pianotech-digest V1997 #733

[David ilvedson]

> From:          "Eugenia Carter" <ginacarter@email.msn.com>
> To:            <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Subject:       Re: pianotech-digest V1997 #733
> Date:          Thu, 9 Apr 1998 12:47:52 -0400
> Reply-to:      pianotech@ptg.org

In my opinion...pounding isn't whats important its when to 
pound.  I did a tuning class one time where different folks 
tuned a bit and one fellow, who was new to the field and using a 
SAT and had never tuned aurally, which I think is a mistake, was 
pounding away like a robot but had no idea of what was going on 
with the string/pitch.  He was relying on the SAT and trying to 
stop the lights.  I don't pound that much anymore and I agree 
with Eugenia that the hammer technique is the most important.  
How about when your fine tuning such as a second pass and the 
note is within a 10th of cent of where you want when you get 
there?  Do you move the pin just because you have to move the 
pin?  With a SAT or such you pretty much know which side your 
on...flat or sharp.  When your close often just a little torque 
on the pin with a judicious key stroke will get it where you 
want it without much change in the pin.  If tuning aurally you 
still have to use a bit of torque to see where your at before 
moving the pin.  I would imagine, without any scientific proof, 
that the tensions in the different segments are changing 
slightly.  There probably is always a difference in tension in 
the segments but as long as there close they don't affect each 
other?  My teacher, Bob Erlandson, taught us that the pin is 
stable when slight pressure up or down produces the same pitch 
change.  







> Jim,
> 
> I think it all depends on the individual tuner and more importantly, the
> individual tuner's hammer technique.
> 
> When I first learned to tune, I used as hard a test blow as I could. I was
> very, very successful in knocking the pitch I had just set out to kingdom
> come. So I modified my test blow to still hard but not a knock-down drag-out
> one. As my hammer technique improved, my test blows became easier/softer
> respectively. (Also, as I've lessened the hard test blows, and started using
> an extension hammer, my tennis elbow is ready to play tennis again without
> pain!)
> 
> My present method of tuning is with a solid, solid hammer technique - one
> where I can feel what the pin is doing - with a normal test blow. By normal
> I would equate it to a mezzo forte or less. Sometimes I will encounter a pin
> that just doesn't want to cooperate. When that happens, I tighten my grip on
> the hammer and use a slightly heavier test blow.
> 
> As you see, I am one of those who think that the hammer technique is the
> most important aspect. Can't wait to hear others' opinions. Once again, I
> expect to learn another tip to help me get better.
> 
> Best,
> 
> Gina
> 
> 
> Gina Carter, Charlotte NC
> -----Original Message-----
> From: james turner <JTTUNER@webtv.net>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: Thursday, April 09, 1998 12:19 PM
> Subject: Re: pianotech-digest V1997 #733
> 
> 
> I would appreciate knowing what some of you other tuners think about
> pounding a piano hard vs soft pounding.  One tuner I know pounds pianos
> really hard and his tunings tend to be very stable and long lasting.
> But I have also heard other tuners say that pounding hard during the
> tuning process is not good.  Any thoughts on this?
> 
> Thanks,
> Jim Turner
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
ilvey
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@a.crl.com