Hi to all: This is in response to the recent post about tuning for concerts and so forth where use of a "strobe" is not wanted. I have never seen a "strobe" give good results. Taken at his word the manager is correct about not wanting the piano tuned with a strobe. However, it is more likely he is using the term strobe to include any electronic devise including the accu-tuner. I have tuned pianos for many kinds of performances for the 15 years or so that I have worked a IU. Until I bought my accu- tuner last fall all these tunings were aural. I posted several questions about using the accu-tuner, one of them concerned using the thing to tune for concerts. While most of us who use the SAT are happy with what it does for us, most of the responses to my question about using it for concert tuning were no, never or seldom. I found this interesting. I have been very impressed with what the machine can do if used properly. That is to say a good piano in good condition tuned with a good tuning stored in memory should yield good results. But................. Sometime ago we also discussed the effects of temperature on tuning and pitch. In general the pitch drops when the piano gets warm and goes up when the piano gets cold. When I tune in peoples homes I pay little attention to temperature. What ever the home is, it is usually the same long enough for me to tune. This is also true in other cases or at least is not a concern. The stage is another matter. While I have no problem with what the accu-tuner can do, I stopped using it on stage because of the conditions there. The temperature changes a lot. Doors are opened, curtains raised or lowered, pianos are moved from cooler conditions to warmed conditions. All of which makes it impractical to use the accu-tuner. The thing is just too accurate. The last time I tuned at the auditorium I finally put it away and finished tuning aurally. I think what is really happening here is that people have had bad experiences with piano tuners who are not very good and who have to tune with the machine or they cant tune at all. I mean no offense by this remark. I mean that if I use the machine by choice that is one thing but if I use it because I have to that's another thing all together. So where does this all lead or leave us? Personally I am glad to know how to tune aurally. I am also glad to have the accu- tuner because it makes work easier especially pitch changes. And frankly I am not sure what I would say to someone starting out about how to learn to tune. That is enough for the moment. I welcome any and all comments. Phil Sloffer
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