SAT in low bass

[Warren Fisher]

Ted Simmons wrote:
>
 So I did some
> aural checks and, while striking the lowest B, I played notes up from it
> one at a time and discovered that this B was in unison with D1.

Ted,

This is a common problem that many new SAT owners stumble over.  The
Prime harmonic for that note produces a weaker pattern than the harmonic
for the D.  Most people seem to tune them too flat, particularly on a
big pitch raise.  They stop at the first good pattern they find.  You
have to realize that the SAT WILL give you a good pattern for most of
the closer harmonics.  Usually it will be a weaker pattern than the
prime, but not always.  You must check aurally to be sure you're in the
right ballpark before you set it in.

A quick check you can make is to set the SAT (in tune mode)and play C3,
stop the pattern, then play C2, and C1 in sequence, watching the pattern
as you go.  If C1 is a whole lot different, quickly tune it close.

Now, shift to your page or FAC TUNING and recheck C1.  If you have a
good pattern, tune it correctly.   Next, tune DOWNWARDS to A0 listening
for the half step drop as you go.

This procedure is useful for get the pitch right at the lower end while
chipping new strings to pitch after installation.  Another thing that
works is starting in the middle and tuning towards each end in the
traditional aural manner.

Most pianos, even spinets shouldn't require this.  What I usually do is
pull sharp a couple of good pin clicks and if I don't get a pattern this
means that the pitch is outside of the + or - 25 cents range that the
tuner captures.  Listen to a double or triple octave and see if it
sounds flat or sharp.  Do the same for the notes up to C1. You may find
that pitch is the same or higher as one of those notes.  Tune in the
indicated direction and look for a pattern.

Just be aware of the problem and it will cease to be a problem.  This
just proves again that the SAT is not the whole answer.  It's like a
car, you have to drive it.

Hope this helps,

Warren
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Warren D. Fisher
fish@communique.net
Registered Piano Technician
Piano Technicians Guild
New Orleans Chapter 701