Re: Tuning Program
Latrina Cobbett
TS101 Program Introduction & Engine Theory
Students will get an overview of the 14-week Tuner School, LLC program. Students will learn the basics of engine operation and develop an understanding of common engine nomenclature and terms.
TS102 Induction Systems and Exhaust Systems 1 week, 10 lecture hours, 12.5 lab hours
Students will learn about intake and exhaust system theory, exhaust system types, benefits of exhaust system modification and/or change as well as develop an understanding of common nomenclature/terms. Extensive time is spent in the Tuner School shop learning about intake and exhaust applications and workings.
TS103.1 Power Adders and Performance Rebuilding 1 week, 5 lecture hours, 17.5 lab hours
Students will spend extensive time working directly with the instructor(s) learning how to install, construct and modify forced induction systems as well as high-performance fuel delivery systems required with forced induction.
TS104 Drivetrain, Transmission, Chassis and Suspension 1 week, 10 lecture hours, 12.5 lab hours
Students will learn about the basics of (and different types of) vehicle drivetrains, transmissions, chassis systems and suspensions. In addition, students will learn special nomenclature/terms with extensive time spent doing hands-on work in the HPE build shop
TS105 Chassis Setup and Tuning 1 week, 10 lecture hours, 12.5 lab hours
Students will learn about the basics of chassis setup and tuning for specific driving/testing conditions. In addition, students will learn special nomenclature/terms with extensive time spent doing hands-on chassis work in the HPE build shop.
TS 106 Engine Tuning 1 week, 10 lecture hours, 12.5 lab hours
Students will learn about the basics regarding engine setup and tuning. Special time will be allocated to special tuning considerations for forced induction applications. In addition, students will learn special calibration nomenclature/terms.
TS108 On-Road Testing, Race Track Testing and High-Performance Driving Techniques 1 week, 10 lecture hours, 12.5 lab hours
Students will get an overview of real-world testing procedures to determine the benefits of (and special tuning requirements of) after-market upgrades. Much emphasis is placed on testing safety along with back-to-back performance test repeatability.
TS201 Advanced Engine Dynamics and Electrical Theory 2 weeks, 28 lecture hours, 17 lab hours
Students will learn the advanced dynamics of the internal combustion engine. They will also learn what is involved in advanced airflow dynamics, fuel dynamics, electrical control systems and the combustion process. This course explains advanced electronics, circuits, controls, and wiring. Students will learn proper wiring techniques and how to diagnose wiring and electrical circuit issues. *Prerequisite TS101 Course.
TS202 OEM Systems and Strategies 5 weeks, 43.75 lecture hours, 68.75 lab hours
Students will learn advanced strategies of properly tuning and diagnosing OEM computer systems from various manufacturers. Safety and longevity will be emphasized as well as advanced diagnostic techniques. The students will learn how to properly tune for aftermarket modifications such as induction and exhaust systems, cylinder head modifications, and valve event changes from the installation of camshafts as well as forced induction systems. *Prerequisite TS201 Course.
TS203 Aftermarket Systems and Strategies 4 weeks, 35 lecture hours, 55 lab hours
Students will learn how to install, setup and tune aftermarket engine management systems for various performance related applications. They will also learn the advanced functions and strategies of each of the systems. Students will learn how to employ advanced strategies for various desired results including safety, drivability, emissions, and racing applications. *Prerequisite TS201-202 Course. 4 Weeks. 40 Hours Lecture. 60 Hours Lab
TS 204 Advanced Motorsports Strategies, Data Analysis and Management 1 week, 18 lecture hours, 27 lab hours
Students will learn about tuning strategies for specific motorsports arenas including ATV/UTV strategies, drag racing, endurance racing, marine applications, and road racing. The students will learn how to collect and interpret critical test data and feedback, as well as how to anticipate future use and conditions. The students will also gain a working knowledge of the strategic management and details to be successful in the advanced motorsports segments. *Prerequisite TS201-203 Course.
