On Tue, Apr 19, 2016 at 10:24 AM, dc <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> It's also very useful to tune two or more harpsichords that are going to
> be played together.
>
> Dennis
>

​When I finish tuning a harpsichord that I have not been using for some
time, I find it will drift as I tune it, which is to be expected.  I have
found that using Pitchlab to tune it chromatically first (center
outwards) yields similarly unacceptable results the first time, but
dramatically better results in subsequent tunings using either Pitchlab or
ears.  Presumably this is because the string, when it is first tuned, is
tuned to the correct absolute pitch, and not a relative pitch which has
drifted.  Thus even if it subsequently drifts, it is closer to the target
pitch than otherwise.

FWIW, I also find that if the harpsichord is initially above the target
pitch, it is best to set the first tuning 1-2 cycles below the eventual
target. On my instruments, the pitch will subsequently drift up again, at
least once.

Pitchlab is also helpful when tuning portatives, because tuning
chromatically avoids the problems of locating the correct pipe and dealing
(as well as one can) with draw.

Finally, if you tune two notes comprising an octave individually to be
exactly in tune with Pitchlab (one green bar or no movement in the strobe),
it is eerily accurate.  I cannot tune an octave any better by ear. That
applies to anywhere in the instrument's range. I cannot do that with
Cleartune.​

Keith Womer

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