I received an antique Indian swarmandal as a gift, so I ordered this hammer to tune it. Well the pins on this instrument appear to have been made individually, by hand. Consequently, they are all of different size and this hammer does not fit any of them correctly. Again, I think it is probably a good hammer, just not for me.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The metal on this product is chrome plated potmetal, not steel. When using it to wind up a new string on my autoharp the metal split at the head. It may be ok for a small tweak to tune a string, but is incapable of withstanding actually turning the peg around. It is made in China. The seller graciously refunded me for it. Since then I purchased a German made Golden Gate T style autoharp tuner, which is built of sturdy materials and made to last. It works great for fine tuning adjustments as well as turning the pegs for new strings.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have never tuned a harp, but this tool, plus the electronic tuner that I also bought, has made the job very simple. I still can't play it, because I don't know the instrument, but I can learn, I have no doubt. All in all, all, satisfying, educational, and engrossing. I'm very pleased.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The business end of this tuning tool is not very strong. With a small amount of downward pressure, the side of the tool split out. I had to place a sleeve on the outside of the tool to make it usable. My pins were in oak wood and used for a hammered dulcimer, possibly requiring more torque than for a zither. After tuning over a hundred strings, the tool was worn out and did not fit tightly on the zither pins.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I've had many tuning keys since 1962 - all wooden handles (which eventually split) and the mild steel shafts were shorter. The square broaches wore out quite quickly. This new one has a deeper broach giving a better fit over the pins and the metal is harder. It also has a slightly longer handle which gives me a quicker and more accurate tuning adjustment. The moulded handle gives me a more positive grip. All up, I wish I had had this one from the start.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New