temperaments...

[Ron Koval]

Hi again-

>From Don:
<snip>
Sometimes, in stage band play, we would tune to the piano for
convenience, but again this would have been in ET.  A-440 doesn't imply ET
in itself, but Bb-233.082 does.
<snip>

Again, I feel that it is a matter of perception not matching reality.  I 
remember being given the assignmet to go with another student to go chart 
the intonation of our instruments on an old 12 dial strobe tuner.  One 
student would play without seeing the machine, while the other would chart.  
There is such a connection between embouchure and ear, that I'm sure this 
was a waste of time, the pitch is where you expect to hear it, not where it 
is placed by the manufacturer.

Sure, tuning to a pitch reference will get you close to the "zone", but 
nowhere near enough to pass the tolerances to be called ET.  Then what 
happens as all the wind player play more?  Moisture condenses in the bore, 
changing the pitch, metal expands... you get the picture, it's a moving 
target that is just adapted to by the experienced players.

Ron Koval
(Things are usually more complicated then they appear)

_________________________________________________________________
Free up your inbox with MSN Hotmail Extra Storage! Multiple plans available. 
http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page=hotmail/es2&ST=1/go/onm00200362ave/direct/01/