nd what has
to be done, go about it systematically, and have plenty of patience.

In this lesson we give you our system of setting the temperament; that
is, the succession in which the different tones of the temperament are
tuned. We advise, however, that you do not attempt to set a
temperament until after studying Lesson IX, which enters into the
theory of temperament, testing, etc.

Two octaves are used for the temperament: an octave above, and an
octave below middle C. Middle C can be told by its being, the C
nearest the name of the piano on the name board. In other words, it
is the fifth C from the highest C, and the fourth from the lowest in
the modern piano, which has seven and a third octaves.

The diagram illustrates the two octaves of the key-board, and shows
how each key is designated in giving the system of temperament.

~Pitch.~--The Piano Manufacturers' Association has established what is
known as "international pitch." Tuning-forks made to this pitch are
marked "C-517.3," meaning that our 3C vibrates 517.3 per second.
Concert pitch is nearly a half step higher than this. Some
manufacturers still tune their instruments to this higher pitch.

If it is desired to tune a piano to a certain pitch, say concert
pitch, tune the C that is an octave above middle C by a concert pitch
tuning-fork or pipe. If, however, the piano is too much below that, it
is not safe to bring it up to it at one tuning. But, say it will
permit tuning to concert pitch; after this C (3C) is well laid, tune
middle C (2C) by it, then tune the C octave below middle C (1C) to
middle C. Having 1C for a starting point, proceed by tuning a fifth
up, then its octave, then a fifth, then an octave, always tuning the
octave whichever way is necessary to keep within the two octaves.

The simplicity of this system can be readily seen; yet for the use of
beginners, we give on the following page the whole succession of
intervals as they are taken in setting the temperament.

DIAGRAM OF THE TWO OCTAVES USED IN "TEMPERAMENT," AND OF THE
SUCCESSION IN WHICH THEY ARE TUNED.

C[#] D[#] F[#] G[#] A[#] C[#] D[#] F[#] G[#] A[#]
C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C
*
1C, 1D, 1E, etc. 2C, 2D, 2E, etc. 3C
------------------------------- --------------------------------

Middle C begins second octave; known by the asterisk (*) under it.

~THE FISCH