Tuning tool

[kjacobson]

Hey everyone!

I'm looking for a tuning tool for my Rhodes. I know there is one on the vintage vibes site, but I was wondering if it is a tool I can find at the hardware store or not?

[The Real MC]

Tool?  It's just a spring on the end of the tine that rotates, which moves it forward or backwards.  I just use my fingers.

[kjacobson]

Yeah, I'm aware of that. I can't get my hand down between the tone bars to move the spring and I was trying to avoid having to lift up the harp every time I needed to make an adjustment.

[David Aubke]

Yes, the Vintage Vibe Tuning Tool is just a tack puller.

If you're tuning the entire piano, you're better off raising the harp, plucking the tines and doing like The Real MC said and adjusting with your fingers. In the upper registers, the spring movements need to be so miniscule that it's impractical using a tool. Lower down the scale, the tool is useful for quick adjustments without having to lift the harp.

[Alan Lenhoff]

Rather than plucking tines, I prefer to tune by striking a key.  For that method, it's quite handy to use  hemostats (straight- or curve-tipped -- your choice) to push or twist the springs with the harp down.  Works quite well.

You can find them cheap on eBay.  ( I paid $5 for three assorted styles.)

Alan

[Ben Bove]

I tune with the harp upright byhand as it's the most precise as others have commented especially in upper register, as in the vintage ad with Steve Woodyard tuning a harp:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RHODES-KEYBOARD-Original-Vintage-Magazine-AD-Mag-Down-Beat-1979-/160941967847?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2578e389e7

However not to open a can of worms... I've noticed on occasion when it's in tune in the vertical position, upon lowering it back down, most of the piano can be a cent off (possibly when the pickups are set up closer).  I've chalked it up to a little sag in the harp maybe as the pickups can affect tuning or any other number of effects... just something to watch for.

[prtarrell]

I find a substantial difference between tuning with tines in a vertical position and in the horizontal position and since they are struck in the down position, I tune it  down.  I like the resultant tuning better, also.   I cut a notch in the middle of a blade screwdriver and gently tap it with another screwdriver to move the spring.  For the upper third of the tines I use a much smaller notched screwdriver.   Works for me.           

[David Aubke]

I cut a notch in the middle of a blade screwdriver and gently tap it with another screwdriver to move the spring.  For the upper third of the tines I use a much smaller notched screwdriver.   Works for me.

I tried a very similar thing but I chucked the notched screwdriver into a Dremel engraving tool. It wasn't a useable solution.

[voltergeist]

I used the tool/tapping method when I started, but soon realized it to be a fool's errand.  Lifting the harp and turning the springs is far easier and more accurate.  No comparison.  One would never be able to get the necessary precision required for a legit tuning with a strobe tuner by tapping with a tool.  I don't understand why VV even sells a tool.  Maybe for people afraid of lifting the harp.  I use a guitar pick to pluck the high tines, since my fingers are usually sore from plucking by the time I get to the high notes.

My advice is forget the tool.  Your fingers are the tool.

[pianotuner steveo]

I agree, lift the harp, use your fingers, lower the harp to test. Lather,rinse repeat.

MUCH easier than using a tool.

[Fred]

Use your fingers. In a pinch, when you don't want to lift the harp, a tool might help.

[pianotuner steveo]

True, if you have no time to remove the harp screws,etc, then the tool is fine for that, but hard to control fine tuning.