Pianotech

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

I have kind of a mixed service area. My service area covers two counties, roughly an hour and a half drive north or south. (There's not really an east, and west... gets wet quickly.) In that service area are roughly 500,000 people, but hardly evenly spread out. In the cities from south up north: 90k people, 30k, 6k, 7k, 55k, 2k, 100k, 15k, 8k, 24k, 60k, 15k, etc, not to mention all the unincorporated areas. Each city is at least a 15 minute drive from the next, and some half an hour or more.

It's not uncommon for me to drive an hour to one of the outlining cities, tune at least two pianos there, and / or tune a piano in a different city on the same trip. Needless to say, I've got a lot of drive time, but not too much traffic, thankfully. It makes charging a (sometimes large) travel fee necessary, which some clients don't like. Oh well, they can find someone else. That's the reality of working here. 

My problem is not the "no signal" message, which only comes up occasionally. My main issue with directions is that the GPS will sometimes route me to a house on a hill, and say I've arrived at the bottom of the hill, but there's not a driveway in sight. Having to call the client and ask for better directions... keeps me humble. As Wim said, I sometimes get the "turn at the tree" directions, which are always fun.

In answer to Maggie's question about tools, I carry my small (as in, metro ready) tool case with me in the front seat and into homes. It contains only my tuning, basic regulation, and voicing tools, plus screwdrivers, etc. That covers about 90% of my work. The other 10% is covered by the tools that are in my trunk. I have a big ~45 pound tool divider (really fancy tackle box) that carries most of the repair and lesser used tools. Of course sometimes actions come back to the shop for more messy / involved jobs.

Clients are mostly regular people, some retirees, and a few of CA's ultra wealthy mixed in. It's not uncommon for me to work with an "everyday millionaire," i.e. someone who has paid off their home and invested in retirement consistently, and is worth over a million dollars now, decades after they started. Upright to grand ratio is about 40%:60%, respectively. It's an interesting market. 

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Ok. This sounds like the topic would be educational,beneficial,and FUN. So....

I will set up a Southeast Seminar ZOOM session. 

Topic:  True Life experiences of a Rural Tech: What you really need to know!

Which I think will cover just about everything from economics to wilderness. 

I'll need a couple or 4 willing to "host" with me but I anticipate a good time. 

some pictures to share might be good too

how about a Saturday evening?  Is that a better day?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Ok. This sounds like the topic would be educational,beneficial,and FUN. So....

I will set up a Southeast Seminar ZOOM session. 

Topic:  True Life experiences of a Rural Tech: What you really need to know!

Which I think will cover just about everything from economics to wilderness. 

I'll need a couple or 4 willing to "host" with me but I anticipate a good time. 

some pictures to share might be good too

how about a Saturday evening?  Is that a better day?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hi George,
As a tuner in southern Oregon, I've been gathering clients up in the Cascade mountains, and in the far north of CA (someone please tell me why the Bay Area is called "Northern California" when there's still 300 miles of state left?). For rural tuning, I carry a LOT of stuff- I do not want to have to return. The lack of even small items can ruin your day. For example, I recently drove up a very steep, long drive to the top of a mountain to tune and clean a grand. I had everything in the truck but the dowel I use to prop up case lids, and the piano, a tiny Chickering grand, lacked a long stick. I was able to clean it, but it was a hassle with a lid that didn't go up very far.
Owners seldom realize their piano has a mouse infestation, or that a string has broken. Forgetting even the smallest items, such as extra batteries for a micrometer, extension cords, or spare parts can cause headaches. I've set up charging stations in the car so my flashlights are always charged up. An inverter in the vehicle might be used to plug in a vac and blow to clean out an action in the driveway if there are no outlets close enough.

I'd assume that the experienced techs reading this travel with everything they need. But for those just venturing out, perhaps your discussion could have examples of small, seemingly insignificant items, the lack of which caused problems?

