<HTML><BODY style="word-wrap: break-word; -khtml-nbsp-mode: space; -khtml-line-break: after-white-space; "><BR><DIV><DIV>On Dec 8, 2006, at 7:20 AM, Porritt, David wrote:</DIV><BR class="Apple-interchange-newline"><BLOCKQUOTE type="cite"><P style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px"><FONT face="Helvetica" size="5" style="font: 16.0px Helvetica">Could it be that you don't encounter the sounding board problems that</FONT></P> <P style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px"><FONT face="Helvetica" size="5" style="font: 16.0px Helvetica">have been mentioned because the weather in your area is much more</FONT></P> <P style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px"><FONT face="Helvetica" size="5" style="font: 16.0px Helvetica">benign?</FONT></P> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR></DIV><DIV>Absolutely. It could be. Good point. </DIV><DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV>Still: we have to work within a framework that's determined by cultural perception and the iconic, mythic status of the Steinway name. If my choice is to frame it so it feels positive instead of punitive, or to rail and fume and demand satisfaction, I choose number one. </DIV><DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV>Literally all you can do is be honest with the piano owner in as diplomatic and non-condemning a way as possible---without minimizing the bad news or lying even by omission. I figure if I have engendered real trust, it's not a problem.</DIV><DIV>With trust, nothing's a problem. I see this again and again in my practice. Trust is the most valuable tool; the most desirable atmosphere in which to function....it's easy. You can rest, relax, and focus. People love it, because they rarely deal with somebody by who they feel truly taken care of.</DIV><DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV>David A.</DIV><BR></BODY></HTML>