Pianotech

Hello,

I've been doing some research for a job I took on to tune a Yamaha CP70B for an upcoming concert.   I tuned a CP60 a few years ago, but under very different circumstances (in-home).

I gather from my research that the bass will be challenging to say the least, and that I should be listening to speaker output as the pickups will emphasize harmonics differently than the the the acoustic sound.  I typically use Verituner in my day to day.  Considering this tuning will likely be done under strict time constraints in a noisy setting, I don't think I have the luxury to go completely aural (or the comfort level since there is no time to redo).   Definitely seems like the ETD cannot be counted on in the bass, but wondering if any of the settings, like the "clean" stretch they recommend for spinets, or included temperaments  (I read one post about the EBVT temperament being applied to this in an aural circumstance).  I have the curve in the manual (although its very blurry and sideways), but not sure if that results in improvement, or just the usual complaints associated with this instrument.  Ultimately it sounds like a tough task in a tougher environment and try maybe all I can do, but all the posts I read on this are 15-25 years old so I figured I'd put this here in case anyone has additional suggestions for a good plan of attack to get this job done as best as possible.  Thanks

Kevin

------------------------------
Kevin Karr
njpianotech.com
Belmar NJ
(732) 841-0267
------------------------------

My Verituner style files were designed to adapt well to various levels of inharmonicity. My experience is that these styles adapt to even the extremes of the CP-70.

I have received specific reports that my “Swafford Pure 12th” style, which is included with Verituner, works well for the Yamaha CP-70. Might be worth a try.

Sent from my iPad

Thanks! 

Funny thing, when I checked my Verituner file for the CP60, I did in fact use the "Swafford Pure 12th" style.  And my recollection was that it sounded good and the customer was happy, albiet new to the recently acquired, hand me down instrument.  I'm pretty sure my logic for choosing it at the the time was along the lines of - it worked well in other applications, so "Why not!" 

This was a very helpful validation that my novice impression of this earlier job might not have just been in my head.

------------------------------
Kevin Karr
njpianotech.com
Belmar NJ
(732) 841-0267
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-16-2022 10:11
From: Kent Swafford
Subject: Yamaha CP70B tuning and concert prep advice

My Verituner style files were designed to adapt well to various levels of inharmonicity. My experience is that these styles adapt to even the extremes of the CP-70.

I have received specific reports that my "Swafford Pure 12th" style, which is included with Verituner, works well for the Yamaha CP-70. Might be worth a try.

Sent from my iPad

I think going in with a flexible game plan is good.  I tuned one this summer and it was a noisy environment.  They gave me headphones to monitor the CP70 through, thankfully. 

I had planned to use my Verituner app and adjust aurally as necessary.  As it turned out the app didn't pick up the headphones so I ended up having to tune it aurally. 

I was grateful for my years of training as an aural tuner.  Still, the bass is a huge compromise and it will never sound GOOD.  Just remember it's rock 'n roll: concentrate on the 4ths, 5ths, and octaves. 

Still it only took me 20-30 minutes owing to the fact they are bichords, and the smaller compass.

It's a nice way to make a concert tuning wage.  Remember what they are paying for is your knowledge and ability to get the job done well.  Have fun!

------------------------------
Nicholas Litterski, RPT RPT
Austin TX
(512) 573-8920
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-16-2022 11:11
From: Kevin Karr
Subject: Yamaha CP70B tuning and concert prep advice

Thanks!

Funny thing, when I checked my Verituner file for the CP60, I did in fact use the "Swafford Pure 12th" style.  And my recollection was that it sounded good and the customer was happy, albiet new to the recently acquired, hand me down instrument.  I'm pretty sure my logic for choosing it at the the time was along the lines of - it worked well in other applications, so "Why not!"

This was a very helpful validation that my novice impression of this earlier job might not have just been in my head.

------------------------------
Kevin Karr
njpianotech.com
Belmar NJ
(732) 841-0267
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-16-2022 10:11
From: Kent Swafford
Subject: Yamaha CP70B tuning and concert prep advice

My Verituner style files were designed to adapt well to various levels of inharmonicity. My experience is that these styles adapt to even the extremes of the CP-70.

I have received specific reports that my "Swafford Pure 12th" style, which is included with Verituner, works well for the Yamaha CP-70. Might be worth a try.

