Re: [tuning] pentasystem

What initially drew my attention to the Pentasystem site was the following
email I received from Robert Calkin:

>Can anyone tell me more about the history of musical instruments
>tuned in fifths? Have there ever been electric instruments before
>Pentasystem that have been tuned in fifths? Why has there never been
>a cello tuned if fifths when all the other classical stringed
>instruments are? To see these electric instruments tuned in fifths check
out
>www.pentasystem.com

I tried to break it to him as gently as possible that cellos >are< tuned in
fifths, and perhaps he was thinking of basses, which are tuned in fourths.
He replied:

>Do you mean upright or electric bass? What about double bass? Have there
>ever been five string cellos/double bass? Why are guitars not also tuned in
>fifths?

In reply, I explained that double bass and upright bass refered to the same
thing, and suggested he investigate the viola da gamba family for possible
five string instuments. As to why guitars are not tuned in fifths, besides
the accident of historical precedent, all I could suggest was that it was
one of those mysteries that make life interesting. At that point I could not
resist asking:

>Really, bucko, you do realize that anyone with even the tiniest musical
>education can tell that everything you are saying on your website is pure
>bullshit?

Tonite I received this rather telling reply:

>You still haven't mentioned any previous electric instruments tuned in
>fifths. Also, we have 16 patents and 32 trademarks issued so far so
bullshit
>or no, the profits will roll in. Believe me they are already crawling at
the
>door, the Japanese tour starts in November. See you there?

Notice he did not dispute my assesment of the quality of information on
their site, only that to him it seemed to be no impediment to their business
plans. However, due to a heavy toothbrushing schedule, I will probably not
be able to meet with Mr. Calkin and the "maestro" during their upcomming
tour, and discuss further their revolution in the making. Unless what he
meant was if he would see me crawling at the door, which is even more
unlikely. My knees are not as flexible as they used to be.

I totally forgot to mention to him my JI guitar, which I tune in fifths and
fourths. Nodoubt it would have only confused him further, and for no
discernable purpose. Actually, I'm glad I forgot, 'cause they would probably
patent it and then sue me.

Dante
http://users.rcn.com/dante.interport/justguitar.html

16 Patents?!? I'd like to know what his patent numbers are, and who knows
about the trademarks. Patents cost $thousands to create and maintain with
the USPTO. I wonder who is bankrolling this guy?

DTB

>>
>>>You still haven't mentioned any previous electric instruments tuned in
>>>fifths. Also, we have 16 patents and 32 trademarks issued so far so
>>bullshit
>>>or no, the profits will roll in. Believe me they are already crawling at
>>the
>>>door, the Japanese tour starts in November. See you there?
>>

>You still haven't mentioned any previous electric instruments tuned in
>fifths.

Wait a minute... the violin is tuned in fifths. There must be at least one existing supplier of electric violins. I've seen ads & reviews of 'em in the past...

Rick

Rick McGowan wrote:

> >You still haven't mentioned any previous electric instruments tuned in
> >fifths.
>
> Wait a minute... the violin is tuned in fifths. There must be at least one existing supplier of electric violins. I've seen ads & reviews of 'em in the past...
>
> Rick

and mandolins too.

--
* D a v i d B e a r d s l e y
* 49/32 R a d i o "all microtonal, all the time"
* http://www.virtulink.com/immp/lookhere.htm