Piano

Comments on Pianos by Kato D. Haws Jr.

Tuning Pianos

By-ear Method:

Piano tuning by ear is done by a combination of art and science. The minimum equipment consists of a tuning fork for a starting note, a tuning "hammer" (pin wrench if you will), and a chart that describes the number of beats that need to exist between different intervals. The ability to hear and time the number of beats per second is essential.

Electronic-tuner Method:

Piano tuning via an electronic tuner consists in sounding a string and having a machine of some type tell you whether the note is sharp or flat, then adjusting the pin as needed. Electronic tuners, of the low-priced variety at least, do not have the ability to "hear" the very low and the very high notes. So a tuner, such as myself, who relies on the help of a low-priced tuner will have to still use the "by-ear" method for both ends of the piano.

Setting the pins:

One of the hardest things to do in tuning a piano is to leave the pin in a state that not only gives the correct tension to the wire, but will continue to do so for the maximum length of time. Supposed the proper technique consists of raising the pitch above the desired level, the while striking the hammer a sharp blow, lowering the pitch to the desired level. The reason for this is that the pinboards actually grab the pins tight enough to leave a twist in them when they are turned. Of course the "twist" in the pins eventually tends to work itself out, thus "detuning" the piano. Not only can this twist lower the pitch overnight, it is also capable of raising the pitch overnight! (I think you see the dilema). The solution is to somehow "feel" the stability of the pin, and maximize it, and at the same time settling on the correct pitch. You might say that a good piano tuner certainly earns his or her pay.

Playing the Piano

I used to think, in an uninformed sort of way, that there were two types of people: those with a talent for music and those without it. Now I tend to think there two types of people: those with enough desire to work hard to learn and those without it. I doubt it is an exaggeration that many pianists practice a piece hundreds or even thousands of times to perfect it. I'm sure lack of dedication is the major downfall of many a would-be piano player, including myself (although I certainly don't lay claim to any real talent for the instrument).

Practice Strategy for Difficult New Pieces:

• Work on the piece one small section at time.
• Work on one hand at a time.
• Memorize the piece if possible.
• Play repeatedly.

This ought to work pretty well if the piece is not too far above your skill level.

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