Pianotech

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I sometimes use an impact method with my regular hammer but have never felt a need for a specific impact hammer. The Levitan hammer works wonders for me.
Come to think of it I tune right handed, left handed; I pull it, push it, snatch it, jerk it, slap it, pull up to it , way over it and just above it.
I tune it out of tune to get it in
Tune but don't need an impact hammer. But you may like it.
Sent from my iPhone


Original Message------

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Hi Ben,

I have used an impact hammer--a Reyburn Cyber hammer, like the one you are considering--for several years now. When I need to do a pitch correction on an upright, I use it, and with my non-dominant hand. Only took a couple of tunings to get the hang of it. I have used it for fine tunings only on Steinway uprights, so far. An excellent tool, in my opinion.

Alan

------------------------------
Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I remember Frances also and have one of his long brad point hammer but drills where you don't need to take the old hammer butt off the rail to drill it out.

------------------------------
Larry Messerly, RPT
Bringing Harmony to Homes
www.lacrossepianotuning.com
ljmesserly@gmail.com
928-899-7292
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:22
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Impact Levers

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I've reached the stage as a lefty I advise clients in the USA to look elsewhere for verticals than Steinway

------------------------------
Benjamin Sloane
Cincinnati OH
513-257-8480
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:42
From: Larry Messerly
Subject: Impact Levers

I remember Frances also and have one of his long brad point hammer but drills where you don't need to take the old hammer butt off the rail to drill it out.

------------------------------
Larry Messerly, RPT
Bringing Harmony to Homes
www.lacrossepianotuning.com
ljmesserly@gmail.com
928-899-7292

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:22
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Impact Levers

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I do pretty much all upright tunings with a Fujan lever and an impact method. I heard Jim Coleman, Sr. describe it once as a "karate chop" method. And most vertical pianos I will stand to tune.  Mostly prefer a smooth pull in grands, but occasionally will do an impact method in grands also. It's good to have a number of different lever techniques from which to choose. Some pianos don't like certain methods.

Benjamin, I have a Reyburn Cyber Hammer for verticals. I don't use it as often just because the Fujan is so much lighter. And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. But, I've had rotator cuff surgery (in 2012) and that's probably why. It's healed, but certain things make it sore sometimes.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:22
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Impact Levers

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

<And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. 

This would often be because the position in using an impact lever, for many bodies, entails the upper arm be maintained motionless and elevated during the entire tuning. If one were able to rest the elbow on something this immobility would be less of a problem, but holding a muscle immobilized and elevated is asking for trouble.  Maybe rethink this position. I don't like the things, but that's neither here nor there...when there is soreness, look at the mechanical position of the upper arm and shoulder on these babies.

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 16:45
From: John Formsma
Subject: Impact Levers

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

Susan Kline,  07-30-2017 15:22

I do pretty much all upright tunings with a Fujan lever and an impact method. I heard Jim Coleman, Sr. describe it once as a "karate chop" method. And most vertical pianos I will stand to tune.  Mostly prefer a smooth pull in grands, but occasionally will do an impact method in grands also. It's good to have a number of different lever techniques from which to choose. Some pianos don't like certain methods.

Benjamin, I have a Reyburn Cyber Hammer for verticals. I don't use it as often just because the Fujan is so much lighter. And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. But, I've had rotator cuff surgery (in 2012) and that's probably why. It's healed, but certain things make it sore sometimes.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:22
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Impact Levers

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I actually really like the potential of the impact hammer on uprights. My problem is also joint related. I know you are supposed to "throw" the hammer and let the weight + momentum do the work but I don't think I've ever actually figured out how to do that as advertised. Especially when confronted with a piano with tight pins. What happens to me is that the amount of energy I put into my hand and wrist to get the thing moving fast enough to actually do any work once it impacts also causes a sudden and hard stopping of that movement at the moment of impact. My hand stops moving, then my forearm stops moving and then my upper arm and shoulder stop moving. It's this continued moving from my wrist to my shoulder caused by a sudden stop at my fingers that doesn't take very long to cause very uncomfortable pain in all those connected joints. I find the impact hammer extremely effective for getting the last octave, or perhaps as many as two, on an upright that is jammed up against a wall on the right side, but any longer than that and I feel it for days.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 17:09
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Impact Levers

<And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. 

This would often be because the position in using an impact lever, for many bodies, entails the upper arm be maintained motionless and elevated during the entire tuning. If one were able to rest the elbow on something this immobility would be less of a problem, but holding a muscle immobilized and elevated is asking for trouble.  Maybe rethink this position. I don't like the things, but that's neither here nor there...when there is soreness, look at the mechanical position of the upper arm and shoulder on these babies.

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 16:45
From: John Formsma
Subject: Impact Levers

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

Susan Kline,  07-30-2017 15:22

I do pretty much all upright tunings with a Fujan lever and an impact method. I heard Jim Coleman, Sr. describe it once as a "karate chop" method. And most vertical pianos I will stand to tune.  Mostly prefer a smooth pull in grands, but occasionally will do an impact method in grands also. It's good to have a number of different lever techniques from which to choose. Some pianos don't like certain methods.

Benjamin, I have a Reyburn Cyber Hammer for verticals. I don't use it as often just because the Fujan is so much lighter. And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. But, I've had rotator cuff surgery (in 2012) and that's probably why. It's healed, but certain things make it sore sometimes.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:22
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Impact Levers

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Chronic pain is totally the pits.

You could try what I do -- pull out the extension lever a long way (I just keep mine out), set the tuning lever onto the upright tuning pin at about 2 or 3 o'clock, take your hand away, and then give the last three inches of the top of the lever a good hard slap with a loose and open right hand. I mostly hit it with the middle of the fingers. (LOOSE fingers) You'd think that they'd be bruised, but they never are. The pin will move, but your hand will not be there to absorb the strain. You don't need to move your open hand a long distance. A little flick of a loose wrist helps. Nothing is held or gripped, nothing at all. The force is all applied in a fraction of a second, with everything relaxed the rest of the time.

Or a series of slaps, calibrated to how much force is needed to move the pins. When it is done right, you can hear the pitch of a note with a super-tight pin eeking up in small increments. You just stop when it arrives where you want it to be. If it goes over, I nibble the pitch back down in micro-increments by minor shoves on the end of the tuning hammer, with a loosely gripping hand. The part which provides the force is the heel of my palm.

Both the slap and the "nibble" are done with my wrist in a nice neutral position.

Everything aches to a greater or lesser degree for me all the time, but this way of moving stiff pins continues to work for me without making anything worse. I still have full mobility of my right shoulder, and I can rotate my right arm through a wide range of motion. It all aches, but no more than it does the rest of the time.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 19:01
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I actually really like the potential of the impact hammer on uprights. My problem is also joint related. I know you are supposed to "throw" the hammer and let the weight + momentum do the work but I don't think I've ever actually figured out how to do that as advertised. Especially when confronted with a piano with tight pins. What happens to me is that the amount of energy I put into my hand and wrist to get the thing moving fast enough to actually do any work once it impacts also causes a sudden and hard stopping of that movement at the moment of impact. My hand stops moving, then my forearm stops moving and then my upper arm and shoulder stop moving. It's this continued moving from my wrist to my shoulder caused by a sudden stop at my fingers that doesn't take very long to cause very uncomfortable pain in all those connected joints. I find the impact hammer extremely effective for getting the last octave, or perhaps as many as two, on an upright that is jammed up against a wall on the right side, but any longer than that and I feel it for days.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 17:09
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Impact Levers

<And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. 

This would often be because the position in using an impact lever, for many bodies, entails the upper arm be maintained motionless and elevated during the entire tuning. If one were able to rest the elbow on something this immobility would be less of a problem, but holding a muscle immobilized and elevated is asking for trouble.  Maybe rethink this position. I don't like the things, but that's neither here nor there...when there is soreness, look at the mechanical position of the upper arm and shoulder on these babies.

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 16:45
From: John Formsma
Subject: Impact Levers

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

Susan Kline,  07-30-2017 15:22

I do pretty much all upright tunings with a Fujan lever and an impact method. I heard Jim Coleman, Sr. describe it once as a "karate chop" method. And most vertical pianos I will stand to tune.  Mostly prefer a smooth pull in grands, but occasionally will do an impact method in grands also. It's good to have a number of different lever techniques from which to choose. Some pianos don't like certain methods.

