Re: [tuning] Digest Number 3789

traditional instruments were designed to also make timbres that matched the tuning family they were used in.
The solution is to use new acoustic instruments in the same way that different cultures use different instruments for their own tunings.
the old relics are quaint, but in the long run possibly more of a stumbling block than useful without modification.
I have no trouble with vibraphones and other tuned mallet instruments and i am using harmonics up to 200. pump organs, bowed psalteries also work well for my uses.
in the long run i prefer to work with real instruments, while other might find electronic instruments being real, i have the opposite experience, so it is logical i call them so.
if you find acoustic instruments unreal, please call them so

>Message: 3 > Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2005 13:29:18 -0800 (PST)
> From: Christopher John Smith <christopherjohn_smith@yahoo.com>
>Subject: Re: Acoustic Instrument Fallacy
>
>Bill - you bring up a very interesting general topic. My own interest is in just intonation on acoustic instruments, and I have just finally progressed to the composing stage, after years of acquiring information (mostly anecdotal, and from all sorts of sources) and working up the nerve.
> My own position, based on empirical observation, is that theoretical/acoustical objections to JI on acoustic instruments are vastly overstated. Acoustic instruments can clearly project intervals up to at least a 13 limit, regardless of the decimal points, phase shifting, etc. A few examples : in Ben Johnston's Suite for Microtonal Piano (which has been recorded) intervals of 7 & 11 are clear and convincing (the tuning is actually 19-limit); brass instruments can more or less easily play up to at least 13 (up to 23 on horn) (also, valves can be tuned subharmonically, e.g. to give 1/16:1/17:1/18...1/22); on my cello (which I just got last month) I can reach the 31st harmonic, intervals of 11 & 13 are clearly consonant, and I've even been able to tune a 17:1 beat-free.
> Complexity and voicing of the interval applies, of course; an 11:4 is much easier to tune than an 11:9, etc. Doubtlessly there are limitations, also - I've heard chords like 11:13:15:17:19 sound audibly beat-free electronically, but it may be a bit of a stretch for acoustic instruments! Even then, it might work on harpsichord, or on French horns (with enough rehearsal).
> I don't recall if you mentioned your instrument or resources; thanks to the miracle of internet wholesale you can get a cello for $250 or an alto or baritone horn for c. $100 - if its within your means, I'd highly recommend picking up whatever you can make a sound on and start exploring!
> Chris
> >
> >

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