Tuning lever length

Phil Bondi phil at philbondi.com
Sat Feb 23 04:32:30 MST 2008



Farrell wrote:
> If you can, please try to better describe the difference between a jerk 
> and a smoothie. 

Hi Terry..I'll give it a shot:

I'm a jerk, so I'll explain that first..those 
that know me know there's no explanation 
needed..?!?!? .. :

Jerk is a quick, but controlled movement. You 
can 'push' or 'pull' in either direction with 
this method. I was told when I started learning 
how to tune that I had a 'natural'  feel for 
moving tuning pins..well, over the years I have 
learned to use a smooth method also, because I 
feel the jerk method over time will accelerate 
my need for Carpal Tunnel surgery.

One trick with the jerk method is to keep your 
wrist parallel with your forearm. This will put 
the emphasis on muscles used to your elbow area. 
If you bend your wrist using the jerk method, 
then the muscles used are closer to the wrist 
area ..not good for the long term. Short term, 
or finding that sweet spot on the tuning pin, 
ok..but don't do it too often. Your fatigue 
factor will increase dramatically if you bend 
your wrist using the jerk method, and you won't 
have good results...and be frustrated...and then 
you'll think you need a new tuning lever!!

A smoothie is just the opposite of jerk...think 
smooth=legato - jerk =staccato.

The jerk method came very natural to me 
initially, and I haven't swayed far from it.

...i can just see the private email now...

-Phil Bondi(Fl)



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