[pianotech] aural checks and verituner

[Jim Busby]

Hi Zoe,

No matter what ETD I use I do aural checks and I ALWAYS find things that my ear doesn't like. Then I decide whether to follow the machine, my ear, or a compromise. (Oh, and I tune unisons as I go and I own a Verituner and a SAT) I generally tune 2 ½ octaves with the ETD, then prefer to do the rest (top and bottom) aurally.

Don Mannino did a great class years ago where he showed on a graph where he put a piano aurally, then with a machine. A real eye opener for me because the aural tuning was NOT a smooth line compared to the ETD line. Of course, Don had lots of points, but one thing I came away with is that using both (ear and ETD) is what I think is best; the ETD acts as the compass, and the ear as the artist. (I don't know a better way to put it) Maybe Don can say.

Regarding too many checks, LaRoy Edwards once told me that you should be able to set a temperament in about two minutes. (Dittos from my trainer/mentor) I don't believe in too many checks. Things can get bogged down. Terri Nimmi told me the same. George Defebaugh told of listening to someone in a store doing endless checks and finally shouted "Just tune the ____ ing unisons!". Checks are good to learn and use as needed, but all I usually only use is 2 as "votes" for where the note needs to go (up or down).

My 2 bits.

Best,
Jim Busby

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Zoe Sandell
Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2010 3:24 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] aural checks and verituner

I am wondering how much Verituner using folks do aural checks and if you set the temperament by strip muting etc..or do as the Verituner manual suggests setting the temperament octave but tuning unisons as you go

My understanding is that too many checks with verituner can 'interfere'- but what about the human element?

Thanks kindly
Zoe

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