Nicely done Stewart, A well expressed analysis of a complex topic.
> Tuning-boxes can be a great help, as long as we keep using our ears, > since they are a constant check on the accuracy of our tuning. They > will be less help in the long run, if we don't listen, and rely on > them to do all the work. As one who tuned a guitar for over fifty years to an A 440 fork (a pure tone) then tuned to ear from there, I confess to being dependent on an electronic tuning box for my harps. My 26 string 2X has 52 strings to tune. My 22 string cross strung has 37. The tuning box makes it a lot easier. But not perfect as the box uses some temperament (don't know which, will have to put the oscilloscope on it some day and figure the frequencies it uses - although it gives me the option of an A 436/438/440/442/444. My suggestion, tune to the box then play your scales - both up and down. Do as Stewart says, listen!. Pick a single note and its octave (probably A, as that is the center of tuning for most), then play with the rest of the strings until they sound right both up the scale and down. That is the compromise of temperament. Best, Jon
