A Piano Tuner’s Magic
As a youngster, I was always excited after the piano tuner finished up. It was like getting a new piano. It felt (and sounded) like the impossible had been performed.
Decades later, the magic lingers on. You know… at first, you’re amazed at the trick. Then, upon learning the secret, your appreciation for how nicely it’s done exists on another level.
The number of years that I have invested as a professional pianist and private piano teacher are nearly equal. The rewards have been plentiful. Throughout the years, however, there was this one endeavor I needed to conquer…
Me, A Piano Tuner?
The opportunity finally presented itself. The man I have to thank for introducing me to the world of piano technology was incredibly special in a number of ways. He was a truly respected RPT who served as the PTG’s RI Chapter President for a number of terms. I never met a piano tuner who could make a piano sound better. On top of that, he was a fine fellow pianist who continued to play gigs up to his early 90’s.
My Remarkable Mentor
Wade was quite a special man. He was extremely dedicated to his profession as a piano tuner & technician while serving as the finest example of a piano aficionado in the eyes of any colleague fortunate to know him.
The brand of Wade’s commitment to his trade could easily serve as a symbol of integrity for anyone aspiring to perfection in any regard. While he eventually became a best friend with whom I would share many breakfasts and lunches, I always remained somewhat humbled in his presence.
Wade Performed Wonders
You could have started out as a perfect stranger to him. If you had an interest in locating a decent used
piano for a good price and Wade got wind of it, he wouldn’t forget you. Within weeks, he located what you wanted, made arrangements for you to meet with the seller, and the piano would soon be in your house. He would have quickly exceeded your expectations and earned your respect as well as your friendship.
He was a master at finding the type of piano you were looking for, recognizing its potential, and using his skills to bring that piano’s condition to a pristine status. The real head-spinner was that all the legwork he did in making all that happen resulted in very little compensation to him.
He would only accept a modest fee for work performed once the piano was in your home (he didn’t get a penny for anything up to that point). His volume of satisfied clients, I suppose, made it possible for him to perform that work for less than market rates.
You’re likely familiar with the advice, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” That was very much the case. Wade was an icon of selflessness.
Orange You Glad?
He resolved to teach me the trade once he learned of my interest. It didn’t take him long to find the perfect project.
I’ll never forget the 1998 Steinway upright he dug up. It had long been neglected in a warehouse just
sitting in a corner for ages, crying to be rescued. A previous owner had covered the poor thing with orange paint. When that piano saw Wade pull out his wallet, it just had to crack a smile. It would soon be free of that hideous garment.
Wade bought the piano, paid to have it transported to my house, and also footed the bill to have the casing refinished. He wouldn’t take a dime from me. He held my hand throughout the entire process, all the way up to the day that newly reconditioned satin black Steinway upright sold to a very appreciative family in Massachusetts.
The kicker? Wade spent $300 for that orange piano. After our work was done (lots of it) and I had gained a huge education, we sold it for about $6000. He would accept none of the profits. Needless to say, he was a Godsend. I feel like I never thanked him enough for everything he did for me. As I look back on our affiliation and friendship, I continue to learn lessons that I wasn’t quite ready to assimilate when they were first presented.
Musical Interludes Over Coffee
I would invest countless hours with Wade, many of those meetings taking place at his in-home workshop. But often, we would just sit in his living room in which his two baby grand pianos – a Mason & Hamlin (I don’t recall the model) and a Steinway M – were nestled side by side. They were always freshly tuned when I arrived, so I couldn’t help myself. I just had to play. Wade did nothing but encourage me and wouldn’t say a word while I tickled those ivories. He seemed to be enthralled by my style as I was humbled by his appreciation.
I See Things Differently Now
I feel privileged not just by having his friendship and all the good he bestowed on me, but also for the fact that, as a pianist, my appreciation for a piano’s construction and its inner workings was greatly amplified. It’s my feeling that every individual who plays the instrument ought to have a little of that kind of appreciation.
My Piano The Stranger
Contrary to my thoughts on this, the majority of clients who call for a piano tuning or service of some kind have no clue about the inside of that piano. It’s more or less a “stranger” that has been a part of their household for decades. Most piano teachers’ understanding of the construction and mechanics of the piano they play and teach on is at a very minuscule level. I’m pretty certain that any fellow piano tuner/technician has experienced this, too.
Contagious Vibrations
As a pianist, piano teacher, and piano tuner & technician, I would like to do my small part in changing
this for the better. Whenever Wade was involved in a piano-related conversation with someone, that person’s appreciation for the instrument was enhanced, whether they played or not. Why? Because his passion for the piano and for his work was infectious.
Evidently, he rubbed off on me more than just a tad. You see, I have this fantastic image of a piano in every home. I know that’s a stretch. But imagine if a few notes were played under every roof on a daily basis. What permeates a household inevitably travels beyond it’s walls. Members of a home with good vibrations will promote the same wherever they go. Something would be different globally. I just know it would.
Get This Thing Outta Here
Just a few hours ago, late last evening, I was browsing Craigslist at the local piano listings (I’ve been entertaining the idea of taking in a Baldwin Acrosonic to have some fun working on). During my search, I came across this ad below. What does this say to you?
I wonder just how badly people who post ads like this really want the item gone. No picture… just a “come pick up my trash” type of attitude. Another ad I read today was shorter: “Free piano. Just come and pick it up.” No brand name, no picture, no anything. I suppose the person reading that ad is supposed to feel privileged regardless of any details.
Hey, don’t get me wrong. I don’t expect everyone to share the same kind of passion as the rest of us piano buffs. I just have to laugh (ever so sadly). Can you relate?
I have often tried to understand the mindset of such an individual who feels inconvenienced by the presence of a piano. Is it anything like being confronted by an alien who just landed in your living room? Call me overly sensitive, but I can’t help but feel a little sorry for these people.
Good Vibes Carried Forward
I’m sure my association with Wade still greatly contributes to my perspective on this. It also increased my respect for my fellow piano professionals and enthusiasts.
In our little corner of the world, we here at the Pianist Directory have a desire to bring piano professionals together. We want to go beyond just being a “look-up” resource for those looking to hire.
We aspire to bring pianists, piano teachers, piano tuners & technicians, and piano movers a little closer together. Understanding and appreciating each other’s roles and expertise can only do good for the industry. Our community is just touching the surface, but more can be expected.
If you happen to have any ideas you’d care to share, please do. We respect your input.
My search for that Acrosonic continues. I’m sure more interesting ads will be discovered, but I just might stumble on what I’m looking for. There are plenty of those Baldwins out there. It gives me a good feeling that these babies in great condition are marketable at $1500-2000 on average. The mark of excellence, in any capacity, always prevails. My first encounter with a Baldwin Acrosonic shall be preserved for another story.
Happy playing, teaching, fixing, and moving 🙂🎹