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A number of months ago I posted this and thought it might be helpful to do so again. We are always welcoming members who are new to piano ownership. These are a few considerations to help ensure that you receive a first-rate tuning. Before Arrival:- When scheduling your appointment, remember to mention any mechanical problems such as sticky keys, squeaks, and minor adjustments so that extra time can be scheduled.
- Make sure that the lawn/snow crew or carpenters are not scheduled at the same time. All Tuners Need Quiet!
- Clear all objects from the top or lid of the piano. Family Photos - Plants - Candles - Grandma's Ashes - Everything!
- Make sure that there is adequate lighting. Remember, you will have already removed any piano lamps that either clip on, or are placed on any surface of the piano. This includes the music desk of a grand as it needs to be removed for tuning. Provide a free standing floor lamp if necessary.
- Dust the piano! Clean the keys!
Upon Arrival:- Always treat your tuner with a cordial and mannered disposition. He/She is a professional and should be treated as such.
- Escort your tuner to the piano, offer a beverage, and make them aware of the closest facilities.
- Politely excuse yourself and let your tuner do the tuning in private and without interference. Exceptions may be accommodated by your tuner. Ask first - Don't assume.
- Keep Quiet. This is not the time to do the dishes, run the laundry, blast the TV or stereo, or mow the lawn.
- Corral the kids. A tuner is not a babysitter or an amusement for your children. The same concept applies to pets.
- Sometimes sounds we are accustomed to can be distracting to a tuner. The chiming and ticking grandfather clock or a noisy bird can affect the outcome of your tuning.
After Tuning:- Check the tuning by playing music you have memorized and are comfortable playing. Extended scales, of various types, serve the same purpose. Now is the time to listen to the tuning, not your performance. If you are not a pianist, it is best to assume that the tuning is fine.
- If your tuner plays the piano, there is nothing wrong with asking him/her to do a little playing so you can stand back and listen to the tuning. It is not a recital for your enjoyment. It is for you to listen to the accuracy of the tuning.
- If you notice any problems with unisons or intervals, now is the time to have them corrected. It is your responsibility to evaluate the tuning, at the time of service, to give your approval or ask for corrections.
- When you are satisfied, pay for the service, and conclude the session.
Optional: - Tip for the service. I always do, but many do not.
- Provide a snack or cookies. Hey, we're all human!
- Have a TV-table(s) available for the tuner's tool kit and/or beverages and munchies.
- Get to know your tuner. There is nothing wrong with being sociable.
For many of us, we know the routine. However, we always have many newcomers in the forum and I offer these as a general guide. By all means, please add your own comments and additions. These guidelines are just the basics, as I see them, and it would be great to hear your opinions.
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
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Good points Marty. As a tuner myself, I cannot resist adding a few points: 1) MOVE YOUR #!@%ING SQUAWKING BIRDS SOMEWHERE ELSE FAR FROM YOUR PIANO! 2) IF YOUR TUNER PLAYS THE PIANO, LET HIM OR HER GIVE YOU A SMALL RECITAL AT THE END! THE PLEASURE OF TURNING AN UGLY DUCKING INTO A SWAN IS THE SECOND BEST REWARD FOR A TUNER. PLAYING THE FRESHLY TUNED PIANO IS A GREAT REWARD FOR US! 3) CONSIDER GIVING YOUR TUNER A BACK RUB AFTER THEY ARE DONE! (JUST KIDDING!!! SORT OF.....)
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Very nice post! My wife and I did pretty well based on your list. We did not offer a drink right away; we will fix that next time. Also forgot to turn off the clock chime. One thing I would add. If this your first tuning, I would hope the tech would not mind taking a few minutes to explain the process. Mine did and it really added to the experience. I didn't think about a tip. We must spend too much time in Japan. Will fix that next time as well.
Yamaha C2X | Yamaha M500-F Groucho Marx: "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." Curriculum: Faber Developing Artist (Book 3) Current: German Dance in D Major (Haydn) (OF); Melody (Schumann) (OF)
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Paul, I have a few responses to your comments. 1) Some people consider squawking birds to be pets. However, I consider them to be dinner. 2) I always enjoy a short recital. I think I covered that previously unlike the covered birdcage. However, at the recital point you might consider offering a different beverage. 3) Unfortunately, my back rub license has lapsed. But it is a great idea!
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
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Thanks, Marty. I must have missed this earlier. Masterful. (Needs to be enshrined in the Piano FAQ subforum.) Yes, Paul678, birds too. (And anything these critters may have left behind )
Last edited by bkw58; 09/12/14 09:15 PM. Reason: change in subforum
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Ya know Bob, I think it is better here. I have run it twice before in this forum and the techs seem to respond with long discussions about concert service, stage lighting, noisy atmosphere, rude stage hands, etc.
I get slammed enough over there. I'd prefer to keep it informative, for the home piano owner, rather than being battered to death.
