What do you do while the piano tuner is there?

[chopiabin]

The piano tuner is at my house right now and I don't know what to do. Do I talk to her? Should I just leave her to her work?

[schnabels_grandson]

I usually just stand there and watch.  If it's akward to talk to her, just leave her alone.  

[chopiabin]

Thanks, man.

[schnabels_grandson]

Any time pal.

[glamfolk]

I usually go to another part of the house and let the tuner work.  I think it demands focus and silence, so I go read someplace, or even leave the house.  Anything so that the tuner can be alone.  When the tuning's done, I usually ask questions about tuning technique, and I've never met any two tuners who do the job the same way.  It's pretty interesting.

[MasterTuner]

I tune my former professors Steinway B.  He usually does some work in another part of his apartment while I tune.

[dinosaurtales]

My technician likes to work a bit, then talk while he's working on the action or other things.  I got to see my Faz naked for the first time.

[chopiabin]

Was it hot?

The lady actually turned out to be really talkative and nice. She majored in piano performance in college and tunes pianos as a flexiblke job.

[Motrax]

My piano tuner usually reeks of beer, and is usually just a tad inebriated when tuning my piano. But I don't complain, since he does a very good job somehow.

I also talk to him about tuning technique. It is interesting, and I learn a lot about the mechanics of a piano that way.

[ted]

I just go about other activities and let him get on with it. I make him a drink and something to eat if he wants it.

[minsmusic]

Oh good, I was hoping someone would offer the course of hospitality.  Coffee is good any time of day and in any circumstance.  Offer it by the bucket load.

My husband once tried to mow the lawn when the piano tuner was there    The guy was NOT impressed.

[surendipity]

Have the list available of what you want to know and discuss.

My dampener is sticking
Some keys have too loose of an action
There is a vibration on F#

I place stickers on all notes I want extra personal attention paid to.

I offer coffee, tea, food  whatever it takes to make them feel comfortable.  

I watch while they take it apart and ask about the parts.  Technicians will usually tell you about them
Like French Butts, I thought that he was getting fresh.

Also the more you know the more you can tell them next time and also learn to repair quick fixes yourself.

Then leave them quietly alone to do their thing.
No noise from you or appliances.  Turn off the tv and the dishwasher.


Also ask them to play for you before they leave.
They are usually very good pianists often looking for an audience.