Robert Scott wrote: > > In the TuneLab I > compute a Fast Fourier Transform about 5 times per second. Each > time the frequency spectrum is computed, I display a graph of the signal > amplitude as a function of frequency. This graph is in addition to the normal > phase display. There is a zoomed-in mode where the frequency specturm > display can be made to display only the region within +/- 200 cents around > the desired pitch. When the graph is in this mode, the tuning error is > observed as a peak in the graph which is not centered on the red line which > denotes the desired pitch. Instead of stopping a moving display, you just > tune in order to push the peak of the graph over towards the red line. I have > found that using this display in octave 7 is easier than trying to read a > phase display and I believe in practice it is just as accurate. In fact, if > there > are serious false beats, the frequency spectrum display actually shows > several distinct peaks. You can tune to the highest peak or you can center > the several peaks around the red line. In any case, it is easier that trying > to read a phase display which is based on the assumption that the note > you are listening to is pure. I have been giving TuneLab97 lots of use, and I have found that the frequency spectrum display is a really valuable tool for tuning the top octave. I don't even bother to mute the strings. Each string can be individually observed on the display, and I move them one at a time to center. I have never used any other VTD, so I can't compare and say this is the ultimate. What I can say, is that it is a lot better than working by ear and using mutes. Especially in some uprights where muting the top few octaves is a big pain. Once again I must state that I have no affiliation with Bob Scott. I'm just looking for better and quicker ways to tune a piano. Frank Weston P.S Plucking the individual strings also works very well with the frequency spectrum display.
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC