<html> Hi all, I'm just getting back into the business after a hiatus of nearly twenty years, and I really appreciate the lively discussion here.  It's wonderful to run into so many sharing individuals, and so many craftspeople who really care -- a rare commodity these days, something to be treasured.  Thank you all. Anyhow, in answer to the poll...   I learned back in the late 70's using a Hale Sight-O-Tuner.  I just recently got it (and my other tools) out of storage and used it to tune just the other day.  It still works fine, mostly.  For those of you who remember, it requires the user to manually check the stretch on just one note, then use a sort of cardboard slide-rule stretch calculator, recalibrating as you go.  The result is probably not going to satisfy a concert pianist, but for the average, family instrument, it's still okay.  As soon as I can afford a more current model I'll certainly upgrade. I aurally do the top octaves though, and check the bass aurally -- mostly for practice, but also because it can be a slow process using the Sight-O-Tuner; and it's the way I was originally trained years ago.  I'm aiming to be able to tune the whole instrument aurally someday. Incidentally, if there are any on this list in the Los Angeles area who could use a part-time assistant looking to re-learn and upgrade his skills, please contact me.  I've just begun the process of joining the PTG, so you may find me at meetings; or you can contact me via email. Thanks, all!  and-- happy holidays! Mickey Kessler Van Nuys, CA At 09:43 AM 12/21/01 -0800, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>hi piano-tekkers, I'd like to take a poll to determine what percentage of techs on this list (i wonder how many ARE subscribed??) use ETDs, or are strickly aural; I will assume that ETD users use aural skills in conjuntion with their ETDs, perhaps for tuning unisons and doing various tests. Also, those who DO use ETDs, I'd be curious to know what type is used, such as SAT, RTC, etc. thanks! Terry Terry Peterson Peterson Piano Service Rolling Hills Estates, CA   _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: <a href="http://messenger.msn.com/" eudora="autourl">http://messenger.msn.com</a></blockquote></html>