Benjamin, I have a Reyburn Cyber Hammer for verticals. I don't use it as often just because the Fujan is so much lighter. And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. But, I've had rotator cuff surgery (in 2012) and that's probably why. It's healed, but certain things make it sore sometimes.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:22
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Impact Levers

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

While I haven't used it regularly, I own the one designed by Otto Keyes, which is Schaff's #66 on page 31.  The weight can be adjusted to provide varying amounts of inertia.  I pull it out to use occasionally because I have it, and it's pretty, but I'm leery of it for concerns similar to those expressed by Geoff.  My wrist and elbow don't seem to enjoy the experience for too long.  Maybe an elastic brace on either or both could help. I'll try it.

------------------------------
David Skolnik
Hastings-on-Hudson NY
914-231-7565
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 19:01
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I actually really like the potential of the impact hammer on uprights. My problem is also joint related. I know you are supposed to "throw" the hammer and let the weight + momentum do the work but I don't think I've ever actually figured out how to do that as advertised. Especially when confronted with a piano with tight pins. What happens to me is that the amount of energy I put into my hand and wrist to get the thing moving fast enough to actually do any work once it impacts also causes a sudden and hard stopping of that movement at the moment of impact. My hand stops moving, then my forearm stops moving and then my upper arm and shoulder stop moving. It's this continued moving from my wrist to my shoulder caused by a sudden stop at my fingers that doesn't take very long to cause very uncomfortable pain in all those connected joints. I find the impact hammer extremely effective for getting the last octave, or perhaps as many as two, on an upright that is jammed up against a wall on the right side, but any longer than that and I feel it for days.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 17:09
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Impact Levers

<And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. 

This would often be because the position in using an impact lever, for many bodies, entails the upper arm be maintained motionless and elevated during the entire tuning. If one were able to rest the elbow on something this immobility would be less of a problem, but holding a muscle immobilized and elevated is asking for trouble.  Maybe rethink this position. I don't like the things, but that's neither here nor there...when there is soreness, look at the mechanical position of the upper arm and shoulder on these babies.

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 16:45
From: John Formsma
Subject: Impact Levers

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

Susan Kline,  07-30-2017 15:22

I do pretty much all upright tunings with a Fujan lever and an impact method. I heard Jim Coleman, Sr. describe it once as a "karate chop" method. And most vertical pianos I will stand to tune.  Mostly prefer a smooth pull in grands, but occasionally will do an impact method in grands also. It's good to have a number of different lever techniques from which to choose. Some pianos don't like certain methods.

Benjamin, I have a Reyburn Cyber Hammer for verticals. I don't use it as often just because the Fujan is so much lighter. And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. But, I've had rotator cuff surgery (in 2012) and that's probably why. It's healed, but certain things make it sore sometimes.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:22
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Impact Levers

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

The Kawai K-200 has a peculiarity presently. Great piano otherwise, best deal in town. If you don't remove the fallboard that gives you something to rest the elbow on hammers in the lower tenor at the break leave a mark. No question, there is a lot to be gained moving to the K-300 and beyond besides this. Still, the K-200 should be reengineered to prevent this. At my age I should not be experiencing this pain...

------------------------------
Benjamin Sloane
Cincinnati OH
513-257-8480
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 17:09
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Impact Levers

<And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. 

This would often be because the position in using an impact lever, for many bodies, entails the upper arm be maintained motionless and elevated during the entire tuning. If one were able to rest the elbow on something this immobility would be less of a problem, but holding a muscle immobilized and elevated is asking for trouble.  Maybe rethink this position. I don't like the things, but that's neither here nor there...when there is soreness, look at the mechanical position of the upper arm and shoulder on these babies.

------------------------------
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 16:45
From: John Formsma
Subject: Impact Levers

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

Susan Kline,  07-30-2017 15:22

I do pretty much all upright tunings with a Fujan lever and an impact method. I heard Jim Coleman, Sr. describe it once as a "karate chop" method. And most vertical pianos I will stand to tune.  Mostly prefer a smooth pull in grands, but occasionally will do an impact method in grands also. It's good to have a number of different lever techniques from which to choose. Some pianos don't like certain methods.

Benjamin, I have a Reyburn Cyber Hammer for verticals. I don't use it as often just because the Fujan is so much lighter. And, oddly enough, my tuning shoulder gets a little sore with the Cyber Hammer. But, I've had rotator cuff surgery (in 2012) and that's probably why. It's healed, but certain things make it sore sometimes.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:22
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Impact Levers

I certainly do remember Francis Mehaffey, a person of great originality and intelligence. I still own one of his "zappers", which, used with great discretion, has been known to save the day many a time. Used carelessly, it can turn a whole set of birdseyes to char in extra-quick time.