Sent from my iPad

U2 had one hit song using the CP80 and have ever since dragged theirs with them everywhere they go for it. Good gig just to get a close up view of all the tech that goes into making their show.

------------------------------
Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-26-2022 01:04
From: Nicholas Litterski
Subject: Yamaha CP70B tuning and concert prep advice

I think going in with a flexible game plan is good.  I tuned one this summer and it was a noisy environment.  They gave me headphones to monitor the CP70 through, thankfully.

I had planned to use my Verituner app and adjust aurally as necessary.  As it turned out the app didn't pick up the headphones so I ended up having to tune it aurally.

I was grateful for my years of training as an aural tuner.  Still, the bass is a huge compromise and it will never sound GOOD.  Just remember it's rock 'n roll: concentrate on the 4ths, 5ths, and octaves.

Still it only took me 20-30 minutes owing to the fact they are bichords, and the smaller compass.

It's a nice way to make a concert tuning wage.  Remember what they are paying for is your knowledge and ability to get the job done well.  Have fun!

------------------------------
Nicholas Litterski, RPT RPT
Austin TX
(512) 573-8920
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-16-2022 11:11
From: Kevin Karr
Subject: Yamaha CP70B tuning and concert prep advice

Thanks!

Funny thing, when I checked my Verituner file for the CP60, I did in fact use the "Swafford Pure 12th" style.  And my recollection was that it sounded good and the customer was happy, albiet new to the recently acquired, hand me down instrument.  I'm pretty sure my logic for choosing it at the the time was along the lines of - it worked well in other applications, so "Why not!"

This was a very helpful validation that my novice impression of this earlier job might not have just been in my head.

------------------------------
Kevin Karr
njpianotech.com
Belmar NJ
(732) 841-0267


Original Message:
Sent: 09-16-2022 10:11
From: Kent Swafford
Subject: Yamaha CP70B tuning and concert prep advice

My Verituner style files were designed to adapt well to various levels of inharmonicity. My experience is that these styles adapt to even the extremes of the CP-70.

I have received specific reports that my "Swafford Pure 12th" style, which is included with Verituner, works well for the Yamaha CP-70. Might be worth a try.

Sent from my iPad

I use an Accutuner and I have a magnetic pickup for these, Nicholas. The worst case every was tuning during an Ozzy Osborne soundcheck - white noise so loud that I couldn’t hear even with headphones. Fortunately, the pickup worked and the Accutuner did a good job.

Bob Anderson
Tucson, AZ


Original Message:
Sent: 9/26/2022 1:04:00 AM
From: Nicholas Litterski
Subject: RE: Yamaha CP70B tuning and concert prep advice

I think going in with a flexible game plan is good.  I tuned one this summer and it was a noisy environment.  They gave me headphones to monitor the CP70 through, thankfully. 

I had planned to use my Verituner app and adjust aurally as necessary.  As it turned out the app didn't pick up the headphones so I ended up having to tune it aurally. 

I was grateful for my years of training as an aural tuner.  Still, the bass is a huge compromise and it will never sound GOOD.  Just remember it's rock 'n roll: concentrate on the 4ths, 5ths, and octaves. 

Still it only took me 20-30 minutes owing to the fact they are bichords, and the smaller compass.

It's a nice way to make a concert tuning wage.  Remember what they are paying for is your knowledge and ability to get the job done well.  Have fun!

------------------------------
Nicholas Litterski, RPT RPT
Austin TX
(512) 573-8920
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-16-2022 11:11
From: Kevin Karr
Subject: Yamaha CP70B tuning and concert prep advice

Thanks!

Funny thing, when I checked my Verituner file for the CP60, I did in fact use the "Swafford Pure 12th" style.  And my recollection was that it sounded good and the customer was happy, albiet new to the recently acquired, hand me down instrument.  I'm pretty sure my logic for choosing it at the the time was along the lines of - it worked well in other applications, so "Why not!"

This was a very helpful validation that my novice impression of this earlier job might not have just been in my head.

------------------------------
Kevin Karr
njpianotech.com
Belmar NJ
(732) 841-0267
------------------------------

FWIW, Here's a stretch chart for your favorite EDT tuning of a Rhodes.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------