How does an ETD (computer based tuning) compare with an aural tuning?
First let me explain some terms. ETD stand for Electronic Tuning Device and aural tuning is tuning by ear using a pitch fork or electronic device as a reference pitch. Probably 90% of the technicians use electronics to some degree or another. Some will just tune A4 using an electronic device. Others with use an ETD only for pitch raises. The Tune Lab and the SAT III are designed to measure a piano’s inharmonicity and then calculate a correct tuning for every note on the piano. The SAT III was designed by Dr Sanderson who studied the best aural tuner’s work to produce the programming for the SAT. Tune Lab is very simular except that it gives me a spectrum analyzer type of display alowing me to see the wave shape of the note being played. The January 1997 Piano Technicians Journal had an article titled The Great Chicago Tune-off by Steve Brady. It tells of a Piano Guild convention where a contest was done between two of the nation’s best veteran tuner / technicians. Jim Coleman Sr. tuned
