[CAUT] Harpsichord tuning tips/string setting

[Fred Sturm]

On 12/4/05 10:12 PM, "Ron Nossaman" <rnossaman@cox.net> wrote:

> Authoritative sources aside, I personally tune harpsichords just
> like I tune pianos, except for test blows for settling in. I pull
> them up or drop them down to pitch, as usual, then alternately turn
> and jiggle the pin back and forth to find the point where it will be
> most likely to stay where I leave it - then leave it. I don't have a
> template. I don't have a checklist. I don't have a conditional set
> of programmed movements I use in each of a specific number of
> defined circumstances. I attempt to read what each and every pin and
> string it telling me and leave it in the most stable condition I can
> from the information it gives me. It makes life simpler. There is
> only one infinitely variable hammer technique - whatever the
> feedback tells me is working to my satisfaction, and my tunings are
> more stable than most, if not as shiny as some. I've always
> considered this to be a no-brainer. As I listen and read about the
> near infinitely detailed absolute conditional techniques for dealing
> with each narrowly, but nebulously defined contingent, I am always
> baffled that the tuning lever operator didn't immediately give up
> the ego, attempting to force it into a, arbitrary proprietary
> category, and just adjust as necessary to make it work as the
> physical reality requires. I find that the "technique" changes from
> pin to pin, as well as from piano to piano to harpsichord to guitar
> to whatever, and in my opinion, if the tuner isn't able to
> recalibrate automatically, mindlessly, and effortlessly on the fly
> (or Denro), on a moment by moment basis, he's just pretending.
> 
> But what do I know?
> 
> Ron N
Amen, brother Ron. That's really what I was trying to say, but I got a
little wordy about it <g>.

Regards,
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico