Ergo tuning key spacing

[William Y]

I normally use one of the large, rubber-covered, L&H ergonomic tuning keys where the rubber doesn’t taper at all. On an older Style 22, though, there are one or two tuning pins on the 1st or 0th octave that are close enough together that the larger key doesn’t quite fit comfortably between the pins. A smaller T-shaped key I have (where the rubber coating does seem to taper down more) will fit into that space fine. Is there a version of the ergo style that has a narrower rubber coating, and / or has anyone played around with trying to shave down part of the coating somehow?

One other question: most of shops sell both a “regular” tuning key holder (to attach to the harp handle) as well as a pouch specifically designed for the ergo one – will the standard holder work only with the smaller T-shaped keys, or will it work with either?

[William Y]

[following up to self]

Got a new ergo key (I think same manufacturer) and it works perfectly, even without having any of the outer rubber worn down as happened with my old one. So maybe they’ve slightly adjusted the amount of rubber on the outside in the past couple years.

Also, decided not to use one of the holders, but borrowed one just to test, and the smaller style (sort of) holds an ergo tuning key, but with a lot of it sticking out.

[balfour-knight]

Glad that new tuning key works well, William! I am one harpist who does not like a pouch key holder attached to my harp. I feel that they stick out too much, like you said. When I go out to gigs with a harp, I just put the key in my accessories bag and keep it close to the harp as I play. I even have an extra one in the car, just in case I forget to take it, ha, ha!

Harp Hugs and Happy New Year!
Balfour

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