(212) 925-1365
19 Mercer Street, New York, NY
(212) 925-1365
19 Mercer Street, New York, NY No one else could find the noise, including another consulting company.
February 9, 2011
To Whom lt May Concern:
We then called Acoustilog. Al Fierstein came to the building, and after several visits where the noise didn't occur, he was able to find the source of the sound. He did this not by using conventional sound meters, but by measuring the "time" it took for the sound to get to various locations, and then "triangulating" back to the source, which was inside a wall where we had never suspected.
On Al’s advice, we opened up the wall and staring us in the face was the source of the noise. Al gave us a simple remedy on what to do to fix it and it worked perfectly The residents are ecstatic and so are we; and we highly recommend it.
Nicholas Veikos
Executive Vice President
60 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10023
www.related.com
Dance studio got a DEP re-test and passed.
Hi Mr. Fierstein,
Just wanted you to know that the 2 guys from the DEP came last nite to re-test. One looked at the limiter, took pictures of it...And then one stood by the stereo while the other went up to the tenant's floor. He knocked on the tenant's door and she refused to open. [It was] pointed out to the 2 DEP guys that the husband and son were standing outside in the street watching. He took the reading in the hallway and it registered 39. You could hear absolutely no music and that was just ambient noise.
The one in the studio told our manager that the DEP doesn't appreciate this tenant "stonewalling" them and using the Agency against us in an effort to not pay her bills. (At the hearing I produced copies of the tenant's last year eviction and this current one).
The DEP guy said he's sure we will not pay anything on this violation when we appear in March.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that we are done with them. Our landlord said yesterday was the court date for the eviction. I don't know what happened -- maybe postponed due to snow.
Thank you so much for all your help. As much as I enjoyed dealing with you since you've been nothing but a pleasure, I hope I don't have to call you anymore! LOL I'll tell you what happens in March when we go back!
Warm regards,
[name withheld]
Hi Mr. Fierstein,
I thought you would like to know the final outcome of the DEP violation.
After we followed your directions to resolve the noise problem, we attended the first hearing with pictures of the new speakers, the limiter and your report. At that time, we rescheduled another hearing so the DEP can take readings again. They came, the tenant refused entry, and they did measurements like you did, by tenant's door. Readings were below the acceptable level, so that was good!
We attended the final hearing yesterday and the fine was zero because we had complied, in a timely fashion, to fix the problem.
I'm so glad I found you on the internet and you took the trek out to Queens for us! You were always available to answer any question we had. Never had to wait days to hear back from you -- it was a pleasure!
Thought you'd be interested in hearing a good outcome!
Thanks so much for everything!
Best,
[name withheld]
Client had to convince Board that upstairs neighbor's children created a nuisance with excessive noise.
From Joya Stella May 29, 2009
Date 2007/03/08 Thur PM 08:00:51 EST
" Al Fierstein from Acoustilog is undeniably the sole expert in NYC for sound analysis and diagnostics in both residential & commercial spaces.
Al's decades of experience, coupled with his irrefutable scientific data is an essential tool for victims of all types of noise pollution. His ability to identify structural problems, as well as the ability to record and play back noise in a court of law are essential to tenants who must go head to head with their Board or management corporation.
Acoustilog was the only resource to assist me with my noise problem. Not only was Al sympathetic to my situation, but he also offered long term practical solutions for renovations and reassured me of my right to a habitable and quiet apartment.
In my particular case, an uncontrollable toddler was the source of nuisance both day and night; oftentimes until 1 AM. He was even able to measure the vibrations of my ceiling during the analysis. Al's scientific data in his acoustic report proved to the Board that my issue was indeed chronic, intolerable, and illegal."
" Anyone considering renovations or seeking to resolve serious noise issues with neighbors in multiple dwelling units should consult with Acoustilog first."
Joya Stella
Woodside, Queens
Dance studio got a DEP re-test and passed.
Hi Mr. Fierstein,
Just wanted you to know that the 2 guys from the DEP came last nite to re-test. One looked at the limiter, took pictures of it...And then one stood by the stereo while the other went up to the tenant's floor. He knocked on the tenant's door and she refused to open. [It was] pointed out to the 2 DEP guys that the husband and son were standing outside in the street watching. He took the reading in the hallway and it registered 39. You could hear absolutely no music and that was just ambient noise.
The one in the studio told our manager that the DEP doesn't appreciate this tenant "stonewalling" them and using the Agency against us in an effort to not pay her bills. (At the hearing I produced copies of the tenant's last year eviction and this current one).
The DEP guy said he's sure we will not pay anything on this violation when we appear in March.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that we are done with them. Our landlord said yesterday was the court date for the eviction. I don't know what happened -- maybe postponed due to snow.
Thank you so much for all your help. As much as I enjoyed dealing with you since you've been nothing but a pleasure, I hope I don't have to call you anymore! LOL I'll tell you what happens in March when we go back!
Warm regards,
[name withheld]
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Client won harassment case with help from expert testimony by Alan Fierstein, including playback of calibrated recordings in court.
Read excerpts from judge's decision.From Robert Filippini
Date 2007/03/08 Thur PM 08:00:51 EST
Alan,
I want to thank you for your expertise and help in winning our court case. Your sound recordings and testimony were hugely effective in court and in helping us win our case. Thanks again, it was a real pleasure working with you. Take care. Best regards,
Robert
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A client's thanks for helping him "stand his ground" in dispute with builder. Insufficient sound isolation was rectified at builder's expense and builder reimbursed client for the consultation fees.
H. Eric Steibl
www.deep-tissue.com
Wednesday, .Ianuary 03, 2007
Dear Alan
Happy Holidays! I also wanted to express my sincere thanks for everything you’ve done.
To Whom It May Concern:
About 6 months ago, I moved into a new condo. Shortly after I moved in, I discovered I had a problem when I could hear my next-door neighbor’s conversations! It was bad enough that I could hear my neighbor talking, it was worse that I heard her stereo 24hrfday. I called Al Fierstein of Acoustilog for his expert opinion - it was the best thing I ever did. He conducted some sound tests and discovered that the walls of my new condo were basically “below code”. Al made some suggestions on how to deal with the Builder/Developer to get them to rectify the problem. After a few months of protracted Wrangling with the Builder, I was inclined to give in to the Builder’s solution - which was far less than Al’s recommendations.I have to hand it to Al - he demanded that I stand my ground and not give in to the Builder. He made suggestions on how to increase the pressure on the Builder, until they finally gave in to my demands. The work has now been completed - at the Builder’s expense. Throughout this arduous process, Al stood by me and offered his help. He was always prompt to return my many phone calls and emails - I know I got more than my money’ s worth! Al was well worth the expense of his consultations. Besides, we also got the Builder to reimburse me for Al’s expense!
Thank you again
H. Eric Steibl
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A client's thanks for expert witness testimony in a noise case. Click for full text of Judge's decision, including quotes from Alan Fierstein's testimony.
BLANCHE PAUL
July 31, 2008
ACOUSTILOG
19 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10013
Dear Alan:
Thank you so much for your assistance in measuring and diagnosing my sound problem, and thank you especially for your expert testimony in court. If I have any chance to alleviate the problem it will be in large part to you!
Your testimony was terrifically interesting; we were all transfixed as you laid out the facts for the court. I really enjoyed hearing you. I was especially gratified that you addressed the issue of the low-frequency rumble, which I was hearing but despaired of articulating and convincing anyone else of its existence.
I will not hesitate to seek your help if any situation in the future requires expert consultation.
Sincerely,
Blanche Paul
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Comments from an attorney.
Warshaw, Burstein, Cohen Schlesinger & Kuh
555 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017
July 24 2006
Mr. Alan Fierstein
Acoustilog, Inc.
19 Mercer Street
New York, New York 10013
Dear Al:
I very much appreciated your prompt attention to our matter and your very helpful
suggestions. Knowing that I could use you as a witness and bearing in mind what you
had told me, I was able to take a much stronger position in the settlement discussions
than would otherwise have been possible.
Thank you also for treating our client fairly.
I enclose my firm’s check in payment of your bill.
