Pianos sound better in well temperaments than they do in equal temperament. One can dismiss this as a question of 'personal taste', but it isn't, really. On several occasions I have witnessed side-by-side comparisons of e.t. and well temperament. Sometimes the pianos have been exactly the same make and model, and sometimes not. Invariably the well tempered piano has been selected as sounding better. Sometimes the well tempered piano and the e.t. piano have been confused, because the 'audience' (of piano technicians) has assumed the better sounding piano must be the one in the 'modern' tuning. Astonishingly, the well tempered piano will sound better, one note at a time, even without the context of music; which doesn't seem to make much sense, but I assume it's because the entire instrument has more harmonic alignment, which makes it more resonant, even when the dampers are on the strings. Caution: Music may be closer than it appears. Improper use may result in unusual situations. A good well temperament often causes the piano to grow, usually at least four inches, sometimes as much as a foot. Exposure to well temperament can cause tuning clients to require more frequent tuning service. Performers and audiences alike can experience emotional reactions beyond the familiar. Paul Bailey RPT San Mateo, CA 103445.713@Compuserve.com
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC