Ed Foote wrote: "Usually I don't see more than 15% of the strings as freebies, though." Well Ed, I guess you and me are just using the wrong tools. If we used RCT, we could "tune 99.99% of the time in one pass to A440" - apparently even from a half-step flat. How 'bout them cow pies? Terry Farrell > Duaine wrote: > That even sounds more archaic O:-) > I just let Cybertuner do the "thinking" (overpull calculation) and can tune 99.99% of the time in one pass to > A440 :-) > , Richard writes: > > << btw... my recent experiences in Japan has led me to conclude that the > > one hour wonder pitch raise and "fine tuning" is a suspect concept at > > best. :) >> > > Hmm, I dunno. There is no right or wrong way to fine tune a piano, at > pitch, that is say 15 cents flat in places. There are, however, many of us that > have found ways that work, for us. Here's mine. > If the piano is more than 4 cents off standard, and I have to meet > broadcast quality,(which is mainly the unisons and octaves), I invest the first 15 > minutes,(12 if I really have to meet a deadline), in getting the piano within 4 > cents of 440. This is most easily done by using the standard SAT calculator. > HOwever, I take my readings from 7 notes or so, ABOVE where I am tuning. > The reason for this is that seldom do I find a piano that is the same > amount flat across the whole keyboard, and since the drop is due to continually > adding tension above, I want to stop overpulling so much before I get to the > section that is not so flat. > There is a simple hammer technique that leaves string/pins very stable. It > is just not very accurate in placing the pitch. I pull the pin well sharp, > enough so that I will be certainly moving the pin as I then drop it flat. I go > until the pitch is just a little flat, relax the hammer, and give a very slight > sharpening flex to the pin. These amounts depend on how tight the block is, > and how much friction there is in the upper bearing points. > This technique is a little sloppy on pitch placement, but leaves a string > that will not move under any blow that I hit it with. > On the second pass, if by chance a string is exactly where it should be, > I simply wiggle the pin with the hammer to assure myself that it isn't poised > on the edge of balance, and if the note doesn't change, that is a freebie. > I have had the SAT III leave a piano within 2 cents of 440 after a 15 > minute, 20 cent pitch raise doing this, and after that, it is not difficult to > fine tune it in an hour. There are exceptions, of course, but I don't see many > problems getting the major work done in a flash, then taking whatever time I > like to fine tune. Usually I don't see more than 15% of the strings as > freebies, though. > Regards, > > Ed Foote RPT
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