SAT in low bass

[Ted Simmons]

Warren, maybe you can tell me if using the MSR button on the SAT while
striking the questionable note would tell me where the string is.  There
must be some way to find the correct harmonic.  I use aural checks, true,
but I'm trying to learn some more of the intricacies of the SAT that would,
perhaps, help others as well.  If the B0 were in unison with the D1 and I
hit the MSR button while striking  B0, what message would I receive?  What
would the SAT read?  I don't want to try to attempt an actual case on my
own piano because I'm afraid the string would break, although it didn't on
the spinet in question; but I'll bet it was close.

Ted Simmons


>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