A440 (was Pic of HT; test)

Billbrpt@AOL.COM Billbrpt@AOL.COM
Fri, 15 Feb 2002 09:37:23 EST


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In a message dated 2/15/02 8:15:39 AM Central Standard Time, 
davidlovepianos@earthlink.net (David Love) writes:


> The offsets that I have for the Coleman 11 have the A value at -1.  Does
> that mean that this will set A4, 1 cent flat from A440?  To get A4 at A440
> can I then add 1 to all the deviations, or does that screw everything up.  I
> suppose I could also offset the machine 1 cent sharp.  And, what are the
> offsets for the Coleman 16.  I imagine I should be able to figure it out
> .

This can be very confusing.  If you use the FAC program just as it is for ET, 
your A4 may not necessarily be exactly at 440 although it won't be 
significantly off.  You have to remember that the SAT can read on the 
fundamental but when actually using it, you probably wouldn't in the 4th 
octave.  The FAC program reads on A6 for A4.

Do this test:  Turn the SAT on, then press TUNE  and tune A4 to stop the 
lights.  Now, press the octave button up twice to get A6.  Now the lights 
will rotate significantly but wherever they stop will be the equivalent of A4 
at 440.

Sometimes when using a Cycle of 5ths based temperament such as Jim's, my EBVT 
or most HT's, the A is deliberately set slightly lower so that the average 
distance from theoretical ET values for each note will be the closest it can 
be.

I always set my A3 read on A5 at 0.0.  If the piano has high Inharmonicity 
such as a Steinway, the A4 will usually come out right at 440 when the A3-A4 
octave is tuned as a 6:3 type.  For pianos with lower Inharmonicity, the A4 
will probably end up a cent to cent and a half lower.

If you really want to be sure your program renders A4 at 440, tune A4 
according to the setting in the program, then press the TUNE button, set A4 
reading at A4, set at 0.0, play A4 and stop the lights.  Whatever deviation 
appears in the window, reverse the sign and offset the entire program by that 
amount.  That will correct whatever small discrepancy there is.  It is not 
usually a matter of concern.

Bill Bremmer RPT
Madison, Wisconsin
 <A HREF="http://www.billbremmer.com/">Click here: -=w w w . b i l l b r e m m e r . c o m =-</A> 

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