>I have found that more >grands than you might expect can actually be tuned quite easily with the lid >down -- takes a short tuning hammer in addition to your normal one... >Kent Swafford > I made my own short tuning hammer just for this purpose much cheaper than the supply houses offer them (I don't think they were in any of the catalogs then). I ordered the extension tuning hammer replacement shaft from APSCO, (Schaff's is hexagonal and won't work for this recipe), and a new head and tip (or use an extra one you've got already). I had planned to use hardwood dowel but found out by accident that the already drilled hole in a #7 "Screwz-On" file handle fits that shaft perfectly. You have to saw off the metal ferrule with the encased holding nut. I cut the shaft to make the entire length about 6 1/2 - 7" including handle. Add a little epoxy or equivalent. If desired, rasp, file and sand the handle to a more "ergonomic" shape (even stain and varnish it) and, wallah! The whole thing can be done for around $25, IF you have to buy everything new. Jeff Jeff Tanner, Piano Technician School of Music University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 (803)-777-4392 (phone)
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