Tuning lever heads

[Paul Chick]

I learned tuning with an extension lever and continue to use one. I like the
feature of optimizing it's length to the tuning conditions, moving it in or
out up to 2". I've found a "bench mark" length where it suits most jobs.
None of this is possible with a fixed length lever. I'm currently using
Schaff's new smaller extension rosewood lever.

Paul Chick
----- Original Message -----
From: "Avery Todd" <avery@ev1.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2001 11:26 AM
Subject: Re: Tuning lever heads


> I've heard the same thing, Clyde. Seems like it was George Defebaugh, many
> years
> ago who said that in a convention class but it could well have been
someone
> else.
>
> I've used the shortest possible head for many years now and the only
> problems I
> have are clearing the plate at section breaks on some pianos (Kawai comes
to
> mind) and of course, at the high end. It seems to help me with stability
by
> reducing possible flex, bend, etc. to a bare minimum. The only time I use
a
> longer head is on verticals with those two piece lids that sometimes
> overhang the
> tuning pins too much to use a short tip. Especially from around the middle
on
> down. When restringing, I use one of the 6-1/2" tips to clear all the
struts,
> case, etc.
>
> As part of a technical we had a year or two ago, this was talked about,
> commented
> on and different tips and techniques were demonstrated. I think the
general
> consensus was that whatever one gets used to will work as long as care is
taken
> not to flex/bend the pin, etc., especially when using the longer heads.
>
> One other thing to consider, if one uses an extension lever, is how far
> out, if
> at all, does one extend it? I don't. I have one of those but I'll bet I
> haven't
> extended it 5 times in all the years I've owned it. Just a thought.
>
> Avery
>
> At 08:14 AM 12/01/01 -0500, you wrote:
> >Somewhere along the line I picked up the idea that the shorter the tuning
> >lever
> >head, the better, so I am hesitant to buy a 4", 5" or 6" head, especially
when
> >I need it for only one piano.  Advice, anyone?
> >
> >Regards,
> >Clyde Hollinger, RPT
> >Lititz, PA, USA
> >
> >kam544@flash.net wrote:
> >
> > > However, my weapon of choice is a 6 1/2" tuning lever head & tip I put
on
> > > for situations where space is at a premium.  Have dealt with this for
years
> > > at the university I service, as well as a few other choice locations.
> > > Clears all grand rims to date.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > >
> > > Keith McGavern
>