I keep an impact hammer in the trunk of my car, but the only time I use it is for Steinway uprights, the kind which are so hard to stabilize in the treble. I don't know if it's one of Francis's. I traded a pair of key clamps (ala Spurlock) for it, many years ago.

I presently do a lot of impact-hammerish things, especially when tuning uprights, but using my extension hammer with the short angled head and a #3 tip. It has just enough slop in the fit to do minor impact-slaps with it.

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 12:25
From: Brian De Tar
Subject: Impact Levers

I have, and still use, the first impact hammer that the inventor of the impact hammer (Francis Mehaffey... how many of you remember that name??) gave to me to test out and report back to him!  That was almost 40 years ago when I was a member of the Orange County, CA PTG chapter.

Yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you have the hang of it, it's a great tool.  I'm not familiar with the current impact hammers that others are producing, but I imagine they're very similar to the original, and thus easy to adapt to the change in your technique.

Brian

------------------------------
Brian De Tar, RPT
Portland OR
503-201-5482

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 01:03
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Impact Levers

I have a cyber hammer for uprights. For me, if the pins aren't too tight it works really well. But the only time I really use it nowadays is for when I have an upright that's right up against a wall on the right side. I'll use my regular hammer up until I no longer have elbow room and then I break out the impact hammer. I know that if I learned to tune left handed this would not be an issue. I've tried and I just can't make it work.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

I have had a Mehaffey impact lever since 1984. I bought it when I pulled a muscle in my shoulder and couldn't afford to stop working. For years it was my go to tool for Kawai verticals. Unlike many folks on this list I've never found it useful for Steinway verts either Hamburg or New York. About 18 months ago a local colleague bought a Reyburn impact lever but never really got the hang of using it. Because a fool and his money are soon parted I offered to buy it from him for what he paid for it. After using it once I was immediately distraught. How could I have waited over 20 years to get one of these? A side by side comparison with my treasured old Mehaffey and the Cyberhammer is like a side by side comparison of an Accutuner III with a Sight O Tuner. The balance and contour of the Cyberhammer make it much more ergonomically efficient to use. The shape of the handle allows me to use a much more traditional pin setting technique when I want to. That in turn has allowed me to use it on new 1098's and K52's with good results. If I was buying one today I'd spend the extra money to get one of the 700 series which has a better key/cam system than my 200 series. I spoke with Nate Reyburn at the convention about upgrading  my hammer but will really have to think about that as it would cost more to upgrade than I spent to buy mine in the first place. Neither of my impact levers has ever caused me any more pain than any of my conventional levers. Except when I dropped the new one on my foot.

------------------------------
Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Thanks all for answering my questions all. Truly appreciate it. I have just one more:

Are there any good training videos for learning to use impact levers? I am hesitant to search YouTube; there's just so much garbage tips and techniques out there. Are there any training videos on YouTube (or another site) that teach the proper way to use an impact hammer?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 23:08
From: Karl Roeder
Subject: Impact Levers

I have had a Mehaffey impact lever since 1984. I bought it when I pulled a muscle in my shoulder and couldn't afford to stop working. For years it was my go to tool for Kawai verticals. Unlike many folks on this list I've never found it useful for Steinway verts either Hamburg or New York. About 18 months ago a local colleague bought a Reyburn impact lever but never really got the hang of using it. Because a fool and his money are soon parted I offered to buy it from him for what he paid for it. After using it once I was immediately distraught. How could I have waited over 20 years to get one of these? A side by side comparison with my treasured old Mehaffey and the Cyberhammer is like a side by side comparison of an Accutuner III with a Sight O Tuner. The balance and contour of the Cyberhammer make it much more ergonomically efficient to use. The shape of the handle allows me to use a much more traditional pin setting technique when I want to. That in turn has allowed me to use it on new 1098's and K52's with good results. If I was buying one today I'd spend the extra money to get one of the 700 series which has a better key/cam system than my 200 series. I spoke with Nate Reyburn at the convention about upgrading  my hammer but will really have to think about that as it would cost more to upgrade than I spent to buy mine in the first place. Neither of my impact levers has ever caused me any more pain than any of my conventional levers. Except when I dropped the new one on my foot.

