<html>  <head></head> <body>  <DIV></DIV> Hi. I understand how you feel when you start out. When I was 22 years old in 1980 I started with cheapo tools which turned out to be flimsy and unstable. My suggestion to you would be, if you're serious, is: Get the Reblitz book and learn the parts and what they do, find a job someplace doing floor tunings and ask a lot of questions. Start off with a good tuning hammer, like a Schaff/Hale with a #3 tip (The #3 tip will help with restrung pianos that have larger tuning pins. I have used #3 tuning tips on almost every piano I tune anyway, even though new pianos mostly come with #2 pins) and a 1 or more inch head with a 10 degree angle (For overhang on some of the upright plates, you need at least 1" on the head of the tuning hammer). Get an English made "A-440" steel tuning fork, not aluminum, because it changes too much with temperature. You'll need at least 1 medium tapered wool temperament strip and maybe six 1/2 by 1/2 inch thick tapered rubber mutes with at least one split mute with handle for the treble.(Some folks like the papps mute for that). These are my personal opinions, you can find for yourself what is best. You will also need a love for the piano, good people skills, patience and a song to play in some situations. How's that for some advice! Go for it!   Gary L. Bauchman, RPT <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid">-------------- Original message from "blumetta@netzero.com" <blumetta@netzero.com>: -------------- Hello, I have been lurking on this list for a while with the plans to start a tuning business eventually.  I would like recommendations on tools for a beginning tuner/tech.  I recently bought a piano to practice on and now I need some tools so that I can really cause some damage! I would appreciate advice whether I should buy student type tools to begin with or if this is a waste of money and I should get professional style tools from the beginning. Sincerely, Bert Lumetta (prospective tuner/tech) _____________________________________________________________________ Call Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere in the World - FREE! Free Internet calling from NetZero Voice Visit <A href="http://www.netzerovoice.com/">http://www.netzerovoice.com</A> today! </BLOCKQUOTE>  </body> </html>