Tuning in the digital age ... vexing

[Krummhorn]

. . . The council is scared that he won't help us if we start using the guy from Johannesburg.

I suppose the council would have to evaluate how many times in the past years you've needed an extra service call for other than routine tunings. But you know ... if you are able to contract the better tech, that might send a much needed wake up call to the local guy to improve his demeanor.

This Sunday we have two christmas song festivals with the full Free State Symphonic Orgastra in the church (this last tuning was done to get the organ in tune to be used with the orgastra), during rehearsal last night the four cundoctors made such an issue about the out of tune organ that I think with the next meeting we might be able to convince the powers that be to get a proper tuner in.

We can only hope ... at least the council will realize that you are not the only one who notices this problem.

The best of everything to you in the weekend performance. You've mentioned this program before and as I recall, it is a major event in your region. Hope all goes well for you and the performance.

[dll927]

Which begs the question, what were those "orchestras" (or conductors) tuned to????

No pipe organ can go forever without tuning and maintenance, but what about climate conditions? There are such things as churches that are so tightwad that they won't wake up and realize that the temperature has to be reasonably constant. Then they wonder why the organ doesn't stay in tune!!

[jvhldb]

Which begs the question, what were those "orchestras" (or conductors) tuned to????

No pipe organ can go forever without tuning and maintenance, but what about climate conditions? There are such things as churches that are so tightwad that they won't wake up and realize that the temperature has to be reasonably constant. Then they wonder why the organ doesn't stay in tune!!

All the pianos were tuned to concert pitch, the tuner came in the Monday before the concert (that is when he did the his worst to the organ). We requested him to tune the organ to concert pitch and was informed that it is impossible to get concert pitch on any of our pipes, although some ranks were tuned to concert pitch BEFORE he started tuning.

In the end they used a keyboard instead of the organ.

[Krummhorn]

. . . No pipe organ can go forever without tuning and maintenance, but what about climate conditions? There are such things as churches that are so tightwad that they won't wake up and realize that the temperature has to be reasonably constant. Then they wonder why the organ doesn't stay in tune!!

Fortunately, my church has heeded my instructions on temperature ... no greater than a 10 degree fluctuation between summer and winter indoor temperatures, which makes a fairly constant 74° to 76° temperature at the pipes (since they are in a side gallery and on a western wall).

Guess I'm one of the lucky ones in that respect.

All the pianos were tuned to concert pitch, the tuner came in the Monday before the concert (that is when he did the his worst to the organ). We requested him to tune the organ to concert pitch and was informed that it is impossible to get concert pitch on any of our pipes, although some ranks were tuned to concert pitch BEFORE he started tuning.

In the end they used a keyboard instead of the organ.

Johan,

Geez ... that's a real bummer to have not been able to use the pipe organ. I have never heard a technician make that kind of statement about not being able to tune to concert pitch ... he needs a reality check, and then a swift boot, so your church can hire the better tuner.

I bet you were burning inside when the keyboard was brought in as a replacement for the organ.

How did the concert go, otherwise?

[jvhldb]

I bet you were burning inside when the keyboard was brought in as a replacement for the organ.

How did the concert go, otherwise?

I'm just glad they didn't ask me to play the keyboard, I'll rather pedal the old harmonium than touch the keyboard.

The concerts were a big success. There were 2 "shows" with seating for 600 people each, both shows were booked out 3 weeks before the time, if there were 3 shows I guess all three would have been booked out, but the best thing is, I haven't heard of one complaint. Even the people without bookings that showed up and sat in the isles and on window sills were full of praise afterwards. The symphonic orchestra also hinted that if they were ever invited again they will definately accept.