------------------------------
Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Original Message------

Thanks all for answering my questions all. Truly appreciate it. I have just one more:

Are there any good training videos for learning to use impact levers? I am hesitant to search YouTube; there's just so much garbage tips and techniques out there. Are there any training videos on YouTube (or another site) that teach the proper way to use an impact hammer?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Ben,
I suggest you email or phone Nate Reyburn who should be able to direct you to videos or answer your questions. I think your learning curve will be brief and "on target" after using it for a few pitch raises.
It's a great tool, go for it!

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

Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2017 18:34
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Thanks all for answering my questions all. Truly appreciate it. I have just one more:

Are there any good training videos for learning to use impact levers? I am hesitant to search YouTube; there's just so much garbage tips and techniques out there. Are there any training videos on YouTube (or another site) that teach the proper way to use an impact hammer?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 23:08
From: Karl Roeder
Subject: Impact Levers

I have had a Mehaffey impact lever since 1984. I bought it when I pulled a muscle in my shoulder and couldn't afford to stop working. For years it was my go to tool for Kawai verticals. Unlike many folks on this list I've never found it useful for Steinway verts either Hamburg or New York. About 18 months ago a local colleague bought a Reyburn impact lever but never really got the hang of using it. Because a fool and his money are soon parted I offered to buy it from him for what he paid for it. After using it once I was immediately distraught. How could I have waited over 20 years to get one of these? A side by side comparison with my treasured old Mehaffey and the Cyberhammer is like a side by side comparison of an Accutuner III with a Sight O Tuner. The balance and contour of the Cyberhammer make it much more ergonomically efficient to use. The shape of the handle allows me to use a much more traditional pin setting technique when I want to. That in turn has allowed me to use it on new 1098's and K52's with good results. If I was buying one today I'd spend the extra money to get one of the 700 series which has a better key/cam system than my 200 series. I spoke with Nate Reyburn at the convention about upgrading  my hammer but will really have to think about that as it would cost more to upgrade than I spent to buy mine in the first place. Neither of my impact levers has ever caused me any more pain than any of my conventional levers. Except when I dropped the new one on my foot.

------------------------------
Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Practice, trust the kinetic feedback and your ears. In time experience will be your guide.

------------------------------
Garret Traylor
Trinity NC
336-887-4266
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2017 18:34
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Thanks all for answering my questions all. Truly appreciate it. I have just one more:

Are there any good training videos for learning to use impact levers? I am hesitant to search YouTube; there's just so much garbage tips and techniques out there. Are there any training videos on YouTube (or another site) that teach the proper way to use an impact hammer?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 23:08
From: Karl Roeder
Subject: Impact Levers

I have had a Mehaffey impact lever since 1984. I bought it when I pulled a muscle in my shoulder and couldn't afford to stop working. For years it was my go to tool for Kawai verticals. Unlike many folks on this list I've never found it useful for Steinway verts either Hamburg or New York. About 18 months ago a local colleague bought a Reyburn impact lever but never really got the hang of using it. Because a fool and his money are soon parted I offered to buy it from him for what he paid for it. After using it once I was immediately distraught. How could I have waited over 20 years to get one of these? A side by side comparison with my treasured old Mehaffey and the Cyberhammer is like a side by side comparison of an Accutuner III with a Sight O Tuner. The balance and contour of the Cyberhammer make it much more ergonomically efficient to use. The shape of the handle allows me to use a much more traditional pin setting technique when I want to. That in turn has allowed me to use it on new 1098's and K52's with good results. If I was buying one today I'd spend the extra money to get one of the 700 series which has a better key/cam system than my 200 series. I spoke with Nate Reyburn at the convention about upgrading  my hammer but will really have to think about that as it would cost more to upgrade than I spent to buy mine in the first place. Neither of my impact levers has ever caused me any more pain than any of my conventional levers. Except when I dropped the new one on my foot.

------------------------------
Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Hi, 
I realize this is an older thread but search engines still direct those searching for information on Nate's incredible impact lever. 

I have been using it for over two years.  I've run into other technicians who told me they didn't like it and couldn't get the hang of using it.  But I found I quickly adjusted to it and use it daily.   I have contract work which entails quite a bit of bulk tuning of institutional uprights (for which the vertical
impact lever is designed. ).   No doubt, this technology is saving my tuning shoulder.  The usual tuning lever is quite unsuitably un-ergonomic for tuning uprights.  Those tuning a lot of uprights repeatedly over a long period of time will appreciate this impact lever.  

