Piano Tuning Workflow Using the Littau-Conrad Spreadsheet and AccuTuner
Introduction
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the process involved in creating and refining a piano tuning utilizing the Littau-Conrad (LC) Spreadsheet. The workflow encompasses entering tuning targets, performing detailed adjustments across multiple spreadsheet tabs, addressing rounding errors, shaping the tuning curve, and finally saving and exporting the completed tuning for use with the AccuTuner via the Piano Manager software. Emphasis is placed on the efficiency of the process, which improves with practice. Once the initial mappings are saved, subsequent tunings can be performed even more quickly and easily.
Overview Video
A preview video demonstrates the Littau-Conrad Spreadsheet in action, showcasing its interface and how it integrates with both Piano Manager and the SAT IV. This visual guide highlights the primary features and workflow of the LC Spreadsheet.
Step 1: Entering Tuning Targets
The tuning workflow begins on the Templates Tab of the LC Spreadsheet. Here, users input the desired tuning values into the ‘Targets’ boxes. Once all targets are entered, clicking on the ‘Copy to Adjust Tab’ button initiates the creation of the tuning within the spreadsheet.
Step 2: Refining the Tuning in the Adjust Tab
The Adjust Tab offers several levels of sophistication for refining the tuning. Users can make detailed adjustments to fine-tune the results. The video preview also demonstrates some of the advanced features available in this tab.
Step 3: Addressing Rounding Errors in Edit Rounding Tab
Following adjustments, users proceed to the ‘Edit Rounding’ tab. This tab allows for the correction of any ’round off’ errors that may have occurred during the computational process. Additionally, it provides the option to manually adjust the shape of the low bass curve when necessary for certain pianos.
Step 4: Shaping the Tuning Curve
Since the piano is an acoustic instrument and not a computer, mathematical curves generated by software may not perfectly match the desired sound, particularly in the low bass and high treble ranges. Both the Adjust Tab and the Edit Rounding Tab enable users to make further refinements to address these discrepancies, ensuring the tuning curve aligns with the instrument’s unique characteristics.
Step 5: Naming, Saving, and Exporting the Tuning
After all adjustments are complete, the user names the tuning and saves it within the LC Database. This is accomplished through the ‘Export To Piano Manager’ tab, which prepares the tuning for use with external hardware.
Step 6: Transferring the Tuning to the AccuTuner
With the tuning saved in the LC Database, it is ready to be sent to the AccuTuner. The user connects the AccuTuner to the computer, turns it on, and opens the Piano Manager software. The desired tuning is then selected and imported from the LC Spreadsheet into Piano Manager. Once imported, the tuning can be stored on a page within Piano Manager and subsequently transferred to the AccuTuner for application during the tuning process.
Efficiency and Workflow Tips
The video preview covers only a small portion of the Littau-Conrad Spreadsheet’s capabilities. With practice, users can create and load tunings into the AccuTuner in just a few minutes—often, the majority of time is spent setting up the computer and connecting the SAT rather than generating and installing the tuning itself. Mapping all the target notes typically represents the most time-consuming step, which can vary depending on the piano. However, once this mapping is completed, subsequent tunings using the LC Spreadsheet become very quick and straightforward, as all relevant data is saved and readily available for future use.