Hammer Butt Springs and Home Made Action Stands

 About a week ago I found a broken hammer spring in the piano action and needed to replace it. Thanks to the kind folks at the Tuner's Guild, I got a nice little supply now in case I need to repair more.

In order to do this though, I had to take the action out, which I've done before, but this time I wanted to be able to work on the action a little easier. They sell stands like this but I decided I would just make one.

I used some simple pine boards I had laying around and some 5/16 bolts washers and nuts. Using the bandsaw, table saw, and drill press, I put these together. They work relatively well. I need to add some support mechanism so they don't wobble as much but other than that they work well.

Software, Software, Software???

In my effort to learn to tune well, I've discovered that software is going to be a key element. This is not so I can tune faster or with out using my ears, this is so I can learn to hear things and check them against the ETD (electronic tuning device).

I've had a little time with only two ETDs. I've spent a very small amount of time with Reyburn Cyber tuner. I like the graphics of the spinning wheel on this and the side to side movement. I've also spent some time with Tune Lab Pro. This software was pretty easy to jump into. I'll need to spend some time reading the manual to make sure I'm using it to it's fullest potential.

On another note, last night was the first meeting of the Pittsburgh Piano Tuners Guild. It was decided that we would work on a 5'1" baby grand to refurbish it so we could sell it later. I will keep posted on the progress of that piano as well as I will be helping in what ever way I can. This will be a great learning experience.