Sincerely
Robert P. Wittes
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A successful resolution to a neighbor noise problem.
August 20, 2004
To Whom lt May Concern,
My husband and I recently bought a large Soho loft. Two days alter the purchase, we were waking around, planning our new home when the floors and walls began to shake. Our new downstairs neighbor, it turned out, had a massive sound system, much of it in the ceiling (=our floor) and the noise was depressingly deafening.
Through our lawyer, we contacted Alan Fierstein who came over, listened, consulted with our General Contractor and gave us a solution. It involved lead sheeting and extra layers of plywood, but, a month later when we had a sound test, the place was utterly silent. Our neighbor tumed his hideous system up full blast and we couldn’t hear a thing
So, this is an unconditional recommendation for Mr, Fierstein’s line services. Also he was nice, and answered our questions promptly and professionally.
Thanks. Deborah and Jason McManus
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This residential customer thanks us for helping her "get her life back" .
12/17/03
Dear Al,
You know I can't thank you enough for what you did. When Beatrice (Lesser) and I left court last July after your testimony she said to me, “AI just won the case." And so you did and here I sit under my brand new soundproof ceiling. The ceiling was finished mid-November. lt is mid-Deoember and I have had a month of peace and quiet and |’ve begun to get my life back. Thank you.
I don't know if you remember this but in court, in the middle of your testifying, the landlord's lawyer asked the judge for a deley on the grounds that if he had known that our expert (you) was such an expert he would have studied more! That certainly provided a good laugh for everyone including the judge. But the truth is, not only are you an “such an expert' in regard to sound, your expertise in the law and building construction knocked their socks off, mine, too. Thank you.
The design and plans you made for my ceiling were so clear and so complete that Mr. Museo (my landIord’s construction person), having never done a soundproof ceiling before had no problem doing a tine job. Thank you.
Your light-handed intelligent way of dealing with people made what had been and could have continued to be an horrendous situation. an almost easy one, Thank you.
My best wishes to you always, Al.
Gratefully -
Nada Severdija
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Residential customer says "You are the very best!"
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NY City Council Member Gennaro thanks Alan Fierstein for his testimony re: the new Noise Code. Read More
The Council of the City of New York
JAMES F. GENNARO
COUNCIL MEMBER
24TH DISTRICT, QUEENS
District Office Address
185-10 Union Turnpike
Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
CHAIR
Environmental Protection
February 8, 2005
Alan Fierstein, President
Acoustilog
I9 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10013
Dear Mr. Fierstein:
l would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to present your testimony at the noise hearing held by the Environmental Protection Committee on January 26th. You voiced legitimate concerns and I arn committed to do whatever I can to be mindful of these issues.
I look forward to an ongoing partnership with you and keeping you engaged in the process, Please feel free to contact my office if I can ever be of assistance to you.
James F. Gennaro
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Co-op Board replaces antiquated boiler after Acoustilog noise tests
11/20/09
Alan,
Thank you for the help in evaluating the boiler system in my building. Living in my apartment had become unpleasant because of the horrendous noise caused by the old boiler. The thorough and detailed
analysis that you performed was absolutely critical in convincing my co-op board to replace the antiquated boiler system. We now have a brand new, quiet boiler which has greatly improved the quality of living in my building for me and my neighbors. We appreciate it! I should have called you when I first noticed
the problem instead of waiting for three months trying to convince the board myself.
Thanks!
(Name withheld)
Ventilation system that "shook light fixtures" now quiet
Subj: thank you!
Date: 5/17/2005 6:06:49 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: XXXXX@aol.com
To: XXX@acoustilog.com
May 17, 2005
Dear Mr. Fierstein
Thank you so much for your help and expertise! The ventilation system for the restaurant went from shaking the light fixtures in the back bedroom to a super quiet, almost inaudible purr. I no longer feel like I am living in a tunnel, and am happy when I walk in the door. I am so grateful for your clear recommendations and assurances that there was, indeed, a simple solution to a very unpleasant and persistent problem. I wish I had called you months ago!
