Reyburn tuning hammer vs. Levitan tuning hammer Review
The Reyburn tuning hammer and the Levitan tuning hammer are the best piano tuning levers that I've owned.
There's a few distinctions that make them much different, however, they also have a few similarities that are beneficial for piano tuners.
Reyburn and Levitan Tuning Hammer Similarities
Rigidity
Lightweight
High grade materials
Interchangeable tuning tip
Rigidity
Both tuning hammers have much better rigidity compared to less expensive alternatives.
It is one of the more important qualities when it comes to the feel when using the tool, outside of ergonomics.
Lightweight
While I haven't weighed the two levers, it's evident that the Reyburn tuning hammer weighs less than the 9 ounce Levitan lever.
It's obvious when you hold them side by side, even though the Levitan is lighter in weight than its less expensive competitors.
High Grade
The craftsmanship of these levers are designed whose outcomes are much higher grade than cheaper alternatives.
The Reyburn uses exotic carbon fiber and burled, birds-eye, or figured wood to create a beautiful tool for tuners.
The Levitan tuning hammer was well thought out and is much better crafted than cheaper alternatives.
Interchangeable tip
Unsurprisingly, these higher grade tuning hammers allow for interchangeable tips.
It's always worth considering getting a more advanced tuning tip to have the most advanced version of the tool. Advanced tuning tips allow for a tighter, more sensitive feel for the tuning pin.
Reyburn and Levitan Tuning Hammer Differences
Aesthetics
Price
Different Designers
Ergonomics
Aesthetics
Clearly, the Reyburn tuning hammer has a greater visual artful essence. The exotic woods and carbon fiber set it apart from even more competitive levers like the Levitan.
While the craftsmanship of the Levitan lever is substantially better than it's cheaper alternatives, it doesn't quite rank as well as Reyburns.
Price
The Reyburn tuning hammer is twice as much as the Levitan.
Neither of these levers are very cheap, as they've both produced significant technical advanced qualities of tuning hammers, which piano tuners appreciate.
Reyburn Rigid: $595
Levitan Classic: $245
Designers
Reyburn - The Reyburn family has been working in the piano industry for over 50 years, passing down their trade skills one generation at a time.
Dan Levitan - A graduate of the prestigious North Bennet Street Trade School, works as a piano tuner in New York City, and has written books on piano tuning topics for all technicians.
Ergonomics
The Reyburn tuning hammer exceeds in its ergonomic design. It's easily maneuverable with one hand, to the point where the tuner may forget where his or her hand ends and the tool begins.
For me, the Levitan hammer requires a blue rubber ball to "cap" the end of the hammer (available at Erwin's Piano Forte Piano Supply) to supplement the tuners desire for a more comfortable lever.
