[CAUT] electronic tuning device preference?

[johnsond]

Fred Sturm wrote:
>
>
> ......... I guess that at this point I am feeling more and more that 
> temperament shape is not nearly as significant as we believe and want 
> to believe. But I am still exploring. When you get to WTs with real 
> noticeable character (on the order of Valotti), it becomes more 
> significant and definitely noticeable. But in that realm, I think I 
> would say there are "families" of WT and meantone, and that what 
> family the tuning belongs to is more important than the very precise 
> tuning instructions or cents offsets.
>
> _____________


Well said, Fred.  When it comes to use of the machines, I rather doubt 
if any of us experienced, good caut tuners who use them regularly, use 
them exclusively. It's storing data when computers are at their best. 
This is why I use the SAT for storing my best aural work on each 
important piano, which is continually refined as deemed appropriate 
during subsequent tunings.  This method also greatly reduces the concern 
over difficult readings because you can choose the partial you record 
at.  Our software programs often compromise readability in the 5th 
octave especially for the sake of accuracy- on paper.  If you are 
recording your aural tuning and checking with measured intervals 
whenever desired along the way, you have the liberty of recording at a 
lower partial.  I usually start recording fundamental at C5.  Some 
pianos have several pages with different temperament options. 

Considering the demands and stress we must learn to cope with on almost 
a daily basis during recital season, I am very grateful for the 
technology.  Ultimately it conserves some of my brain energy for the 
things that matter most to players- like unisons.  Unfortunately, I must 
agree that indeed something probably is lost- but hopefully not 
accuracy.  If that happens, someone is not doing their job.  Perhaps 
what is lost however is a bit of the creative high we came to enjoy 
doing things the old way. Don't forget we are the last generation of 
tuners who will have absolutely learned in the old way. It's a story 
we've heard before that the gains in convenience or speed that 
technology can offer will somehow be offset with a little less soul.  
Maybe, maybe not.  I do know that my department or my customers aren't 
too concerned about my experience.  They just want the job done quickly 
and accurately. 

cheers,

Dennis Johnson
St. Olaf College