History of Piano Tuning – TUNING MONOPOLIES AND REGULATION

By 1887 Broadwoods were in trouble for excluding tuners who were not employed by them or their agents;

Messrs Broadwood admit that they send out men through the country to tune their own pianos …  Messrs Broadwood believe that in certain country districts their pianos have been improperly tuned to their detriment.  Messrs Broadwood may claim that certain unprincipled people have (possibly through ignorance) ‘botched’ their pianos in tuning.  The tuners then tell the customer: “Ah, this is an old instrument.   It is made by an old firm of makers.   Possibly behind the times.   Why not allow us to get you a brand new German piano?  We will allow you _____ per cent off, would take the old piano in part exchange and would keep the new piano in tune for twelve months.

In other words to a certain extent, the Music Trades Review could understand why Broadwoods had acted in the way they had.   But they follow with these words:

Messrs Broadwood were wrong to invade country districts where some of the best local tuners were employed and where they must necessarily come in conflict with some of the oldest customers of their house … we believe they were mistaken to interfere with the local tuning business of those who have always cordially supported them.

Mr Dyson, President of the Provincial Music Trades Association entered the fray and said that one of the objects of his association was: