We were taught, when I was in school at the Piano Hospital and Training Center, in Vancouver, Washington (I have never heard any other comments about this school on this list, but it is a good one, too), that the tip should fit as close to the coil as possible, without being loose, for best results. I have both a number 2 and 3, I guess I use the 3 mostly, except when it is too loose and jiggly for good pin setting. We were also told that, although it is a little more expensive, buy the whole tip and head that screws onto the hammer shaft. That way, it is much easier to change. Then replace the tip itself when it wears out. Unfortunately, I don't have one of those little "deals" that clamps into a vice that is used to loosen the tip from the head; I guess I could just use an old tuning pin. I hope the two tips mentioned in the original post were defective, rather than the sizing being determined by each maker. What would be the point in having sizing at all if it is so random. Arnold Schmidt, Raleigh, NC
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