Pianotech

  • 1.  magnetic pick-up

    Member
    Posted 08-31-2011 14:06
    Hey list,

    Has anyone out there successfully used the magnetic pick-up that is available with the Accu-Tuner? I can't seem to get mine to "pick up" any sounds! I've tried placing it all over the plate, struts, tuning pins, etc. I've run out of places to stick it (almost!) Any suggestions?

    Thanks,
    Jeff

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    Jeff Farris
    Austin TX
    512-292-3663
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  • 2.  RE: magnetic pick-up

    Posted 09-01-2018 23:33
    I know your post is 7 years old, but I can't pick up anything either with the magnetic pick up.

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    Cobrun Sells
    C.J. Piano Tuner
    www.cjtuner.com
    cobrun94@yahoo.com
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: magnetic pick-up

    Posted 09-02-2018 00:41
    It's probably time to have it checked out. Mine works very well with my Accu-Tuner III. I was skeptical at first but worked very well.

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    Mark Holt
    Federal Way WA
    253-839-4697
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: magnetic pick-up

    Posted 09-02-2018 02:41
    Having not been used for years, I'd expect that there would be oxidization on the jack and/or plug.  Try using some De-Ox-Id on both connectors and twist them together while wet to scrape off possible buildup.  If that doesn't work, try opening up/unscrewing the plug on the pick-up (If I remember correctly, it's an RCA plug) to see if either of the leads' have come un-soldered.

    It's such a simple and robust technology that I'd be surprised if the pickup or the Accutuner were actually damaged.

    Cheers!

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    Robin Whitehouse
    Santa Cruz CA
    robin@santacruzpiano.com
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: magnetic pick-up

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-02-2018 16:16
    Interesting question. At the school we have the device you hear mentioned at conventions/etc from Radio Shack that plugs into the Acuu..but this is basically just a "glorified"speaker that puts out the sound of the note the machine is set on. Handy for harpsichord tuning (all I've tried it on) and for chip tunings and the like. 
    So...not what you are referring to. 
    So this is something that you plug into the input of the unit, and picks up the sounds of the piano magnetically?? What would the Accu-tuner do with this signal/sound? In other words, what is it you are trying to enhance, and/or do? 
    Best! Kevin

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    [Kevin] [Fortenberry] [RPT]
    [Staff Techician]
    [Texas Tech Univ]
    [Lubbock] [TX]
    [8067783962]
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: magnetic pick-up

    Posted 09-03-2018 00:09
    Kevin,

    Inventronics totes the magnetic as "Indispensable when tuning in noisy environments and makes it possible to tune even when you can't hear the piano."  I purchased it just in case I'd ever be in such a situation.  Sometimes, I've tried to use the ETD when the loud air systems are running in the public schools, but the magnetic pick-up barely picks up any vibration.

    Thanks.

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    Cobrun Sells
    C.J. Piano Tuner
    www.cjtuner.com
    cobrun94@yahoo.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: magnetic pick-up

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-03-2018 13:22
    https://youtu.be/Z0UISCEe52Yhttps://youtu.be/Z0UISCEe52YHi Jeff and all,

    I own a helpinstill piano, which has these electric pickups permenently installed and working. Based on this and also what I know about guitar pickup technology, I believe one must get the pickup very close to the strings. In the Helpinstill they are installed on the plate directly behind the strings (see attached photos).

    The Helpinstill is a pretty neat little instrument, an acoustic piano built into a road case with pickups and output jack/volume knob. The sound however, you can judge for yourself, can see one in action on YouTube, search "Beirut Tiny desk".

    Best,
    Nick

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    Nicholas Litterski, RPT
    Austin TX
    512-573-8920
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    Original Message