plucking F3 for SAT measurements

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi David:

When you are measuring the F3 Stretch number, sometimes it is necessary 
to pluck or gently strum the string between the strikepoint and the 
Agraffe or V-Bar because the hammer striking the string at its 8th node 
wipes out most of the 8th partial. Plucking gives a very clean display, 
but the amplitude being less produces a slightly lower pitch. This is 
still accurate enough to use. Plucking does not produce a different 
harmonic. Since your SAT is set at F6, it is indeed reading the 8th 
partial. You could add .5 cents to your setting, but it would not 
measurably change the way the Bass is calculated nor tuned. When you are 
tuning the A0 with the FAC program, the SAT is listening to the pitch E3 
where there is more than 10 cents per HZ change. You can see how little 
a .5 cents measurement would make in this case. I don't think any of us 
can hear a 1/20th of a beat.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

PS Will I see you at the Calif. State Conference in Feb.?