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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000090.txt from 2003/12

From: "Judy Latz" <atlconcertband@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [DR-L] Tuning Trivia
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2003 18:13:22 -0500

Yes, Ed, I remember it well. I continue using my tuning fork while
reedmaking to check for a "C" crow. I was taught to listen to the tuning
fork's A-440, sing a minor third above it and then crow, hoping for a match
in pitch to the "C" from my vocal chords. Still do it that way! Never
occurred to me to try a new method! I do prefer the electronic tuner for
tuning the orchestra -- especially since I started using a pick-up that
clamps on my oboe bell. This way the tuner only "hears" MY pitch, rather
than going crazy from all the pitches in the room.

Judy Latz

> [Original Message]
> From: Lacy, Edwin <el2@-----.edu>
> To: <doublereed-l@-----.edu>
> Date: 12/19/03 10:23:11 AM
> Subject: RE: [DR-L] Tuning Trivia
>
> > I've never seen anyone using a tuning fork, personally. Electronic
> tuners
> > seem to be the preferred device.
>
> All of you who are saying that you have never seen anyone using a tuning
> fork to tune an orchestra are revealing something about yourselves -
> that you are mere youngsters! ;-)
>
> Compact electronic tuners are a relatively recent invention. My memory
> is that they were the latest technological gadget in the music world of
> the mid-1970's. Before that, most electronic tuners were of the
> stroboscope type, and you needed a wheelbarrow to carry them around.
> (Oops - I suppose many of our younger colleagues won't know what a
> wheelbarrow is, either.)
>
> When tuners did become small enough to carry around in one's briefcase,
> they cost several hundred dollars. The $20 micro-mini tuners of today
> are an even more recent marvel of modern technology.
>
> Those of us who are, ummmm, over 39 years old, will remember well the
> oboist striking the tuning fork on his/her knee and holding the base of
> it in the right ear while playing the A tuning note for the orchestra.
>
> There was an advantage for us musicians in those days before we could
> haul out the tuner to settle intonation disputes and discrepancies - we
> had to use our ears! And after all, for a musician, there is something
> to be said for this practice.
>
> Ed Lacy
> University of Evansville
>
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