The Temper Tool

Ear training for piano tuners

What it does

Audible beat rates on the coincident partials used in tuning pianos
Immediate, accurate detail on frequencies and beat rates
Simulated inharmonicity
Works with an optional MIDI keyboard^*

^*A browser that supports WebMIDI (a recent version of Edge or Chrome) is required to use a MIDI keyboard.

Tutorial videos

A few short videos demonstrating ways to use the Temper Tool to train your ear to beat rates. If a video won't play on your device, use the YouTube link beneath it.

A note before you start

This is just ear training — to help you learn the beat rates of intervals and their relationships. You still have to understand what to listen for, and then transfer it to a real piano with its sticky pins, wild strings, and everything else that comes with getting a note to actually stay put. That part is between you and an experienced technician. But I hope this little tool helps with your ear training. Happy tuning.

What it does

Tutorial videos

1. Introduction

2. Practice setting A4

3. Practice setting A3 from A4 as a 4:2 octave

4. Practice setting F3 from A3 (finding 7 bps)

5. Quick F3–F4 temperament and scoring

A note before you start