There are numerous approaches for mapping A0 on the piano. You may select any method you prefer to determine A0’s initial position. However, regardless of the method used, it is crucial to measure the final location of A0 using its 4th partial. The LC Spreadsheet relies on the measurements of the 4th partials for the notes A0 through A4 to establish accurate tuning.

Aural Tuning and Measurement of A0

Tuning A0 aurally is perfectly acceptable. The important step, once tuning is complete, is to measure A0’s position with reference to its 4th partial. To do this:

  1. Switch to TUNE mode and set the SAT (Strobe Audio Tuner) to (A2 @ x.x).
  2. Play A0 and use the cents buttons to stop the lights on the SAT.

The number displayed on the SAT represents the location of A0 as measured by its 4th partial.

Alternative Partials in Tuning

Some technicians may use various other partials or methods for tuning A0.  The choice of method is flexible; the key requirement is to measure and record A0’s position using its 4th partial once the desired location is found.

Using the 5th and E1 as Reference for A0

Utilizing the interval of a 5th can be advantageous for finding a suitable position for A0. To facilitate this, E1 is tuned preliminarily to serve as an approximate reference note. This initial placement of E1 doesn’t need to be perfect. It is simply close enough to be used during the process.

Tuning E1 from A1

Tuning E1 from A1 involves the interval of a 4th, the 4:3 4th is less effective in this lower piano register. So instead, tuning an 8:6 “4th” yields better results. To establish E1 as a reference:

  1. Set the SAT to (E4 @ x.x), play A1, and stop the lights in TUNE mode.
  2. Subtract 4.0 cents from the SAT display setting and tune E1 to this value.

With this adjustment, E1 is positioned closely enough to serve as a reference for tuning A0.

Tuning A0 from E1 Using the 5th

Attempting to use a traditional 3:2 5th in this piano range is generally ineffective. Instead, set the SAT to E3 (using the coincident partial) and utilize the 6:4 “5th” interval to tune A0. Proceed as follows:

  1. In TUNE mode, set the SAT to (E3 @ x.x), play E1, and stop the lights.
  2. Subtract 5.0 cents from the SAT display setting.
  3. Tune A0 to this setting.

Afterward, use your preferred checks to ensure the location of A0 is satisfactory.

Final Measurement of A0’s Location

Once you have settled on the preferred position for A0, measure its location with its 4th partial for accurate entry into the LC spreadsheet:

  1. Set the SAT to (A2 @ x.x), play A0, and stop the lights.

The cents value shown on the SAT display is the 4th partial location number required by the LC spreadsheet for tuning. Be sure to record this value for future reference.