Proof "reading" Accu-tunings

[Barrie Heaton]

In article <199607310235.WAA09156@mime4.prodigy.com>, MR ALLAN H DAY
<XSVM93A@prodigy.com> writes
>-- [ From: ALLAN DAY * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --
>
>To all,
>Debating the merits of aural tunings vs. Accu-tunings is probably
>healthy. But like any controversial issue there will always be strong
>opinions on both sides. A few of my aural tuning Colleagues in VT are
>happy converts to the Accu-tuner. I can see their points I almost took
>the plunge myself.
>  There are 2 points however that kept me away from using one:
>1. Tailoring the tuning to the artist. I see all the verbage about
>FAC's and calculating the stretch factor to accommodate the
>inharmonisity of the piano. However, where that might be arguably good
>for the piano what if the artist doesn't like it?
>   After one has developed a rapport with an artist you can please
>him/her by executing their favorite tuning according to their
>individual taste. Its like being a chef rather than a recipe follower.
>  How does the accu-tuner deal with this need to over-ride the
>arbitrary nature of its program?
>2. A recent graduate of the N. Bennett St. School brought his machine
>over to show me. He said that the instructors at the school advise that
>one should always check or proof the accu-tunings aurally to make sure
>it sounds correct. If you know what's correct to begin with, why use
>the machine? He couldn't give me a satisfactory answer. Or at least one
>that justifies the cost of the machine.
>

Hi Alan,

There is another interesting twist to the electronic tuning saga, sorry
to bore those who I emailed privately but here goes.

Could it be that one day all new pianos besides having their serial
numbers placed on them will have  a SAT number as well.  So that you can
programme your tuning aid for the ultimate perfection in tuning as
designed by the maker of the piano.  What a sad day this would be, just
imagine a row of digital pianos all sounding the same, all with the same
scale, all with the same octave stretching.  This would be the same for
the acoustic piano, all scale the same all tuned the same and when you
go to the concerts you get the interpretation of the music from the
pianist,  but you loose that interpretation of the scaling that the
oral piano tuner provides,  we all may as well go home and listen to a
CD.

Could this be reality or dream on.........:-)(

Regards,

Barrie.

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Barrie Heaton                                  |  Be Environmentally Friendly
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