[pianotech] A440 Tuning Fork

[Mark Schecter]

I agree. I actually don't use "real" numbers for tuning either, but I 
have found the correspondence of "at A6, 1 cent equals 1 Hz" to be the 
pivotal fact in deriving my own understanding of the relationship 
between cents and Hz. With simple multiplication, division and 
interpolation (all mental) this has helped me get from strictly aural 
methods to understanding the different meaning of cents at different 
pitch levels. I now know that, for example, if I change A1 by 1 cent, 
not until I listen up to its 32nd partial (A6) will there be 1 hz 
change. That helps me not worry so much about teensy differences in bass 
note pitches, with a basis in factual reality supporting my judgment.

-Mark

On 1/20/11 12:28 PM, Ron Nossaman wrote:
>  It's a pretty good educational tool, I think. I don't know that I
> ever have had to generate real numbers for tuning, but the method is
> there should it come up some day.
> Ron N
>
>