Joseph Spencer wrote:
 
><snip>
>The reason I rant so is the same reason I constantly encourage
>harpsichordists, especially amateurs, to engage witht he struggle to
>gain some mastery over setting their own temperaments.  The rewards are
>tremendous.
 
Right on! Also, on a harpsichord, some tunings are much easier than tuning
a piano. For example, tune 1/4 comma from C to E, then tune pure fifths
 around the back. The error will be a fifth about like an ETS fifth,
which can be any of the fifths between E...C. This is not a sophisticated
temperament, but it is usable for a lot of music and is easy to start with.
 
The hardest thing about this is the four fifths CG, GD, DA, and AE. Before
the sound of 1/4 comma fifths is familiar, try to tune C-E beatless. THen
temporarily tune G pure with C and A pure with E. Then split D between G
and A (this is the first time you have to temper anything). You could tune
equal beats here until you get used to it. Finally, retune G between C and
 D, then A between D and E. Again, these can be equally-beating pairs.
 
I hope this makes sense. Just listening to the beats as you do this will
make you hear the harpsichord better.
 
BTW, if I had a piano I would pay someone to tune it.
 
Rodney Myrvaagnes           [log in to unmask]