Cheap Piano Tuning Hammer on Amazon Review
This is another piano tuning hammer distributed by Xuyiyue, a small brand on Amazon that sells a few different levers.
This has to be the best "minimum viable product" for tuning hammers that exists on the internet. While it's cheap, it's not the worst tuning hammer. Actually, it's only about $3 more expensive than The Worst Piano Tuning Hammer Kit on the Internet.
Pros
Least expensive tuning hammer on Amazon
Minimum Viable tuning hammer
Interchangeable tuning lever tip
Wooden Handle
Comes with it's own pouch for storage
Amazingly, this cheap lever only costs $15.99 on Amazon. It's the best minimum viable product for a tuning lever that you can buy on the internet.
It has an interchangeable tuning lever tip that allows you to upgrade to a better tuning tip. Surprisingly, tuning lever tips alone can cost up to $55 for a precision tuning tip.
The tuning lever has a wooden handle that is traditional compared to other hammers in the piano industry. It comes in a red pouch to protect the handle from damage in your tool bag.
Cons
Shorter than most levers
Flexible/lacks rigidity
Rudimentary design
Heavy
Not ergonomic
There's not much leverage when using this lever as it is the shortest tuning hammer I've ever purchased. It makes it uncomfortable to tune, given that more pressure is required to turn each pin (due to low leverage).
The design of the tuning hammer is rudimentary, as it's just a steel rod in the shape of an "L". The outcome of this is that it's a very flexible lever, lacking rigidity.
The weight of this hammer is more than most professional levers due to its poor design. Professional tuning hammers are optimized to have less weight, which is preferred by most piano tuners.
The shape of the handle is not ergonomic. It would be best to add a ball on the end of the hand so that the palm of your hand could control the lever more easily.
Buy if...
You're traveling and you need a lever quickly that you could dispose of after using (and you don't want to spend a lot of money)
You need to keep an extra lever for emergencies and wouldn't mind if it gets lost
You need a lever for stringing work (not concerned about quality)
Don't buy if...
You need a professional tuning lever
You are looking for quality
You are trying to establish yourself as a piano technician
Price
Amazingly, this cheap lever only costs $15.99 on Amazon. It's the best minimum viable product for a tuning lever that you can buy on the internet.
Worth it?
I don't think this lever is worth it. It's simply the lowest quality tuning lever that you can buy for dirt cheap.
Anyone who is invested in their career as a piano technician should purchase a higher quality lever. It's important to invest in a good lever, you'll be spending a lot of time with it, after all.
