Re: shoptalk (20-tET, for Dan Stearns)

Hello, there, Dan, and thank you for a very timely reminder to write my
article on 20-tET, a very logical next step after the post on the e-based
tuning I'm just now getting close to finishing.

We share an affection for a very wonderful scale, and I should also
mention Brian McLaren's role in encouraging me to try 20-tET. With lots of
other tunings, a diatonic set is a given -- for example, 22-tET, at least
in a neo-Gothic approach where 436 cents or 273 cents fits in neatly as an
interesting kind of regular third.

In 20-tET, a diatonic scale is more of an invention, so to speak, and
comparing notes as we've done offlist can be educational all around.

During a recent discussion of Ben Johnston notation, I was tempted to
remark that my 20-tET keyboard notation spells a perfect fifth as C#-A or
D-Bb. Curiously, we both seem drawn to Mixolydian in this tuning.

The usual diatonic semitone of 1/20 octave or 60 cents in my neo-Gothic
approach is quite narrow (close to 28:27, as you noted in one post some
time back I found in the List archives), and not far from the regular
diatonic semitone of 22-tET in a neo-Gothic or "Pythagorean-like"
arrangement at 1/22 octave or ~54.55 cents.

Anyway, I've made this article a priority item on my neo-Gothic
tunings agenda.

Most appreciatively,

Margo Schulter
mschulter@value.net