(Just so this makes sense, originally Bob suggested the Tech Forum)
Last edited by Minnesota Marty; 09/12/14 09:24 PM. Reason: Forum Facts
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
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Thanks, Marty. I thought that I was in the tech forum. Then I came to my senses and changed it.
I was looking at your second suggestion under "before arrival." It was so rare for a client to unload the piano that on one (perhaps the first) occasion, upon finishing the tuning, gratefully I placed all of the things setting on the nearby couch and chairs back atop the piano. Entering the room, client asked: "Why did you put those things on the piano?" "Thanks for unloading the piano; just wanted to return the favor," said I. Client: "Those things are on the couch and chairs to keep the dog from jumping on the furniture."
Have a great evening.
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Thanks for these common-sense suggestions.
I've scheduled a first tuning the week after next. Not to derail the discussion, but a question if I may...
I've heard that tuners may get paid less for first / "warranty" tunings, and that some people have offered to pay the difference to ensure that their piano gets all the love and attention it deserves. Is there any truth to this?
I've heard a good tuning can take 2 hours. My tuner estimated 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes for this first tuning, so I was curious.
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Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
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Thanks for these common-sense suggestions.
I've scheduled a first tuning the week after next. Not to derail the discussion, but a question if I may...
I've heard that tuners may get paid less for first / "warranty" tunings, and that some people have offered to pay the difference to ensure that their piano gets all the love and attention it deserves. Is there any truth to this?
I've heard a good tuning can take 2 hours. My tuner estimated 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes for this first tuning, so I was curious. Hello Let off, While there are stores that underpay an independent tech. to do as little work as they can, there are other dealers who are proud to send out a piano beautifully prepped, well tuned, and have full time salaried techs. who are paid to keep customers happy. I would start out by casually asking the tech when they sit down if the piano is at A 440 (proper pitch). If not, express that you would like it tuned to A440. If necessary, offer to pay directly for the service. Also ask about the general condition of the piano. Was the preparation of the piano performed well? What would he suggest to optimize the performance of the piano? This should tell you what you need to know. Keep us posted. Fine thread Marty!
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Good morning, Marty:
A couple of additions to consider.
Before arrival:
.You need not move the piano out from the wall. You may hurt your back. If necessary your tuner will give it a nudge to avoid scratching the wall when opening the lid.
.Turn off ceiling, oscillating, and box fans.
Thanks again, Marty. It's a great list.
Last edited by bkw58; 09/13/14 07:50 AM. Reason: deletion
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Great point. All ceiling fans near the music room were turned off.
Yamaha C2X | Yamaha M500-F Groucho Marx: "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." Curriculum: Faber Developing Artist (Book 3) Current: German Dance in D Major (Haydn) (OF); Melody (Schumann) (OF)
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Excellent post Marty!
If your tuner/technician does not ask if you have experienced any problems with the "keys", (action), tone, and/or pedals feel free to describe them before she/he starts work.
In a seemingly infinite universe-infinite human creativity is-seemingly possible. According to NASA, 93% of the earth like planets possible in the known universe have yet to be formed. Contact: toneman1@me.com
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Good idea Ed. I'll add it to the list.
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
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It seems that I can no longer edit or make any additions to the original posting.
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
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To the technicians I would like to suggest you comport yourself in your customers premises with the "Rule of The Farm". That is: Leave things as you found them. (Aside from the tonal, tuning, technical, and cosmetic issues you are engaged to remedy.) Remember, we are in their space and the customer must be comfortable with that. They make the rules!
In a seemingly infinite universe-infinite human creativity is-seemingly possible. According to NASA, 93% of the earth like planets possible in the known universe have yet to be formed. Contact: toneman1@me.com
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Hey MM.
I remember this list, great job. I added one more thing. I set up a folding table in the music room and cover with a sheet (or towels). Not all techs have that contraceptive........wait, contraption that holds the action once it's removed!!
am I ever going to live that down, btw? blob
KAWAI RX-3 BLAK YAMAHA GRANTOUCH GT1
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Marty, You forgot to add for after the technician has left: Please write any complaints, questions, or comments on the edge of a hundred dollar bill and then mail the hundred dollar bill directly to the technicians home address.
A good technician will respond promptly.
Enjoy
"Imagine it in all its primatic colorings, its counterpart in our souls - our souls that are great pianos whose strings, of honey and of steel, the divisions of the rainbow set twanging, loosing on the air great novels of adventure!" - William Carlos Williams
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Dave, Did you get that suggestion from Click & Clack; The Tappet Brothers?
Marty in Minnesota
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Dave, Did you get that suggestion from Click & Clack; The Tappet Brothers? I love car talk!
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am I ever going to live that down, btw? blob Nope, we're going to hold you to it forever.
Autodidact interested in piano technology. 1970 44" Ibach, daily music maker. 1977 "Ortega" 8' + 8' harpsichord (Rainer Schütze, Heidelberg)
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