<HTML>List, More of the same:  Today I tuned an 1899 Shiller upright, all original, even the bridal straps but in good shape.  It was a 3/4 plate, open faced pinblock design.  It is a *fixture* in this old house on the *organic, whole earth* side of town where there is no air conditioning and only a few blocks from the lake. Air conditioning or not, this is the time of year where temperatures are moderate, there is lots of rain and windows are open all day and left slightly open at night.  When the temperature goes down at night, the air quickly reaches its dewpoint.  Areas of fog (100% humidity) are common.  This is unfortunate because people want to use their pianos and want them tuned but it will only be a matter of weeks until sharply colder weather comes on, the heat goes on and 60% indoor humidity plummits to 30%. With an admirable record of service, the old Shiller upright's A4 stood on September 27th at +41 cents.  I mercifully evened out the pitch in a 2 pass tuning at +24 cents.  No, I didn't *fully inform* the customers who asked me to leave the bill, they were going for a bicycle ride around the lake.  I left the bill which charged for "Piano Tuning", my usual, going rate which is the highest in the area.  I didn't look to see if the plate was cracked although I didn't see any cracks in the plate when I adjusted the damper pedal. Bill Bremmer RPT Madison, Wisconsin</HTML>