The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #51279   Message #1015989
Posted By: Malcolm Douglas
09-Sep-03 - 11:23 PM
Thread Name: Help: 'Traditional musicians' & Tuning?
Subject: RE: Help: 'Traditional musicians' & Tuning?
It makes a good deal of sense. Folk song collectors in the early part of the 20th century often noticed that singers appeared to be using intervals that pre-dated equal temperament, and non-classically trained fiddle players (having no frets) often still do that, though we have to make adjustments when playing with fixed-pitch instruments. To my ear, that means that I often have to play a bit sharp or flat on certain notes so that they fit with, in particular, the free-reeds.

You can get electronic tuners that will do just as well as equal temperament nowadays; unfortunately I don't remember who makes them. A friend (classically-trained fiddler escaped from the straitjacket) has one, and I'll try to remember to ask.