<HTML>In a message dated 12/13/00 9:24:40 AM Pacific Standard Time, Wimblees@AOL.COM writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"> Not relating this to the tuning exam per se, but if you rely on an ETD, then a tuner should be very sure that the instrument is working properly, and juiced up all the time. If the instrument has to go to a shop for repairs, preparations should be made to obtain a replacement. If by chance, a machine does break down, a new appointment can be set up. Unless it is a concert situation, a customer can wait a couple of days for the piano to be tuned. If it is a concert situation, then it would be the tuner's responsibility to find another machine, or find someone who has a machine. It is called being prepared. The ETD is part of your tool kit. A competent tuner/tecyhnicaisn should make sure all his/her tools are working properly, all the time. Willem </BLOCKQUOTE> I agree hold heartily, Wim, but my point is that because I am also an aural tuner, my ear saved the week. I had no way of knowing that the SAT was going out. It charged up very well the week before. Dave Peake, RPT Portland Chapter Oregon City, OR www.davespianoworks.locality.com </HTML>