Fujan lever/lightweight tuning levers

[Tom Sivak]

List
   
   I have read with interest the thread about Fujan levers.  They look attractive, unique, and certainly their stiffness must be an asset.  I have read testimonials about how great the Fujan lever is for tuning unisons, with the feeling of real control of the pin. 
   
  I would like to suggest that this has more to do with the light weight of the hammer than the stiffness or design.
   
  I bought an antique tuning lever on eBay last year for $10.  As with a lot of things on eBay, it looked great in the picture but when it arrived, I found it to be smaller than I thought, with a thin wooden handle.  It is very light weight, compared to my Schaff extension hammer or McCallahan custom lever.  I'm glad I didn't pay much for it because it is only a student-quality lever.
   
  I only intended it for a spare, something to have in the shop, and despite being a bit disappointed in it, I took it out for about a week and tuned pianos with it.
   
  I was astounded at how great it was for tuning unisons.  The light weight of the hammer allowed me to make smaller movements than with a heavier lever.  It was a pain to do a pitch raise with this lever, but when it got down to making small movements to get those unisons right in tune, I could do a much better job with this antique student-quality lever.  Because of its light weight.  If I wasn't already carrying two tuning levers around with me, I would take this one with and use it on the final pass of every piano I tune.  
   
  The light weight of the Fujan lever has been mentioned by all who use it, as was the pleasure of tuning unisons with it.  This seemed more than a coincidence.
   
  I'm still interested in trying one out.  The 30 day money back trial seems too good to be true.   
   
  Tom Sivak
  Chicago

"John M. Formsma" <john at formsmapiano.com> wrote:
                One thing I discovered about the Fujan lever is that if you are using the 5° head, you will also need the 5/8” extension as there is not enough clearance in the capo area on some pianos. However, with the extension, it is impossible to get the tip on A0 in certain pianos (Yamaha for instance) because the music desk slides are directly above it, and the lever is too tall with the extension on. So, I’ve ordered the 11° head which should easily eliminate all this changing around just for A0.
   
  Still loving the lever, but thought this might be helpful for someone who’s considering ordering one.
   
  John Formsma


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