ETDs & Non-Equal Temperaments

[Billbrpt@AOL.COM]

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In a message dated 9/5/01 8:26:52 AM Central Daylight Time, 
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com (Farrell) writes:


> What procedures (aural checks, prayers, waiting for proper planetary
> alignment, etc.) do ETD users use when tuning non-equal temperaments to
> ensure a good tuning for the subject piano (check octaves and let it go at
> that?)? I know some often tune spinets with various non-ET temperaments and
> these especially need proper checks. Aside from learning to tune these
> non-ET temperaments well by ear (which, of course would be the best way -
> but hey, I'm only human) how does anyone go about this? Tips, tricks,
> techniques?
> 

I've written about this many times over.  There is no "hocus-pocus" to it 
such as your "planetary alignment" phrase implies.  It is so surprisingly 
simple that I have had no qualms about calling it "Mindless Octaves".  I 
developed the method when I was still tuning ET back in the early 1980's and 
continued it when I started exploring the HT's and on to the development of 
the EBVT.  Steve Fairchild RPT uses basically the same approach.

I have absolutely no use whatsoever for any programmed tuning curve because 
what I do is better, far and away better.  It goes right to the heart of why 
the scale is tempered to begin with and uses the piano's own inharmonicity to 
determine exactly the compromise I make.  Again, it is so easy and simple 
that I think of it as *mindless* because I can tune aurally with the same 
accuracy and consistency as I can with an ETD whether it is the first or last 
tuning of the day, whether I am tired or not feeling well.

I've published the entire explanation and process on this List and offered it 
more than a few times privately.  But of course, there are the many who 
dismiss what I have to say out of hand and delete before reading.  That's 
your problem, not mine.  My only question about the Verituner is whether it 
can do what I do.  If it can, it would be worth purchasing, mainly because of 
its compact size and long battery life.  Until I know the answer to that, the 
SAT II suits me just fine.

Bill Bremmer RPT
Madison, Wisconsin

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