[CAUT] Hearing Protection Desirable for Tuning?

[Jeff Olson]

Another question about "setting the strings" relates to a previous 
discussion about impact hammers (where I expressed surprise that people were 
still using conventional wrenches on uprights, since impact wrenches seemed 
so clearly better; some disagreed, but none that had actually used impact 
wrenches, if memory serves).

I stopped using those heavy test blows on uprights shortly after purchasing 
my first impact hammer.  I didn't make any immdiate connection, however; I 
simply thought my technique had evolved to make those hard blows 
unnecessary.  But at some point I did consider the possibility that impact 
hammers, through the pin-tapping action (or other effects), had a settling 
effect similar to test blows -- or perhaps an equivalent effect by 
"settlling" the pins.

Today, I tuned three pianos, and, after plugging my ears, proceeded to 
test-blow several keys throughout the range to see if any strayed.  A couple 
of high treble notes developed a slight quaver, and that was about it (but 
they might have even I'd struck them hard originally...not sure).  I tune 
many of the same pianos year in and out, and haven't observed any notable 
failures of tuning stability, though there are always pianos more 
troublesome than others (usually with obvious environmental or structural 
explanations).

I think this is an interesting topic that could use more rigorous 
examination....

Best,

Jeff

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Hull" <hullfam5@yahoo.com>
To: "College and University Technicians" <caut@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2005 10:14 PM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Hearing Protection Desirable for Tuning?


> This discussion is very helpful. Thank you for the
> responses.
>
> The Troost article does indicate with good evidence,
> that piano tuning, particularly with loud blow
> technique, can and does cause hearing damage.
>
> We have been taught to use loud or firm blow
> techniques for years. The Steinway manual encourages
> this. (Not to blame them but just to say this has been
> the normal recommendation.)
>
> A tuning teacher of mine remarked that hearing loss
> from tuning didn't seem likely to him because the
> decibel level just wasn't there.
>
> In the tuning exam we are encouraged to use test blows
> to stabilize and then the examiners use test blows for
> grading.
>
> There is a pattern of a damage causing technique that
> has been encouraged in our profession.  I believed
> what I read and heard.  Now after only 7 years of
> tuning, I may be already experiencing some damage. My
> ears have been ringing when I lay down at night (at
> that time my environment is finally quiet enough that
> I can notice the ringing sound that has been there all
> day anyway).  So, I became concerned and began using
> the 20db disposable plugs regularly.  Earlier I had
> used these and others (I think Diane Hofstetter's that
> I bought at a convention a few years ago. What is the
> db rating on those?)
> I now want some that will be comfortable to wear at
> every tuning and everytime I am exposed to loudness.
>
> The ringing, or tinnitus, has not stopped even though
> I am using the plugs regularly. I'm wondering if the
> 15 db filters are enough for the needed protection.
> It seems most of you who have said you use plugs use
> the 15db.
>
> Another problem with loud blow techniques is the
> possible damage and pain to the playing hand. Could
> this also lead to carpel tunnel.
>
> A mentor of mine, who has done a lot of high level
> concert tuning, has switched to pianissimo tuning.  To
> make sure the string is set he uses a hammer shank to
> push sideways on the string.  This may bring about the
> same amount of deflection in the string as a loud test
> blow.  I believe John Patton of Steinway told of this
> technique.  It sounds pretty good but I wonder about
> damage to the agraffe by pushing the string like this.
> I would like to hear your thoughts on this as far as
> effectiveness and agraffe or capo problems that may
> result. (Sorry to open  another can of worms.)
>
> In summary, I believe we have, albeit not on purpose,
> fostered the use of potentially damaging techniques
> for our ears, hands and wrists.
>
> There may have been an occassional class or article on
> this in the past, however a much stronger and
> consistent emphasis needs to be made.  Do you agree?
>
> Cheerios!
> Bob Hull
>
>
> --- Jeff Olson <jlolson@cal.net> wrote:
>
>> Found some links, guys/gals, relevant to this
>> discussion.  This one, in
>> particular, fascinated:
>>
>>
> http://www.troostmuziek.nl/Piano%20Onderzoek%20LUMC.htm
>>
>> and
>>
>> http://www.troostmuziek.nl/SummaryHP.htm
>>
>> Jeff
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> caut list info:
>> https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
>>
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page!
> http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
> _______________________________________________
> caut list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
>