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A-438, A-440, A-442 What’s the difference
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=9357		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  arvey [ Thu Nov 16, 2006 1:23 pm ]
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We have the different choices on the electronic tunners, WHat is the difference and what advantage of each?
Author:  crazymanmichael [ Thu Nov 16, 2006 1:45 pm ]
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a 440hz is the basis for standard concert pitch. in building, i don't know that the others have any specific use. performance may be something else.

Author:  David Collins [ Thu Nov 16, 2006 1:53 pm ]
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The acceptance of 440 hertz as a standard frequency for the pitch "A" is
relatively recent. Most instruments made before the 20th century would have
been intended for a slightly lower "A". This is not much problem for smaller
stringed instruments, but can be for wind instruments as well as larger
stringed instruments like harpsichords, harps, and many cembalo family
instruments. Most early piano and harpsichords will be tuned to a reference
pitch as low as A=415, as with the occasional viola da gamba I have through
my shop for new frets.David Collins39037.9132407407
Author:  arvey [ Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:02 pm ]
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I have heard that A-442 is the European Standard. Why?
Author:  Colin S [ Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:17 pm ]
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Different orchestras use a different standard but A440 is the norm. But, most usually the whole orchestra will take it's pitch from, I believe, the oboe section as this is the hardest instrument to tune. German orchestras typically used a lower A pitch.

Colin

Colin S39038.221099537
Author:  arvey [ Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:09 am ]
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So back to the question, other than "it's the standard" is there any advantage to the different pitches?
Author:  Mike Mahar [ Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:42 am ]
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The higher pitches put more stress on stringed instruments. I've read complaints that modern orchestras tune too high to give a brighter, more lively, sound. Owners of old expensive violins complain that the instruments were never made to have such stress on them and that there is a danger of them breaking.

Amongst the musicians that I play with, we always tune to A440 because we can tune in advance or back stage. Sometimes, there is a concertina or piano that is sharp or flat and then we all tune to that.
Author:  CarltonM [ Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:54 am ]
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A lower concert pitch gave orchestras a darker, mellower sound, and also was much easier on vocalists. You know that screeching chorus in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony? At its premiere, it was likely much more pleasant to sing, and to hear.
Author:  KiwiCraig [ Fri Nov 17, 2006 11:19 am ]
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A number of instruments like flutes etc. are made at 442 nowadays. This is the European influence .
I just wish the pitch could be standard world wide.
   As a Piano Tuner /tech. , I often receive an advance request by european artists, to have the piano set at 442 . Other European artists don't seem to worry about it,,,, so go figure ?
If anything , the higher pitch would put a slightly higher down bearing on the bridge , and so make the instrument a little brighter . I say "little", as I doubt anyone could notice the difference.
It's annoying actually, as I just get the Steinway living nicely on 440 , and along comes a german pianist wanting the change.
A number of artists believe 442 will become a world wide "standard" in the future.Personally I couldn't give a toss whether it's 440 or 442 , so long as it's a world wide standard.

Craig Lawrence
Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:02 pm ]
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It all boils down to the industry or artists compromising on a standard international pitch
Author:  Shane Neifer [ Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:28 pm ]
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The difference between the progression? 2 cents! Sorry I had to do that!    Roger Siminoff talks about this and specifically as it relates to Loar's Mandolins he designed and built for gibsone in the arly part of last century. If my poor memory is correct Roger told me that there is a move to push 'A' up to 444 (but it may nave been 442). Anyway, go to his website and he has a free paper that discusses this a bit. He also has a new book coming out in January that discusses using a Peterson Strobe Tuner in instrument making.


Good discussion Richard

Shane
Author:  TonyKarol [ Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:43 am ]
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Shane - that would be 2 hertz, not two cents. My 2 cents worth.

As a player, I usually have no idea if I am in concert pitch or not .. I play SOLO !!!!
Author:  Mike Mahar [ Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:04 am ]
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Check out this wikipedia article: pitch
As usualy with wikipedia, you should be a bit skeptical of the article but I find that the outright error level top be pretty low.
Author:  Shane Neifer [ Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:13 am ]
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With you Tony, it ALWAYS costs more.....But I do stand corrected!

Thanks

Shane
Author:  TonyKarol [ Tue Nov 21, 2006 12:13 am ]
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Right Shane .. but it only cost 2 CENTS more !!!! And a penny for your thoughts is HALF price !!! Those mind accountants have every angle covered.
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