Reyburn Tuning Hammer Review by a Piano Tuner 2025
Reyburn Tuning Hammer/Lever for Piano
Here's the Reyburn tuning hammer I purchased a few years ago. It's my favorite tuning lever that I've used consistently for a few years now. It has been the best piano hammer I've purchased, to this day.
I remember when I first purchased this hammer I felt bashful to show my piano tuning friends the lever because I know that it looks quite nice and not everyone has the ability to afford one as nice as this.
I've owned the rosewood tuning lever from Schaff, the Daniel Levitan tuning lever, and now this Figured Maple Gloss Finish Piano Hammer by Reyburn.
Out of all of the levers I've owned, it's my favorite and I use it everyday for work.
A soft sleeve bag comes with the lever to protect it in your toolbag from other piano tools.
Remarkably, the sleeve has kept the gloss finish in good condition. It's more likely that I scuff the finish while using the tool than when it's safely stowed away in the cloth sleeve.
I always store my tuning hammer in this protective sleeve. I'm grateful that this sleeve was included in my purchase.
This tuning lever I purchased from Reyburn is the highest quality tuning lever I've ever owned, both in form and function.
I've only had to replace the tip once before, due to the threads wearing out. Thankfully, the rest of the lever was unaffected, so it was a matter of replacing the tip for only $55.
Here you can see the carbon fiber portion near the tip, causing it to look high-tech and classy.
Features of the Reyburn tuning hammer:
There's nothing else that separates a tuning hammer from others than the inherent features and qualities that set them apart.
Ergonomic
The moulding of the hammer was designed for the technician in mind!
It fits to the form of my hand so well that I can easily maneuver the lever with one hand from pin to pin. It's so effortless that it feels like it "floats" in my hand.
Rigid
Similar to the Dan Levitan tuning hammer that was known for it's rigidity, this lever is equally as rigid.
Surprisingly, the Reyburn hammer feels hollow yet has the structural integrity to match other competitive hammers.
When compared to other levers, again, it is just as rigid, though weighs even less than its predecessors.
Comfortable
I can't remember the last time I had strain in the palm of my hand from working with this tool. It provides a large enough surface area for the palm of my hand to work with so there's no straining of the skin.
It fits so naturally in my hand that it seems to "float" when I hold it, making it easier to control fine movements.
Aesthetics
If you take one look at it, you know it's a beautiful piano tuning hammer.
I've received many compliments from both customers and technicians asking me where I bought it and asking my which type of woods it's made up of.
Though I don't much care for owning attention-getting tools, it's refreshing to see regular folks show an interest in my piano tools.
Lightweight
At first, I was surprised to feel how lightweight this piano tuning hammer was.
In fact, I was astonished to learn that it's essentially hollow on the inside to eliminate any excess mass.
Piano hammers that were manufactured 20 years ago or more have no chance at matching this tool, given its light-weight.
Tuning Lever Tip
I've only used the tuning lever tip that came with this hammer, as it matches the size of piano pin for most pianos.
The experience I've had with other tuning lever tips are that even though you can get a better fit, I find that precise lever tips tend to slow the tuning down when moving from pin to pin.
Having a tuning lever tip that works for most pianos and doesn't squeeze on too tightly to each pin is preferable to me.
Buy the Reyburn Piano Hammer if
You'd like a serious upgrade from your current piano hammer
You need a lever that is easier on your body
You want a fancy piano hammer
You spend a lot of time tuning pianos!
Don’t Buy the Reyburn Piano Hammer if
You don't tune many pianos
You're a brand-new beginner (first see if tuning pianos is right for you with less expensive tools)
You're on a tight budget
The Reyburn Piano hammer is a hollow piano lever with 2 different types of wood, carbon fiber, and an interchangeable tuning lever tip.
Pros
Protective sleeve comes with the tuning lever
Looks stunning!
Lightweight for control
Feels more natural to tune a piano
Cons
Pricey (costs upwards of $550)
I had 1 tip break (threading) that I replaced for $55
Delicate (attracts tiny indentations)
This section highlighted in the photo is also wooden. Its darkened grain is a different type of figured wood that I'm unfamiliar with. It looks quite nice!
Reyburn Rigid Piano Hammer Price
I recall the price of this lever was $575 when I purchased it a couple of years ago.
Right now, the same lever retails for $595. Currently, the hammer is sold out!
After owning this lever for a few years, I'm inclined to purchase some of the other levers that Reyburn offers.
This featured image exposes the most beautiful portion of the figured wood on this tuning hammer.
There are other wood types available, however, this was my favorite.
Is the Reyburn Rigid Piano Hammer it worth it?
Yes! Especially if you tune a lot of pianos!
It's certainly an investment of money, however, if you're spending a lot of time working on pianos, then this is exactly where you gotta spend the money!
Reyburn Rigid Piano Hammer FAQ’s
Where’d you get it?
I purchased this piano hammer at the Piano Technician's Guild Convention in Washington D.C. in 2023.
The hammers are also available on Reyburn's website.
What wood is the piano hammer made of?
It's primarily “Figured Maple,” though it has exotic carbon fiber near the tip for flawless rigidity
How much does the Reyburn hammer cost?
It costs about $600. The piano tuning tips cost upwards of $60 as well. Thankfully, the tips comes with the purchase of the lever.
Visit: Reyburn Tools
Read Next:
