No EBVT at Convention

[Gina Carter]

Dave,

Good post; good ideas. May I offer a few more.

Several years ago this list had many discussions more centered against
almost any use of ETDs at all. It's been enlightening to see how we've
learned not only to accept but also to try so many different approaches to
our craft, including using ETDs and different temperaments. I was one of
those who advocated the use of an ETD, but only after learning to tune
aurally since that was how I learned; and I so stated my belief on the list.

Two people in two different posts very politely offered a different concept
which was like a light bulb going off; for myself, a lesson well learned.
They said that an ETD could be one of the most helpful learning tools
available to one just starting out in this profession. They also reminded me
that, unlike years previously, the avenues available to many newbies like
schools, factories, and many times mentors, just are not available to these
new students. Since then I have advocated this approach to every person I've
helped even in some small way. A really good ETD, and we are very fortunate
to have some extremely good ones available to us, does and can help one
learn to tune much better. It gives feedback that may just not be possible
from any other source, especially to those who are trying to learn this
craft alone or through a correspondence course, but also to those of us who
want to continue to improve our knowledge of tuning. There is no doubt in my
mind that the use of my ETD has made me a better tuner.

Learning to tune equal temperament is, imho, the most difficult of all. Once
one has mastered ET, then other temperaments are much easier to learn and
practice. I contend, however, that the selection of a temperament depends on
many factors and the first and foremost one is some knowledge of the music
itself. So maybe what I'm saying is that learning to tune is only the first
step. After one gains some competence in this, then the next step is
learning about the music and learning what temperament sounds best to the
tuner and to the tuner's client.

As in every profession there are the general practitioners and specialists.
There is room for both because in the final analysis only the music is
important. For myself, a well tuned, stable piano with clean unisons and
octaves is primary and the general practitioners are essential to obtain
these. The specialists whose passion is alternative temperaments can then
broaden their musical horizons by offering their unique approaches. The
clients of both will determine their successes.

Regards,

Gina

----- Original Message -----
From: Dave Doremus <algiers_piano@bellsouth.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2000 7:32 AM
Subject: Re: No EBVT at Convention