Tuning Hammer and Technique for Novice

[David Ilvedson]

Like I said the trick is what NOT to take.  The truth is many techs 
want to take everything and the kitchen sink with them to what, 
invariably, is a simple piano tuning service call, which is of course 
just fine!  I have been using a bag from Duluth Trading Company 
(duluthtrading.com) called the gatemouth jr.   It has been perfect 
with lots of little pockets inside, for my service kit...no shoulder 
strap!  $20 or so.  The problem is it isn't the strongest material and 
one of the pockets has worn through.  I could replace it every 6 
months but I think the newer version are a cheaper fabric...So now 
I bought the plumbers bag from them.  On sale for $50, all 
leather...no pockets ;-[...leather and pretty well built, shoulder 
strap...I also just received a small, reddish, leather bag that is 
beautiful and strong.  This will be my ultra light kit...I'm in the midst 
of figuring out what I can leave out...

David I.

On 17 Jun 2002 at 17:12, SUSAN P SWEARINGEN wrote:

> Just for fun, I put my tuning kit on the scale and it weighed in at 21
> pounds (and I've got a nylon case)!  Boy, I guess I have some
> downsizing to do!
> 
> Corte Swearingen
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "David Ilvedson" <ilvey@sbcglobal.net>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Monday, June 17, 2002 2:33 PM
> Subject: Re: Tuning Hammer and Technique for Novice
> 
> 
> > My goal in piano service is as light a kit as I can put together. 
> > My joints don't need the aggravation.  The tricky part is what to
> > leave out for general service.  My kit now is approximately 10 lbs. 
> > I carry one hammer and others in the car.
> >
> > David I.
> >
> > On 17 Jun 2002 at 14:45, Ron Koval wrote:
> >
> > > Well, I must admit to carrying 3(!) tuning levers in my primary
> > > kit. And yes, everyone of them is modified from stock.  I've gone
> > > from long to short, from heavy back to light.
> > >
> > > My most used lever is a shortened student lever.  Just pulled out
> > > of the handle, cut off and pushed back in.  The handle is covered
> > > with a very thin wetsuit-like tube that I used to have on my bike
> > > handlebars.
> > >  It gives just the right amount of cushion without the loss of
> > >  "feel".
> > >
> > > Next, I have a Mahaffey impact lever, shortened (I had a bunch of
> > > different size threaded rods made) with the portion between the
> > > weight and the head covered with clear vinyl tubing (7/8"?) for
> > > grip comfort.
> > >
> > > Last, I have a mini-extension lever fitted with a long tip for the
> > > treble in grands, with a thin-wall tip in reserve.  This lever is
> > > also covered with the thin handlebar material.  I had hoped to
> > > make this one the primary lever, but the hex shaft doesn't fit the
> > > extension collar tight enough, introducing some wobble.
> > >
> > > As to technique, "whatever works" is my motto!  Learn as many
> > > different styles as possible, because the pianos you see will be
> > > unpredictable. From super-tight to barely holding, from smooth
> > > moving strings to popping through the agraffes, try to be ready
> > > for them all..... it's part of the fun!
> > >
> > > Ron Koval
> > >
> > > Chicagoland
> > >
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