How do i tune?
The complete guide of tuning a True Temperament guitar
To tune a TT-guitar is not complicated at all. But there are some important things you need to have clear. For instance tuning the open strings – except for the A string – to an ordinary chromatic tuner will not work with a True Temperament guitar, as the open strings are not tuned in equal tempered intervals.
The Thidell Formula One temperament is built around fret positions and tuning offsets. Each set of Curved Frets™ is designed to specifications derived from our exacting Dynamic Intonation™ fret position process.
NOTE! All tuning offsets starts from zero cent in the “equal” temperament.
True Temperament chromatic tuning offsets:
E= -2 • F= 0 • F#= -4 • G= +4 • G#= -4 • A= 0 • Bb= -4 • B= -1 • C= +2 • C#=-4 • D= +2 • Eb= -4.
True Temperament open string tuning offsets:
6-string
1st E4= -1 • 2nd B3= -1 • 3rd G3= +4 • 4th D3= +2 • 5th A2= 0 • 6th E2 =-2
7-string
1st E4= -1 • 2nd B3= -1• 3rd G3= +4 • 4th D3= +2 • 5th A2 = 0 • 6th E2= -2 • 7th B1= -4
8-string
1st E4= -1 • 2nd B3= -1 • 3rd G3= +4 • 4th D3= +2 • 5th A2 = 0 • 6th E2= -2 • 7th B1= -4 • 8th F#1= -8
How to set up intonation on TT-guitar
Start with setting the exact scale length by adjusting the distance between all bridge saddles and the nut at 648 mm (25,5″), if you have Fender, Ibanez, Schecter etc. Do the same procedure if you tune a guitar with Gibson scale: 628 mm (24,75″). Below you can see the tuning method that suits you the best.
Why can´t I use a standard guitar tuner?
Tuning the open strings – except for the A string – to an ordinary chromatic tuner will not work with a True Temperament guitar, as the open strings are not tuned in equal tempered intervals.
Non programmable tuners can be used to a certain point. For instance like this:
Tune A on all strings: 5th fret on the low E-string. A on the open 5th string and the 12th fret. 7th fret on the D-string. 2nd fret and 14th fret on the G-string. 10th fret on the B-string. 5th fret on the high E-string.
If all octaves sounds the same, your instrument is well intonated.
Which tuners for a True Temperament guitar do you recommend?
StroboPro – on line Strobe Tuner. FREE!
StroboPro is a free web based strobe tuner that includes the True Temperament tunings. Works on line on your computer, on smart phone and Ipad, both in iOS and Android.
The TT-tuning is available for 6-, 7- and 8-string True Temperament guitars. Works both as open string and chromatic mode (for intonation). Highly recommended!
Link to StroboPro on line Strobe Tuner:
www.strobopro.se
How to navigate StroboPRO to the True Temperament mode:
• Go to the meny at the top of the page, to the left.
• Tap on ”Choose instrument”
• Tap on ”Guitar”.
• Tap on ”Instrument type”
• Choose 6-, 7- or 8-string
• Choose tuning
• Tap on ”True Temperament Open string”
• Tap on ”Apply” below.
• Tap ”Start”.
Start tuning your True Temperament Guitar!
For use on stage, in the studio, and live playing in general, we recommend the programmable strobe tuner Sonic Research Turbo Tuner ST-300 stomp box. It comes with True Temperament as a preset. High precision +-0,02 cent. Works both as in open string and chromatic mode (for intonation).
PST – Precision Strobe Tuner app, made in USA by James Campbell, includes the True Temperament tuning. This superb strobe tuner for iOS: iPhone and iPad, is available in the App store, at a low cost. We strongly recommend all iOS TT-players to download this very accurate guitar tuner!
How to navigate PST to the True Temperament mode:
Tap [Settings] and use [Next>] to navigate to the Note Tracking Mode page.
Tap [Guitar] and use [Next>] to navigate to User Bank 1.
Tap [>] to navigate to Fixed Bank 5 and the True Temperament mode.
Tap the [Enable Button] and then tap the [Done Button].
Ready to tune your TT guitar!
The TT page stays in the display, when you open the PST app next time.
More info: www.precisionstrobe.com
How do I adjust my guitar’s intonation after installing a TT-neck?
After setting the exact scale length by adjusting the distance between all bridge saddles and the nut at 648 mm (25,5″), if you have Fender, Ibanez, Schecter etc. Do the same procedure if you tune a guitar with Gibson scale: 628 mm (24,75″).
You do it In exactly the same way you would intonate with a standard neck – by matching the Thidell Formula 1 open string notes to the octave (12th fret) notes.
Can I tune down?
Of course you can! A TT-equipped neck intonates superior to any straight fretted neck. You can tune down within sensible limits. The limitation on how low you can go before the intonation craps out depends on the string gauge. Thinner ones can become too floppy and difficult to intonate when tuned down.
What happens when True Temperament guitars are used with other guitars, bass, piano etc?
It works just fine together with “ordinary” instruments. The offsets from Equal Temper are not so severe that they create any dissonance whatsoever.
True Temperament offsets info
Offsets (in cents) for programmable tuners for the open strings are as follows:
E | A | D | G | B | E |
-2 | 0 | +2 | +4 | -1 | -1 |
If you are tuning by ear, you should always take an A note as reference when tuning to another instrument. Tip: the 5th fret harmonic on the A string, and the 5th fret note on the high E string, should both be A=440Hz. (Or A=442Hz, etc, if that is what your band uses.)
Cromatic offsets in cents from equal temperament as follows:
E -2, F 0, F” -4, G +4, G” -4, A 0, Bb -4, B -1, C +2, C”-4, D +2, Eb -4.