Tuning Levers

[Cy Shuster]

I love mine from Michael Calahan (mcalahan@networld.com): solid 
(non-extension), titanium shaft (no flex), with a Coke-bottle bulge in the 
middle of the handle, and a ball end.  The variety of shapes on the handle 
gives a variety of grip choices.  For pitch raises, I don't like a heavy 
hammer: I like that this one is balanced and easy to move from pin to pin 
quickly (I hold it in the center).  You don't need to use your other hand to 
position the socket on the pin, so you can keep that hand on the keys.

I find the ball end to be very comfortable both for uprights and grands.

I second Terry's advice: go to the National, and try a bunch of 'em in 
person.  It's very subjective.  You should choose them like a grip for a 
tennis racket, sized perfectly to your hand.  You spend all day with the 
thing; it should be comfortable.  And it should be sturdy enough to wrestle 
these new pianos with tight pins.

--Cy--

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Matthew" <requiem31@hotmail.com>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2004 9:49 AM
Subject: Tuning Levers


> Greetings fellow Piano Techs,
>
> This is my first post to the list serve so please be merciful. :-)
>
> I will be purchasing a new tuning hammer soon as my old lever has seen 
> quite a bit of wear and tear. I am curious as to the different styles of 
> hammers you all use and if you have any recommendations as to tuning 
> levers that have stood the test of time and ones that may not be quite as 
> good as they were advertised.
> Do some of you carry multiple tuning hammers depending on the piano you 
> come across? Say, a heavier hammer for pitch raises and then switch to a 
> lighter one for more precision work?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Matt Lavender _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
>
>
>