Pianotech

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

Thanks for the good thoughts, Floyd!

As one of those suppliers, I can say that it's always appreciated when a customer goes directly to us when there's a problem. 

Seeing someone complain about a supplier publicly always gives the impression not just that the part/service etc is flawed, but that the customer doesn't have any faith they'll make it right.

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

Hi Floyd,

Thank you for sharing your thoughtful perspective on the importance of supporting our industry's suppliers. I completely agree that our small community relies on dedicated companies like Reyburn Pianoworks, and I sincely regret if my post about their Hart spring tool came across as overly critical or harmful to their reputation. That was certainly not my intent, and I'd like to clarify my position while addressing the concerns raised.

I admire Reyburn Pianoworks for their craftsmanship and innovation-my experience with their custom key set for a Steinway C at a college I serve was outstanding, and Dean's prompt response to my inquiry about the tool only reinforced my respect. My original post was meant to offer constructive feedback based on my experience as a technician who frequently adjusts butterfly springs. I compared the Reyburn tool to the original Hart design to highlight a design difference that I found challenging, particularly for newer technicians who rely on precise tools to build confidence.

I fully recognize the challenges our industry faces with a shrinking supplier base, as you eloquently described. Losing resources like Pianophile is disheartening. My goal in posting was to contribute to the kind of honest, helpful tool discussions that have guided me since my early days as a technician. I remember my mentor, Darrell Fandrich, showing me his "Wall of Shame" for tools that didn't quite work-a lighthearted reminder of how much we rely on shared knowledge to find or refine the right tools.

I'd love to see this discussion become an opportunity for improvement. If my feedback about the tool's dimensions could help Reyburn refine their design, I believe it would benefit all of us. I've reached out to Dean, and would welcome input from others on how this tool could better serve our needs. Recommending one tool over another was meant to help technicians make informed choices, not to discourage business with a valued supplier.

Thank you again, Floyd, for raising this important issue. I'm committed to supporting our industry's suppliers and fostering constructive dialogue here. Let's keep working together to strengthen our community and its resources.

Warmest regards,

Ryan

Thanks for the good thoughts, Floyd!

As one of those suppliers, I can say that it's always appreciated when a customer goes directly to us when there's a problem. 

Seeing someone complain about a supplier publicly always gives the impression not just that the part/service etc is flawed, but that the customer doesn't have any faith they'll make it right.

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

When I read Floyd's initial thoughtful post about Suppliers, I immediately thought of Ryan's post regarding the Hart Spring Tool differences. It was a worthy post and I saw it as in no way degrading of Reyburn Tools. It was merely pointing out important differences if, in fact, Ryan's was not a "one off" as Dean pointed out. And, it will result in positive movement for all parties.

With regard to another post on this thread, implying backhandedly and the poster's lack of know how to read without preconceived ideas. This seems combative and unnecessary to me. And I have seen this before. Just an opinion.

Hi Floyd,

Thank you for sharing your thoughtful perspective on the importance of supporting our industry's suppliers. I completely agree that our small community relies on dedicated companies like Reyburn Pianoworks, and I sincely regret if my post about their Hart spring tool came across as overly critical or harmful to their reputation. That was certainly not my intent, and I'd like to clarify my position while addressing the concerns raised.

I admire Reyburn Pianoworks for their craftsmanship and innovation-my experience with their custom key set for a Steinway C at a college I serve was outstanding, and Dean's prompt response to my inquiry about the tool only reinforced my respect. My original post was meant to offer constructive feedback based on my experience as a technician who frequently adjusts butterfly springs. I compared the Reyburn tool to the original Hart design to highlight a design difference that I found challenging, particularly for newer technicians who rely on precise tools to build confidence.

I fully recognize the challenges our industry faces with a shrinking supplier base, as you eloquently described. Losing resources like Pianophile is disheartening. My goal in posting was to contribute to the kind of honest, helpful tool discussions that have guided me since my early days as a technician. I remember my mentor, Darrell Fandrich, showing me his "Wall of Shame" for tools that didn't quite work-a lighthearted reminder of how much we rely on shared knowledge to find or refine the right tools.

I'd love to see this discussion become an opportunity for improvement. If my feedback about the tool's dimensions could help Reyburn refine their design, I believe it would benefit all of us. I've reached out to Dean, and would welcome input from others on how this tool could better serve our needs. Recommending one tool over another was meant to help technicians make informed choices, not to discourage business with a valued supplier.

Thank you again, Floyd, for raising this important issue. I'm committed to supporting our industry's suppliers and fostering constructive dialogue here. Let's keep working together to strengthen our community and its resources.

Warmest regards,

Ryan

Thanks for the good thoughts, Floyd!

As one of those suppliers, I can say that it's always appreciated when a customer goes directly to us when there's a problem. 

Seeing someone complain about a supplier publicly always gives the impression not just that the part/service etc is flawed, but that the customer doesn't have any faith they'll make it right.

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

Sometimes airing concerns about supplies is to determine if others are having similar experiences. Sometimes those supplies are not manufactured by a distributor to whom we might address those concerns and so taking the issue to the distributor might not get to the heart of the matter quickly enough. 

For example, not that long ago I brought up an issue with Abel flanges seizing. I wasn't attacking either Abel or the distributor, Brooks, in this case, it was to determine frequency, cause and solution. That prompted Don Manino to share his experience, and remedy, something I didn't get from either supplier or distributor for whatever reason. Perhaps they were unaware. Only by airing it publicly did that solution get presented and, presumably, Abel took that opportunity to look into the cause to prevent it from continuing. 

Suppliers and distributors are sometimes forthcoming about problems, sometimes not, and sometimes they may be unaware.   But I have on occasion met with resistance from manufacturers of parts, or whole pianos, for that matter, who have denied that a problem existed when clearly it did. 

While I don't think we should be undermining anyone's efforts to maintain and develop their business, and we should always assume good intentions, neither should we be afraid to discuss problems we're having with any supplies.  Suppliers should be grateful for opportunities to address concerns either publicly or privately.  

Twenty-first century marketing with constant reviews and ratings is common practice now and that's not likely to change  Suppliers need to learn how to handle it but critics should also exercise some discretion on how they express their complaints. And we should also keep in mind that great quote of George Bernard Shaw, "if you lined up all the critics end to end, they still would reach a conclusion". Sometimes those who offer criticism don't actually know what they're talking about, don't know the product, or how it's supposed to work. For those folks, probably better they embarrass themselves publicly.   

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 06-28-2025 01:05
From: Tremaine Parsons
Subject: Respectiing our suppliers

When I read Floyd's initial thoughtful post about Suppliers, I immediately thought of Ryan's post regarding the Hart Spring Tool differences. It was a worthy post and I saw it as in no way degrading of Reyburn Tools. It was merely pointing out important differences if, in fact, Ryan's was not a "one off" as Dean pointed out. And, it will result in positive movement for all parties.

With regard to another post on this thread, implying backhandedly and the poster's lack of know how to read without preconceived ideas. This seems combative and unnecessary to me. And I have seen this before. Just an opinion.

------------------------------
Tremaine Parsons RPT
Georgetown CA
(530) 333-9299

Original Message:
Sent: 06-27-2025 22:16
From: Ryan Sowers
Subject: Respectiing our suppliers

Hi Floyd,

Thank you for sharing your thoughtful perspective on the importance of supporting our industry's suppliers. I completely agree that our small community relies on dedicated companies like Reyburn Pianoworks, and I sincely regret if my post about their Hart spring tool came across as overly critical or harmful to their reputation. That was certainly not my intent, and I'd like to clarify my position while addressing the concerns raised.

I admire Reyburn Pianoworks for their craftsmanship and innovation-my experience with their custom key set for a Steinway C at a college I serve was outstanding, and Dean's prompt response to my inquiry about the tool only reinforced my respect. My original post was meant to offer constructive feedback based on my experience as a technician who frequently adjusts butterfly springs. I compared the Reyburn tool to the original Hart design to highlight a design difference that I found challenging, particularly for newer technicians who rely on precise tools to build confidence.

I fully recognize the challenges our industry faces with a shrinking supplier base, as you eloquently described. Losing resources like Pianophile is disheartening. My goal in posting was to contribute to the kind of honest, helpful tool discussions that have guided me since my early days as a technician. I remember my mentor, Darrell Fandrich, showing me his "Wall of Shame" for tools that didn't quite work-a lighthearted reminder of how much we rely on shared knowledge to find or refine the right tools.

I'd love to see this discussion become an opportunity for improvement. If my feedback about the tool's dimensions could help Reyburn refine their design, I believe it would benefit all of us. I've reached out to Dean, and would welcome input from others on how this tool could better serve our needs. Recommending one tool over another was meant to help technicians make informed choices, not to discourage business with a valued supplier.

Thank you again, Floyd, for raising this important issue. I'm committed to supporting our industry's suppliers and fostering constructive dialogue here. Let's keep working together to strengthen our community and its resources.

Warmest regards,

Ryan

------------------------------
Ryan Sowers RPT
Olympia WA
(360) 480-5648

Original Message:
Sent: 06-27-2025 08:58
From: Nate Reyburn
Subject: Respectiing our suppliers

Thanks for the good thoughts, Floyd!

As one of those suppliers, I can say that it's always appreciated when a customer goes directly to us when there's a problem. 

Seeing someone complain about a supplier publicly always gives the impression not just that the part/service etc is flawed, but that the customer doesn't have any faith they'll make it right.

------------------------------
http://www.facebook.com/ReyburnPianoTech
http://www.reyburntools.com

Original Message:
Sent: 06-26-2025 17:01
From: Floyd Gadd
Subject: Respectiing our suppliers

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

Sometimes suppliers are caught off guard with defective raw materials or an incorrect process during manufacturing. Every industry is faced with these situations. I've often mused as to why car manufacturers, by now after 100 years of making cars, don't get it right every year. Of course, logic answers that question. Mistakes creep in. I had two incidents in the past years where my counter reactive wire bender tool used to bend music wire around the bridge pins kept breaking off tips. Customer feedback led to improvements. I quickly learned that the metal used was too soft. A different alloy solved the problem. My second confrontational problem was with the grand piano tilter where a few (less than 5 or 6) tilters failed because the spring material used in the mechanism went through a bad run of improper quenching causing the springs to break. Other minor issued surfaced over the years but each time the effort was made to correct the problem. 

