Stupid Question

[A440A]

In a message dated 4/9/98 10:26:47 PM, you wrote:

<<O.K. I'll admit to souding kind of nieve but "Why is it
called a tuning hammer'? :>)  Isn't it really more like a wrench or a
socket?  History buffs?>>

     One long held view is that the early pianos, harpsichords, etc.  had
unthreaded tuning pins, requiring an occasional tap to seat tightly enough to
hold the pitch.  Thus, the tool to turn, tap, and tune was called a tuning
hammer.  
     ( I think this is because people got tired of calling it a "hammering
tuning wrench")
REgards, 
Ed Foote