F# versus the Flu

[Annie Grieshop]

Joey,

I am SO glad you sent in this query.  My sinuses are often upset about
something or other -- and I nearly always hear oddities in F#s and Bs.  The
more time I spend tuning, the less it throws me off, but I'll gladly second
you that it happens.  Right now, I'm trying to prepare for my tuning exam
while also battling an inner ear infection, and I can't hear any lower
partials  -- only the high ones are audible.  It's troublesome, to say the
least.

Humming can help break up sinus congestion -- and then there's always warm
salt water.  Swimming in it would probably make you feel a lot better, but
running some through your nose might clear out your sinuses.

Annie Grieshop

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Joey Recker [mailto:joey at onkeypiano.com]
> Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 4:16 PM
> To: 'Pianotech List'
> Subject: F# versus the Flu
>
>
> Today I tuned a Baldwin Concert Grand (signed by Liberace!).  Concert Prep
> tuning for the Atlanta Pops.  I've been suffering from the flu
> all week and
> this is my first day out tuning again.  As I was doing the temperament
> octave the F#3 seemed to have some false beats.  I worked through it and
> continued.  Then the next F# had the same thing.  And the next, and the
> next.  EVERY F# on the piano seemed to have a "waver" that
> wouldn't go away.
> I got out my ETD and checked myself and did a 2nd pass on the
> entire piano.
> The ETD helped me assure myself that the piano as a whole was in good tune
> and I completed the job.
>
>
>
> Is there a possibility that whatever is going on with my sinuses
> as a result
> of the flu could affect my perception of certain notes?  I did also have a
> bit of trouble on B naturals.
>
>
>
> I'm going back tonight after the concert to check the piano again
> (there is
> another performance tomorrow morning).  Is there anything I can do between
> now and then to "clear my head?!?"
>
>
>
> Never experienced anything like this before but I can't think of any other
> reason why this would occur.  Any thoughts?
>
> Joey Recker
> Plains, GA
>
>