Official Luthiers Forum!

We have the different choices on the electronic tunners, WHat is the difference and what advantage of each?

a 440hz is the basis for standard concert pitch. in building, i don't know that the others have any specific use. performance may be something else.

The acceptance of 440 hertz as a standard frequency for the pitch "A" is
relatively recent. Most instruments made before the 20th century would have
been intended for a slightly lower "A". This is not much problem for smaller
stringed instruments, but can be for wind instruments as well as larger
stringed instruments like harpsichords, harps, and many cembalo family
instruments. Most early piano and harpsichords will be tuned to a reference
pitch as low as A=415, as with the occasional viola da gamba I have through
my shop for new frets.David Collins39037.9132407407

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

I have heard that A-442 is the European Standard. Why?

Different orchestras use a different standard but A440 is the norm. But, most usually the whole orchestra will take it's pitch from, I believe, the oboe section as this is the hardest instrument to tune. German orchestras typically used a lower A pitch.

Colin

Colin S39038.221099537

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

So back to the question, other than "it's the standard" is there any advantage to the different pitches?

The higher pitches put more stress on stringed instruments. I've read complaints that modern orchestras tune too high to give a brighter, more lively, sound. Owners of old expensive violins complain that the instruments were never made to have such stress on them and that there is a danger of them breaking.

Amongst the musicians that I play with, we always tune to A440 because we can tune in advance or back stage. Sometimes, there is a concertina or piano that is sharp or flat and then we all tune to that.

A lower concert pitch gave orchestras a darker, mellower sound, and also was much easier on vocalists. You know that screeching chorus in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony? At its premiere, it was likely much more pleasant to sing, and to hear.

A number of instruments like flutes etc. are made at 442 nowadays. This is the European influence .
I just wish the pitch could be standard world wide.
   As a Piano Tuner /tech. , I often receive an advance request by european artists, to have the piano set at 442 . Other European artists don't seem to worry about it,,,, so go figure ?
If anything , the higher pitch would put a slightly higher down bearing on the bridge , and so make the instrument a little brighter . I say "little", as I doubt anyone could notice the difference.
It's annoying actually, as I just get the Steinway living nicely on 440 , and along comes a german pianist wanting the change.
A number of artists believe 442 will become a world wide "standard" in the future.Personally I couldn't give a toss whether it's 440 or 442 , so long as it's a world wide standard.

Craig Lawrence

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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It all boils down to the industry or artists compromising on a standard international pitch

The difference between the progression? 2 cents! Sorry I had to do that!    Roger Siminoff talks about this and specifically as it relates to Loar's Mandolins he designed and built for gibsone in the arly part of last century. If my poor memory is correct Roger told me that there is a move to push 'A' up to 444 (but it may nave been 442). Anyway, go to his website and he has a free paper that discusses this a bit. He also has a new book coming out in January that discusses using a Peterson Strobe Tuner in instrument making.


Good discussion Richard

Shane

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Canada

Shane - that would be 2 hertz, not two cents. My 2 cents worth.

As a player, I usually have no idea if I am in concert pitch or not .. I play SOLO !!!!

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Check out this wikipedia article: pitch
As usualy with wikipedia, you should be a bit skeptical of the article but I find that the outright error level top be pretty low.

With you Tony, it ALWAYS costs more.....But I do stand corrected!

Thanks

Shane

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Canada

Right Shane .. but it only cost 2 CENTS more !!!! And a penny for your thoughts is HALF price !!! Those mind accountants have every angle covered.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"