<html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; = charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1>  </fo= nt>   -----Original = Message----- From: = pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Alpha88x@aol.com Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2004 11:53 = PM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Re: soft pedal = on new Kawaii   Greeetings List,             &= nbsp;   Thank you for the information and suggestions. I have decided to go back = and adjust the hammer rest rail via the pedal wing nut back to spec of = approx 50mm 1.75" plus/minus as I found it and as sugessted by this list.             &= nbsp;    I am also going to advise the player to use the middle pedal, (which is = a practice mute rail) instead of the soft pedal for the softening, and = explain piano quality: Una corde 101, if you will, ie: the difference between a = grand's una corde and the "poor man's" una corde as in the upright. I = have heard this referred to as poor man's una corde before. I guess I gotta "spilll the beans".             &= nbsp;    It's a shame. They just purchased this Kawaii in March of this year ( I = have to look closer at the exact model of Kawaii when I return), and their = daughter is aspiring to be a real fine player, at 14, she played with a symphony in = NYC and is expected to commence piano study at Oberlin Conservatory in the = fall!  How the piano dealer could sell this type of piano to this caliber = student, I'll never know!                &= nbsp;      When I "spill the beans" they may decide to return the piano = to the dealer in order to get something better, if they tell the dealer that = I told them this una corde stuff, = the dealer may not like me so much for telling all, and may not hire me = again for his 'first free tuning' on his piano sales.             &= nbsp;     But then again, do I really want to work for a dealer such as this? I = know that, in the long run, I will get a better reputation and more business = by steeriing folks in the right direction, because that's what a business = is built on; integrity. Julia, Reading, PA       =             =       Julia,       =         Respectfully, I think you’re being a bit harsh concerning this = dealer.       =       This is strictly my opinion, but just because the pianist is talented it does = not follow that the dealer did them a disservice in selling them this = console.       =       Maybe their budget precluded the purchase of a grand piano, or perhaps they = told the dealer that the console was the piano that met their = needs.       =       Its certainly your obligation to be truthful with this client, and = encouraging them toward a bigger –better piano is in their best interest, but a = simple explanation of the limitations of the soft pedal in vertical pianos and offering a = solution vis a vis the muffler pedal on this piano is both honest and = informative.       =       In my opinion you can be honest with the client and not burn any bridges = with the dealer.       =       Most dealers have a trade up option on recently purchased pianos. I would = explain to the dealer that this pianist could benefit from a more advanced model, = check out what’s on the floor and make some model recommendations to the = client .You don’t have to play salesperson here. Encourage the client = toward a better model,. Inform the dealer and come out with both parties thanking = you.       =       The other option is to tell the client they made a mistake, making them feel = poorly about their decision (especially if the decision was based on limited = funds).and make the dealer look as if they sold a lousy piano.       =       In my opinion your reputation can be enhanced with both the client and the = dealer. I started 30 = years ago representing a dealer selling Memphis Aeolians. If you’re just = starting out, a relationship with a Kawai dealer sounds pretty good to = me!       =             =         Best = wishes,       =       Tom ---Getting off the soapbox----Driscoll  RPT       =         </div> </body> </html>