Pianotech

I currently use a fujan, and it fits pretty loose on most pianos. My pre war Hale rosewood lever fits better on most pianos, and is dynomight quality metal. 

Im Looking to buy your nice 3rd generation faulk level, to put my Hale tip on. You can send pics to my phone 425-628-4356 cheers.

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Leif Mathisen
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Lief, if it "fits pretty loose" that seems more like a tip/head problem than the lever itself. Check in with Fujan to see if he can help optimize your system. Faulk's levers are certainly excellent, and reasonably priced. Also note the recent thread on the Levitan C Lever. Excellent tools make our work much more enjoyable. 

------------------------------
Patrick Draine
Billerica MA
978-663-9690

Original Message:
Sent: 12-27-2015 16:02
From: Leif Mathisen
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

I currently use a fujan, and it fits pretty loose on most pianos. My pre war Hale rosewood lever fits better on most pianos, and is dynomight quality metal. 

Im Looking to buy your nice 3rd generation faulk level, to put my Hale tip on. You can send pics to my phone 425-628-4356 cheers.

------------------------------
Leif Mathisen
------------------------------

Pat's right, it's not the lever, it's the tip. I recently purchased a #3 KBK from Jurgen and like it. I usually switch between it and a #2 Watanabe.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

Original Message:
Sent: 12-27-2015 18:51
From: Patrick Draine
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

Lief, if it "fits pretty loose" that seems more like a tip/head problem than the lever itself. Check in with Fujan to see if he can help optimize your system. Faulk's levers are certainly excellent, and reasonably priced. Also note the recent thread on the Levitan C Lever. Excellent tools make our work much more enjoyable. 

------------------------------
Patrick Draine
Billerica MA
978-663-9690

Jon,

In the spirit of "tips really make a difference":  does the #3BKB give a tight fit on 2/0 pins?  I'm still not happy with the #2 Watanabe that came with the C lever after I tried your suggestions of altering it.  Once I get a tip I am comfortable with on the C lever I will probably like the hammer better.

Lief:  I am very happy with the tip that came with my Fujan hammer.  Ask Steve Fujan to swap tips.  I've read of others asking to swap hammer parts with him.

I think this shows the inconsistency of tips and what a difference they make.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Tim Coates
Sioux Falls SD

Original Message:
Sent: 12-27-2015 19:55
From: Jon Page
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

Pat's right, it's not the lever, it's the tip. I recently purchased a #3 KBK from Jurgen and like it. I usually switch between it and a #2 Watanabe.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

All #2 pins are not the same, even within the set. I would venture to say that all tips of the same size will have a differing 'fit'. Sometimes the KBK is a good fit, sometimes the Watanabe 2 or 3 is better, or an old Hale #3. Pins are made with differing tapers. I even have a #4 tip for those pianos repinned with 4/0~6/0 pins. The modification I made to the tips was to get them to grip lower on the pin, too often they gripped the tip of the pin.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

These days I mostly use a Watanabe #1 or #2.

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Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
704-536-7926

Original Message:
Sent: 12-27-2015 20:26
From: Tim Coates
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

Jon,

In the spirit of "tips really make a difference":  does the #3BKB give a tight fit on 2/0 pins?  I'm still not happy with the #2 Watanabe that came with the C lever after I tried your suggestions of altering it.  Once I get a tip I am comfortable with on the C lever I will probably like the hammer better.

Lief:  I am very happy with the tip that came with my Fujan hammer.  Ask Steve Fujan to swap tips.  I've read of others asking to swap hammer parts with him.

I think this shows the inconsistency of tips and what a difference they make.

Thanks.

------------------------------
Tim Coates
Sioux Falls SD

Original Message:
Sent: 12-27-2015 19:55
From: Jon Page
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

Pat's right, it's not the lever, it's the tip. I recently purchased a #3 KBK from Jurgen and like it. I usually switch between it and a #2 Watanabe.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

For what it's worth, I use a Jahn #3 tip with my Fujan lever. It's a loose fit, but I like it that way. Not sure why, but perhaps it's because it's faster to move to the next pin and get ready to tune it. In my world, it's less about how the tip fits and more about feeling how the pin moves. As long as there is positive engagement, we should be able to use about anything. Even though I love the Fujan, I feel confident that I could tune as well with just about any quality lever.

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS

Original Message:
Sent: 12-27-2015 16:02
From: Leif Mathisen
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

I currently use a fujan, and it fits pretty loose on most pianos. My pre war Hale rosewood lever fits better on most pianos, and is dynomight quality metal. 

Im Looking to buy your nice 3rd generation faulk level, to put my Hale tip on. You can send pics to my phone 425-628-4356 cheers.

------------------------------
Leif Mathisen
------------------------------

Mine is a #2 Watanabe on a shop made ball end lever. I think you're
absolutely right. As long as it feels comfortable, we should be able to
adapt to and accommodate about any lever we're likely to meet. Except
impact, which is a different universe altogether.
Ron N


Original Message------

For what it's worth, I use a Jahn #3 tip with my Fujan lever. It's a loose fit, but I like it that way. Not sure why, but perhaps it's because it's faster to move to the next pin and get ready to tune it. In my world, it's less about how the tip fits and more about feeling how the pin moves. As long as there is positive engagement, we should be able to use about anything. Even though I love the Fujan, I feel confident that I could tune as well with just about any quality lever.

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

There are many ways to manage a tuning pin. Pianos have been being tuned for many years, sometimes very well.

Dan Levitan's C lever uses a geometry which is different from all other levers. He explains it in classes, articles, his book and his video. Because of this, pin management is simpler, and the stresses on the body are different. 

So far I have not heard anyone who has bought a C lever say otherwise. The problems to be solved are the same, the method is different.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
704-536-7926

Original Message:
Sent: 12-28-2015 20:25
From: Ronald Nossaman
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

Mine is a #2 Watanabe on a shop made ball end lever. I think you're
absolutely right. As long as it feels comfortable, we should be able to
adapt to and accommodate about any lever we're likely to meet. Except
impact, which is a different universe altogether.
Ron N

I have one of the Levitan levers. Still not sure it's better yet. I'm sure it's easier on the body, yes. However, it's a bit cumbersome right now advancing the mutes and lever whose grip is way in front of the pins. With traditional levers, I've gotten so used to seeing everything and all the "workspace" being in front of me. With the C lever, it doesn't feel as "continuous" since part of the process is now in a different place.

What I feel is pretty much the same as with a Fujan lever. I haven't found it to yield more stable tunings. With the Fujan, I mostly do a smooth pull/push motion with my fingers/thumb more than using the shoulder. I feel the same movement, but it is taking longer since the business end of the lever is in the "wrong" place. I'll keep trying and might end up liking it.

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS

Original Message:
Sent: 12-28-2015 22:03
From: Ed Sutton
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

There are many ways to manage a tuning pin. Pianos have been being tuned for many years, sometimes very well.

Dan Levitan's C lever uses a geometry which is different from all other levers. He explains it in classes, articles, his book and his video. Because of this, pin management is simpler, and the stresses on the body are different. 

So far I have not heard anyone who has bought a C lever say otherwise. The problems to be solved are the same, the method is different.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
704-536-7926

The C Lever IS "completely different." It took me quite a while to get used to it. It's incredible for pitch raises, as well as very fine tuning. Practice, practice, practice.

------------------------------
Patrick Draine
Billerica MA
978-663-9690

Original Message:
Sent: 12-28-2015 22:11
From: John Formsma
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

I have one of the Levitan levers. Still not sure it's better yet. I'm sure it's easier on the body, yes. However, it's a bit cumbersome right now advancing the mutes and lever whose grip is way in front of the pins. With traditional levers, I've gotten so used to seeing everything and all the "workspace" being in front of me. With the C lever, it doesn't feel as "continuous" since part of the process is now in a different place.

What I feel is pretty much the same as with a Fujan lever. I haven't found it to yield more stable tunings. With the Fujan, I mostly do a smooth pull/push motion with my fingers/thumb more than using the shoulder. I feel the same movement, but it is taking longer since the business end of the lever is in the "wrong" place. I'll keep trying and might end up liking it.

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS

I think I'm hearing you say that you're not able to use your Hale tip on your Fujan. If that's the case you just need to order an adapter that will accommodate your tip. I have one for my Fujan so I can use the tips I already have. 

http://www.fujanproducts.com/carbontubecomponents.php

------------------------------
Scott Kerns
"That Tuning Guy"
Lincoln, NE
www.thattuningguy.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-27-2015 16:02
From: Leif Mathisen
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

I currently use a fujan, and it fits pretty loose on most pianos. My pre war Hale rosewood lever fits better on most pianos, and is dynomight quality metal. 

Im Looking to buy your nice 3rd generation faulk level, to put my Hale tip on. You can send pics to my phone 425-628-4356 cheers.

------------------------------
Leif Mathisen
------------------------------

My tips of choice right now are my #2 BKB and #1 Jahn. 