Another topic could be vehicle-related: Do you have spare motor oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid? Duct tape to fix a leaky radiator hose? Leather gloves? AAA or some other towing service? Any clue how to use your jack? Do you have a way to charge your cell phone? There's nothing like a cell phone that's dying when you're trying to call for a tow and a ride. Because it will.

Ok. This sounds like the topic would be educational,beneficial,and FUN. So....

I will set up a Southeast Seminar ZOOM session. 

Topic:  True Life experiences of a Rural Tech: What you really need to know!

Which I think will cover just about everything from economics to wilderness. 

I'll need a couple or 4 willing to "host" with me but I anticipate a good time. 

some pictures to share might be good too

how about a Saturday evening?  Is that a better day?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hi George,
As a tuner in southern Oregon, I've been gathering clients up in the Cascade mountains, and in the far north of CA (someone please tell me why the Bay Area is called "Northern California" when there's still 300 miles of state left?). For rural tuning, I carry a LOT of stuff- I do not want to have to return. The lack of even small items can ruin your day. For example, I recently drove up a very steep, long drive to the top of a mountain to tune and clean a grand. I had everything in the truck but the dowel I use to prop up case lids, and the piano, a tiny Chickering grand, lacked a long stick. I was able to clean it, but it was a hassle with a lid that didn't go up very far.
Owners seldom realize their piano has a mouse infestation, or that a string has broken. Forgetting even the smallest items, such as extra batteries for a micrometer, extension cords, or spare parts can cause headaches. I've set up charging stations in the car so my flashlights are always charged up. An inverter in the vehicle might be used to plug in a vac and blow to clean out an action in the driveway if there are no outlets close enough.

I'd assume that the experienced techs reading this travel with everything they need. But for those just venturing out, perhaps your discussion could have examples of small, seemingly insignificant items, the lack of which caused problems?

Another topic could be vehicle-related: Do you have spare motor oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid? Duct tape to fix a leaky radiator hose? Leather gloves? AAA or some other towing service? Any clue how to use your jack? Do you have a way to charge your cell phone? There's nothing like a cell phone that's dying when you're trying to call for a tow and a ride. Because it will.

Ok. This sounds like the topic would be educational,beneficial,and FUN. So....

I will set up a Southeast Seminar ZOOM session. 

Topic:  True Life experiences of a Rural Tech: What you really need to know!

Which I think will cover just about everything from economics to wilderness. 

I'll need a couple or 4 willing to "host" with me but I anticipate a good time. 

some pictures to share might be good too

how about a Saturday evening?  Is that a better day?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hi George,
As a tuner in southern Oregon, I've been gathering clients up in the Cascade mountains, and in the far north of CA (someone please tell me why the Bay Area is called "Northern California" when there's still 300 miles of state left?). For rural tuning, I carry a LOT of stuff- I do not want to have to return. The lack of even small items can ruin your day. For example, I recently drove up a very steep, long drive to the top of a mountain to tune and clean a grand. I had everything in the truck but the dowel I use to prop up case lids, and the piano, a tiny Chickering grand, lacked a long stick. I was able to clean it, but it was a hassle with a lid that didn't go up very far.
Owners seldom realize their piano has a mouse infestation, or that a string has broken. Forgetting even the smallest items, such as extra batteries for a micrometer, extension cords, or spare parts can cause headaches. I've set up charging stations in the car so my flashlights are always charged up. An inverter in the vehicle might be used to plug in a vac and blow to clean out an action in the driveway if there are no outlets close enough.

I'd assume that the experienced techs reading this travel with everything they need. But for those just venturing out, perhaps your discussion could have examples of small, seemingly insignificant items, the lack of which caused problems?

Another topic could be vehicle-related: Do you have spare motor oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid? Duct tape to fix a leaky radiator hose? Leather gloves? AAA or some other towing service? Any clue how to use your jack? Do you have a way to charge your cell phone? There's nothing like a cell phone that's dying when you're trying to call for a tow and a ride. Because it will.

Ok. This sounds like the topic would be educational,beneficial,and FUN. So....

I will set up a Southeast Seminar ZOOM session. 

Topic:  True Life experiences of a Rural Tech: What you really need to know!

Which I think will cover just about everything from economics to wilderness. 

I'll need a couple or 4 willing to "host" with me but I anticipate a good time. 

some pictures to share might be good too

how about a Saturday evening?  Is that a better day?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hi George,
As a tuner in southern Oregon, I've been gathering clients up in the Cascade mountains, and in the far north of CA (someone please tell me why the Bay Area is called "Northern California" when there's still 300 miles of state left?). For rural tuning, I carry a LOT of stuff- I do not want to have to return. The lack of even small items can ruin your day. For example, I recently drove up a very steep, long drive to the top of a mountain to tune and clean a grand. I had everything in the truck but the dowel I use to prop up case lids, and the piano, a tiny Chickering grand, lacked a long stick. I was able to clean it, but it was a hassle with a lid that didn't go up very far.
Owners seldom realize their piano has a mouse infestation, or that a string has broken. Forgetting even the smallest items, such as extra batteries for a micrometer, extension cords, or spare parts can cause headaches. I've set up charging stations in the car so my flashlights are always charged up. An inverter in the vehicle might be used to plug in a vac and blow to clean out an action in the driveway if there are no outlets close enough.

I'd assume that the experienced techs reading this travel with everything they need. But for those just venturing out, perhaps your discussion could have examples of small, seemingly insignificant items, the lack of which caused problems?

Another topic could be vehicle-related: Do you have spare motor oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid? Duct tape to fix a leaky radiator hose? Leather gloves? AAA or some other towing service? Any clue how to use your jack? Do you have a way to charge your cell phone? There's nothing like a cell phone that's dying when you're trying to call for a tow and a ride. Because it will.

Ok. This sounds like the topic would be educational,beneficial,and FUN. So....

I will set up a Southeast Seminar ZOOM session. 

Topic:  True Life experiences of a Rural Tech: What you really need to know!

Which I think will cover just about everything from economics to wilderness. 

I'll need a couple or 4 willing to "host" with me but I anticipate a good time. 

some pictures to share might be good too

how about a Saturday evening?  Is that a better day?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hi George,
As a tuner in southern Oregon, I've been gathering clients up in the Cascade mountains, and in the far north of CA (someone please tell me why the Bay Area is called "Northern California" when there's still 300 miles of state left?). For rural tuning, I carry a LOT of stuff- I do not want to have to return. The lack of even small items can ruin your day. For example, I recently drove up a very steep, long drive to the top of a mountain to tune and clean a grand. I had everything in the truck but the dowel I use to prop up case lids, and the piano, a tiny Chickering grand, lacked a long stick. I was able to clean it, but it was a hassle with a lid that didn't go up very far.
Owners seldom realize their piano has a mouse infestation, or that a string has broken. Forgetting even the smallest items, such as extra batteries for a micrometer, extension cords, or spare parts can cause headaches. I've set up charging stations in the car so my flashlights are always charged up. An inverter in the vehicle might be used to plug in a vac and blow to clean out an action in the driveway if there are no outlets close enough.

I'd assume that the experienced techs reading this travel with everything they need. But for those just venturing out, perhaps your discussion could have examples of small, seemingly insignificant items, the lack of which caused problems?

Another topic could be vehicle-related: Do you have spare motor oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid? Duct tape to fix a leaky radiator hose? Leather gloves? AAA or some other towing service? Any clue how to use your jack? Do you have a way to charge your cell phone? There's nothing like a cell phone that's dying when you're trying to call for a tow and a ride. Because it will.

Ok. This sounds like the topic would be educational,beneficial,and FUN. So....

I will set up a Southeast Seminar ZOOM session. 

Topic:  True Life experiences of a Rural Tech: What you really need to know!

Which I think will cover just about everything from economics to wilderness. 

