Re: [tuning] Re: 12-equal Vs. Just tunin

In a message dated 9/29/02 4:14:13 AM Central Daylight Time,
soundburst@lycos.com writes:

> If my theory is right then, it's a pity that the Mutation stops can't also
> be tuned to 12-eT...

The reaons pipe-organ mutations are tuned to just intonation is because
that's the tuning used in the natural harmonic spectrum found in the
octavely-tuned stops. If they were tuned to ET, as is done in El Cheapo
electronic orgnas, these stops harmonics would be out of tuse with the stops'
harmonics tuned octavely.

> And +/- 3 cents still sounds in tune,>
> >but has a celeste (vibrato) quality.

> Interesting. Do those values apply for the vibrato effect too?

How out of tune an interval sounds is determined by its pitch. Low-end
pitches, whether ET or tempered JI sound less out of tune. That's one reason
why the guitar is usch a populr instrument. Becasue, even though tuned to ET,
or some other tempered scale, it sounds closer to JI than say a banjo or
mandolin. Thus a natural celeste/vibrato rate varies with pitch. A cellist
normally uses a slower vibrato than a violinist.

> >out-of-tuneness destroys the natural Difference
> >and Sumational Combinational tomes. These are
> >obviously destroyed, or at the wrong pitch, via
> >ET tuning!
>
> I would argue the exact same thing - but against
> Just tuning instead :)

The problem with ET tuning is that no matter how the intervals are tuned, the
harmonic spectrums created by the notes involved, when produced by wind or
string instrumens or sung, are nontheless naturally tuned to just intonation!

Sincerely,
Pauline W. Phillips, Moderator, <A HREF="/JohannusOrgansSchool ">Johannus Organs eSchool</A>
Johannus Orgelbouw, Holland, builds pipe, pipe-digital, digital-sampled
organs.
Moderator, <A HREF="/JustIntonationOrganSchool/">Just Intonation Organ eSchool</A>