Robert Chuckrow, Ph.D. (physics)

The main systems of tuning, their qualities, and why and when they should be used.

A two manual harpsichord constructed by Robert Chuckrow.

• Why not use equal temperament for all music?

• Summary of Equal-Temperament, Meantone, and Well-Temperament systems.

• Graphical comparison of frequencies in different tunings/temperaments.

• Aron-Neidhardt 1/4 syntonic comma Well Temperament: Download a simple scheme for tuning it.

• Thomas Young 1/6 ditonic comma Well Temperament 2: Download a simple scheme for tuning it.

• Meantone Temperament: Download a simple scheme for tuning it.

• Beats: Understand and hear them.

• Harmonics of a vibrating string and their frequency relationships, with audio illustrations.

• Understand why tempered intervals beat, with audio illustrations.

• Decibels: An intuitive explanation.

• Information about Robert Chuckrow’s book on historical tuning (enables even those with very little knowledge of music theory or mathematics to achieve a historical and theoretical understanding of tuning and the ability to tune in meantone and well temperament).

• The distinction between a tuning and a temperament.

• Links to other web sites on historical tuning.

• Information on recordings of music in historical temperaments.

• View site map

• Visit Robert Chuckrow’s web site on T’ai Chi and other health-related subjects.

• email Robert Chuckrow

• Phone Robert Chuckrow: 914-762-2810

This website was updated on May 18, 2013.