I am also very grateful to you for your handling of the noise issues with the bar downstairs. You were incredibly personable, tactful, and practical, giving them very simple and relatively inexpensive ways to eliminate the noise problems and comply with the legal noise level limits as well as the noise level conditions in their lease. Your very fair and clear assessment of the situation, and the explicit step by step solutions that you proposed were enormously appreciated (As of yet, however, the bar has not followed a single recommendation, and I fear that I may have to call on you again to testify in court, although I hope it doesn't go that far.) If they would only follow your advice and invest a minimum amount of time and money the whole situation could have been resolved months ago!
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Bethany Yarrow
Boiler Pump Noise Gone
June 12th, 2008
After unhappily living with the hum of the boiler pump in our newly renovated building for a full year, we could no longer bear the noise . Our apartment truly felt like a moving subway car; not a habitable environment.
So we hired Al Fierstein to come and take noise measurements and examine the building's boiler room. His thorough examination of the situation and research on possible solutions led to a set of measurements and recommendations that when presented to the building developers were unchallengeable by them. The developers brought the installation's plumbers back in and after a meeting with Al, agreed to create a new isolation scheme and redo a significant number of connections in the boiler room. These actions were all based on drawings and written details provided by Al.
When the boiler turned on again last October, our apartment was more quiet than we could have hoped for. All trace of the hum (which had been 10 decibels above the city noise code limit) was gone. Without Al's analysis we could never have gotten the building developers to agree to do the large job that was required to fix this unbearable situation And without his careful research and recommendations we certainly could never have gotten them to do it right. We can now live in and enjoy our home because of Al's fine work.
Scott Lehrer
Scott Lehrer Sound Design, Ltd
On the following job we were able to help the client avoid a fine and solve some other noise problems in their building.
RESIDENTIAL
MANAGEMENT
GROUP
August 21 . 2003
Acoustilog, Inc.
Alan Fierstein
19 Mercer Street
New York. NY 10013
Dear Al:
I would like to thank you for the assistance you have given us with the acoustic issues in the building. First, with regard to the top floor exhaust noise violation. your letter detailing the mistakes made by the DEP Inspectors was presented at the Environmental Control Board hearing. The hearing officer’s decision stated that the DEP “failed to utilize the mandatory measuring procedures set forth in this Section", and both violations were dismissed.
Second. the recommendations provided by you for the 3'° floor chiller pump noise problem have been taken. The noise and vibration is now gone, and I have not received any further complaints.
In addition your dealing with various diverse personalities in each situation was done in a most professional manner and helped to speed the resolution of both situations.
Thank you again for your help
Very truly yours
Jay Sternlieb
RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT GROUP
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This is a letter from a client of ours who runs a Karate School (Dojo). They called us because noise from their classes was disturbing other tenants in the building.
Ken Zen Institute Ltd.
54 Thomas Street
New York, NY. 10013
May 16, 2001
Mr. Alan Fierstein
President
Acoustilog Inc.
19 Mercer Street.
New York NY 10013
Dear Mr Fierstein
This is to inform you that our Dojo is now in the operation without any problems They don't even know when we are practicing. That means operation was very successful. I truly appreclate for your great professional consultation to this matter. I thank you from the bottom of my heart
Sincerely,
Daniel Ebihara
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Here is an email from a customer about a ceiling we designed, and a contractor we recommended.
Subj: thanks
Date: 9/10/02 12:25:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: ???????@earthlink.net (Sylvia Lowenthal)
To: xxx@acoustilog.com (Alan Fierstein)
Alan, We want to thank you for referring us to Chris Harmaty. We had him insulate most of our apartment. He's a great guy and he and his crew did a beautiful job -- in fact we're going to have him do our bathroom also.
Thought you'd be interested to know the result. There's been good reduction of most noise from upstairs, but the really heavy stomping of our neighbor (bare heels landing heavily on bare floors) though lower in volume is still somewhat disturbing as she charges through her apartment. I guess that without good floor covering in her apartment there's only so much that sound insulation in ours can do. Still, we're glad we had the work done, because most noise has been significantly reduced.
Thanks so much for all your help. It's been uplifting to do business with such competent and decent folks as you and Chris and his entire crew.
