[pianotech] Aural vs. ETD

[Ryan Sowers]

On Fri, Apr 3, 2009 at 8:47 AM, Matthew Todd <toddpianoworks at att.net> wrote:

> I'm assuming most of you read the article in the latest journal regarding
> aural vs. ETD.  I would like to hear more comments.  I wonder which is the
> most accurate.
>
> It seems to me that ones who believe that aural is THE most accurate way
> have been doing it for 50+ years and have just not had the opportunity to
> try the latest ETD's which have come a long way over the years.  I say that
> because I was discussing this subject with a "strictly aural tuner" a while
> back and he told me that his ears are still as sharp as ever.  This
> gentleman by the way is in his 70's, with no hearing aids.  After he tuned a
> piano, I checked it with an ETD, and his tuning was all over the place.
>
> Plus, I know that you have to tune for the PTG exam, for the most part,
> aurally.  But when your work is checked, do they not use an ETD?  Can anyone
> tell me why that is?
>
> Anyway, just my thoughts at the moment.
>
> ***TODD PIANO WORKS*
> Matthew Todd, Piano Technician
> (979) 248-9578
> http://www.toddpianoworks.com
>

I found myself applauding Susan Kline's comments the most. Some of us wackos
actually ENJOY tuning aurally. I also find that my clients appreciate it and
comment on it regularly. The fact that I'm an aural tuner and work for some
of the pickiest clients in my area has been good for my reputation. Also I
find that I get a little better at it each year. The fact that quality aural
tuners are becoming more of a rarity these days, helps those of us who
develope this skill to stand out from our competition - which is a helpful
thing these day!  So there could be a case for learning aural tuning from a
strictly business point of view. It puts you in the catagory of a "real
tuner".

I've used ETD's some and I felt like a worker in a factory turning bolts.
(Ever see Charlie Chaplin in "Modern Times?).

When I first got into this business it didn't take me long to realize the
top notch techs could all do a concert quality tuning without the aid of an
electronic device. The ETD is only a good tool in the hands of a good aural
tuner, IMHO.

"If you can't tune aurally, you're not a piano tuner. Period." That's a
quote by Steve Brady (who, by the way really enjoys using his cybertuner!)[?]

-- 
Ryan Sowers, RPT
Puget Sound Chapter
Olympia, WA
www.pianova.net
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