left-handed tuning

[Mark Cramer]

I was actually taught to tune left-handed, for both uprights and grands.
Later, with some kind encouragement from a local tuner, I attempted
right-handed  tuning.

The comment that got me thinking; "you seem to be working kind of hard for
what you're getting!" (all the insentive I needed!)

Tuning uprights right-handed felt really wierd and I never did stick with
it. Tuning grands (right-handed) however was "the keeper!"

I must've made that switch about 15 years ago, and never looked back. As for
tuning the high-treble, I switch to left hand without difficulty.

So I'm coming at this from a slightly different angle Michelle, but agree
with Ed, you should give the L.H. approach a try.

With regard to U-1's, I will risk controversy and say I am inclined to look
at the grey-markets (wet pianos!?). They are easily better than the
"Hamiltons" we're infested with, and can often be purchased for similar to
what we can liquidate a nice "living room brown" Hamilton for.

U-3's, even moreso!

I've always been the amazed at the improvement on any Yamaha from just
replacing the bass-strings. Replacing the original mallets with a set of
well-needled Abels or Renners are the "icing on the cake!"

Until budget becomes such a non-issue that we can afford to replace all our
verticals with new, I can find no better value than a pre-enjoyed U-1 or U-3
refurbished, as above. New Dampp-Chasers with back-covers have taken care of
our climate concerns, even through our balmy Canadian winters!  :>)

BTW, welcome back everyone, it's good to see the list busy again.

Mark Cramer,
Brandon University