Best, Sylvia Lowenthal and Constantine Kaniklidis
More E-Mails from residential customers.
2/26/2005
Dear Alan,
I can't thank you and your staff enough for providing superb professional services. Over several months you and your staff were patient in understanding my situation, and when finally the time came to measure the noise, you made every effort to accommodate me on a very short notice. Your report is not only technically comprehensive and educational but also includes invaluable suggestions. Anyone, who dealt with finding a knowledgeable and reliable contractor in New York City, especially in the very specialized field of soundproofing, will appreciate very much your recommendations. Your offer to make yourself available for an acoustical expert testimony in court if necessary is equally commendable (there is barely anyone in your field who offers such a valuable service that could be very critical during litigation).
I don't know how I would have managed without your help. Thank you for being one-of-a-kind.
Sincerely, Igor
Dog barking problem solved, neighbors still on good terms.
3/13/12
Hi Alan,
When we moved into our new NYC apartment we knew we were going to have to bear the heightened noise associated with life in an urban environment. However, what we did not bargain for was the two adorable non-stop barking pugs residing directly across the hall from us.
Our consultation left me optimistic that this was a manageable issue. Your insight and knowledge of acoustics was spot on, after further investigation you discovered that the noise was traveling between the small gaps in our front doors. We followed your recommendation and installed door mounts on both our neighbors and our doors and the result has been awesome. The sound traveling between our homes has been drastically reduced.
Thanks to you we are sleeping through the night and enjoying a greater sense of peace in our home. Also, important to note is that you helped us frame the "disturbing the peace" conversation with our neighbors in a positive and non-threatening way. The result has fostered a sense of open communication and friendship with our neighbors.
Thank you...thank you!
Rachel and Jeremy
7/28/06
Dear Alan,
Thanks! Gillian
Customer's son disturbed downstairs neighbors even though his "drums" were electronic pads. The stomping and pounding went right through the floor, until a contractor implemented our recommendations.
3/1/11
Hi Al
Nothing! That's what I heard when I went downstairs and my son played the electronic drums with the amp off (and he was pounding away). So THANK YOU!! Al, I highly recommend Custom Associates should anyone ever ask you, "Who can build me a platform like this?" They did a great job, and it’s beautiful as well.
Really appreciate all the great work — our quality of life just went up a couple of notches.
Best,
Peter
Three operators of commercial establishments (a hotel, a dance club and a hospitality management company) write to thank Acoustilog for helping them with noise problems as well as Community Board and State Liquor Authority approvals.
BCRE
05/17/2010
Re: Acoustilog Services for Liquor license Application with the Community Board
To whom it may concern,
On February 2010, we used Acoustilog services for the liquor license application for our hotel in
SoHo. Al Fierstein from Acoustllog came to Inspect our property and issued a detailed report which
helped the community understand the acoustical situation and helped us In minimizing future noise
problems. Al also joined us to the community board meeting and explained his report to the board and
the community. The SoHo is one of the most difficult commmunities in Manhattan and Al's research and
recommendations helped us in getting our four licenses.
Sincerely,
Liron Gur
Project Coordinator
XL Dance Bar
510 West 42" St
New York, New York
To whom it may concern:
I would highly recommend Alan Fierstein and Acoustilog to anyone that is serious about finding real solutions to sound problems.
As a member of Community Board Four for seven years it was always reassuring that the applicant before us was serious about controlling sound if they used Acoustilog and Mr. Fierstein.
I have also used his services in the many nightlife projects I have been involved in. His knowledge and experience in sound proofing is far and away above anyone else I have experienced.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at johnblairp@ aol .com
Sincerely,
John Blair
President xl Dance Bar
THE ONE GROUP
Hotels, Restaurants, Lounges
To Whom it May Concern
18th May 2010
Dear Sir/ Madam.
The ONE Group is a hospitality company operating restaurants, lounge & bar operations across the USA. including ten venues In New York City. Most of our venues are located within contentious areas and so, whenever we need acoustic work undertaken, whether it be for sound proofing, insulation or presentations no Community Boards. our preferred choice is Al Fierstein. Al always responds quickly to our calls and understands what is necessary to find the balance between the needs of the community and our needs as operators. I would have no hesitation in recommending AI’s services for any acoustic work or presentations to Community Boards.