If the manufacturer encounters a problem, the merit of the company can be measured in how quickly and proficiently that company responds. Unfortunately, we have in the past experienced piano manufacturers who deliberately produce bad pianos. To our credit, they are gone.

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

I will own that I probably overstated my case in my original post above.  Thank you all for your thoughtful contributions to this conversation.

Sometimes suppliers are caught off guard with defective raw materials or an incorrect process during manufacturing. Every industry is faced with these situations. I've often mused as to why car manufacturers, by now after 100 years of making cars, don't get it right every year. Of course, logic answers that question. Mistakes creep in. I had two incidents in the past years where my counter reactive wire bender tool used to bend music wire around the bridge pins kept breaking off tips. Customer feedback led to improvements. I quickly learned that the metal used was too soft. A different alloy solved the problem. My second confrontational problem was with the grand piano tilter where a few (less than 5 or 6) tilters failed because the spring material used in the mechanism went through a bad run of improper quenching causing the springs to break. Other minor issued surfaced over the years but each time the effort was made to correct the problem. 

If the manufacturer encounters a problem, the merit of the company can be measured in how quickly and proficiently that company responds. Unfortunately, we have in the past experienced piano manufacturers who deliberately produce bad pianos. To our credit, they are gone.

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------

Your critique stimulated a good conversation, Floyd. Thanks for being a valuable member of the PTG forum community!

I will own that I probably overstated my case in my original post above.  Thank you all for your thoughtful contributions to this conversation.

Sometimes suppliers are caught off guard with defective raw materials or an incorrect process during manufacturing. Every industry is faced with these situations. I've often mused as to why car manufacturers, by now after 100 years of making cars, don't get it right every year. Of course, logic answers that question. Mistakes creep in. I had two incidents in the past years where my counter reactive wire bender tool used to bend music wire around the bridge pins kept breaking off tips. Customer feedback led to improvements. I quickly learned that the metal used was too soft. A different alloy solved the problem. My second confrontational problem was with the grand piano tilter where a few (less than 5 or 6) tilters failed because the spring material used in the mechanism went through a bad run of improper quenching causing the springs to break. Other minor issued surfaced over the years but each time the effort was made to correct the problem. 

If the manufacturer encounters a problem, the merit of the company can be measured in how quickly and proficiently that company responds. Unfortunately, we have in the past experienced piano manufacturers who deliberately produce bad pianos. To our credit, they are gone.

We are a small industry.  There are a small number of suppliers who service our industry, and the number is gradually declining.  Those of us in Canada feel this especially sharply with the recent closure of Pianophile in Quebec, and the moving south of Pianoforte supply, which used to be on our side of the border.  This happened in close proximity to the announcement of the winding down of the operations of PianoTek Supply.

Some of our suppliers depend exclusively on sales to piano technicians.  They are not operating with huge profit margins.  Small declines in orders from technicians are not without consequences.

Add to that the fact that extending the life of a company when experienced personnel retire can be a bumpy road.  I was chatting with one of our Canadian pipe organ technicians who was trying to retire, but had dreams of introducing someone to the trade who would carry on his work.  Success was elusive.  When I spoke to him, it looked like when he finally stepped away from the work, there would be yet one less organ technicians to serve clients in western Canada.  The same goes to the craftsman who did such delightful piano refinishing work for me.  He tried to sell his business, but there were no takers.  I am not aware of another refinisher on the Canadian prairies to whom I can send an instrument.  If you know of one, tell me!

There is a business owner in my city whose services are not aimed at the piano trade, but who nevertheless has some useful offerings for us.  There are from time to time details of his company's protocols that I wish were other than what they are.  I am candid with the business owner about these things, and while I don't always get what I want, I nevertheless have a good relationship with him.  He is among the service providers I recommend to my customers when I get asked about the kind of offerings he provides.

It troubles me when I see grievances aired on this forum against suppliers to the trade.  Especially when these suppliers are ones whose offerings are only to the piano service trade.  And especially when it becomes evident that the matter was not taken up first with the supplier in question.  This does not serve any of us well.  The airing of grievances on a forum like this, where such a large percentage of a very small customer base can be expected to see it, can have serious financial implications not only for the profitability of a company, but even for its viability.  Our goal should be to act in ways that can potentially bring improvement to the service and product offerings of our suppliers.  And this is actually achievable. 

There will inevitably, from time to time, be postings on this forum that voice complaints against our suppliers.  I'm not suggesting that we censor such a thing.  But I think it important that we recognize any such expression as a double edged sword.  I do suggest that we think twice before engaging with such threads, lest our engagement be read as supporting the notion that discouraging one another from the doing of business with a company dedicated to the service of our trade is business-as-usual for those of us out in the trenches. 

------------------------------
Floyd Gadd RPT
Regina SK
(306) 502-9103
------------------------------