CenterPitch is the first tuner specifically designed for brass, woodwind and bowed string instruments. CenterPitch ‘feels’ the vibrations of the instrument, rather than ‘hearing’ the sound. It responds only to the instrument it is attached to. You can use it to tune up in a loud room, and can keep it on your instrument to do a quick pitch check ‘on the fly’ while playing in a band or orchestra. You receive instant and constant feedback about your intonation, in context. This is far more informative and useful than simply playing a couple of tuning notes before the concert.
CenterPitch is not only for students. Experienced players, even ‘former-anti-tuner guys’ (F.A.T. guys), are surprised how much they discover about their own sense of pitch and about the intonation tendencies of their instruments. Being able to keep an ‘eye’ on the pitch is particularly helpful in situations where you can’t hear yourself well, or are faced with frequent mute or horn changes.
For band or orchestra directors, CenterPitch is a revelation. No more standing in front of each player with a tuner! With CenterPitch on each instrument (or even just key players) a consensus of pitch will emerge. Students’ faces light up when they hear their note ‘drop into the slot’. The impact is immediate and dramatic. Once they experience playing in tune, they will be encouraged to strive for it.
CenterPitch weighs only two ounces and clamps on the instrument with a soft rubber pads. A dual ball and socket allows you to position it in your field of vision without compromising posture or dealing with the inconvenience of wires or microphones. The note name is clearly displayed and transposable to concert, Bb, Eb or F. The response is quick and accurate over a range of seven octaves. Six large arrows guide you to the center of the pitch. A chart provided in Tuning Tactics, shows the pure tuned display for each interval. For example: a major third should be played a little lower. By looking for the suggested display, you can get beyond the bias of equal temperament and teach your ear to hear the pure tuned position for the note.
Batteries: CenterPitch operates on two 2032 coin cell batteries (included). A diligent auto-shutoff helps to conserve power. In fact, maximum battery life is achieved by never turning CenterPitch off; let the auto shutoff do its job. This is counter-intuitive, but it works. If you do this, the batteries should last more than a year in normal use. (We recommend replacing them once a year to keep CenterPitch operating at peak efficiency.)
CenterPitch + Tuning Tactics
CenterPitch and Tuning Tactics are a powerful combination for improving intonation, and are designed to work together. Check the order form for special package pricing. Quantity discounts are also available.