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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Mark,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>thanks for all your comments! You have given
me an education... I'm thinking of looking into the Faulk carbon fiber
lever. I guess part of my reason is money and the other part is the more
conventional look. Thanks once again for your post.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Shawn Brock, RPT</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=mark.purney@mesapiano.com
href="mailto:mark.purney@mesapiano.com">Mark Purney</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=pianotech@ptg.org
href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">Pianotech List</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, August 25, 2008 1:13
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: Faulk titanium or carbon
fiber?</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>Shawn,<BR><BR>First of all, I don't think you are restricted to
just a ball end with the Fujan. Talk to Steve and see what your options are.
The advantage of a ball end is the reduced stress on your hands and wrists,
which translates into a lower possibility of discomfort and repetitive-use
injuries. I preferred a ball end right from the start to a traditional handle,
but you have to use what you're most comfortable with.<BR><BR>I own (and
regularly use) both the Fujan and the Faulk carbon fiber tuning hammers, so
maybe I can help give a fair answer to your question: The Fujan is more rigid
than the Faulk, because of the larger diameter of the carbon fiber tube. This
is not only theoretical, but both tuning hammers have been tested for their
flex (deflection). The Fujan may be more rigid, but both carbon fiber tools
are significantly more rigid than any tuning hammer with a steel or titanium
shaft (this is proven, not my speculation).<BR><BR>So why do I use both, and
which is better? It really comes down to a matter of length, and that is
the biggest functional difference between the two tools. I think for most
uprights and for many grands, the longer Fujan is a better choice. For some
grands, I prefer the way a shorter Faulk responds. The shorter tool also has a
better balance when moving from pin to pin (both tools are almost identical in
weight). I could probably achieve the same thing by having two Fujans of
different length, or switching out different lengths of carbon tubes. But as
much as I like the high-tech look of the Fujan, there is something very
special about the tool Charles made, with a handle made from a piece of rare
amboyna burl - I think it's a work of art.<BR><IMG
alt=http://mesapiano.com/cf/cf.jpg
src="cid:001d01c90884$a8298b50$fdc8a8c0@ownerf9ede2044"><BR><BR>The bottom
line is that both tools are fantastic and you can't go wrong with either. The
Fujan has a few technical advantages, such as more rigidity, interchangeable
head angles and shaft lengths, but it's also a lot more expensive. The Faulk
has a more traditional look that appeals more to some, is less expensive, and
also has the ability to adapt to both Jahn and Watanabe tips.<BR><BR>A note on
materials:<BR><BR>The reason titanium has been a popular choice for tuning
hammers is because it's lighter than steel. What most people do not realize is
that titanium has more flex than steel. That extra flex is great for golf
clubs, but is a disadvantage for tuning hammers.<BR><BR>Carbon fiber is
lighter than both steel and titanium, and considerably more rigid than either
metal. This makes it a superior shaft material for tuning hammers:<BR>Less
mass = less momentum = more control over the tuning pin<BR>Less mass = less
strain on your body lifting it and moving it from pin to pin all day.<BR>Less
flex = less "spring" energy absorbed into the shaft = more control over fine
tuning pin motion<BR>Less flex = better tactile feedback of what is happening
with the tuning pin and string<BR><BR>Some people prefer heavier, more
flexible tuning hammers because that is what they are used to. There is
nothing wrong with that, but I often hear people say that a heavier tool is
better. There is no reality or physics supporting that claim, unless you're
trying to manhandle the tuning pin or turn it back in after a splice or
repair. I've also heard people insist that titanium is more rigid than steel
or carbon fiber. That is simply false.<BR><BR>Hope that helps,<BR>Mark Purney,
RPT<BR><BR><BR><BR>Shawn Brock wrote:
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I would be interested in hearing what you folks
who have tried and or owned both of these tuning hammers think of
them. I have thought of going the carbon fiber root, I don't think I
will be buying the Fujan lever anytime soon. At this time I'm using a
Jahn and a Watanabe both with 15 degree heads (love the 15).
Anyone prefer the titanium over the carbon fiber? Was going from a
"conventional lever handle to the handle on the carbon fiber a big
deal? That's one other thing that makes me shy away from the Fujan, I
could never get things to work with a ball end hammer! Waiting to hear
some comments from you guys!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Shawn Brock, RPT
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