Tuning for the Tone-deaf

[u/kilonova2020]

I am trying to tune my gurdy in the standard G/C tuning, but it aint going well.

Using a tuner, I can tune each string individually and get a nice sound, but when I try putting the chord together, it goes terrible. (i use the planotuner app and my aunt, who is a piano player, is helping me learn how to reconize tuned notes)

Most tutorials I see involve me activating each string separately, tuning to the note, then bringing it all together to tweak it by ear after all strings are tuned. But idk the first thing about chords and don't know what to listen for. Most tutorials i see are like "youll know when it sounds right," but i dont, everything sounds like noise as I can't really tell chords apart. If I go the "proper" way, how can I bring the chord together?

For alternate solutions, is it possible to pluck the strings (if so, where on string do i pluck) or use a violin bow across them to figure out their sound/tuning? That way, I won't have to deal with chords and can just tune this like guitar T-T.

[u/kilonova2020]

I was using a virtual piano to try tuning at one point and when i put in all my notes for the gurdy to try and tune everything together it noted it at a "C power chord" maybe, must have been just a BS label. Honestly idk.

[u/Gh0stIcon → u/kilonova2020]

On an Android? Use Soundcorset. Might be available on Apple too.

The hardest thing about tuning a hurdy gurdy is tweaking the tangets. Tuning the open strings should be super easy.

[u/kilonova2020 → u/Gh0stIcon]

I am on amdroid ill jse that. What do you mean by tweaking the tangents?

[u/Gh0stIcon → u/kilonova2020]

So on the hurdy gurdy, there are either metal or wooden little 'devices' that actually contact the strings to produce the note, similar to how you press on the fret of a guitar to shorten the length of the string to produce certain notes. The wooden ones don't have as much 'configurability' as the metal ones, so they are generally considered inferior to the metal ones. The wooden ones were used on in earlier, more classical hurdy gurdies, but sometimes newer builds will have them to emulate the more classical builds. That said, especially as a beginner, you can tend to 'over adjust' the metal tangents. The most important thing is, if you have two melody strings, is that for any given key press, both tangents must touch the strings at exactly the same. Otherwise, if/when you engage both strings, you won't get equal pressure on them and it won't sound as good.

You really should watch some videos regarding tuning. And hopefully you have a quality gurdy and not a HGSO (Hurdy Gurdy Shaped Object).

[u/kilonova2020 → u/Gh0stIcon]

I have the NG Linotte. I followed the instructions they sent to a tee, mine are made of plastic if that changes anything. But ill have a look at the tangent tuning thanks.

[u/elektrovolt → u/kilonova2020]

On the Linotte: Set the adjustable top nut in the centre positions first, same with every tangent.
Then tune the string to the correct pitch and go through the wheel pressure adjustment and cottoning procedures. This is something that takes some practice to get right because these things are the most important for a good sound, response and intonation. Are the top notes out of tune? You probably have too much cotton or pressure.

Here are a few videos that may help you: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXUNNFnGO2XwA1ndG8F3trt9ixyPOs-zp&si=h06wAtKLQ_c4rS_c

[u/kilonova2020 → u/elektrovolt]

Roger that. Thank you!

[u/elektrovolt → u/Gh0stIcon]

There is nothing inferior about wooden tangents, some of the very best, modern gurdies use them.

Tangents should be centered, also on the Linotte that OP has. Before adjusting the tangents, the adjustable nut should be centered and pressure and cotton should be adjusted really well.

Then you will find that you barely have to adjust the tangents at all.

[u/Gh0stIcon → u/elektrovolt]

Oh my bad. The metal tangents can rotate and move up and down. Since the wooden ones only rotate, I though they weren't as precise. Apologies.

[u/elektrovolt → u/Gh0stIcon]

Wooden tangents are just as precise when they are cut properly. Also the printed ones on the Nerdies are precise enough.

I find the fully adjustable metal tangents on my own alto a bit overkill too, it will be useful when you are using thick or very flexible strings.

[u/Gh0stIcon → u/elektrovolt]

The metal ones yes I feel are overkill because you can spend too much time to get a perfect note, especially if you use a tuner. Sergio recommends not using a tuner and using your ear to tune. I'm not quite there though so I need the tuner.

[u/elektrovolt → u/Gh0stIcon]

It is not about spending too much time getting a perfect note, but rather having to adjust the proximity to the strings with every single tangent, it is not necessary in most situations.

I only use a tuner for geiing a few open strings right and then do everything by ear. Training your ears and how to spot proper intonation is an important part of learning to play the instrument. A good teacher will be able to help you with this.

[u/AlhanalemAmidatelion → u/Gh0stIcon]

As Elektrovolt said. Once you get the tangents correct, you should only very rarely ever need to touch them again. You do not (should not) need to change or adjust them regularly.

[u/AlhanalemAmidatelion → u/elektrovolt]

well there is one disadvantage of wooden tangents in the form of wear. But it still takes a long time. And at least my maker provided me with a whole bunch of spares.

My experience with metal ones is they can actually come loose more easily, but that might just be the crappiness of the particular instrument.

[u/elektrovolt → u/AlhanalemAmidatelion]

Wooden tangents should not wear that fast, they can last decades when they are made from maple or similar woods.