<HTML>In a message dated 8/8/01 1:43:52 PM Central Daylight Time, doepke@fwi.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I have thought of holding a dowel in my left hand when I stand to extend my reach to the keys and play the notes that way. ( I am right -handed )  Is this a good idea?  Do any of you other "tree-top tuners" have a similar problem?  How did you solve it? </BLOCKQUOTE> Holding a dowel, or two hammer shanks together helps. But the best way to reduce your height is to take off your shoes. It might not seem like much, but even a 1/2" might make a difference. Willem Blees  at 6' even</HTML>