Tuning the upper treble

[Ted Simmons]

Hi Ken,
   There must be something special about the 4 and 5 o'clock position that
lessens the possibility of bending the pin.  I've followed many of Dan
Bowman's and Steve Fairchild's suggestions through the years and haven't
been disappointed yet.  I just returned from tuning a grand and I did the
last 6 left-handed.  Did pretty well, but it's just not as comfortable, at
least not yet.  Thanks for your response, Ken.
   Ted Simmons, Merritt Island, FL

>        You expressed concern that the use of longer tips to get the
>tuning hammer higher than the stretcher and rim, might cause bending or
>"flagpoling." No doubt it does. However, there are lots of excellent
>tuners who use this approach and make it work well. Daniel Bowman
>describes how he uses a long tip in the 4 o'clock position, in my book on
>hammer technique, entitled DIFFERENT STROKES, page 110. On page 51, Steve
>Fairchild, Sr, describes the same approach, using a long tip at the 5
>o'clock position. He entitled this description "Five O'clock Shadow.
>        So these are two very credible technicians who are making this
>approach work for them.
>
>        Ken Burton "Doctor Piano" Calgary Alberta