Pianotech

  • 1.  M. Schultz grand

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-11-2020 19:04
    Hey everyone. 

    I don't know if this is the right place to pose this question, but there is no
    community I can find that fits better.

    A customer contacted me about tuning an M. Schultz grand. Actually wife
    sent an email and told me to call the husband with a quote. 

    Everything written about them is flattering, but I am skeptical. I don't recall
    ever having worked on one, but probably have and was underwhelmed. 

    It seems, reading between the promotional jargon, that they were opportunists
    by nature, jumping into the market when players became popular and fizzled
    out when they lost their appeal, about 1930. 

    Anyone have experience with the brand before I talk to this guy? I am sure if
    he said to his wife "have the tuner contact me with a quote" there is little chance
    he will take what I say seriously if I am not well informed. 

    Thanks for any input.

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    Dave Conte
    Owner
    North Richland Hills TX
    817-581-7321
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  • 2.  RE: M. Schultz grand

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-11-2020 20:31
    Hi Dave    I remember tuning a Schultz grand, small maybe 5ft.  Terrible piano. Neglected. The strings were so rusty I was unable to bring it up to pitch,so, just tuned it to itself where it was in the scale.  Perhaps asking them to take a photo of the inside showing the plate, strings etc would give you a heads-up on the condition, have them send it to your phone.  I have always believed it is unfair to ask the technician to quote over the phone. Too many variables.  My schpiel  goes something like this:  " Has the piano been tuned in recent memory? (Their answer will give you clues as to what shape you might find it) Do you have a goal date in mind? meaning, are you having it tuned for a recital or party?  Normally, a regular fine tuning is $$$. We know the piano needs at least one tuning, the question is what further might it need.  While I am there tuning I usually take notes and give you a written estimate about what is on the horizon for the instrument. " Taking the necessary time to educate the owner SAVES time in the long run because you have prepared them mentally.  Hope this helps you decide whether to pass on this "opportunity". Patsi Franklin RPT

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    Patsi Franklin
    Maitland FL
    407-644-9990
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    Original Message