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== The importance of tuning == | == The importance of tuning == | ||
[[File:Zoom - tuning block.png|thumb|Tuning block]] | [[File:Zoom - tuning block.png|thumb|Tuning block]] | ||
Getting the tuning right is fundamental to get the string to sound the way you want at the various overtones. Unlike a regular instrument, the Ekdahl FAR will not just sound "out of tune" if not tuned correctly, but won't be able to calculate the right speed for the harmonics. Thus the instrument will sound dull, create a "beating" sound or not resonate at all. | Getting the tuning right is fundamental to get the string to sound the way you want at the various overtones. Unlike a regular instrument, the Ekdahl FAR will not just sound "out of tune" if not tuned correctly, but rather it won't be able to calculate the right speed for the harmonics. Thus the instrument will sound dull, create a "beating" sound or not resonate at all. | ||
Since the instrument relies on the tuning information stored in it, this means that if the tuning of the actual string deviate by as little as a tenth of a Hertz the bowing motor speed given will not correspond to the resonant points on the string. | Since the instrument relies on the tuning information stored in it, this means that if the tuning of the actual string deviate by as little as a tenth of a Hertz the bowing motor speed given will not correspond to the resonant points on the string. | ||
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A couple of things should be realized before we get started; this being an acoustic instrument we're talking about physical strings fastened to physical objects and all of these things will shift due to things like temperature, humidity etc. To make matters worse, a string heats up a lot during initial playing and will thus expand. My recommendation when preparing to use the instrument is to turn it on ~10 minutes before "serious" use, play the instrument as intended for a while and tune the instrument. After 10 minutes or so, adjust the tuning again as required - it should now be good for a while. | A couple of things should be realized before we get started; this being an acoustic instrument we're talking about physical strings fastened to physical objects and all of these things will shift due to things like temperature, humidity etc. To make matters worse, a string heats up a lot during initial playing and will thus expand. My recommendation when preparing to use the instrument is to turn it on ~10 minutes before "serious" use, play the instrument as intended for a while and tune the instrument. After 10 minutes or so, adjust the tuning again as required - it should now be good for a while. | ||
The first order of business is getting the tuning within +/- 50 cents of the desired note by adjusting the tuning peg using a piano tuning hammer. The tuning could be monitored by ear, using an audio reference or with the help of the automatic tuner in the configuration software. Make sure to NOT try and force the tuning peg down too low, around 6mm / 1/4" of the threads on the tuning peg should be visible at the lowest point. Trying to turn the peg further into the tuning block than this could end up cracking the block, rendering the instrument unplayable. | The first order of business is getting the tuning within +/- 50 cents of the desired note by adjusting the tuning peg using a piano tuning hammer. The tuning could be monitored by ear, using an audio reference or with the help of the automatic tuner in the configuration software. Make sure to NOT try and force the tuning peg down too low, around 6mm / 1/4" of the threads on the tuning peg should be visible at the lowest point. Trying to turn the peg further into the tuning block than this could end up cracking the block, rendering the instrument unplayable. | ||
== Tuning using the control box == | == Tuning using the control box == | ||