Piano Tuning Hammer from In Tune Piano Supply Review
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.
This piano tuning hammer found on Amazon is supplied by In Tune Piano Supply.
The lever has similar qualities to the Rosewood lever distributed by Schaff Piano Supply, except that the handle isn't wooden.
Piano Tuning Hammer Distributed by In Tune Piano Supply
Pros
Distribution
Cost
Similar to higher priced "Rosewood" lever
This tuning hammer can be purchased on Amazon for a great price of $89.95, which is remarkable! As many levers are only available from large Piano Supply Companies or private businesses.
This lever is most similar to the "Rosewood" lever provided by Schaff Piano Supply co. (among other distributers) for a much less costly price.
Cons
Too flexible
Low grade composite material handle
Basic design
Similarly to the "Rosewood" tuning hammer I described earlier, this piano tuning hammer is far too flexible for professional use. I encourage against using piano tuning hammers that are too flexible as it will drain your time and energy trying to tune.
The composite material strays from the classic wooden handle which most piano tuning hammers come with. However, the benefit of the composite material is a much reduced price!
The design of this piano tuning hammer stems from half century old designs that are rudimentary in nature, which deprives a piano technician from the advancements made in the current age of piano technology.
Buy if...
You want to experience a flexible tuning hammer
You'd like to get the lever quickly
You want a good price
Don't Buy if...
This is your first lever
You need a professional grade tuning hammer
You want a rigid tuning hammer
In Tuning Piano Supply Tuning Hammer Price
I found this piano tuning hammer available on Amazon for a price of $89.95.
The ease of the price and distribution of this piano tuning hammer makes it more accessible to those who are interested in piano tuning, but may not want to create an account with a traditional Piano Supply Company.
Is the Piano Tuning Hammer from In Tune Piano Supply Worth it?
I think it's worth it for the price of $89.95. It's also worth it to try out and have experience with a variety of tuning hammers.
I don't think that this hammer is worth it if this would be the only tuning hammer that a tuner owns, as there are much higher quality levers for only a couple hundred dollars more.
In Tune Piano Supply includes a complimentary temperament strip (standard size) from Schaff Piano Supply Co.
It's a nice touch for any piano tuner just starting out!
This classic temperament strip is exactly what I used to start out as a piano tuner. It's the best felt mute to have when tuning a piano by ear.
It's good to know that temperament strips are available in different widths. Primarily there are thin, standard, and thick temperament strips.
Overtime, you'll find that you may have a preference as to which temperament strip size is right for you. However, when you're first starting out it's not something to concern yourself with.
The composite handle allows for a significant price reduction compared to the wooden handled levers available today.
The tuning head tip is a size 2, which is the most standard tuning head size available.
Other tuning levers have "tuning tips," different from "tuning heads" as you see on this lever.
It doesn't make for a large difference when tuning, what's important is to understand is that there are specific heads/tips for each type of piano tuning hammer.
The handle of the piano tuning hammer is made up of a composite, instead of wood, which is most typical in piano tuning hammers.
These piano tuning mutes are all you need if you're tuning electronically. Though, the kit also comes with a temperament strip (pictured above) if you'd like to tune by ear as well.
This piano tuning kit comes with a sheet of instructions about how to tune a piano. Read through the suggestions here provided by In Tune Piano Supply.
Piano Tuning Instructions by In Tune Piano Supply
In Tune Piano Supply
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Piano Tuning Basics
Piano tuning is basically adjusting the tension of each string - somewhat like a guitar or violin.
The basic piano tuning tools needed are in this kit. You may choose to add some type of pitch source - a tuning fork, electronic tuner, online source or other "in tune" instrument. A thin blade (screwdriver blade or dull knife) will be needed as well.
Open the piano lid and remove the music desk. This is different on different models and piano designs. A screwdriver may be necessary. Ultimately you will need easy access to the tuning pins and a section of the strings in the piano.
Notice that the strings are in different groups across the piano. Starting from the right end of the piano the first two theirds of the piano are in groups of three, a smaller section is in groups of two and the left (lowest) section are single strings per note.
Basic Tuning Guideline
There are many methods and sequences possible in piano tuning - use this as a guideline. Most people choose to use an electronic pitch source.
Locate the first group of three strings on the left - these are plain steel and not copper wound
Place the temperament strip between each group of three strings. Use the blade to gently push the strip in. Allow the strip to rise over the center string so it can vibrate. Continue this process moving from left to right until the strip is completely used.
Place your tuning lever on the center pin of the first note (on the left) that is covered by the temperament strip. Only one string should be vibrating (making sound).
Match the piano note and your electronic tuner note. This is different on different piano models.
Play the note and compare the piano pitch to the electronic tuner.
Carefully and slowly pull or push the tuning lever handle. Clockwise motion will raise the pitch and counterclockwise motion will lower the pitch. Small movements are most common. Take care to move the tuning lever in a rotation motion like the hands of a clock. Do not bend the tuning pin! Play the note multiple times as you make the adjustment.
Once you have the pitch you want move to the next center string to the right, adjust the electronic tuner up one chromatic half step and repeat until you reach the highest note on the piano. You will have to remove the temperament strip and re-insert two or three times as you progress.
Return to the first string set tuned. Insert a rubber mute to damp or stop the right string from vibrating
Place the tuning lever on the tuning pin for the left string of the set.
Play the note numerous times and adjust the left string to match the pitch of the center string you tuned earlier. This is typically done by listening and comparing ("by ear"). Some may use the electronic tuner but it may be difficult since two strings are now sounding.
Remove the rubber mute and place it to damp the string you just tuned. Move the tuning lever to adjust the string on the right side.
Play the note numerous times and adjust the right string to match the center string.
Repeat this process until you reach the highest note.
The bass section will be tuned from right (higher) to left (lower).
Start with the first note using only two strings. Insert a rubber mute to damp or stop the left string from vibrating.
Set your electronic tuner for the note and tune the right string.
Move to the left and repeat the process until you reach the single note/string section.
Return to the first string tuned in this section and match the left string to the right string.
Repeat until you reach the single note/string section.
In the single note/string section you adjust the string to match the tuner.
Repeat until you reach the lowest note of the piano.
Most inexpensive electronic tuners do not account for "stretch tuning". This would be more noticeable in the highest and lowest sections of the piano. Professional tuning software may be purchased online from various sites.
Spot Adjustment
Single strings that are out of tune can be adjusted by using the rubber mutes and tuning lever and matching the string pitch to an in tune string.
Tuning Fork Method
This method is more complicated and will require a "good ear" and a good knowledge of scales, chords and musical intervals. The electronic tuner is recommended for people new to piano tuning. Many professional tuners use electronic tuners to set the base temperament and fine-tune by ear.
If you would like further assistance please contact sales@intunepianosupply.com and their professional piano tuner will be happy to help you.
In Tune Piano Supply
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Thank you for reading my review on this piano tuning hammer and the other recommendations here provided by In Tune Piano Supply.
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Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.