Yes, I am a "rookie."  A "newbee."  A 65-year-old grandfather of 14, drawing social security every month, still working a day gig from 8 to 5, directing a 7-piece dance band, playing piano and writing all of the arrangements.  Yet, I wanted to expand my horizons and learn the craft others have built. 

There is a wealth of knowledge out there for the asking.  My personal words of encouragement and direction are these: 
 

• Make the decision to take on an educational project that will challenge everything you "believe" you know. You'll be greatly surprised at how much you missed in your studies, and how much you fluffed off as not being real important at the time.

• You must have the resources to purchase a piano that will be your project for at least three months, and you must have the resources to purchase the parts and tools you'll need to rebuild the piano. Prior to the start of this project on July 5, 2002, I had invested $3156.29 in what I'll refer to as speciality tools needed for tuning and minor repair work (this included my SAT III). I already had a table saw, drill press, drill motors, screw drivers, wrenches, bits, taps, etc.  I had a very small supply of parts, only $141.30, which included  four 1/3 lb reels of wire.

Between July 5 and October 4, I purchased an additional $1030.55 in tools, which included materials I used to make several of the jigs and fixtures I would need, rather than purchase them (such as a let-off  rack, a hammer hanging rack, and several other items).  I purchased $1895.00 in materials I needed for the rebuild.  I hired the stringer from Walter Piano Co. to observe and give me some tips in stringing.  He can string a grand plate in four hours.  I also hired the case finish technician from Walter Piano Co. to assist in some case repair and teach me some of his skills. Obviously, there are some materials purchased that I have inventory leftover for the next repair or replacement work I encounter, such as wire.  These's probably enough to string another grand.

• I believe the most important thing to remember if you are going to call on the list for help is:

• First, read as much as you can, use the archives, research the Journals, write down your questions, then read them over again to yourself before talking with one of the experts.

• Use the correct terminology when referring to a specific part. There were times when I was talking on the phone with one or more of these experts and I'd make a reference to a specific part, which I "mislabeled," and there would be a pause of silence on the other end of the line.  I knew at once that I'd screwed up.One gentleman said kindly, "Okay now, Gordon, you're a new technician and let's use the correct terms for the parts." Another expert graciously corrected my error and moved on with a recommendation.  These errors on my part made an impression on me to be better prepared.

• One expert asked if I understood a specific step in the regulation of the grand. I thought I remembered and I answered in the affirmative, his next question to me put me right in the pits.  I couldn't answer his question, and then I had to admit I had mis-spoken myself. 

• DON'T try to cover up a void of knowledge, just say you don't know, and generally they will be very gracious about it and explain the details of the subject. 

• If the expert wants to continue working with you on your project problem, after responding to your list e-mail post, they may contact you privately off-list by e-mail and suggest that the two of you discuss the problem.  They may suggest you call them by phone for further discussion.  If that happens, you may be making that call to the West Coast after midnight your time.  But then, if that's their window of time for you, then be very grateful for the offer – you'll be learning something for sure. 

• Remember, when these experts are talking with you or responding to your e-mail, they are not working at their bench, or at the piano at $50.00 + an hour, or tuning a piano.  Their time is worth a whole lot more than yours right now, and the clock is ticking.  So always be very grateful and be sure to express your gratitude in hearts.

• Of course, there is always one grandstander in the crowd.  I wrote an e-mail privately, off-list, to an expert, with a question regarding the subject of swabbing the pin block holes prior to installing new pins. I didn't receive a response in the first two-week period, so I sent another inquiry, asking if he had the time to respond to my question. He responded with a curt statement, suggesting that I post my inquiry on the PTG list, whereby he would then respond to the question.  In other words, he preferred public posting to private advice.  I didn't post my query,  nor will I.  But, this is the rare exception on the list of otherwise helpful experts in the field.

~ G Holley