Pianos are a stringed instrument, which means that they require tuning from time-to-time. The tuning of stringed instruments is dependent on the tension in the strings, which can be affected by temperature, wear, or humidity. Most pianos contain 88 keys and one to three strings are associated with each key, depending on the key being a bass, tenor, or treble note (Zeigler, 2016). Overall, there are generally 200+ strings in a piano! Tuning can certainly become quite the daunting task with all of these strings, and is usually undertaken by a certified professional.
Don A. Gilmore, a mechanical engineer and classical pianist from Kansas City, developed and patented an automatic piano tuner in 1996. His system has been developed to be capable of tuning a piano within a minute, potentially saving time and money for pianists everywhere. This invention is fantastic and John B., a classmate of mine, suggested that I check it out.
The tuner works in a very interesting way. Electricity is forced through piano strings, which controls their pitch through temperature regulation, which causes tightening or loosening in the strings (Ridden, 2012). This allows for the tune of the strings to be tested without repeatedly hitting the strings to create a note (the tuner doesn't even need to touch the strings!) (Ridden, 2012). Infrared sensors then pickup the signal, which are received by a phototransistor (this can detect light waves) (Ridden, 2012). The frequency is counted by the number of times the string passes a certain point. The frequency of the note is then compared to the frequency of a correctly tuned note while the pitch is adjusted by powered springs connected to the tuning pins (Ridden, 2012).
Works Cited
Nightwish. (2013, Jul. 8). Ever Dream. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frq5DLMNSPE
Ridden, Paul. (2012, Feb. 12). A Closer Look at Don Gilmore's Self-Tuning Piano System. Retrieved from: http://newatlas.com/gilmore-self-tuning-piano-system/21425/
Zeigler, John. (2016, Dec. 30). Piano Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Retrieved from: http://pianoeducation.org/pnopnfaq.html
Self-Tuning Piano - NewAtlas
Don A. Gilmore, a mechanical engineer and classical pianist from Kansas City, developed and patented an automatic piano tuner in 1996. His system has been developed to be capable of tuning a piano within a minute, potentially saving time and money for pianists everywhere. This invention is fantastic and John B., a classmate of mine, suggested that I check it out.
Sustainer Modules in the Piano - NewAtlas
The tuner works in a very interesting way. Electricity is forced through piano strings, which controls their pitch through temperature regulation, which causes tightening or loosening in the strings (Ridden, 2012). This allows for the tune of the strings to be tested without repeatedly hitting the strings to create a note (the tuner doesn't even need to touch the strings!) (Ridden, 2012). Infrared sensors then pickup the signal, which are received by a phototransistor (this can detect light waves) (Ridden, 2012). The frequency is counted by the number of times the string passes a certain point. The frequency of the note is then compared to the frequency of a correctly tuned note while the pitch is adjusted by powered springs connected to the tuning pins (Ridden, 2012).
Ever Dream - Nightwish
Works Cited
Nightwish. (2013, Jul. 8). Ever Dream. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frq5DLMNSPE
Ridden, Paul. (2012, Feb. 12). A Closer Look at Don Gilmore's Self-Tuning Piano System. Retrieved from: http://newatlas.com/gilmore-self-tuning-piano-system/21425/
Zeigler, John. (2016, Dec. 30). Piano Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Retrieved from: http://pianoeducation.org/pnopnfaq.html
Very intesting post on auto tune for pianos. Well-written post with good use of y=the source and visual. I did miss the music video. JM
ReplyDeleteOops. Was in a rush last night and forgot! I added a song by a fantastic band called Nightwish. The piano part is simple, but sounds great.
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