Re: threats from competitors...

[GOFFProf@aol.com]

I had to laugh... Brad wrote:

>>thank you - thank you - thank you

al, do ever get threats from your competitors for revealing these
trade secrets? by the time i'm through i'll need a "goff" sticker for
my hammond :)  <<

about my "competitors" --- Virtually all of the major HAMMOND technicians /
rebuilders left in the business know each other.  We regularly refer
customers to each other, and HIGHLY respect each other's work.  There is more
work to do than we could possibly complete in three lifetimes!   I have a
list of my own favorite techs nationwide.

With this inmind--- Joey DeFrancesco told me a great story a few years ago.
 It seems that while he was touring in Florida, he stopped in to see a
certain technician /
soundman's shop.  This guy immediately began badmouthing me personally (as
well as another veteran HAMMOND tech in California, a friend of both Joey's
and mine).  Needless to say, Joey was very surprised, called him a few choice
names, left the shop never to return, and called me on the phone to tell me
about it.  The main reason he was so upset was because of the cheap shots
about his friends. 

I apologized to Joey for the guy's comments.  Although I had talked to the
technician on the phone, I had never actually met him, nor discussed any
"secret" modifications.  Through other people, I had heard he was a
reasonably good technician, and a better soundman.  I felt that his comments
embarassed him as a technician to a very talented professional organist, and
demeaned our trade.  If the guy had attacked Joey to me, I would have also
defended him first as my friend first, then as a very talented professional
organist.   

TO NEWER HAMMOND OWNERS --- If you ask a simple question of your
prospective organ repairman / technician, and get some nonsense answer that
you KNOW is ridiculous, hang-up, walk-out, and do whatever is necessary to
find a real HAMMOND technician.  Seek help or a referral from a long-term
HAMMOND organ owner. Many of them can help fix a problem or refer you to
someone who can help.  They CARE about their classic organs as their most
prized possession, and will give you good advice!. 

TRADE SECRETS --- Most of the "trade secrets"  Brad referred to are really
hard-earned repair tricks and some good-old common sense.  Some have been
passed down through the years and are really the result of some quick
thinking by the early HAMMOND techs! Others are recent modifications to take
advantage of the latest in electronics. 

As one of the first true HAMMOND techs, my Dad always felt it was important
to teach organ owners as much as possible about their organs. Since his first
service call in 1940, he truly believed that the more the owner knew, the
EASIER his job as the serviceman would be.  If he was alive today, he would
certainly have some strong opinions on the new breed of "organ repair
experts" cropping up in the phone book.  They're "experts" on every make and
model of anything electronic,  they tune pianos, and some offer to can
shampoo your rugs or clean the chimney, too.  Some legitimate technicians
service many makes and models,  but some are just looking to take your money.
 ASK any prospective technician if he or she is a member of the Musical
Instrument Technicians Association (MITA).  If they are, it's a good start!

SECRETS--- With the very few HAMMOND technicians left,  what is there to gain
keeping repair methods secret?  If any of us wanted to be wealthy, we
certainly
would not be in this business.  I'm sure many of you have similar sentiments
about your own businesses.  

Brad - thanks again for the nice comments.  My sticker will not make your
organ any better-- you're already doing a great job!

(It MIGHT make it worth a few bucks more though.... maybe it's the
gold-leaf...it's kind of a cult thing...)

Al  :-)