Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Crossover tuning

7 replies [Last post]
Mon, 03/09/2015 - 20:49
Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture
Offline
Teacher 3Level 7
Joined: 06/03/2011

Hi Kinya,

Can you help me? I am having trouble finding a 442 tuning chart for Crossovers.

I found one Steve Baker did for 443.  I 'm not sure how to convert it.

-Taylor

Top
Wed, 03/11/2015 - 09:55
#1
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Hi Taylor Almost all

Hi Taylor

Almost all chromatic tuners, have a Hz (Hertz) calibration function. Toggle through the prompts, then select 442Hz

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Top
Wed, 03/11/2015 - 19:05
#2
Taylor Ward
Taylor Ward's picture
Offline
Teacher 3Level 7
Joined: 06/03/2011
Hi Kinya, I know how to

Hi Kinya,

I know how to change the calibration on my tuner but it's just that I'm not sure what my Crossovers should be tuned to for the + or - cents.  Steve Baker had a list for Crossovers (see link below), but at the bottom it says that it's for tuning at 443Hz.  I feel like I've watched all the videos from you and Richard Sleigh over the last couple years and accumulated all the tools but now I don't know what I should have my Crossovers tuned to.  Do you have any idea what the stock tuning is for them at 442Hz or where I could find that info?

http://www.harmonicaspace.com/harmonica-forum/maintenance-repair-customi...

Thanks for any advice again,

Taylor

Top
Wed, 03/11/2015 - 20:46
#3
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Hi Taylor, Ah, I think I have

Hi Taylor,

Ah, I think I have it now ...

Disclosure: I have not verified the tuning of a Crossover since my posting: Sat, 06/12/2010 - 08:03, but I would simply tune your Crossover harmonicas to 12 TET

For reference, checkout the handouts from the Harp Tech Studies, I believe we have charts of 12 TET tuning.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Top
Wed, 03/18/2015 - 06:08
#4
harpwrench
harpwrench's picture
Offline
Joined: 01/18/2010
I suspect the Crossover

I suspect the Crossover tuning chart is just someone's interpretation of Steve's description, which as I read it conflicts with itself to start out with. For a decent sounding modern compromise "chart", try using one for 19-limit just, and modify that by only flattening the thirds about half of what's indicated. And remember, charts are merely starting points that don't account for the challenges inherent with the instrument. A correctly tuned chord or octave usually doesn't line up exactly with numbers on a chart when checked as a single note. 

Top
Wed, 03/18/2015 - 08:14
#5
Harp Tech Kinya...
Harp Tech Kinya Pollard's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 02/07/2010
Thanks Joe A piano tuner

Thanks Joe

A piano tuner friend of mind shared the same sentiments.

Your Harpsmith, Kinya

Top
Wed, 03/18/2015 - 09:46
#6
SFJorge
SFJorge's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/03/2015
I've noticed that, too.  The

I've noticed that, too.  The draw reed plate description does not match the chart on that site (the blow reed plate seems correct).  When the description says 4 and 8 draw should be "once cent higher than 2 draw", the chart says +1 instead of +5.

Here's the way I interpret the description of the draw reed tuning (given that he has ranges in the description and not exact amounts):

 

Holes 1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9   10

Blow   0   -5  +1    0   -5  +1    0   -5  +1    0

Draw +8  +4    0  +5  +2  +6    0  +5  +2  +6

Top
Wed, 03/18/2015 - 11:52
#7
SFJorge
SFJorge's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/03/2015
I think this site does a good

I think this site does a good job of explaining tunings in general (although there is a lot to get through):

http://ohw.se/hca/tuning-theory/

 

Table 11B lists Steve Baker's present compromised tuning, and it is very close to what I posted above and his description that was linked above.

 

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com