[CAUT] Harpsichord tuning tips

[Fred Sturm]

A couple things in addition to what others have written:

On Dec 2, 2005, at 10:36 AM, Andrew Anderson wrote:

> Do harpsichords have regular tuning pins?
Note that if the harpsichord has oblong headed pins, you will need to  
use a T hammer. With "zither style" pins (square head), a gooseneck  
is possible as well as a T. Note also that oblong pins vary in size,  
more or less infinitely. There is a good deal of forgiveness in  
sizing of hammer versus pin, but there are definitely pins that won't  
work with a given hammer, and vice versa. In most cases, you will  
find that the harpsichord has a hammer associated with it that you  
can use, but sometimes it can be a problem.
>
> Do they behave quite differently from pianos?
One way they behave differently is response to temperature. They are  
VERY sensitive to any change, and the brass strings behave quite a  
bit differently (faster, bigger reaction) from the steel. Stage  
lights are a big problem. Drafts from an open door, or from a heating  
duct are a bigger problem. Cold = sharp, hot = flat. I have had a  
harpsichord I was tuning go about 5 cents sharp while I was tuning  
due to 15 minutes of door propped open for load in (draft over the  
strings). That kind of instability will go away more slowly than it  
came on.
     Also, pitch change is far more stable. unless you are doing a  
really major change, don't use any overpull. Never as much as on a  
piano (about 5 - 10 cents will do for a half step pitch change. Saves  
a wee bit of time and effort over just tuning twice, with the second  
pass being a 5 - 10 cents pitch change).
>
> I guess the mechanism is different so the "test-blow" is out.   
> Would rubbing/stretching the strings with a rag be equivalent?
I find "pin manipulation" is the best way to get solid tuning. A mild  
flagpoling of the pin, alternating between toward and away from the  
speaking length. If equal motions in both directions produce equal  
changes in pitch, bingo, you're there. If not, make a tiny twist of  
pin in block and try again.
     I wouldn't rub strings. You'll change the temperature, which  
will just introduce a different kind of instability.
>
> Any and all tips welcome. ;-)
>
> Andrew Anderson
>
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Regards,
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico
fssturm@unm.edu