[Harp-L] spiral tuning

["Mox GOWLAND" <mox.g@xxxxxxxxx>]

Robert Hale, "the Duke Of Wail"
asked
>would spiral tuning be best served with equal temperament? or compromised thirds? <   

Winslow wisley warned of the possable dangers of compromised thirds.

The questions I would ask are :

1) With whom ? ( other instruments ? )


2) Choice of scale ?


3) Repertoire?


Assuming a diatonic* instument :
*(no Piston)

1) 
If played alone then 7 Limit Just Intonation could be considered.

Playing with other traditionel diatonic instruments, 
(certain button accordions, uillian pipes bombards etc. ) 
+/-  19 Limit  or compromised.

Most 'modern' instruments require equal temperament.

2)
(The choice of scale relies heavily on Q.3)

I have so-far experimented with 4 

D Dorian thats D, E, F, G, A, B , C, D etc
Mainly using this spiral to play in 
D minor,
G Mixolydian
C Major
I originaly tuned  E.T. but now prefer compromised.

D Mixolydian - D, E, F#, G, A, B , C, D etc
Keys used
D Mixolydian
E minor
G Major
A similer decision for  this spiral - compromised

D Ionian - D, E, F#, G, A, B , C#, D etc
Played in D Major E.T. rarely using chords

C diminished C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, A, B , C, D etc
All keys.
On this instrument, using a single bend in each hole, 
the "missing notes" can all be played,
every note can be used as the tonic, 
therefore, E.T. was my only choice.

3)
The first three spiral tunings
are more than suitable for most of the Celtic tunes, 
plus Cape Breton, Brittany & Central France.
A lot of Blugrass works well 
the only disadvantege being the lack of simaltanious octaves.

The 4th tuning (Diminished) leans more towards jazz,
lending itself quite redily to most Thelonious Monk melodies,
plus tunes such as Girl from Ipenima, Misty, Lullaby of Birdland et al
are a piece of cake!
I can even play the bridge on One Note Samba!
(No solo's yet)
But I digress

Think carefully before you take the jump

Mox


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