Question 1

Has anyone had any success with using this device to tune a piano?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who says or thinks that they can tune a piano with this device has a) never tuned a piano before.  b) doesn't have a trained ear that will allow them to hear that the end result is severely mediocre at best.  c) doesn't understand that it took a piano tuner at least 500 tunings before they were confident enough to even call themselves one.

There's nothing wrong with trying to tune your own piano. But to think that this device is going to "get you there" is a misconception. The fact that this is being sold as a piano tuning device is false advertising.

Go visit any piano technician in your area and I guarantee they will laugh at the notion that this device will accurately tune a piano.

You want the real deal? Download TuneLab for free.  It's a $350 app and you can use the full program for free with the exception that it will time out for 2 minutes every 14 notes.

Remember. 95% of people can't hear a piano that's out of tune. When they notice it n it's WAY out of tune. So, pay no attention to positive reviews that say this worked. I guarantee you, it didn't.

But, to each their own. Just know that there are far better ways to learn.

Question 2

Could this tune down to 432 instead of 440?

Accepted Answer

Hi, Regina! I just tried it out on the tuner, and it does indeed tune down to 432! I didn't see just how far down it will go - guessing you're a Baroque player? If you would like me to check how far down it will tune (415 or 392), let me know. This is a great little tuner, and does all my old one did and more - for about 1/3 the cost!!

Question 3

Does it offer a just intonation setting under the additional temperament presets?

Accepted Answer

I'm on the road at the moment without it but I'm sure that no, it doesn't. It has a fair number of temperaments available, while unfortunately 1/4 comma meantone is not one of them. Only 1/6 comma E- or D#. I seem to be playing more and more in 1/4 comma so that's a bit of a downer. I'm not even sure that Just Intonation is a temperament, as the pure intervals move with the chords being played through all keys in just. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a tuner that can do it, maybe an iPhone app, but I think the only way the Korg would be able to do it is to use the temperament closest to pure for the notes you want to check and then know how much to add or subtract when you are reading the meter.Good question though. It makes me think.... It's been a great tuner for me other than the 1/4 comma problem, where I've had to set the frets with a ruler and then make small adjustments to whatever keyboard instrument is there. It's survived several drops from the music stand and the batteries seem to last forever.

Question 4

there are 8 different temperaments listed on this tuner - but not equal temperament - which temperament is used for tuning the piano

Accepted Answer

The Transpose/Temperament button allows you to transpose the pitch up or down, or use a particular temperament and all the listed temperaments are not equal temperament. If you cycle through the Transpose/Temperament button until the screen is blank, i.e. IT does not list either a specific temperament or a pitch (C#, D, D# etc.), then that is equal temperament that you would use for tuning the piano. The calibration should read A - 440.

Body Material	Aluminum
Material Type	Aluminum
Item Weight	0.85 Pounds
Item Dimensions	5.47 x 3.82 x 2.32 inches
Connector Type	no connector
Color	Black

Korg OT-120 Orchestral Tuner

Details

Description

Specifications

Have a Question? See What Others Asked

Common Questions