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[ibetuner]

In the end
> even the most sophisticated tuning device is totally reliant on whatever
> definition for a tuning lies within its programing. That in itself puts a
cold
> edge on the result, and removes said tunings several steps from the world
of
> the artist.




I'm really glad to read this. I've had this come up in discussions numerous
times but because tuning, in my humble opinion, is an art it's hard to give
a solid explanation of what the outcome of the artistic practice really is.
Does that make sense?

I'm a relatively new tuner. I've tuned about 500 pianos using an Accutuner
and 99 44/100's percent of my customers like my tunings but I don't. I've
been through a number of classes on aural tuning but I still can't put my
finger on  why I think my tunings don't sound like I think they should.

Instructors have used phrases like "the piano will talk to you and tell you
what it wants". I keep saying, "it's not talking yet", and I get frustrated.

I know there are probably techniques in using the Accutuner that I am not
fully aware of yet that would make the tunings better.

>From my experience explaining my perceptions about the sound of my tunings,
and my dislike for them, can be difficult for others to understand.

Does this make sense?  My tunings don't seem to be "smooth, creamy, delicate
(they have a cold edge)".  I've heard concert tunings at Sacramento State
College, done by our former guild president Peter Clark, and they are
wonderful. They sound smooth, creamy and delicate.

I've come to the conclusion that aural tuning is the only way to get those
results. It's not just setting the temperament aurally but tuning from the
center of the keyboard to the treble and then doing the bass, as many of the
books and instructors teach. After setting the FAC or selecting a factory
FAC I've been tuning from A0 to C88. I don't think the sound is the same.

The reason for my conclusion: A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of tuning a
Yamaha C5 in a huge home, in an open, empty room with very high ceilings.
The customer was an acquaintance of mine so we were candid about the tuning.
I asked him how he liked it...his comment was "it grates on me". I thanked
him and then said, "me too".

Remember, I'm not a total aural tuner.

I told him I know of another way to tune the piano so I set my temperament
with the accutuner and then tuned octaves to the treble and then the bass.
I'd only done this once before. He said he liked it. I liked it too even
though it wasn't perfect. I spent 7 hours at the piano, no, breaks, not
lunch, no potty.

I thanked him for the opportunity to tune his piano and said " its been a
pleasure to work on this piano and learning experience. I can't take any
money for that. Many new tuners would give their eye teeth to work on a
piano like this". ..And I left.

He sent my a very nice thank you card...with a nice check...and expects to
see me again in 6 months. I'm scared!

I'm taking a whole week off in November to practice my aural tuning. I hear
things better now than when I first started but I really need to solidify my
conceptual knowledge of aural tuning.

Sorry to be so long winded...bad habit my wife says...


Anyone understand what I mean?

Please be gentle...


Wayne Lutzow
Lincoln, CA
Sacramento Valley PTG