From "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
Golly, where does one start? This information has been a real eye-opener, to say the least.
"I'm not a regular on here, and am always surprised when I log on and see the lack of information on this forum that is readily available."
First of all, that is what this forum is for - sharing information. Sometimes (often) something that is common knowledge to one is unknown to another. Sometimes, regular folk, like many on this forum, simply forget (let's not get into our college years....) Sharing, as you've done, is what it is all about. What is so surprising about all that?
"Renner USA has always had these tuning pins available for their better customers."
I would be interested in purchasing these tuning pins. How does one become a "better customer" of Renner USA? Does Renner USA provide notification of "better customer" status attainment? These are not available until "better customer" status attainment?
"...Renner USA provides their regular customers who deal in the high end of the business."
How does one become a "regular customer"? Do they not sell to non-regulars? Seems to me one would have to be a first-time customer before being a regular customer. Do they ask what kind of piano the parts are going into? Do you have to tell them the parts are destined for a Fazioli when in reality they are for a 1948 Gulbranson spinet?
"The good techs know about them and order them regularly."
Ahh, well that explains why no-one on this list knows about Renner tuning pins.
"...something I know Lloyd is not likely to mess with if you’re not a regular customer."
So, like, does he just say no?
"Lloyd is not a typical supply house."
If your characterization of Renner USA is correct, and it actually does discriminate the way you suggest, and because he is still in business, I'd have to agree with you. I've made a number of purchases from Renner USA and not observed any of the attitudes you describe.
"He only deals in the high end, and that can be frustrating for some technicians."
How would that be frustrating? You either want to buy it or not. Am I missing something? There are several supply houses to choose from if one does not have what you are looking for.
And I thought Renner USA was just a regular piano supply house that specialized in unique, high quality tools and supplies, and good service.
Terry Farrell
Original Message -----
From: Pianotek2000@aol.com
I'm not a regular on here, and am always surprised when I log on and see the lack of information on this forum that is readily available.
Renner USA has always had these tuning pins available for their better customers. I've been purchasing them for at least 15 years. The common U.S. vernacular is "fly brand" They don't promote or advertise them. They are expensive to handle, because of the weight and price, and one of the many services Renner USA provides their regular customers who deal in the high end of the business. Since Renner sells direct and doesn’t go through distributors, the prices are not that much above the knock offs like Diamond, and others. The good techs know about them and order them regularly. Sometimes, they do have to be special ordered, and that’s something I know Lloyd is not likely to mess with if you’re not a regular customer. Lloyd is not a typical supply house. He only deals in the high end, and that can be frustrating for some technicians.
John