Hi all !
I've done over a hundred tunings, using a basic #2 lever from Schaff. As others here have said, it doesn't seem all that snug on the pins, and I suspect my results would be better,(and quicker!) with a high quality lever.
I'm looking at Watanabe and Jahn brands now.
The Jahn looks more solid to me, especially with a large forged reversible head design. Comments?
Also, it seems to me a 5 degree head as well as the shortest possible tip, allows the least possible side torque on the pin, which is better.
As I've only worked on 2 grands, with no problem with clearances, what kinds of pianos would call for longer tip,or extension lever ( or for that matter, #1 or #3 tip ???)
A tip wrench is required, but how common is the need for the various extras ?
Thanks for all your comments !

I have managed to get by with #2 tips and some extra heads of various sizes for many years now. I like an extension lever, more for the rigidity than for extension. Also, if you screw up the thread on it, you can use the other end until you get a new extension bar.

I have a #17N Fendon thin-wall tip which is used when there are clearance problems, mostly with pins being too close to the pressure bar on uprights. I have the #13A head and tip, mostly for the lowest bass notes which are either under the desk slide on a grand or behind the case on an upright. I have a one-piece #17B 4" tip for extreme cases, like player uprights with the back half of the lid that sticks way out over the pins. Most work is an everyday #13B 1-1/2" head and tip. I never take tips off heads. It costs more of my time and strength to do that than to carry an extra tip or two. If I need a change, I change the entire head.

It might be worthwhile having a #1 head for some European pianos with smaller tuning pins. But I have managed without this long.

Schaff tips are much more consistent in size and taper as of about a year ago. I like their hex-shaft lever very much. I'd recommend getting multiple heads with different sized tips so that you can unscrew them from the shaft easily and change according to the piano.

I worked this way for many years, with 4 heads to swap out - a #1, a thin-wall #2, a normal #3, and a long tipped #3.

Currently I am using a very lightweight lever with a semi ball-shaped handle end, made by Charles Faulk in Kansas City. He makes them from a variety of woods, with Titanium or Carbon Fiber shafts (non-adjustable). He normally supplies them with a 20 degree angle head with a Shaff #2 tip. There are some pianos where the 20 degree angle is a little awkward, but for most tuning I really like it.

I would strongly suggest you take a look at the Fujan tuning lever. http://www.fujanproducts.com/

I am not a pro tuner, but after using a normal tuning lever for over a year, then swithching to the Fujan, there is no going back, it's that good. It sets the pins much eaiser and quicker than a standard lever, plus it allows you to tune faster. Ergonoically, it's great too. Do a search here on PW and you will see a lot of positive comments about it from pro tuners.

Dear list-

I would second Don's recommendation of a Faulk lever. For years I thought you needed the weight and heft of an extension lever but it led to hand and elbow problems. After switching to Charles' much lighter lever a year or so ago those problem have lessened considerably. The stiffness of the titanium shaft also prevents the whip and flex that other levers have. For me a more intimate contact with the pin. Your mileage may vary,

Regards-

David

I use the Shaff "finest rosewood extention lever" and I'm not a professional at this point but it's weight and rigidity are very helpful for accurate impact style tuning. I much prefer it over the student lever.

On another note, I'm using a #3 tip from schaff and it seems to rock a little on most pins. It dosn't touch the wire coil but it almost seems a little loose compared to a #2. The #2 though only goes about 2/3rds of the way to the wire coil but does grip the pins better. Any opinions on which tip would be better to use when considering ease of tuning and preservation of pins/pinblock and tip?

Best,

Jordan

Different pins have different tapers, so the tips may fit differently.

It's hard to choose between the #3 and the #2, based on your description. The absolute requirement is that the tip not slip off the pin and round the edges. Generally, the closer to the coil, the better.

You may find document #8 useful:
http://rennerusa.com/TechnicianPdfs.asp

--Cy--

I'm getting excited about the new TUNING LEVER design, to be revealed any day now, from Steve Fujan.
People, check it out. Mr. Fujan is (primarily,) an engineer, and a smart one, I'd say.
There's a time and place for sticking with tradition, but I don't think this is one of them.
Such a major tech advance is rare, and in this arena, esp. welcome.
Sorry, I'm getting carried away...
I will report on my level of satisfaction.
The only caveat: It will be expensive.
But if it turns out to be the best design ever, isn't it worth it ?

I bought a Fujan aluminum lever about a month ago. A week later I found out that Steve was coming out with the carbon fiber version which has a smaller diameter. He graciously offered me to exchange my aluminum lever for the new one (plus the price difference obviously). All I can say is that I love this lever and can't wait to try out the new version.