Managing Partial Changes in 2-Octave Temperament Tuning
Understanding Partial Change Errors
Whenever a partial change occurs during the tuning process, there is a risk of introducing errors at that specific point. These errors can compromise the overall accuracy and reliability of the tuning. By recognizing and addressing these potential issues, technicians can ensure a more precise aural result.
Achieving Smoother Tuning in the A2-A4 Range
To achieve a smoother and more consistent tuning across the A2-A4 range when setting the temperament, it is essential all notes within this range use the same partial. This approach eliminates the possibility of partial change errors, ensuring that each note is tuned with the same harmonic reference throughout the specified range.
Most tuning systems introduce at least one partial change below A4. In some systems there are two or even three partial changes below A4. Errors at these partial changes can lead to errors in the tuning causing aural inconsistencies, which must be addressed to maintain accuracy. It is necessary to identify and correct errors at all partial changes to ensure aural checks remain reliable and precise.
Partial Changes in FAC Tuning
There is one partial change In an FAC tuning within the A2-A4 range. This FAC’s tenor partial change occurs between B2 and C3. FAC tunings utilize the 4th partials for notes from C3 – B4, and the 6th partials from B2 down to A0. However, this partial arrangement can easily be modified to improve consistency and reliability.
Optimizing the Two-Octave Temperament Range
To establish a full two-octave temperament range using the same 4th partials, the location of the B2/C3 partial change must be lowered to G#2/A2. By making this adjustment, all notes from A2 to A4 will employ their 4th partials, creating a seamless and uniform tuning environment across the entire two-octave span.
Enhancing Aural Check Reliability
Lowering the tenor partial change from B2/C3 to G#2/A2 eliminates the inconsistencies caused by partial changes within the A2-A4 range. As a result, aural checks become more reliable and accurate, free from issues associated with different partials or errors introduced at the partial changes.
The Technician’s Role in Managing Partial Changes
It is the responsibility of the technician to become aware of the locations of partial changes within the tuning system being used. Technicians should also know how to address and correct the ‘hiccups’ or inconsistencies that arise when these partial change errors occur.