Sanderson Accu-tuner

[John Formsma]

With respect to volume...

We all should learn to tune softly, even with an ETD. It helps our
useful shelf life anyway. If we would tune softly, playing an octave
should not be a volume problem at all. (At least for most of us. It
might be different for you.)

I've measured my regular tuning volume level with a decibel meter.
This is not the softest I can tune, but it helps with stability. It's
around 78-80 dB at a peak level. I can tune quieter than that, but I
use my custom-molded musicians earplugs. Hearing loss from tuning
shouldn't be a problem.

You still hear those sweet spots at lower volume levels. In fact, for
me, those sweet spots are perceived even better at softer levels.

ETDs are great for consistency. They can do very well at pitch raises,
and also with repeat tuning work, as Ed Foote mentioned.

One thing I have considered doing is getting my old SAT II repaired
and storing my best aural tunings for some regular pianos. I see great
value in that. If you had your best work stored for different models -
Ds, Yamaha C3s, etc. - you could really save some time.

JF

On 6/9/07, Jon Page <jonpage at comcast.net> wrote:
> One aspect not mentioned on this go-'round is the stress relief
> with use of an ETD. The decibel level assaulting your ears is
> greatly reduced by only needing to play one note instead of two.
>
> And since tuning involves perception more than hearing, it takes
> the strain off of always having to be "on".  The machine places
> the note and you verify it aurally. No need for the incessant pounding
> of two notes to find the 'sweet spot' or in many cases the one 'least bad'.
>
> When you're looking down the hallway of practice rooms, ear plugs
> and an ETD saves your hearing and sanity.
>
> Having tuned aurally for over 25 years, the VT is the only reason
> I have not severely limited my tuning practice.  In the early '90's, I started
> cutting back tuning because of developing tinnitus which cleared up
> with limited exposure. In 2001, I purchased the VT on Andre's recommendation
> to assist with the small clientele I retained.  The VT performed so well
> with no strain on my well being that I was able it increase my tuning
> work load.
>
> In the ensuing years I programmed the VT to tune as I tune aurally utilizing
> multiple partial samplings. With four customized stretch styles, I can place
> a beautiful tuning on any piano.
>
> I have not abandoned the aural aspects, unisons are tuned by ear.
> By the fact that I didn't wear my hearing thin with tuning intervals
> and octaves
> my focus is saved for this most important aspect: unisons. And of course, the
> overall compass of the tuning is verified.
>
> And as far as the musicality of the tuning, Coleman 11.
> It's ET with character and style.
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Page
>