Tuning Two Together

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Johannes:

Although I would love for  you to buy a SAT, here is a suggestion which
I have used prior to visual tuning aids.

As you set your temperament on both pianos, cross check them as you play
intervals up the scale. Of course you have to have the two pianos nose
to nose to do this. Play F3 on one piano and A3 on the other, then reverse
the situation by playing A3 on the first piano and A3 on the second. The
beat rates should be the same. Do this same test for all the intervals
after you have completed the temperament on both pianos. If the tests
continue to be equal, then do the same with the 10ths as you go out of
the temperament area. You can do the same with the 12ths and double octave
as you go even higher up the scale. Of course all of this takes more time
but if you do this well, your reputation will increase, you will make
more money and then you can buy a SAT which will make the tuning much
easier for  you.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Fri, 17 Dec 1999 Johannes28@AOL.COM wrote:

> Seasons Greetings to All!!
> 
> I have a question about tuning two grands of different sizes to each other.  
> These pianos are played together.  One is a little tiny 4 foot piano, the 
> other a 6 foot.  I know that if one is careful about setting them both to the 
> fork EXACTLY, and being very careful about temperament setting, the two 
> pianos should sound ok together.  (Though extreme regions may not be in tune 
> due to the differences in scaling.)  
> 
> I've also heard that to really make sure they are going to be in good tune 
> together with no funky wolves, you should get someone else to play 
> temperament notes on the already tuned piano and compare the second piano to 
> it as you set your temperament.  
> 
> Anyone got any other ideas about how to make sure they come out perfect?  And 
> don't tell me to buy an SAT, I don't have the bucks for that!!!
> 
> Have a great season!
> 
> Johannes28@aol.com
> 
>