newbie question: TuneLab

Robert Scott rscott@wwnet.net
Thu, 06 Sep 2001 15:13:37 -0400


Charles Neuman asks:

 >>>>Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 11:01:13 -0400
I just got TuneLab going on a computer right next to my piano. I think it
will be very useful for when I practice setting the temperament aurally. I
wonder if it's useful for tuning unisons. So far I find that it's easier for
me to just listen to the beats of the unison rather than to try to decipher
the movement of the squares on the screen. Any ideas?
<<<<

Charles, it is generally faster to tune unisons aurally because there is
less moving of the mutes.  Also, it is better to tune unisons in the bass
aurally because there are so many partials involved that aural compromise
is necessary.  Where I find TuneLab useful for unisons is in the high
treble where the sustain is short and beats are hard to hear.  In this
case it is sometimes easier to tune each string individually to TuneLab
using the spectrum display (zoomed in, of course).  And you and even
do a fairly decent job without mutes in the high treble.

As for using TuneLab when you practice setting the temperament, the
ultimate test should always be aural.  However, you could use TuneLab
to record your tuning and then examine the tuning curve to see if
any notes are obviously sticking out from the rest.  That might
point the way to a problem in your temperament.

-Robert Scott
  Real-Time Specialties



This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC