frequent tuning - floating pitch? was tuning

[James Grebe]

Hi Jon,
In my opinion, the problem with that scenario is that as the piano passes 
through A-440 not all of the piano moves the same.  In the mid west where 
humidity changes are great, the middle 2/3's moves the most so though the 
pitch changes through the season the middle moves more than the ends..  I 
have found the only time the piano is at whatever pitch you tune it is when 
you are finished, not several weeks after.
James
James Grebe   Piano Tuning & Repair   Member of M.P.T.
R.P.T. of the P.T.G. for over 30 years.   "Member of the Year" in 1989
   Creator of Handsome Hardwood Caster Cups, Piano Benches, Writing 
Instruments
(314) 845-8282   1526 Raspberry Lane   Arnold, MO 63010
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jon Page" <jonpage@comcast.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2006 7:45 PM
Subject: frequent tuning - floating pitch? was tuning


>I realize that some tuners prize the opportunity for pitch correction
> and tuning then boast about the money making venture.
>
> For the most part, I see that as a disservice to the customer.
> I'm not referring to major pitch corrections of a quarter to half
> tone flat but within 2 to 4 beats either side.
>
> Unless there is a compelling reason to maintain 440 because of
> playing with fixed-pitch instruments or a Pianomation or similar;
> floating the pitch benefits the customer financially and reduces pin
> wrenching on the piano. The tuning is more stable having not
> subjected the piano to a tension change.
>
> For those compelled to set the piano to 440 at a tuning consider
> where the pitch will reside between tunings. I instruct the owners
> that if I tune it to 438 now that it will traverse through 440 as the
> humidity elevates and ending up sharp of 440. Then the tuning
> during high humidity will be at 442 or 444 depending on the
> fluctuation. Once I know the range, I can tune it seasonally to
> maintain a 440 median, also taking into account the relative
> position of the bass and treble; levelling off. I strive for the least
> overall tension change.
>
> Where there has been a financial concern but not a pitch concern,
> I have pulled it up the maximum amount to be still left with an
> appreciable tuning. Over a few years the piano is at pitch.
> Or yanked it up for beginners' ear training sacrificing the extremes;
> they'll be pulled-in with subsequent tunings as the students progress.
>
> You can pull it up 4 bps (16 cents) and be left with an appreciable 
> tuning.
> -- 
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Page
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