Klarinet Archive - Posting 000546.txt from 1998/09

From: Jim Lytthans <Lytthans@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Tuning, etc.
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 02:08:34 -0400

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> I've always wondered why the instrument with possibly the worst tuning
> problems (i.e. the oboe) is always used as the reference for tuning
>
Well, (1) tradition, and (2), the oboe has the least range of tuning
adjusting in the woodwinds, because of the nature of the reed and the
instrument. They really can't pull it out or push it in, without
upsetting the tone quality. Of course, if the oboist makes his reeds
too long, we're all in trouble!!

> I've heard that a properly tuned piano is "stretch" tuned.......
>
My father was a piano tuner, among other occupations. He explained
that a piano, if tuned exactly in the upper two octaves, will sound
flat, because of it's acoustic properties. Generally, a piano is pulled
up a few cents(one cent is 1/100th of a semi-tone) in the upper range to
compensate. Tuners here in the Los Angeles area like to tune to
A=442-443 (at the pianist's request), so "they can carry above the
orchestra". The problem is that string players quickly climb up to that
pitch level, leaving the rest of the orchestra fighting the high pitch.

Hope that helps, Kevin.

--
Jim Lytthans
Principal Clarinet, La Mirada SO & Claremont Symphonic Winds
Anaheim, CA
http://home.pacbell.net/lytthans/index.html

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