frequent tuning - floating pitch? was tuning

[David Ilvedson]

I agree if the pitch in the middle has gone up or down it makes to sense to lower or raise the bass out of A440 to match the problem area.   Lower or raise the middle of the piano...

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, California



----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "James Grebe" <pianoman@accessus.net>
To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: 1/29/2006 7:09:22 AM
Subject: Re: frequent tuning - floating pitch? was tuning


>Hi Jon,
>In my opinion, the problem with that scenario is that as the piano passes 
>through A-440 not all of the piano moves the same.  In the mid west where 
>humidity changes are great, the middle 2/3's moves the most so though the 
>pitch changes through the season the middle moves more than the ends..  I 
>have found the only time the piano is at whatever pitch you tune it is when 
>you are finished, not several weeks after.
>James
>James Grebe   Piano Tuning & Repair   Member of M.P.T.
>R.P.T. of the P.T.G. for over 30 years.   "Member of the Year" in 1989
>   Creator of Handsome Hardwood Caster Cups, Piano Benches, Writing 
>Instruments
>(314) 845-8282   1526 Raspberry Lane   Arnold, MO 63010
>BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE!
>pianoman@accessus.net
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Jon Page" <jonpage@comcast.net>
>To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
>Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2006 7:45 PM
>Subject: frequent tuning - floating pitch? was tuning


>>I realize that some tuners prize the opportunity for pitch correction
>> and tuning then boast about the money making venture.
>>
>> For the most part, I see that as a disservice to the customer.
>> I'm not referring to major pitch corrections of a quarter to half
>> tone flat but within 2 to 4 beats either side.
>>
>> Unless there is a compelling reason to maintain 440 because of
>> playing with fixed-pitch instruments or a Pianomation or similar;
>> floating the pitch benefits the customer financially and reduces pin
>> wrenching on the piano. The tuning is more stable having not
>> subjected the piano to a tension change.
>>
>> For those compelled to set the piano to 440 at a tuning consider
>> where the pitch will reside between tunings. I instruct the owners
>> that if I tune it to 438 now that it will traverse through 440 as the
>> humidity elevates and ending up sharp of 440. Then the tuning
>> during high humidity will be at 442 or 444 depending on the
>> fluctuation. Once I know the range, I can tune it seasonally to
>> maintain a 440 median, also taking into account the relative
>> position of the bass and treble; levelling off. I strive for the least
>> overall tension change.
>>
>> Where there has been a financial concern but not a pitch concern,
>> I have pulled it up the maximum amount to be still left with an
>> appreciable tuning. Over a few years the piano is at pitch.
>> Or yanked it up for beginners' ear training sacrificing the extremes;
>> they'll be pulled-in with subsequent tunings as the students progress.
>>
>> You can pull it up 4 bps (16 cents) and be left with an appreciable 
>> tuning.
>> -- 
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Jon Page
>> _______________________________________________
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>> 


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