Ed Gloeggler's description of his experience with piano repair is quite
similar to mine. I thought I could build or fix just about anything until
I discovered the humble piano action.

What I have learned is to apply an infinite amount of patience and to
develop a relationship with a piano technician who is willing to let you
learn from his work on your piano. Also, if you are using an excellent
guide, such as Reblitz's book on piano repair and restoration, don't
second guess it until you have enough experience to know better.

If it says to do one thing first and another later, do it.  If you don't
completely understand the subtle relationship between the parts of a
piano, you may not understand the reasons for repairing and regulating in
a certain order. If you try to patch things up or cheat you will waste a
lot of time, at best, and really "screw things up" at worst.

What makes pianos different from many other mechanisms is that the
critical relationships (in both space and time) between the several
moving parts is not entirely obvious.  What is needed is information,
experience and patience.  Start by working on a low risk, low value piano.

Spencer Chase