TS205 Responsibility, Safety and Emissions 1 week, 9 lecture hours, 13.5 lab hours
Students will learn the concepts, importance, and responsible application of performance tuning with emissions. The student will learn the emissions testing process and how to properly apply performance tuning strategies to meet emission standards. Students will also learn proper safety standards and techniques for the job and job site. *Prerequisite TS 201-204 Course.
I know there is a lot to piano tuning that goes way beyond setting each key to its theoretical frequency. Namely the "untuned" extremes of the keyboard or particular aspects of each brand. I also found software where you actually mention the brand and what type of tuning you wish.
Some of the best examples of reputable and powerful professional tuning software are Tunelab, Verituner, and Cybertuner. However just because the software is high quality doesn't mean anyone can operate them effectively. Perhaps everyone can operate a web browser, but not everyone can be effective in Emacs (extreme analogy). It is not a matter of simply following the instructions, they all assume a level of knowledge of piano tuning.
To the sub-questions: the reliability of the software is directly related to the knowledge and skill with which it is used; yes, download the software from your favorite app store (though not all packages are available on all platforms); the standard microphones of modern mobile devices are sufficient; the age, brand, and peculiarities of the piano all factor into the knowledge needed to effectively use the software
That said, if you are reasonably mechanically inclined, have good fine/coarse motor skills and curiosity, I encourage you to give it a shot! That's how I got started. If you have someone who can mentor you on the basics with some of the software, that would give you a great leg up, check out your local PTG chapter.
I am a professionnal piano technician who started out as an aural tuner and then switched to EDT devices and softwares. The simple answer to the original question is yes: professionnal piano tuning softwares do work and can achieve a professionnal concert quality tuning.
But first, you have to understand the acoustic properties of a piano wire that makes it very different to any other souding bodies. One of the main characteristics of a vibrating piano wire is called INHARMONICITY that makes all the partials to be shifted on the sharp side compared to the theoratical values. The first result of this is that all the octaves will have to be somewhat stretched in order sound in tune. This is why a regular chromatic tuning device will be of no use for tuning pianos.
A good professional piano tuning software however will be able to measure the harmonicity ratio (that differ from one piano to another) throughout the entire keyboard and then calculate a tuning that will FIT this particular piano. The one I currently use and favor is the Reyburn Cybertuner.
Short answer: Yes. Software can work, but only the right software. Your generic guitar tuner app won't do it properly because it simply tunes to the theoretical frequencies of flat equal temperament with no "stretch", which is really important for a piano to actually sound in tune (particularly in the treble and bass). As a piano tuner I also don't trust apps that claim to "sweeten" a tuning by putting in some stretch.
There are 6 software packages out there that do a good job and that professional piano tuners use. They are: Cybertuner, Verituner, TuneLab, OnlyPure, PianoMeter and Pianoscope. They all have pros and cons, but I won't do a review of the various packages because I am affiliated with one of them, but I will say this: Piano tuning software is expensive because it is very specialized software developed for a small group of people (piano tuners). While each of these apps cost in the hundreds of dollars, two of them (PianoMeter and TuneLab) have limited options that are more affordable for someone like the OP who just needs to tune one piano. In PianoMeter that comes in the form of a "plus" version that costs about $25 and has the basic functionality to tune a piano but doesn't have the bells and whistles that a professional might use. TuneLab has more of a "shareware" approach with full functionality that pauses note switching every 12 note changes with a prompt to purchase a license. There is also a free app out there called "Entropy" but in my experience it's a pain to use and isn't well-maintained (last updated in 2017).
Also, just a note, getting the right software solves half the problem. The other half is developing the right tuning lever technique that will allow you to tune quickly, accurately, and have the tuning be stable. It will take more time at first, but you'll get better with practice. My first piano took me 4-5 hours (that was without software back in the day). Now I can be done in 1-1.5 hours, depending on the piano.
I asked my piano tuner that very question last time he worked on my piano. There are professional tuners who rely quite a bit on such tuning tools though I don't know if there are the kinds you can just download for your phone (yet). Them using the tools doesn't mean that they don't also use their skills to know the limitations of their tools, such as adjusting the amount of stretching based on how it sounds on the specific piano and what the customer likes.
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