Hi Marcio:
I just took a quick look at a review of the Fischer Method book. It is quite dated, and not as easy to learn as other methods these days. The task of learning to tune is multi-faceted, and can be quite daunting for a lone technician. But there are some correspondence courses and online instructions available.
Tuning involves two skills. One is knowledge of tuning procedure, and the other is developing the skill to set the string tension using the tuning hammer. It is recommended to practice hammer technique first by tuning two strings together to make them in "unison". Mute one of three strings of a note, and practice tuning the two strings, moving one or the other until the sound produced is pure and without beats. It's easy to dismiss this skill and want to move on to actual tuning practice like setting a temperament, but it is actually the core of the skills necessary to become a tuner. If you're intent is to become a professional tuner, first master this skill. When you think you've done this well, make a firm blow and see if they remain sounding pure. Likely they'll not sound good after that! Practice until you can do this well. Setting a string and developing this skill is a matter of technique and experience. Know that pianos are all different, and each new one will require a new skill until your "bag of tricks" is sufficient to master any piano you meet.
If your desire is just to tune this particular piano, and make pianos a fun hobby, be prepared to spend a lot of time learning to tune. You can get an app for a smart phone which will allow you to know when the string is in tune, and this way be far ahead of someone who is learning to tune a temperament by ear. Even a chromatic tuner will help you get close, and you can tweak it as you learn to tune by ear. Having a reference to use to check your tuning is always welcome. TuneLab, a software app, has a trial version which will give you some experience tuning. You can tune a few notes, and then it will time-out. Wait, and you can use it again. It is the least expensive software for tuning, at about $350, if you decide to buy it. Think of these electronic tuning aids as "training wheels", like the ones you put on your bicycle when you first start to ride.
Be careful! If you learn these skills, you may end up quitting your day job! You probably won't get rich, but it's about the lowest stress job there is, and fun too.
Of course, there's a learning curve, and hiring a tuner to tune your rebuilt piano might make sense right now. After all, it will be many months before you have enough skill to make the piano sound its best. You never know, maybe the guy will give you some pointers.
Good luck.
Paul McCloud
SAn Diego
Original Message------
Hello fellows!
I live in Brazil and I'am not a piano tuner, I'm just an enthusiast of the technique and want to learn a little bit more about it. Here in my country we do not have an association or a union of tuners or restorers, it is a type of profession where you can not learn anywhere! The technique is passed down from father to son and remains restricted to this family circle. I bought an very old upright piano, a hundred year old Hoof & Co. I totally dismantled it because it had many parts attacked by termites, I had to change them all. Even the pin block. I did everything myself, in my garage, with information from the internet. A full year of heavy work! Now I need to tune this piano, I've been seeing a lot of videos and websites and I know it's necessary to temper the notes to get a correct balance in the chords. I am thinking of buying some book to learn the methodology of work. The basic tools like the tuning hammer, mutes and felts I already own. What do you suggest? I saw a well-rated book at the Amazon store, Fischer Method of Tuning Piano, can you tell me if it's a good method? What could you suggest? I know that the ideal would be a practical course but I do not have that possibility. Obviously I can call a tuner to do this, but you must already imagine how I fell in love with this work! Gratefull!
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Marcio Diegoli
Votorantim
5515981188054
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