tuning fork pitch

[Robert Scott]

Keith A. McGavern wrote:

>>>
Tech tip: To raise the pitch on a tuning fork, remove metal from the
tips of the fork, to lower the pitch, remove metal from the outside of the
yoke of the fork.
<<<

One word of caution in doing this:  The sustain time of the fork is
related to the balance between the two sides of the fork.  If you alter
the metal, be sure to do exactly the same thing in the same amount
to both sides in order to maintain the balance.  If you take metal
from only one side of the fork, the imbalance will cause the 
central support of the fork to conduct energy away from the fork
too fast, and the sound will die out quickly.

Bob Scott
Ypsilanti, Michigan