Lever Positions When Tuning

[martin-solomon]

How do you all explain the tuning process to students in terms of lever positions?

My personal method when I perform is to set the levers to C major and then tune the strings, as this is a key ‘near’ to most keys I play in.

However, i have read that the text-book method is to dis-engage all the levers and tune in E flat. This method sounds like it would work in an ideal world – ie if the harp had perfect intonation, but in the real world of mechanical imperfections I find that my C major method seems more practical.

Any comments?

Martin

Bristol, UK

[carl-swanson]

Martin- Whatever works for you is the best way to tune. You’ve described the dilemma very well. If you are playing in C, G, and F most of the time, and their related minor keys, then tuning in C is probably going to make the instrument sound most in tune.

[patricia-jaeger]

Martin, according to “The First Lady of the Harp”, as the late Mildred Dilling was called, Carl’s view above is spot on.

[Author]

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