Posted by Harry Critchley on July 11, 1999 at 08:37:31:
In Reply to: A = ? posted by Winton on July 11, 1999 at 02:13:54:
The answer is mainly "Europe" and their musicians' preference for playing slightly sharp in orchestra. Even up to 450 in some cases. This has its effect on the instruments they produce, which frequently require adjustment to play In America. Many of the German tubas require significant slide pulls to bring the horn "down" to A=440. Having tried a Conn tuba with a German orchestra, I was finally forced to have several slides cut to keep up with the tuning. I might also add that I suspect that the string players are behind this phenomenon, since after tuning, they all seem to get sharp within minutes of beginning to play...and even sharper as the rehearsal continues. I think they are trying to drive the brass players out into the street. Harry C.