hale hammer

[Larry J. Messerly]

I don't like the feel of the long tips I have tried.  The only time I use
mine is on a vertical piano with an overhanging lid or plate that
interferes with my lever handle.  On grands I generally use a 20 degree
tip that you can get from Jim Coleman if you are going to the Califonia
convention,.  On Steinways for some reason, I've always used a short tip
and 10 degree head.  I do endorse the idea of having other tips on a
second shaft.  I don't do it myself, but I did get a second shaft for my
Hale hammer (before they closed) right after two technicians I know had
their shafts break in the same week!!  (Now I have a total of 5 levers,
but then only one Hale and a junky one that my dad used in the 50's for
touching up unisons.

Larry Messerly, RPT
a real Bald-one

On 10 Feb 2000 23:30:46 -0800 pianolover@worldspy.net writes:
> I noticed earlier today, when tuning the Yamaha Grand, that the tip 
> (#2) on my Hale hammer was really too short for tuning the Grands, 
> especially up in the high treble area. In addition to getting a 
> longer tip,(which will give me more clearance) I want to buy another 
> head (5 degree), and put them together for quick changes. If A hale 
> tip and head are not available, can anyone suggest what will fit the 
> shaft of my Hale hammer? The head and tip I currently have (#2, and 
> head is 10 degree) work great on verticles, but I think the 5 degree 
> head and longer tip would work better on Grands. I guess I'll have 
> to make a trip up to Pacific Piano for the stuff...anyone know the 
> address? Thanks. 
> 
> Btw, I bought the hammer from my mentor, who says the head has not 
> been off the shaft for ten years..that would explain why it WON'T 
> come off! I soaked the area with WD40, but it still wont budge..I'll 
> have to try putting it in a vice. If it's rusted on, maybe i can 
> just buy a new shaft in addition to the new head & longer tip, and 
> then just have that ready to switch. Any ideas? 
> 
> Terry
> 
> 
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