Friday, September 10, 2010

A-432 Search Leads to the Crystal Beach String Band

Jim Rhodes, the reluctant leader of the Crystal Beach String Band, told us how he got an order for our new CD in the mail. Apparently, our new fn found us through searching on the term A-432.

I don't believe there is anything on the band's web site about A-432. (I just looked.) The fan found the site address from another site, presumably. I make no assumption it was this one, though it may have been. (I've written about the band and linked from the post to the band web site.

From the activity of our new fan, I am leaping to a conclusion that A-432 is a stronger idea than many people think.

Those who are pursuing information and sounds in this tuning will go an extra mile or so to get what they want.

I also believe the band should put up at least a page about our tuning and why we use it. All in favor say Aye--(in 432!). 

Monday, September 06, 2010

Knilling Perfection Pegs to the Rescue

I may not have written much about the Bradivarius pick up I'm using on my fiddle. I am an advocate. It has given me a good reliable sound every time in every place I play.

The thing is, I'm no longer using one violin for A-432 and another for A-440. I had to retune my gig violin repeatedly.

Before this, I was using a Yamaha Sax microphone. I could switch it from one violin to another easily. But, it was a finicky device. Outside the gain sweet spot, it was too quiet, or howled with feed back.

To solve the tuning problem I got Knilling Perfection Pegs. Note: the web site is Flash driven.

They have worked out very well. I can easily tune up to 440 or down to 432 when I wish. It takes only seconds and is effortless.

I got my pegs on eBay for about $70. Then, I had a local luthier put them in my fiddle for another $35. Truly, one of the better investments I've made in my fiddle.