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Topic: built in tuner for PSG |
Billy Carr
From:
Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)
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Posted 4 Jan 2008 2:40 pm |
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| Here's something I've thought about for a long time. I've often just wondered if it's possible one day. Here it is > Have a PSG that keeps itself in tune once the strings are settled in place. Maybe some type of a mini-computer built into a changer that sets each string at a particular setting. When the string moves flat or sharp, probably due to temperature change, then the changer would automatically reset the string to the setting, say 440 or 442 or whatever. The computer could be reset for string settings also and operate on 2 AA batteries. Anybody got any thoughts on this idea? Maybe it sounds crazy or something but its been a thought for many years. Maybe something could be built for any string instrument? Throw some opinions out on this guys! Thanks. |
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Wally Taylor
From:
Hardin, Kentucky, USA
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Posted 4 Jan 2008 2:57 pm
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Billy, there is no doubt in my mind that it could be done, but I am afraid it would only add to the cost of a PSG that already quite expensive. Nice thought though.
Wally |
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Bob Knight
From:
Bowling Green KY
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Posted 4 Jan 2008 3:41 pm
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| There is a similar device already available. I saw on set up on a PSG at The St Louis show in 1999. |
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Paul Norman
From:
Washington, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 4 Jan 2008 5:21 pm
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| Gibson has it on their 6 string guitars. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 4 Jan 2008 5:43 pm
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Sooner or later, it'd break or get out of calibration. By then, you'd have lost the skill and ear to tune it up yourself.
(Steeler) "Yeah Clem, I brung my new gee-tar, but the durn thing won't tune itself".
(Bandleader - to bassplayer) "Say Roy, do you still have that keyboard player's phone number?"
Learning to tune properly is a valuable skill. Anyone who can't tune a fretless instrument probably couldn't play it in tune - even if it was in tune.
(I guess you can tell I'm against this sort of thing.  ) |
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Jerry Hayes
From:
Virginia Beach, Va.
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Posted 5 Jan 2008 10:26 am
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IMHO it'd be just another "electronic" step in the long list of gadgets to take the Soul out of live music. Who want's "perfect" tune? A little disonance is desirable at times. You can take any 10 great steel players and have them tune up the same guitar and then check the settings on an electronic tuner and you can be certain that they'll all be different!
I remember years ago when I was playing full time, I was working the Foothill Club in Signal Hill, Calif. and a steeler from Tennessee was in town (Doug LeValley) and I asked him to sit in. He got behind my steel (which was in perfect tune according to the Jeff Newman chart of the time) and said "Man, how do you play this when it's so far out of tune, do you mind if I retune it?" to which I replied "Be my guest!".........JH in Va.
_________________
Don't matter who's in Austin (or anywhere else) Ralph Mooney is still the king!!! |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 5 Jan 2008 1:47 pm
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Billy, I don't think it could be automatic. If it was on all the time, every time you moved the bar, stomped on a pedal, shoved a knee lever, the computer would try and tune that string. You would need a sensor or pickup for each string, and it could only tune in the open position. You'd probably have to have an electric motor for each separate string too, to activate the tuning mechanism. I suspect that a keyless guitar like a Kline would be the best candidate. But just imagine how much electronic and mechanical stuff would be required!
And I think the Gibson thing is silly! Some lawyers and doctors will probably buy a few. But that's about it. More "prestige" than "necessity!"
JB
http://steelguitaramericas.com/ |
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