left-handed tuning

[BobDavis88@aol.com]

I seem to be the only one weighin in AGAINST tuning other-handed. Here's why:

I have more fine motor skill in my right hand. That's why I'm right-handed. I 
want that fine motor skill above all when tuning. Switching to my 
less-sensitive side doesn't make sense to me; finding a technique that works 
for the dominant hand does.

I think the reason people switch to the other hand is to change the angle and 
therefore the "bias" of the tuning lever. Pulling down during tuning springs 
the pin downward while it rotates. With some pianos this might be a good 
thing. With a tight-ish pin and very little bearing friction, it will spring 
back when released. Pulling up, whether with the left hand or using a 10 
o'clock position with the right hand, counteracts some of this, maybe the 
right amount, maybe too much. I have found it more successful to tune in the 
11-1 o'clock position and pull the lever TOWARD me or AWAY from me while 
rotating to counteract these non-circular vectors. It is individually 
adjustable for each pin, and I don't need to change to a new technique. I use 
a similar technique on grands, lifting up or down while turning. 

I don't have problems with 1098's. At least not with tuning....
Bob Davis