So, what's wrong with each one of us just stating what our hourly rates and
tuning fee's rates are? Providing, everyone is honest about it. Nobody is
advising us on what to charge that way. We are merely offering it for
nothing. That isn't discussing it is it?
I think it would be very interesting reading.
Jer
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Paul T Williams
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 5:27 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Wurlitzer Reeds
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
<http://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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