<HTML>In a message dated 11/18/02 2:58:53 AM !!!First Boot!!!, davidlovepianos@earthlink.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Several questions arise considering recent discussions about patent infringements, though this takes a slightly different angle.  At what point do changes breach any tacit understandings/agreements about what can be done to a piano and still call it that maker's piano?  Does the technician have any legal or other obligation to adhere to the designers intention, or commit any breach by making such changes?  What is the responsibility to inform customers of such changes (say in a spec situation with a piano for sale)?  Or any other considerations that I have not mentioned, or though of.  These types of changes, I realize, are made all the time.  What obligation do we have as technicians in such situations?  Any other thoughts on the subject would be appreciated.   David Love   </BLOCKQUOTE> David If a piano is still under warrantee, then any changes like you mentioned will automatically void the warrantee. If any changes are going to be done after the warrantee is up, I think the piano can still be called a "Steinway," but the customer should be informed what is going to be done, and why. The customer will need to approve any changes that going to be made to the piano that are different from what the factory did. Not only will it need to be explained why these changes are being made, but more importantly, that the piano will not be the same as an original Steinway. This is to protect the tech in case the customer wants to sell the piano at a later date, and another tech claims the piano has been altered, and therefore is not worth as much. Just my 2 cents worth Wim </HTML>