I'll need a couple or 4 willing to "host" with me but I anticipate a good time. 

some pictures to share might be good too

how about a Saturday evening?  Is that a better day?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Well, Maggie -- that's a MUCH better road than some I've been "treated" to lately.   One, not far outside Beckley:  directions were to go to the post office and turn right.   Go until you see a sign that says "Morgan", then turn left and go up the hill.  Well, I missed the sign!   The road was "barely" ONE lane, about a mile of which was a straight drop on the right (with NO guardrail), and a sheer rock face on the left.   No guardrails.   No berm.   No shoulder.   If one were to meet an oncoming vehicle, then SOMEONE was going to have to back up for up to a half mile to let the other past.   Anyway, I went to the end of the road where a utility pole was falling across the road.  Fortunately, my Kia was short enough to fit beneath the fallen utility pole to access an area where I could turn around.  After calling the customer and confessing I was "lost" I was told that I couldn't turn up her driveway from this direction.   I'd have to go all the way back to the post office, turn around, and retrace the route due to the steepness of the driveway and the sharp angle from which it approaches the road.  I made it up the hill and discovered these folks were refurbishing pontoon boats for extra income!   I simply can't imagine hauling pontoon boats on trailers up the road I'd just survived!
My "poor little" Kia just can't handle some of the unpaved and rutted roads I've encountered.   Ruts so deep I often drag the bottom of the car.   Seems every other week provides a new heart-stopping adventure down here in the mountains!  I must say:  tuning pianos here in West Virginia provides a good bit more excitement than the foothills of S.E. Ohio did! 

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Well, Maggie -- that's a MUCH better road than some I've been "treated" to lately.   One, not far outside Beckley:  directions were to go to the post office and turn right.   Go until you see a sign that says "Morgan", then turn left and go up the hill.  Well, I missed the sign!   The road was "barely" ONE lane, about a mile of which was a straight drop on the right (with NO guardrail), and a sheer rock face on the left.   No guardrails.   No berm.   No shoulder.   If one were to meet an oncoming vehicle, then SOMEONE was going to have to back up for up to a half mile to let the other past.   Anyway, I went to the end of the road where a utility pole was falling across the road.  Fortunately, my Kia was short enough to fit beneath the fallen utility pole to access an area where I could turn around.  After calling the customer and confessing I was "lost" I was told that I couldn't turn up her driveway from this direction.   I'd have to go all the way back to the post office, turn around, and retrace the route due to the steepness of the driveway and the sharp angle from which it approaches the road.  I made it up the hill and discovered these folks were refurbishing pontoon boats for extra income!   I simply can't imagine hauling pontoon boats on trailers up the road I'd just survived!
My "poor little" Kia just can't handle some of the unpaved and rutted roads I've encountered.   Ruts so deep I often drag the bottom of the car.   Seems every other week provides a new heart-stopping adventure down here in the mountains!  I must say:  tuning pianos here in West Virginia provides a good bit more excitement than the foothills of S.E. Ohio did! 

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Well, Maggie -- that's a MUCH better road than some I've been "treated" to lately.   One, not far outside Beckley:  directions were to go to the post office and turn right.   Go until you see a sign that says "Morgan", then turn left and go up the hill.  Well, I missed the sign!   The road was "barely" ONE lane, about a mile of which was a straight drop on the right (with NO guardrail), and a sheer rock face on the left.   No guardrails.   No berm.   No shoulder.   If one were to meet an oncoming vehicle, then SOMEONE was going to have to back up for up to a half mile to let the other past.   Anyway, I went to the end of the road where a utility pole was falling across the road.  Fortunately, my Kia was short enough to fit beneath the fallen utility pole to access an area where I could turn around.  After calling the customer and confessing I was "lost" I was told that I couldn't turn up her driveway from this direction.   I'd have to go all the way back to the post office, turn around, and retrace the route due to the steepness of the driveway and the sharp angle from which it approaches the road.  I made it up the hill and discovered these folks were refurbishing pontoon boats for extra income!   I simply can't imagine hauling pontoon boats on trailers up the road I'd just survived!
My "poor little" Kia just can't handle some of the unpaved and rutted roads I've encountered.   Ruts so deep I often drag the bottom of the car.   Seems every other week provides a new heart-stopping adventure down here in the mountains!  I must say:  tuning pianos here in West Virginia provides a good bit more excitement than the foothills of S.E. Ohio did! 

