[CAUT] Tuning Hammers

Ron Nossaman rnossaman@cox.net
Wed, 25 Jan 2006 09:52:34 -0600


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> I've had a question about the "ball type" tuning levers.  I bought  one 
> last year because the buzz was that these hammers are  "ergonomically 
> correct." i.e., align everything to make less stress  on the joints, 
> etc.  Are there studies proving this?  

No, and there won't be. The ball end doesn't align anything. It 
gives the operators the option of aligning themselves as they see 
fit, to minimize strain. It's a sphere. You can come at it from 
wherever you like, so try holding it slightly different. The 
diameter of the ball is important too. When I made mine (a $0.50 
track ball from a garage sale, and a length of 7/16" stainless rod) 
I thought the 2 1/4" ball was probably too big. Now, I don't think 
so. Instead of butting the bulk of tuning stress on a couple of 
fingers (especially the way I used it on verticals), I can hang on 
to the ball end with all five digits, full contact, with my wrist at 
a comfortable angle rather than where the hammer handle points it. I 
find this makes a tremendous difference. A year and a half ago, I 
broke (smashed) my index finger at the base, and severely sprained 
two other fingers of my right hand in an auto accident. That was a 
Thursday. With index finger taped to middle finger, I started tuning 
again that Monday with this hammer. I wouldn't have been able to use 
my old Hale under the same circumstances. It's light, very 
comfortable for me, and quite rigid enough to meet my 
qualifications. I only carry the one hammer, and I haven't yet run 
into a piano it won't work on. Best hammer I ever used.

If anyone's interested, do a Google search on cue balls. They're 
available for around $5.

Different strokes.

Ron N

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