FAC Tuning Tweaks
FAC Tweaks: Which one should I do first?
This post should prescribe a general approach to applying these FAC Tweaks. This FAC Tweak 'ordering' is a starting point. As the technician becomes more familiar and adept with these tweaks, to some extent, their order can be modified and tweaked to suit the work flow of the technician. Continue reading
Creating A Header Sheet for xMem Tunings
This post is on how to create a header sheet for the xMem sections of the SAT IV. There are probably more ways to do this than the one contained in the video, but this one works nicely and is fairly quick. This method uses Excel and Word. I hope this video can be used by those with only limited experience with Excel. Those with a basic knowledge of Excel, will have no problem with this method. (Contains video) Continue reading
The “A” Multiplier Default
The need for this tweak has been around for some years now, but it should be used whenever using an FAC tuning. (Contains button pressing video). Continue reading
Lowering the FAC Tenor Partial Change: The “Why”
When using the A2-A4 range for tuning a 2-Octave Temperament, all the notes within that 2 octave range need to use their 4th partials. This eliminates any possibility of a partial change error in that A2-A4 range. (Contains button pressing video). Continue reading
Lowering the FAC Tenor Partial Change: The “How”
Start by setting the SAT's 'Up or Down Memory Storage' to DOWN. The STO/MEM + Note UP or DOWN command sets the direction the SAT will automatically go, after a note is stored. Press BluShift and then STO/MEM to store the settings for B2, A#2, and A2. (Contains button pressing video). Continue reading
Using a Sequence
Using a sequence is a great way to quickly tune and make aural checks before committing to the complete tuning. (Contains button pressing video). Continue reading
Check/Correct All Partial Changes Using the SAT’s Partial Change Correction feature
This Partial Change Correction (PCC) feature is relatively new to the SAT IV's programming. So if your SAT doesn't seem to be responding to the STO + MSR command it's program may need to be updated. Being able to correct partial changes is unique to the AccuTuner. An FAC tuning has fewer partial changes (3) than any other tuning system, and yet it is the only device capable of correcting them. (Contains button pressing video). Continue reading
Double Octave Beat (DOB)
DOB allows us to easily stretch or contract a template or tuning stored in the SAT. Continue reading
Using PCC to Tune to Non-Standard Pitch
There are a number of ways, when using an AccuTuner, to tune to non standard pitch. PCC is one of the easiest and most versatile. When PCC is used for tuning to non standard pitch, make note of the PCC adjustment so it can be reversed when the tuning is finished. Continue reading
Adding Stretch to the Bass Using PCC
In addition to correcting errors at partial changes, the Partial Change Corrector (PCC) may also be used to add stretch to the bass. The main difference between using PCC in stead of DOB, is that with PCC the adjustments stay with the tuning after the SAT is turned off, whereas the DOB settings are not. Continue reading
FAC Tuning Routine Using the SAT IV’s Partial Change Correction Feature
All computerized tunings have partial changes. Every partial change in a ‘computer generated tuning is a potential error in waiting. Correcting errors at partial changes improves the sound of the tuning. … Continue reading
Trying a Different “F” Number for the FAC Tuning
This post is part of a series on working with an FAC tuning. There are a number of tweaks that can be done to further fit an FAC tuning to the piano, before changing the F number. Continue reading
Using a Custom Over Pull for Pitch Corrections
Programming a custom over pull is so easy it's not worth making a video of it. The custom over pull is 'activated' just like the regular pitch raise feature, but instead of rolling off onto the BlueShift, after MSR stops the lights, roll off onto the Green Shift. Rolling off on to the GREEN shift activates he Custom Over Pull and uses the amounts stored on Page 123. Continue reading
What Customers Have Said
Thank you for your business and special thanks to everyone for leaving such kind words of support. It is very much appreciated! Each and every comment is important to my piano tuning business here in Tucson, AZ. Continue reading 
Bob is a great tuner. He has tuned not only my studio piano but those of my my voice and piano students. He’s more than just a tuner, he’s a fine technician as well. He’s a fine musician too, possessing...
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Bob, my piano sounds much better! I'm impressed with your ear and your knowledge.
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dear bob, just wanting to tell you, piano sounded great. yours is the best tuning I’ve had in years. let’s set up another time for some more magic.
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Hi Bob The piano sounds beautiful. Thank you. I’ll put you on the calendar for next year.
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Bob, I just wanted to tell you how wonderful the tuning job was, I never heard the piano sound better, either I am getting older and cannot hear or you are getting better, I think it is the latter. You...
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. . . the piano sounds great! Reply
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Thank you, Bob, for the fabulous job you did with our piano. It sounds wonderful! Regards, Meryl Wade
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Thank you so much. We feel really grateful to have you keeping our piano in working condition. It’s so nice to have someone we can trust and who always does such a great job. Reply
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Bob, I have owned the 1904 upright you recently tuned for over 50 years. I don’t know what magic you did, but I must compliment you! My sturdy old friend has never sounded better in all the years I have owned...
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Hi Bob. Thank you so much for the exceptional job you did tuning my husband’s old piano back on February 13th. He was thrilled and it sounds just gorgeous now! Best, Janet Mabon
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Thank you so much, Robert, for the wonderful job you did tuning my very old upright grand piano. Stopped playing long enough to write this review. You worked a miracle and what a thrill to hear those rich bass sounds...
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Just a note regarding my Schimmell grand piano. It sounds fantastic and bell like with very pure tone just like when I bought it. I played it quite a bit this weekend and as you noted one hears every note....
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Good morning Bob…….Thank you for sending the excellent report. It is well written, thorough and….well, perfect! You have mucho expertise when it comes to pianos…..we were lucky to have such a person….
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Very professional. . . . .
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My Hamilton console piano had not been tuned for over 6 years and moved from humid South Carolina to dry Tucson. So I called a friend, who plays the contemporary music at our church, and he immediately recommended Bob Conrad....
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Bob did the best job possible tuning my piano which I had neglected for five years I am ashamed to admit. Thanks Bob it sounds awesome....
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Bob, I just wanted to thank you again for all you did for my little Steinway. Even I sound good now, and that is not an easy task !! Thanks again, Jaynie Kane
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Bob, I am so pleased with my (sounds like new) piano. I have been playing it for the past hour and am just delighted. It sounds SO much better. Notes that didn't resonate before that were supposed to...
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I acquired a Yamaha Concert Grand CFIIIS in March of 2011. It had been part of the Artists Reserve unit at the Yamaha facility in CA and had been used for concert work for a period of about 10 years....
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Hey Bob- Again, thank you so much for your professionalism, advice and honesty in handling this for me. I wouldn't have done this without your help. Ray Barber, Riverside CA
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