Phil asked: "Where should A4 be set at? I'm thinking 434. Feeling quite challenged today!," -Phil et al: The question of where to set the pitch on various instruments keeps coming up. To reiterate, Get a copy of Helmholtz, On the Sensations of Tone. In the back of the book, is a complete(?) listing of Countries/Cities/Dates/Pitches. This makes fascinating reading...it's a real eye opener, in regards to pitch, at various times, in various countries/cities, etc. It's really the reason why we FINALLY settled on A=440cps, IMO! (However, there are those that still think A=442 or ?? is better! Sigh!<G>) Along with all of that information, you should also consider the general construction & condition of the specific instrument. Also, if the instrument has been restrung, could you varify if the rebuilder/? did a scale evaluation and re-pitched the instrument for 440cps or ??? Generally, most rebuilders of the past century, did not do this and have caused real problems with reasonably good/beautiful pianos going into Self-Destruct mode!! This especially applies to the bass strings! The practice of just replacing "those thumpy bass strings" with nice shiny, bright new ones w/o any consideration of the differences of the wrap materials consequences! Major do-do situations, usually, IMNSHO!<G> Well, that's the short version of considerations. Have Fun.<G> Regards, Joe Joe Garrett, R.P.T. (Oregon) Captain, Tool Police Squares R I -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20100323/43d93f96/attachment.htm>
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