Not such a stupid question

[Ted Simmons]

In the September 1976 Journal, Christopher Robinson writes about the origin
of the tuning hammer.  I'll summarize the details.  In the 18th century
when harpsichords were more popular than pianos, the tuning pins were made
with no becket and no threads.  The string tension was only about 15 pounds
and the tuning pins would sometimes tend to come out of the hole and even
lean forward.
The tuning tool used was a T handle made of brass or iron, not wood.  When
a tuning pin started losing its grip the tuner would turn the tool around
and pound the pin back into the hole.  The name "hammer" stuck.  Anyway, I
think it sounds better than tuning "lever" or tuning "crank".

Ted Simmons

  >Dear list,
>        O.K. I'll admit to souding kind of nieve but "Why is it
>called a tuning hammer'? :>)  Isn't it really more like a wrench or a
>socket?  History buffs?
>                                                Greg Newell
>Greg and Mary Ellen Newell
>Greg's Piano Forte`
>Lakewood, Ohio 44107
>gnewell@en.com