<HTML>In a message dated 1/30/01 7:38:22 AM Pacific Standard Time, cneuman@phy.duke.edu writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Bill, It seems that the real tragedy is that they don't believe your professional opinion. I'm sure that happens alot to technicians. Even if you said, "I've heard from other technicians on email, and they have seen similar cases..." they might still blame you. But here's an idea: maybe the Guild can help by publishing reports of commonly recurring problems like this. Then you'd be able to tell them, "I've done some research into the problem, and it turns out that the Guild publish an Official Report on this very case." It would be worded vaguely enough to be meaningful in many different cases, and it might say, "Many technicians have reported strings breaking on pianos that were used with bands, such as in churches. It is believed that the piano has been regularly played at sound levels beyond those for which the piano was originally designed. While each case needs to be reviewed by a technician, remedies have included [list of remedies]." With this, you could say, "The Guild says so." Just a thought. Charles Neuman </BLOCKQUOTE> There was an article about 4 years ago in the PTJ about strings breaking in church pianos. When I find it I will let you know, unless someone beats me to it which is fine. Those of you who already have the CD should find it in a hurry. Give a copy to your church pianist. It may give you some clout. Dave Peake, RPT Portland Chapter Oregon City, OR www.davespianoworks.locality.com </HTML>