------------------------------
Scott Kerns
"That Tuning Guy"
Lincoln, NE
www.thattuningguy.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-28-2015 16:00
From: Scott Kerns
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

I think I'm hearing you say that you're not able to use your Hale tip on your Fujan. If that's the case you just need to order an adapter that will accommodate your tip. I have one for my Fujan so I can use the tips I already have. 

http://www.fujanproducts.com/carbontubecomponents.php

------------------------------
Scott Kerns
"That Tuning Guy"
Lincoln, NE
www.thattuningguy.com

Hello Scott,

I have a question; why would you use a NO.1 tip, thats supposed to be the smallest tip, correct? In the old Randy potter videos the guy recommends a NO. 3 for modern pianos.

And second question, i've never heard of BKB tips, but im willing to try it out! Ive tried them all out, wantanabe, hale, schaff, jahn, and nothing compares to the older ones.

------------------------------
Leif Mathisen

Original Message:
Sent: 12-28-2015 16:04
From: Scott Kerns
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

My tips of choice right now are my #2 BKB and #1 Jahn. 

------------------------------
Scott Kerns
"That Tuning Guy"
Lincoln, NE
www.thattuningguy.com

As I and others have stated (perhaps in other threads), there is considerable variability in the inner fit of tuning pin tips (e.g. Watanabe), and variations in the dimension and shape of the unthreaded end of the tuning pin (of various manufactures). If your #3 Jahn tip has a loose fit buy a #2. The BKB #2 tip I own fits more like my ideal #1 tip. Scott has a difference experience. Most testimonials say BKB #3 is is the best fit of all. BKB are available from Jurgen Goering, I think mine cost $150.

if you don't want to spend that much on a tip buy 2 each of Watanabe no. 1, 2, and 3, and find the best fit for the piano in front of you.

Happy New Year,

------------------------------
Patrick Draine
Billerica MA
978-663-9690

Original Message:
Sent: 12-31-2015 06:20
From: Leif Mathisen
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

Hello Scott,

I have a question; why would you use a NO.1 tip, thats supposed to be the smallest tip, correct? In the old Randy potter videos the guy recommends a NO. 3 for modern pianos.

And second question, i've never heard of BKB tips, but im willing to try it out! Ive tried them all out, wantanabe, hale, schaff, jahn, and nothing compares to the older ones.

------------------------------
Leif Mathisen

Another problem with tips is than when you place a tip on a pin to select a good fit, once you install the tip on the head the fit is different due to the stressed fitting of installation.

As I mentioned before in other threads, I'm experimenting with a different tuning lever which would have all your tips pre-mounted on affordable individual extensions, ready to select the best fit and easily attach to the lever. Trials are working well, it takes less effort to turn the pin, there's no flagpoling that I can see, reading the torsion is improved and the micro adjustments are a breeze. I just have to wait to see if the stability maintains as well as with my other levers. I'm no engineer but I think I'm on the right track...

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page

Original Message:
Sent: 12-31-2015 07:54
From: Patrick Draine
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

As I and others have stated (perhaps in other threads), there is considerable variability in the inner fit of tuning pin tips (e.g. Watanabe), and variations in the dimension and shape of the unthreaded end of the tuning pin (of various manufactures). If your #3 Jahn tip has a loose fit buy a #2. The BKB #2 tip I own fits more like my ideal #1 tip. Scott has a difference experience. Most testimonials say BKB #3 is is the best fit of all. BKB are available from Jurgen Goering, I think mine cost $150.

if you don't want to spend that much on a tip buy 2 each of Watanabe no. 1, 2, and 3, and find the best fit for the piano in front of you.

Happy New Year,

------------------------------
Patrick Draine
Billerica MA
978-663-9690

Hi Lief. Good question. The reason I use a #1 tip is because it works well for me. That's not a very technical answer but maybe the bigger principle (at least for me) is to go with what works despite what books, videos or people say. So, the #1 Jahn connects with the pin just like I like it to. Tight. And #2 BKB fits about the same way. 

Here's a link to the website that has the BKB tips: http://www.pianofortesupply.com/

------------------------------
Scott Kerns
"That Tuning Guy"
Lincoln, NE
www.thattuningguy.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-31-2015 06:20
From: Leif Mathisen
Subject: Looking to buy used Faulk tuning hammer

Hello Scott,

I have a question; why would you use a NO.1 tip, thats supposed to be the smallest tip, correct? In the old Randy potter videos the guy recommends a NO. 3 for modern pianos.

And second question, i've never heard of BKB tips, but im willing to try it out! Ive tried them all out, wantanabe, hale, schaff, jahn, and nothing compares to the older ones.

------------------------------
Leif Mathisen