Dear tuners/techs,

I'm looking for a #1 Watanabe tuning tip for my Schaff extension hammer, but Schaff only offers #2 and #3 tips from Watanabe. I've found Watanabe's online shop, and they do have a #1 tip. I've contacted them, and they could send it to me. They do require me to send them my credit card number (but so did Schaff).

The online shop is partially translated to English, so it's reasonably easy to browse - not sure about the check-out, though...

http://www.watanabemusical.com/

Has anyone dealt directly with Watanabe? Any experiences or reservations?

Alternately, any other suggestions for obtaining a #1 Watanabe tip? I see, for example, that fujanproducts.com also carries them, and I've just mailed Steve to find out whether he could send an item to South Africa.

Mark, Parke Piano Strings & Materials in Sydney have Watanabe #1 in their catalogue: http://parkepianostrings.com.au/downloads/Catalogue_v1.pdf
I get all my parts from them. They are terrific.

Thanks, Chris.

I've had a response (very promptly, I might add) from Steve Fujan, and he's made me a good deal, so my problem is solved.

Still, thanks for adding yet another supplier option to my arsenal.

I have dealt with watanabe shop. I have even visited them in Japan. They can be trusted. You can provide them your credit card number and proceed with your purchase.

Thanks for the info.

However, in the meantime I've placed an order with Steve Fujan, and am awaiting the tuning tip eagerly.

Just went to check out Watanabe's site too. Glad your problem is solved Mark. I know you've been meaning to get on for some time now if I'm not mistaken. I need to get a whole new lever and I see that the one I was interested in at Jahn is sold here too. Does anyone know about the carbon fibre tuning hammer?