SITE UPDATED:June 4, 2013
Dear Customers, my apologies for the delays in updating my website. I'm currently in the process of completely reworking this site. I am now adding 17 new tuning hammers to my pages. Unfortunately I lost my wonderful Kansas City web host, so I'll be downloading photos of the new levers without all the unique photo editing. Stay tuned. Many more to come.
Charles Faulk, Registered Piano Technician, Piano Technicians Guild, is a pianist, piano technician, and professional woodworker. He has 38 years experience in piano manufacturing, piano restoration, and concert level piano work.
Mr. Faulk has been making piano tuning levers since 1996. Over the years these tuning hammers have evolved from titanium based tools to carbon fiber and metal (titanium and aluminum)/carbon fiber products. From the point of inception, his goal has been to produce levers that are lightweight, well balanced, and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. He has also redesigned the tuning head to eliminate the point loading problems of conventional tuning hammers caused by the narrowing of the tuning shaft at the threaded end.
DEAR CUSTOMERS:
Thank you for visiting FaulkPiano.com. Over the last 17 years, I have developed an array of tuning hammers dedicated to the concept of lightness and balance. These levers are so diverse that they sometimes cause confusion with you. I’m asked, “Which one is the best? Which one is the strongest? Which one will suit my needs?” I feature a variety of lengths, head angles, handle shapes, wood choices, and weights. WHY? Basically because we are all different. We see the ultimate use of this simple lever from different perspectives. We envision how our customers will react when they see this special tool come out of our tool case. We were guided by our individual physique when we learned our trade. I’ve spoken to hundreds of tuners in these years, and it’s astounding how much their approach to tuning varies. And so, it’s my belief that there is no uniform product out there that will please everyone.
Having said the above, I want to leave you with one last thought. Choosing a tuning hammer isn’t always about examining your strengths and preferences. Try to think of this tool as a ‘mate’, as something you gradually become accustomed to. You’ll find that your future preferences will be forever guided by the relationship you nurture with your tuning lever. Sounds hokey? Perhaps. But it does happen.
ABOUT ORDERING THESE PRODUCTS:
My business is very small, and I haven’t set up ‘shopping carts’ and online purchasing systems. To order any of my products, please call me at 479-855-9595 or e-mail me at Charles@FaulkPiano.com. My dealings are informal, and I’ve met a good number of colleagues and friends just by communicating in the way that people did before the age of computers.
CURRENT PRODUCTS:
Tuning hammers:
CF tuning hammers: These levers feature a shaft made with 5/8” diameter solid carbon fiber. Solid carbon fiber is very strong, rigid, and lightweight. These levers are relatively easy to make which makes them the most affordable. The tuning head is epoxied to the shaft and is not changeable. However you can change the tips easily.
CF-X tuning hammers: These feature a ¾” diameter tuning shaft made with both a woven carbon fiber outer tube and a solid 5/8” carbon fiber core. The CF-X is overbuilt to withstand the rigors of tight tuning pins. Again the tuning head is epoxied to the shaft.
CF-T2 tuning hammers: The CF-T2 has a shaft made with an outer tube of .065” wall titanium tubing and an inner core of carbon fiber tubing. The result is a very strong shaft that is also remarkably light in weight. The tuning head is also epoxied to the shaft.
CF-AR tuning hammers: This is one of the newest products in my line. It features an outer tube of .095” wall aluminum tubing with an inner core of carbon fiber tubing. The big benefit of this thick walled aluminum tube is that it can be threaded. The tuning heads on these levers are threaded and can be replaced easily. This feature will be a great benefit to those of you who change out tips regularly in the field.
CF-TR tuning hammers: The CF-TR has the same features as the CF-AR, but the outer tube is made with .065” walled titanium. Again the threaded design makes it great for changing heads quickly.
STRING LEVELING:
The string leveling tool works differently from conventional tools. Instead of lifting the string with a hook, the Faulk string leveling tool uses leverage. The tool has grooves cut on both ends that will slip in between the strings and bend the strings very minutely by pulling or pushing on the other end of the tool. It takes very little effort and produces very precise results.
The string leveling gauge consists of an aluminum base with a vertical slot cut on one side. The base sits on the plane of the strings and references the level of the strings from the string plane rather than the level of the keybed. The string level is determined by a small ½” wide rule that rests loosely on its end on the strings. By lifting the dampers and plucking each string of the unison, you can determine the level of the strings by listening to the buzz against the rule. When all three strings of the unison buzz equally against the rule, the strings are level.
KEY STRIKING TOOL:
The key striking tool is made with solid PVC and has a thick leather pad which contacts the key surface. It fits in your palm. By placing your forefinger close to the leather pad, you can orient your location on the key by touch without having to look down at the keyboard. This tool will prevent damage to your finger joints.
TUNING HAMMER SOCKS:
These beautiful hand knitted tuning hammer socks are made to fit handles with a ball end. Handmade by Barbara Bauguess in Grand Junction, CO, they come in four different colors. They are made with Peruvian, washable yarn.
Updated: June 4, 2013
