Quick Tip: Intro to Tap Tuning

[@SiminoffParts]

Hi Phillip - Yes, we do tap tune to specific notes, and they are part of the C=256 concert pitch in which A is 431 (rather than A=440). This puts the tuning of all parts 1/4 tone off and prevents any part from being in tune with the notes played on the strings (because the instrument is tuned to A=440). Being tuned 1/4 tone off prevents beats and sympathetic vibration issues. The process is fully explained in my book The Art of Tap Tuning.

[@SiminoffParts]

Thanks for the question. While there is a difference in the sound you get from tapping on plain (non-figured) woods and curly-figured woods of the same type and density, the difference is very slight. Typically, non-figured woods are slightly brighter with more sustain. If the neck sounds "dead" then something else is wrong: loose truss rod, check/crack, poorly glued joints, less dense or more porous wood, or combination.

[@scody311]

Hi, thanks for this great video. What I didn't get though, is which 'pitch' are you shooting for for the sound board and the backboard? In other words, how do you know when you are there?

[@KevDiver]

Thanks for the video. I got your seminal book years ago and it's great to see you in real-time. I had the same question Steve C did. You demonstrate how the process changes the tone relative to a starting point. The question is what is your desired end-point? When are you finished tap-tuning? There are many opinions on this, and I'd love to hear your take. Also, is there a relationship between the target tone for the body and that of the back?

[@SiminoffParts]

Thanks for the question Steve. You determine the "pitch" by the use of a strobetuner - either mechanical "spinning wheel" type or software version. Since frequency and pitch are interrelated - as they are with musical strings - once you know the pitch of a soundboard or backboard, you know something about its stiffness. Cont.

[@SiminoffParts]

In my opinion, tap tuning is the only way to have reliable information about the density and stiffness of the part and is far better than just thickness measurements. Regarding finish, while you increase the weight (which lowers the frequency) when the finish hardens it stiffens the part (which raises the frequency), and unless you go overboard with finish coats there is usually a zero net gain. Changes in humidity or temperature have little affect on structural tuning. -Roger

[@ShredCo]

Should you tap tune wood for a solid body electric guitar?

[@electricwally]

Thank you Roger. Can you please tell me if your tap tuning book applies to tap tuning acoustic guitar tops and backs?

[@donjoseph162]

What is the goal note or tone your after?

[@SiminoffParts]

Cont. from 1st reply: Bear in mind that the sound produced by the soundboard and backboard is part of the overtone series - so they become part of the sound you hear and that's why we want them to be properly tuned. Also, stiffness relates to amplitude (loudness) so the more we can control the stiffness, the more we can control the amplitude of the instrument.

[@guitarsandsuchetc]

I bought 3 guitar necks from a supplier, one has a nice circle grain structure which seems like it rings real bright, the other 2 was much more straighter grain but sound low or dead sounding. Did I receive 2 dead maple guitar blanks and one nice one?

[@rawvocals4227]

On which note the guitar top should be tune

[@LodeDesplancke]

How important is tap-tuning actualy? I mean... if you glue the parts together, or you add a paint or lacquer to the instrument, you change the frequency again anyway? also, if you taptune on a hot day with high humidity, woun't it sound different on a cold day with low humidity for example? Just questions, I have no experience with taptuning in any way. I'd just like to learn something more about it :)

[@molinobeer]

How do you define the pitch you want the board to have? Is it related to personal preference, or every type of instrument has a specific one (i.e. guitar, violin, etc)?

[@LodeDesplancke]

Thanks for your reply :) this realy helps me gathering the correct information.

[@pgoble01]

Do you try to tap tune to a note. I have heard that it should be a flat.

[@stephenjones2052]

I have a very expensive 000 sized guitar with tone issues on the F# note on the A and D strings in that the note is flat or dead sounding., All the other notes are fine. Any ideas? Thanks.

[@tomyhovington2572]

great video!

[@dscdrkel5546]

WHAT PITCH ARE YOU LOOKING FOR???? **DR KEL

[@weerpool14]

thanks!!

[@jpschmidt44]

Your equipment is more complicated than it needs to be. Take a look at what violin makers use. Just a laptop computer and free Audacity software. it gives you the response spectrurm. Take a look at "What you can find out by hitting things, by Don Noon, a retired NASA engineer." Here. jpschmidtviolins.com/What_You_Can_Find_Out_By_Hitting_Things.pdf