Members ElectricPuppy Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 I'm listening to the piano tech play the Tuning Song ("PUUUNNNNGG... PUNNNNNG... bung-bung-PUNNNGGGGG *tweak-tweak* PUUUUNGGGG..."). Not a very intersting song, actually. He's got this little blue, fairly old-looking device with a ring of red LEDs on it that he watches while he's tuning. What struck me, though, is this thing has some very clearly-labeled MIDI jacks on it. I can't imagine what those would be used for on a tuner? The piano's a year overdue, so I'm looking forward to playing it in tune for a while. It's finally breaking in, though, it's held this last tune fairly well, considering how long it's been. You may all now discuss the merits and/or foolishness of tuning your own piano. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members The Real MC Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 Couldn't have picked a better time of year for tuning a piano. I can't WAIT until I can afford a house with a place for a real piano. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members carbon111 Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 I had Marie tuned two weeks ago. The tuner said she's pretty much stabilized now and will only need re-tuning once in a blue moon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members plaid_emu Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 What struck me, though, is this thing has some very clearly-labeled MIDI jacks on it. I can't imagine what those would be used for on a tuner? ..... built-in MIDI > piano converter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members The Real MC Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 What struck me, though, is this thing has some very clearly-labeled MIDI jacks on it. I can't imagine what those would be used for on a tuner? Silly - it's for tuning your MIDI keyboards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Metrosonus Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 i thought it was beer and jig day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vinceg Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 I'm listening to the piano tech play the Tuning Song ("PUUUNNNNGG... PUNNNNNG... bung-bung-PUNNNGGGGG *tweak-tweak* PUUUUNGGGG..."). Not a very intersting song, actually. He's got this little blue, fairly old-looking device with a ring of red LEDs on it that he watches while he's tuning. What struck me, though, is this thing has some very clearly-labeled MIDI jacks on it. I can't imagine what those would be used for on a tuner? The piano's a year overdue, so I'm looking forward to playing it in tune for a while. It's finally breaking in, though, it's held this last tune fairly well, considering how long it's been. You may all now discuss the merits and/or foolishness of tuning your own piano. Actually, I do tune my own piano. Takes me many hours. I know the pros can bang it out an hour and a half or two. But, it's kind of a therapy project. Like changing your own oil. Started a long time ago when I had a series or back to back to back technicians that did a lousy job of tuning. I got frustrated and just learned to do it myself. On a related topic, my piano (Schimmel 6' grand) desperately need to be voiced. Many notes very harsh now and I don't even want to play the instrument (play my keyboards instead....whatta crime). I'm afraid to have just any tech come in and start poking holes in my hammers. Does anyone have any hints on how to find a technician with a great ear for voicing? I don't trust recommendations because I used to get recommendations for tuners and that didn't work out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jpscoey Posted March 18, 2010 Members Share Posted March 18, 2010 He's got this little blue, fairly old-looking device with a ring of red LEDs on it that he watches while he's tuning. You may all now discuss the merits and/or foolishness of tuning your own piano. First point I'd make is - I'd not trust a tuner who relies on a tuning machine to confirm whether-or-not he's got it right! Tuning pianos is a fine art, which requires years of intense training to master. If the bloke can't hear for himself if the string/note is in tune or not, then it doesn't inspire much confidence (not in me, anyway). Second point - this doesn't mean it's a good idea to tune your own piano. There is technique required to properly compensate for: the flexibilty of the tuning (wrest) pin, the differing (very high) tension between the pin/top bridge, speaking-length, bottom bridge/hitch pin, etc. The number of times I've had to repair breakages after someone has attempted some 'DIY' on their piano, well..... I've lost count ! If you've got an "old banger" of a piano, & it's going to cost you loads to have it tuned, you've not really got much to lose, but on a decent instrument I'd recommend finding a good professional. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jpscoey Posted March 18, 2010 Members Share Posted March 18, 2010 On a related topic, my piano (Schimmel 6' grand) desperately need to be voiced. Many notes very harsh now and I don't even want to play the instrument. Does anyone have any hints on how to find a technician with a great ear for voicing? You haven't said where you live - .! This is a world-wide forum..... you could be anywhere! If you're in NW UK, I'll voice your piano for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members pogo97 Posted March 18, 2010 Members Share Posted March 18, 2010 piano tuning day is very special I have to wait until the furnace is off, sigh--it's getting pretty funky sounding fwiw, I'll be getting him to tune it to Werkmeister III for the third year; very happy with that little experiment Oh, and now that I think of it--that's what the MIDI is for--to download tunings and other deeply techy things I can't WAIT until I can afford a house with a place for a real piano. Our 1890s house has that greatest of design features: the piano wall. Divides the front room from the hall and it's EXACTLY the right length for an upright piano. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members geetarded Posted March 18, 2010 Members Share Posted March 18, 2010 Tuna fish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members lerber3 Posted March 18, 2010 Members Share Posted March 18, 2010 I get my Steinway tuned every 4 months... between my son and I, it gets about six hours a day of playing. Last time, I bought a tuning hammer from my piano tech so I could tweak one or two sour strings that always seem to show up a few weeks before tuning day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ElectricPuppy Posted March 18, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 18, 2010 Never got a chance to play my newly tuned baby last night, worked late. However, I think this calls for a Happy Keyboard Friday event. @ jpscoey: This guy probably has more experience than god (and is probably about as old). He uses the tuner to save himself time and trouble, and I'm not going to count that against him. He takes excellent care of my piano, I have no complaints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Darkstorm Posted March 19, 2010 Members Share Posted March 19, 2010 Tell him to tune it to some drop tuning like guitar players use. LMAO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ElectricPuppy Posted March 19, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 19, 2010 I'd rather tune it UP. I wonder if I can find a piano-sized capo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Plink Floyd Posted March 19, 2010 Members Share Posted March 19, 2010 I made this one for Clav... ...but the Baby Grand size will cost extra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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