Klarinet Archive - Posting 000434.txt from 1998/09

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] pitch standard
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 12:24:09 -0400

On Sun, 13 Sep 1998, Keith P Koons wrote:

> I was surprised to read the following discussion of pitch in the '98
> flute catalog of J. L. Smith & Co., of Charlotte, NC:
>
> "Pitch is the frequency at which the instrument is designed to play its
> best (in tune). The old standard at which flutes were built is A=440,
> that is 440 cycles per second. Today's standard is A@-----.

I'm surprised, too, and I also think that whoever wrote that is incorrect.
If I had an opportunity to converse with the person who wrote it, I would
ask them for some proof. However, it regrettably is true that several
flute manufacturers now make their flutes at A@-----.

Actually, A@-----. It was officially adopted only in
1953. However, unfortunately, the establishment of that standard has
served only to slightly retard the trend toward rising pitch.

Why tuning sharp holds so much attraction for so many musicians is a
mystery to me.

Ed Lacy
el2@-----.edu

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