<HTML>Del, I agree that there are many, many thoughtless performers out there. That is one reason for this dissertation.  But I know a few technicians who would rather the piano not be played at all, or at least no Liszt (the common string-breaking pieces!) Of course we should do no harm... use that in the document itself! Thanks for the thoughts.  May I quote you?  I'd really like to use your last quote.  I need to find some technicians who are disgusted by the thought! (no, I'm not being sarcastic, I really need this) In a message dated 2/16/2002 4:33:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, pianobuilders@olynet.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Laurie, I doubt you will find many piano technicians who will agree that the practice of preparing a piano for a performance is a good thing. This will be especially true among those of us who have had the misfortune of following up some of those performances the day after and being then faced with the task of repairing the damage done by ignorant and thoughtless performers. There is probably not much you can do about the thoughtlessness, but it will be a good thing if you can dispel some of the ignorance by including in your thesis information on how easily damaged are certain parts of the piano. Following some of these concerts I've personally repaired (more often than not this means replacing) damaged dampers, hammers and strings. In one case both the soundboard and even the cast iron plate were damaged by a (in this case) so-called artist. Perhaps the guiding motto of the prepared piano artist might be, "First, do no harm...." After a few of these experiences my recommendation to all piano managers became simply to allow the artist to do whatever he/she wished to do to the piano--as you've pointed out, they are probably going to do so anyway--but only after signing a binding financial responsibility agreement. It has been my observation that most folks--even artists--are much more careful with their preparing when faced with the prospect of paying out hundreds (sometimes thousands) of their own dollars for the unpreparing. Regards, Del </BLOCKQUOTE> </HTML>