Paul,
I based my statement about FAC on SATII, which I should have noted (I have only used that model). I will mention, though, that SATII would accept any number for F, A or C as an input. But it would generate a tuning based on the input that was consistent with a much higher number if the numbers entered were low. I assumed that it was defaulting to a minimum number for each input. I experimentally entered a wide range of numbers, and found that the minimum "actual input" (derived from the tuning numbers generated) was more in the range of 5 (if I entered 1 1 1 , 2 2 2, etc.).
I guess you are saying the FAC program changed significantly with SATIII?
BTW, as we are talking about tuning a harpsichord with an ETD, I'll mention that I have had great difficulty getting RCT to do a reading on A5 for most harpsichords, meaning I can't generate a tuning. In fact, though, I'd rather not use the partials RCT would choose, so it is best to either use their pre-loaded harpsichord files or create your own. And really a zero tuning works fine. To refine, tune zero fundamentals in the temperament octave, then read the appropriate partial of lower and upper octaves of the already tuned notes in order to expand. You've tuned F3 - F4. For F#4, play F#3 and measure its 2nd (F#4) partial, Enter and tune to that. When you get to F#5, play F#3 and measure its 4th (F#5) partial. Enter and tune. Do the analogous but inverted process for the bass direction. In that case, though, you need to follow the program's instructions for how to assign the tuning partial for the bass note if you want to store it.
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Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico
http://fredsturm.net "When I smell a flower, I don't think about how it was cultivated. I like to listen to music the same way." -Federico Mompou
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-09-2014 10:06
From: Paul Sanderson
Subject: How Do I Tune a Harpsichord?
"Definitely do not use FAC with the Accutuner for a harpsichord. It has default minimums for inharmonicity that are WAY above what is wanted. "
Hello Fred - When the Accu-Tuner III came out in 1997, the lower limit for FAC numbers is 0.1. So you can measure the FAC stretch numbers from a harpsichord with an Accu-Tuner III or Accu-Tuner IV, create an FAC tuning and tune the harpsichord. As you noted, the stretch numbers will be much lower than a piano, other harpsichord tuners have used stretch numbers of 0.5 for all three stretch numbers and had positive feedback.
Gary has an Accu-Tuner IV, so he will have no problem creating an FAC tuning for a harpsichord.
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Paul Sanderson
Inventronics, Inc.
Tyngsboro MA
978-649-9040
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-08-2014 20:43
From: Fred Sturm
Subject: How Do I Tune a Harpsichord?
You will need a harpsichord tuning hammer, either T handle or gooseneck. I believe Schaff carries both. Definitely do not use FAC with the Accutuner for a harpsichord. It has default minimums for inharmonicity that are WAY above what is wanted. Zero cents for the fundamental will probably work fine. I did an aural tuning, refined it, then read it and saved many years ago. No notes have an offset as high as 3¢, most are between zero and 2¢. It is better to use 2nd or 4th partial for the bass to get a clearer reading. You can do that by simply tuning octave 1 with the machine set to octave 2 or 3, and so forth.
You will find that the pins turn much easier than on a piano. Finger action as opposed to arm. Stability is all in hammer work - no hard blows to help with rendering across the nut (the wooden bridge in front of the tuning pins).
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Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico
http://fredsturm.net
"When I smell a flower, I don't think about how it was cultivated. I like to listen to music the same way." -Federico Mompou
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-08-2014 19:13
From: Gary Howell
Subject: How Do I Tune a Harpsichord?
One of my clients is a piano teacher. She owns a Yamaha Grand that I've been tuning regularly.
She also happens to have a harpsichord that's considerably out of tune.
I've opened it up and found that the tuning pins are tiny. I thought perhaps I could tune it with a simple socket and ratchet.
But I tune pianos using an Accu-tuner and don't know if it would be capable of tuning a harpsichord.
I was wondering if anyone has ever tuned a harpsichord and how you went about doing so.
Thanks.
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Gary Howell
Melbourne FL
[http://www.cranecreekpianos.com/]
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