Tuning forks

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 11/01/1999 7:01:09 PM, Richard B. wrote:

<<Of course it does. I would not dream of questioning the motives or 
intentions
of the PTG or its members. But people do fail on this point, or am I wrong ?>>

Richard;
 They also fail on not being able to set a temperament regardless of pitch, 
and not being able to tie a knot in a string, and in not being able to 
properly regulate an upright, etc.........so what is 'your' point?  
   Are you suggesting that setting an accurate pitch, which happens to be 
A#440 at this time, is more suited to some other portion of the test, if so 
which portion?  The technical, which has to do with action/keys/dampers only. 
 Or the written, which of course is written only. Doesn't it make more sense 
to have the testing of pitch setting in the only portion of the 3 tests that 
deal with 'sound', i.e., the tuning test? I fail to see the difficulties you 
are coming up with as having any validity, unless I am missing something.
 A person taking the trouble to take the RPT exams has shown their 
willingness to subject themselves to certain standards and expectations.  
Those standards and expectations include having appropiate tools to take the 
tests and do the actions as required...this includes a properly calibrated 
tone device, be it fork or tone bar, or electronic tone generator.  If the 
person taking these tests has not made the commitment to provide these things 
for themselves should we change other portions of the test and say something 
like..."well since you don't have end nippers for cutting center pins we are 
gonna put this in another section of the test"?  I think not.
 It is the "responsibility" of the testee to provide whatever tools they 
personally need to take and pass the test, if they choose to abdicate this 
"responsibility" then they should not pass the test...period.  You seem to be 
trying to hoist the tuneing examiners on their own petard by saying that if 
they are gonna provide a tone source for the testee anyway that the test is 
somehow flawed............not accurate, true, or even very objective in my 
opinion.

  As is not uncommon this thread has been blown out of preportion to its true 
importance. Calibrating a fork is 'very basic'. Knowing under what conditions 
your fork is at A440 or C523.5 is 'very basic'. Setting a pitch accurately is 
'very basic'.
If a person can not do these 'basic' things then I see no reason why they 
should be surprised to fail a relatively straightforward, simple and immently 
fair tuning exam. Most people fail this exam the first time through due to 
nerves not lack of skill or uncalibrated forks, my opinion. It just ain't 
that hard!!!!!
  It is PTGs responsibility to provide a decent work and testing environment 
along with qualified , helpful testers..... along with prior knowledge of 
what will be tested and how it will be scored.....I think we do a very very 
good job at fulfilling our responsibility.
  It is the testees job to provide themself with the knowledge and mechanical 
means to pass the tests.  If the testee fail in their responsibility then 
that is what they do................. fail..................................
Jim Bryant (FL)