Peterson VS-R StroboRack - Manual (Page 29)

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Tuning Violin, Viola or Cello
The StroboRack
TM contains the first and only preset pure fifths for violin, viola and cello. Tune using the bow, as plucking the strings does not allow for string
deflection due to the weight of the bow.
For quick tuning in adverse conditions, plug a Peterson TP pickup into the StroboRack and attach the pickup to the instrument to be tuned.
Tuning “Early Music” instruments
The StroboRack’s long list of classical temperaments can be put to good use for instruments such as harpsichord, lute, and viola da gamba. Remember to change
the concert pitch to suit the relevant instrument or period of music. Common Early Music concert pitch is A=415Hz, but 392Hz and 430Hz are also widely used. The
StroboRack’s concert pitch reference is adjustable in 0.5Hz increments from 390Hz all the way to 490Hz. The Meantones (1/4 & 1/6) are widely used for these
instruments.
Tuning Brass & Woodwind Instruments
Use the StroboRack’s built-in microphone to pick up the instrument’s sound. In noisy environments, attach the TP tuning pickup to your instrument’s lead pipe or bell
and plug the other end into the tuner. Try a few locations on the instrument to get the best results.
Tuning Bagpipes
For Great Highland Bagpipes, set the base note & root to A, change the Concert A reference to 476Hz (or whatever the Pipe Major’s standard is) and select the Just
Major preset (JMA). Attach the Peterson TP pickup to the drones and then to the chanter to tune.
For Uilleann, Border, Welsh & Biniou Pipes, set the base note to A, the root to D, change the Concert A reference to 440Hz and select the Just Major preset. Attach
the TP tuning pickup first to the drones and then to the chanter to tune.
Tuning acoustic instruments in general
Unamplified acoustic instruments can be tuned using the StroboRack’s built-in mic or alternately the Peterson TP clip-on tuning pickup, which senses the
instrument’s vibration.
An external microphone with a ¼” plug can also be used.
Instruments tuned to an unknown or fixed Concert A setting.
Play a note on the instrument that is central relative to the complete range of notes playable. While the note is sounding, adjust the StroboRack’s Concert A Hz value
until the Strobe image stops moving.
The StroboRack is now correctly calibrated to the instrument in question and can be used to tune other instruments so that they are also in tune with this instrument.