           85.00
                          Lawyer              400.00
                          Regarded Guitar Amp Techs  $95.00 -120.00 hour
                         
Unlike an Amplifier technician who just works on electronics, a true 
keyboard tech has to be well versed in piano regulation, tuning and 
electronics, this is why it takes about 3 times as long or more to repair 
a keyboard than an amplifier. A gifted Keyboard tech can make magic happen 
and you will know it instantly by playing your instrument, an average 
keyboard tech will tell you what he fixed, charge you and you will not 
even notice any change other than the obvious.

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