Tuning by Beats
Comparing beats allows our ears to make astonishingly accurate relative frequency measurements. Without intermediate steps involving calculations of inharmonicities and theoretical frequencies, they always utilize the actual frequencies of the most audible common partials of two piano notes.

- This always accounts for the inaccuracies of the respective instrument.

- This always considers the partials that are also most noticeable to the musicians' perception.

- This yields objective, repeatable, and emotion-independent results as a basis for aesthetic evaluations.

- This is nevertheless a quasi-musical approach, as it closely resembles the intuitive frequency matching used in singing together or playing melodic instruments and involves frequencies that are important for conveying emotions.


``` From practice to theory – and back again

Using the various beat frequencies and comparisons that are useful during piano tuning, this presentation will demonstrate:
- the characteristics by which beat frequencies can be recognized
- why they have these characteristics
- what can help to distinguish them from the overall sound
The entire process will be illustrated directly at the piano by amplifying the beat frequencies and, where necessary, by diagrams.

Those interested can obtain materials online in advance:

https://c.gmx.net/@334604576034391027/f4piSrDylu6GDp5aC0ot7Q

Part 1 of the presentation: Setting the temperament and middle register
Part 2 of the presentation: Bass and treble

Biography:
Hanns Pommerien, born in 1969, grew up on a farm in the Lüneburg Heath – surrounded by music and practical work. He came into contact with various instruments at an early age; Violin, piano, and voice have been his constant companions ever since.

He completed his apprenticeship as a piano maker at the Schimmel piano factory in Braunschweig. He then worked at the Meyer piano store in Hanover and at Piano Fischer in Stuttgart, where he was a service and concert technician. During this time, he also sang in the Gaechinger Kantorey and other professional choirs.

In 2007, he moved to the C. Bechstein piano factory in Berlin, where he worked as a concert technician. Since 2010, he has lived with his family in Marburg, where he works independently as a piano maker and concert technician. His work combines meticulous craftsmanship, musical experience, and years of expertise in tuning pianos by ear.


In 2007, he joined the C. Bechstein piano factory in Berlin, where he worked as a concert technician.