Hello Regarding machine tunings VS master tunings. I am a recent CTE and have observations of interest to this subject. Some interesting patterns occur when comparing a machine tunings to master tunings. Our new 2 Master tunings in Ottawa were done on a C7 and a Steinway A2 respectively, with the following procedure. 1) Pitch raise piano with tunelab and tune to a curve calculated from samples. 2) The examination team did not like the stretch result in each case. It was not terrible but did not represent our best effort. SO we tweaked the a3-a4 octave aurally until we were all satisfied, then we tweaked the machine curve till it matched what we had created aurally in that octave. We now could refine the piano to a smooth machine curve that was based on the foundation of an aural stretch we liked at the temperament level. The result was better, but still did not represent our best effort 3) We then proceeded to go through step by step an entire aural tuning from scratch checking with careful aural tests at every note. We used the machine to record deviations Comparison against the machines prescribed smooth calculated average curve interesting patterns emerge. The machine creates one smooth average curve, but the master tuning deviations follow the string scaling. Deviation from the prescribed marching tuning will change incrementally for a half dozen notes then suddenly jump away from the machine tuning curve exactly at a string size change, then incrementally work its way back to the curve, then jump again at the next string size change marked on the bridge. Its as if sharp harmonics get progressively worse in the scale at a point that hey, we better change string size now. Suddenly the harmonic structure of the tone is improved. Careful aural checks will follow the pattern the scaling dictates. The deviation in the low tenor can be a great deal; depending on the machine curve chosen the deviations could be enough that when using a machine one might be in danger of loosing points if not careful. I was an aural tuner of 22 years, using tunelab these last 3 years. The experience of doing master tuning has both increased by appreciation for EDTs strengths at one level, but also a greater awareness of EDTs limitations, and a deeper appreciation of aural skills and the need to preserve an aural tradition in tuning. I would love to see many graphs of master tunings plotted against machine curves for the same piano. Also, would users of verituner who have participated in master tuning comment. Verituner listens to each notes samples and graphs them all, so should reflect the scaling closer. I am told it takes a few passes for verituner to gather enough information on one piano though....comments. On another related vein. I have learned keeping my aural skills and keeping listening is important because............ 1) I am on a concert stage tuning a D and the unit crashes.(once in 3 years)Whatcha goin t do lad without little egor yelln instructions at ya, concerts in 1 hour. 2) I happly call up the tuning I want for a C7 concert and 3/4 through the tuning realize it is sounding less then stellar. I called up the wrong tuning file. 30 min left till doors open. Good thing I listened and questioned it. It was 6am without a pot of coffee and autopilot was tempting. 3) I go to do a tuning on a piano tuned 1 year earlier by another technician. This tech.tunes chromatically from A0, no aural checks, trusting the machine. B0 was C#1, C1 was a D1, others were normal. The machine easily become confused what note it is on in the bottom octave and some of the notes were 200 cents off, so you would go down chromatically but go up the scale aurally. The client had noticed, thus they had called a new tech, me. Let us never stop listening........never. 4) Sometimes, on some pianos(small ones), I just do not like what the machine is doing, especially in the low tenor crossing over to the bass. The machine tuning I calculate for some areas of some pianos just does not cut it for me. The deviation from a smooth calculated curve is just too much to bear. 4) Yes the machine is so efficient when changing pitch. Real serious intonation is only possible when the piano is already in tune. Careful aural tuning is simply better quality. Nerveless, I find for most road tuning more is accomplished for the client with the efficiency of the machine to make the best use of the time to achieve a fundamental level. Then the piano is ready to venture beyond. Cheers Dave Renaud __________________________________________________________ Find your next car at http://autos.yahoo.ca
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