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Well, Maggie -- that's a MUCH better road than some I've been "treated" to lately.   One, not far outside Beckley:  directions were to go to the post office and turn right.   Go until you see a sign that says "Morgan", then turn left and go up the hill.  Well, I missed the sign!   The road was "barely" ONE lane, about a mile of which was a straight drop on the right (with NO guardrail), and a sheer rock face on the left.   No guardrails.   No berm.   No shoulder.   If one were to meet an oncoming vehicle, then SOMEONE was going to have to back up for up to a half mile to let the other past.   Anyway, I went to the end of the road where a utility pole was falling across the road.  Fortunately, my Kia was short enough to fit beneath the fallen utility pole to access an area where I could turn around.  After calling the customer and confessing I was "lost" I was told that I couldn't turn up her driveway from this direction.   I'd have to go all the way back to the post office, turn around, and retrace the route due to the steepness of the driveway and the sharp angle from which it approaches the road.  I made it up the hill and discovered these folks were refurbishing pontoon boats for extra income!   I simply can't imagine hauling pontoon boats on trailers up the road I'd just survived!
My "poor little" Kia just can't handle some of the unpaved and rutted roads I've encountered.   Ruts so deep I often drag the bottom of the car.   Seems every other week provides a new heart-stopping adventure down here in the mountains!  I must say:  tuning pianos here in West Virginia provides a good bit more excitement than the foothills of S.E. Ohio did! 

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?

Well, Maggie -- that's a MUCH better road than some I've been "treated" to lately.   One, not far outside Beckley:  directions were to go to the post office and turn right.   Go until you see a sign that says "Morgan", then turn left and go up the hill.  Well, I missed the sign!   The road was "barely" ONE lane, about a mile of which was a straight drop on the right (with NO guardrail), and a sheer rock face on the left.   No guardrails.   No berm.   No shoulder.   If one were to meet an oncoming vehicle, then SOMEONE was going to have to back up for up to a half mile to let the other past.   Anyway, I went to the end of the road where a utility pole was falling across the road.  Fortunately, my Kia was short enough to fit beneath the fallen utility pole to access an area where I could turn around.  After calling the customer and confessing I was "lost" I was told that I couldn't turn up her driveway from this direction.   I'd have to go all the way back to the post office, turn around, and retrace the route due to the steepness of the driveway and the sharp angle from which it approaches the road.  I made it up the hill and discovered these folks were refurbishing pontoon boats for extra income!   I simply can't imagine hauling pontoon boats on trailers up the road I'd just survived!
My "poor little" Kia just can't handle some of the unpaved and rutted roads I've encountered.   Ruts so deep I often drag the bottom of the car.   Seems every other week provides a new heart-stopping adventure down here in the mountains!  I must say:  tuning pianos here in West Virginia provides a good bit more excitement than the foothills of S.E. Ohio did! 

Hello All,

"Rural" is in quotes in the subject line because it's impossible to bunch techs together into just 1 category (or 2, rural vs urban), but within the rural spectrum, what are the differences in various rural settings? How much common ground is there? Are there universal differences between rural and urban settings? How are directions and driving routes different between flatlands, lowlands, hill-lands, & highlands? What compromises are made when there is "no signal"? What is different about transportation and road (or other) hazard preparedness? What is different about unexpected piano problem preparedness? What is different regarding the quantity and quality of non-profits? Are there different aesthetic tastes that lend toward different styles of tuning? What questions am I not asking because I can't see the forest through the trees? Does this topic interest anyone in any setting, including urban? Can we learn from each other? Are some rural tuners going to ignore this because they're too busy driving? Are there any rural tuners willing to "reply privately" to me if you don't want to bother with the forum? LOL!

Any takers?