Dear Joe and others, I apologize for the inability of email texts to properly convey feelings and connotations. I meant no sneer or slam on anybody. I know that many out there, particularly those on this pianotech list, run excellent rebuilding shops fully capable of handling restorations such as these. I also know that I have a bit of the school teacher tone in me, probably from years and academia along with years of teaching piano before I went full time into instrument work. I don't sneer Joe. Never. Clearly you don't know me, but how could you through the filter of random list contributions? What I do is care, think, anticipate, question, and try to do the best. I'm more accurately accused of being too idealistic and hopeful. I frequently am taken advantage of because I'm too trusting. But, I don't sneer. It isn't in my nature. I just have seen too many absolute horrors, horrors I'm sure you would agree ARE horrors, travesties wrought in supposedly reputable "standard rebuilding shops". The worst that comes to mind is an 1830 Bosendorfer I saw in a major store in the Washington DC area. They were so proud of it. They had essentially destroyed an important piano by putting modern hammers on it, polyurethane finish, plastic keytops, modern thick felts. It barely played, but it was shiny alright. So forgive me when I step up to defend the pianos that cannot speak for themselves. Forgive me for asking that we first stop and think before we dive in. So, I will correct my use of "standard" to what? How about "actually inexperienced and not so good". I'm sure you folks have seen such things as well. This episode is why I often do not participate in this list. It is so easy to be misunderstood. I had hoped that some would appreciate bringing up a different point of view. I'm delighted to see such intelligent contributions from Del and Susan, contributions that I'm sure are very helpful to those on the list who have less experience. We were all in that position once. I've only ever heard of good things about you, Joe. Keep up the good work. Anne Anne Acker Historic Keyboard Specialist Anne Acker Early Keyboards http://www.anneackerkeyboards.com http://www.pianogrands.com mobile 912-704-3048
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