Tuners

GerryG · Post by **GerryG** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 3:32 pm

What is the general feeling on the usefullness of tuners? Do you
just play along and watch the tuner for an indication of whether or not
you''re sharp or flat? Is it worth buying the cheaper ones - $20 - $40? Gerry
G

krzymunkey · Post by **krzymunkey** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 9:32 pm

yes, they tell you if your notes are sharp or flat.. it is worth
getting! there are cheap ones that are really useful, i have a korg tuner, a
basic one, and it is only 20 bucks.. [:bigsmile:]

TripleL · Post by **TripleL** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 10:57 am

does anyone have a tuner/metranome? and if so is it cheap
because i want one but it can't b too expensive and it have to b small

flutietootie4lyfe · Post by **flutietootie4lyfe** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 6:18 pm

i searched metronomes and tuners online and there is one you can
buy for 23 dollars i think I'll find the site if I can

flutietootie4lyfe · Post by **flutietootie4lyfe** » Sun Nov 23, 2003 6:18 pm

i searched metronomes and tuners online and there is one you can
buy for 23 dollars i think I'll find the site if I can

krzymunkey · Post by **krzymunkey** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 6:31 pm

korg chromatic tuners are sold everywhere, they are cheap (15-23
bucks), and are very small (2 half-3 inches long) best of all, it's effective!
[:bigsmile:]

flutietootie4lyfe · Post by **flutietootie4lyfe** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:54 am

Here is a good one...
http://www.johnson-inst.com/cgi-bin/acc ... =holi03_MT
There are a few combonations under 30 dollars

FluteDiddy · Post by **FluteDiddy** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 10:03 pm

Ask a different flute player and get a different answer. Most
very accomplished flute players I have spoken to or read are not fond of tuners
and dont use them. In fact I recently read of a famous player who while teaching
when seeing his student with a tuner told him to leave and come back when he
could hear the notes in tune. Then again I have had people suggest you attach a
tuner to your music stand and look to see the green light come on as you play. I
agree with the former view and say get a cheap tuner, play with it for a few
days and then stick it in drawer.

embum79 · Post by **embum79** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:13 pm

I disagree with FluteDiddy.. all of the professional flutists I
have known use tuners. That doesn't mean they use them all the time, they
certainly didn't need to.. but they had them for reference, and in teaching.
Also for use in groups/duets, etc. Yes, playing by ear and knowing intunation is
very important, but it is helpful to have something objective like a tuner in
order to check your skills.

FluteDiddy · Post by **FluteDiddy** » Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:22 pm

I said opinions differ but it does surprise me you know no pro
flutists that dont use a tuner as very few use one. They use their ear or a
piano or keyboard. Maybe the pros you know have a tin ear? lol My over under on
high level flute players who regularly use a tuner is probably 15%, with 85% not
using them. It would be fun to find a survey or do one. now if you are talking
students or local teachers or band directors its much higher. If your serious
about being a flute player tune your ear and stick the tuner in the kitchen
drawer with the other stuff you think you might need again some day.

fluteluversmom · Post by **fluteluversmom** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 12:17 am

>>That doesn't mean they use them all the time, they certainly
didn't need to.. but they had them for reference, and in teaching. Also for use
in groups/duets, etc. Yes, playing by ear and knowing intunation is very
important, but it is helpful to have something objective like a tuner in order
to check your skills.>> I agree completely !! I think they are important tools
to have. You don't want to come to depend on them but they are helpful while
your ear is being trained.My daughter used hers more regularly when she first
started playing but it rarely comes out anymore unless she is playing a duet.
Kim Kim

woof · Post by **woof** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 12:45 pm

OK a question from a novice Re tuners: So how much control over
the note do you actually have?? You lift you finger from the key and you get the
note--??? How can you make it flatter or sharper?? The way you discuss this,
this does not seem to be a matter of tuning the instrument but rather the
player?

ick27 · Post by **ick27** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 6:18 pm

I have a tuner, and I do use it. It is more sensitive than my
ear, so I can see things visually that might be hard to hear. I often use it
when I am experiment with intonation and want to be able to see the effects of
things I do. The use of a tuner does not help you play with good intonation in
the same way a metronome helps you play with proper rhythm, it only gives a
visual guide to equal temperment. Check out this listserve post by James Galway.
He has amazing control over every aspect of playing, so obviously what he does
works for him. I agree with his sentiments and I'm sure many advacned musicians
would too. http://superflute.com/notes/intune.htm -Bradford

FluteDiddy · Post by **FluteDiddy** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 7:21 pm

Interesting that you talk about using a tuner and how it helps
and then link to am article by someone who doesn't use one or recommend it.
Interesting way to reinforce your point. It is a good post thanks for linking to
it.

woof · Post by **woof** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 1:38 pm

I read two quotes in Debost book "The simple flute" pertaining
to tuning flutes: 1. Debost quoting from somewhere else: "What is more out of
tune than a flute? Two flutes playing together"! 2. "Only the angels play flutes
in tune and no one gets to hear them". So I guess it is a common problem!! His
point was to do your best- all flutes he says are "imperfect".