Yours faithfully,
Jonathan A. Segal
CEO
Project studio owner who had previously been "taken in" by sales hype for ineffective acoustic materials says he'd have saved "one hell of a lot of money, time and aggravation" if he had called Acoustilog first.
David Kincaid
http: / /www.hauntedfieldmusic.com
December 22, 2007
Al Fierstein - Acoustilog
19 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10013
To Whom It May Concern,
I am a veteran artist and producer/engineer with a small studio (and I mean small 9’ 9”W x 8' 5” D x 8’ 11”) in an old Manhattan apartment building. I found that after properly soundproofing the floor and ceiling the room acoustics were atrociously bad. The standing waves were severe, making the low frequencies extremely dominant and/or uneven, therefore making the room unworkable for judging sound on any level or for any purpose, be it recording tracks or mixing.
This led me to the internet where I was taken in by the claims of a company (which shall remain nameless) that markets and sells “acoustic foam,” which, according to their marketing, will cure all your acoustical problems. The more of this stuff l bought - at the recommendations of one of their “experts” - the more frustrated l became as there were simply no discernible results. This is especially true of their very expensive foam bass-traps, which simply DO NOT WORK!!
Finally. after a lot of expense and several consultations with this company’s “expert,” I was told by this same fellow that I should bring in an acoustical engineer. This is where Al Fierstein entered the scene. He came in with his extensive experience and very sophisticated equipment, took some readings, then told me very calmly that the first thing that had to happen was the removal of most of the foam, especially the big foam bass-traps, as all they were doing was dulling down the mids and highs and actually making the room response all the more uneven. He then made recommendations on an EQ and proper positioning and mounting for the monitors, along with the proper materials (which, by the way, he does not sell) and manner of application for genuine acoustic treatment.
l can only say that the results were immediate, phenomenal, extremely effective and palpable to even the layman (my wife could not believe the difference in sound). Had I gone to. Al in the first place, I would have saved myself one hell of a lot of money, time and aggravation. lf anyone out there finds themselves in a similar position, the best thing they could do is contact Acoustilog, and then follow Al’s recommendations to the letter. ’
David Kincaid
Haunted Field Music
NYC
Studio owner "would never use anyone else to tune again."
College instructor thanks Al Fierstein for a presentation given to an acoustics class.
Alan Fierstein gave a lively presentation to my acoustics class, about not only the scientific theory and practice of working as an acoustic consultant, but also about the important of ethics and persistence in field research.
Mr. Fierstein provided several examples from his professional experience where finding the whole truth required detailed investigation. Rather than stopping when a few facts supported one side of an argument or another, he would get to the root of the issue: Even if that meant climbing ladders to measure ceiling sound transmission, crawling on the floor to measure floor sound transmission, measuring ambient sound levels days before and after a concert, (not just in the times between songs). Mr. Fierstein also provided examples of others in his field who may have stopped short of the truth, and showed how common sense must be applied to evaluating facts.
Mr. Fierstein set an excellent example for my students whether they pursue careers as engineers, consultants or researchers. I would be honored to have him speak to future classes, and would recommend having him as a guest lecture a range of courses, relating to business, ethics, scientific investigation and music technology in general.
Best,
Langdon
Langdon C. Crawford
Advisor & Instructor
Music Technology Program
NYU Steinhardt
Letter from a recent client for whom we did acoustic work as well as sound system troubleshooting and repair.
CUNY SCHOOL OF LAW
AT QUEENS COLLEGE
THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK
November 5, 2002
Mr. Alan Fiersten
President
Acoustilog, Inc.
19 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10013
Dear Mr. Fierstein,
I wanted to take this opportunity to drop you a brief note thanking you for all your assistance in remedying the problems with our auditorium sound and ventilation systems. Your solutions to our problems were inventive, but more importantly they worked. Our students and faculty can not believe the improvement in the room’s general sound quality.
Once again, thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
William I. Fox
Associate Dean of Administration and Finance
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