The only difference for me, is an issue raised elsewhere in an online discussion.  Nate suggests in his video, as memory serves,  holding your arm out more or less straight out from your body and manipulating the impact lever on the tuning pins, from that resulting axis.  This does work, but my arm gets very tired tuning multiple uprights in that fashion. 

I happen to tune a lot of uprights (Kawai and others) which allow me to rest my tuning elbow on a folding fallboard which affords a narrow "shelf" of sorts, which I cover with a small microfiber towel for comfort,  for me to rest my tuning arm elbow upon, roughly about a foot below the tuning pins- rather than having me suspend my arm in midair.  I've found I much prefer manipulating the tool from a resting supported position.  It's far less tiresome and exhausting than holding my tuning arm in mid air.   A lot of uprights don't provide that option but as luck would have it in my case, this is the case.  

but the basic premise is solid.  It's a sitting position, and unless the pins are really tight, it greatly eases the effort and wear and tear on me.

lastly, on a different but allied topic, for test blows I find after years and years of tuning, suspending my arm while doing test blows keeps  unreleased tension going and pulls on a muscle deep in my upper back close to my left shoulder clavicle.  The new pain there is low and dull so far, but I fear it getting chronic. I am now trying resting my test blow hand on the keyslip, using different fingers to do test blows to distribute wear and tear and nerve impact, and resting and doing back and arm stretches every so often.  I may need some remedial massage etc but I noticed that keeping an ongoing tension like holding an arm up like
that repetitively, etc without relaxing it between its work motions can create problems. 

------------------------------
Sean McLaughlin
Lead Piano Technician
UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
Los Angeles CA
661-714-4188
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Using good hammer technique and a CBL (Counter Bearing Lube) eliminates the need for test blows. Quick repetition in mf is all that is needed.

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

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-21-2021 14:32
From: Sean McLaughlin
Subject: Impact Levers

Hi,
I realize this is an older thread but search engines still direct those searching for information on Nate's incredible impact lever. 

I have been using it for over two years.  I've run into other technicians who told me they didn't like it and couldn't get the hang of using it.  But I found I quickly adjusted to it and use it daily.   I have contract work which entails quite a bit of bulk tuning of institutional uprights (for which the vertical
impact lever is designed. ).   No doubt, this technology is saving my tuning shoulder.  The usual tuning lever is quite unsuitably un-ergonomic for tuning uprights.  Those tuning a lot of uprights repeatedly over a long period of time will appreciate this impact lever.  

The only difference for me, is an issue raised elsewhere in an online discussion.  Nate suggests in his video, as memory serves,  holding your arm out more or less straight out from your body and manipulating the impact lever on the tuning pins, from that resulting axis.  This does work, but my arm gets very tired tuning multiple uprights in that fashion.

I happen to tune a lot of uprights (Kawai and others) which allow me to rest my tuning elbow on a folding fallboard which affords a narrow "shelf" of sorts, which I cover with a small microfiber towel for comfort,  for me to rest my tuning arm elbow upon, roughly about a foot below the tuning pins- rather than having me suspend my arm in midair.  I've found I much prefer manipulating the tool from a resting supported position.  It's far less tiresome and exhausting than holding my tuning arm in mid air.   A lot of uprights don't provide that option but as luck would have it in my case, this is the case.

but the basic premise is solid.  It's a sitting position, and unless the pins are really tight, it greatly eases the effort and wear and tear on me.

lastly, on a different but allied topic, for test blows I find after years and years of tuning, suspending my arm while doing test blows keeps  unreleased tension going and pulls on a muscle deep in my upper back close to my left shoulder clavicle.  The new pain there is low and dull so far, but I fear it getting chronic. I am now trying resting my test blow hand on the keyslip, using different fingers to do test blows to distribute wear and tear and nerve impact, and resting and doing back and arm stretches every so often.  I may need some remedial massage etc but I noticed that keeping an ongoing tension like holding an arm up like
that repetitively, etc without relaxing it between its work motions can create problems.

------------------------------
Sean McLaughlin
Lead Piano Technician
UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
Los Angeles CA
661-714-4188

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2017 21:54
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Impact Levers

Hello all,

I'm looking into getting an impact lever, specifically a Reyburn CyberHammer. Does anyone have experience with the CyberHammer that you'd be willing to share?

What are the pros and cons?

How is the learning curve? Was it worth the effort for you?

Also, what is your recommendation to purchase?

Thanks,

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------