ETD's, calculators and the exam

[Tom Cole]

I didn't realize what the modern ETDs could do until I gave them a
chance. But, in fairness, I would have to state that a good machine
tuning is never done without aural supervision, and frequently some
aural correction. So, I would have to reject electronic-only tuning as a
viable approach to the exam or to piano tuning in general.

So, to answer your charge, Richard, that, "the human element is reduced
to simple mechanical motion", I can assure you that to responsibly use
an ETD requires the guidance of the piano technician. To tune, aurally,
each and every string is a nice idea but, having crossed over to "the
other side", I can say that electronics has only increased my ability to
tune. Rather than to tax myself needlessly doing all the grunt work, I
enjoy having promoted myself into management where my ears are content
to have the final say.

My view, as Jim would say. Not trying to proselytize.

Tom Cole
mailto:tcole@cruzio.com

kam544@flash.net wrote:
> 
> >...If you are willing to accept that a piano tuner need no
> >other qualification then to be able to leave the piano in a tuned state as
> >Keith
> >seems to purport... then fine... bring on the ETDs. I reject this standpoint
> >catagorically. A Piano Tuner is a human being who him/her self is able to
> >steer
> >the process of tuning the instrument, both intellectually and
> >mechanically. The
> >ETD after this definition is no more and will never be more then a tool,
> >where as
> >in the former it becomes the principle factor and the human element is
> >reduced to
> >simple mechanical motion.
> >Richard Brekne...
> 
> Dear Richard, List,
> 
> I much prefer the word affirm, Richard, rather than your choice, purport.
> Affirm is clearly, by dictionary definition, much more appropriate in what
> I am presenting.
> 
> That being said ... I fail to see how any individual who is able to leave a
> piano in a tuned state has not clearly demonstrated steering the process of
> tuning the piano to that place, both intellectually and mechanically,
> regardless of the method of operation used.
> 
> By method of operation for clarification, I am basically refering to any of
> the following choices: aural only, aural with electronic assistance,
> electronic with aural assistance, electronic only, or even some other means
> of which I am currenly unaware.
> 
> Keith McGavern
> Registered Piano Technician
> Oklahoma Chapter 731
> Piano Technicians Guild
> USA