Best device for ETD Piano tuning: iPhone, iPad, or Tablet?

Kevin Busse Aug 30, 2024
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Tuning with an iPad

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. 

When tuning a piano with an electronic tuning aid, is it better to use an iPhone, iPad, or tablet?

While I've tuned 1,000's of pianos with electronic tuning devices, my thought is that most professional piano tuners would rather use a tablet or iPad given the various benefits derived.

Let's compare the pros and cons of the modern ETD size, and see what a piano technician would use to professionally tune pianos.

Tuning a Piano with phone

When tuning with an Electronic Tuning Device (ETD) I normally use my iPhone where I keep my piano tuning software.

It's most convenient for me to use my phone because I don't have to store it and never have to worry about its charge. I've become accustomed to it so I don't feel like I want or need to get a different device. 

Since the screen is smaller I set my ETD to display waves that look like shadows, which flow to the right if the pitch is sharp and to the left if the pitch is flat.

Instead of vertical (or portrait), I prefer that the screen is horizontal so that it's easier to see. I can "get by" without anything larger.

What are the pros and cons using an iPhone for ETD use?

Pros:

  • Convenience

  • Less likely to forget about charging

  • No need to purchase an additional device

  • Easy to position on the tuning pins

Cons:

  • Smaller Screen

  • Frequent repositioning

  • Looks less professional

  • No redundancy of devices

iPad screen for an Electronic Tuning Device

Tuning your Piano with an iPad

I think that most of the good ETD tuners want a larger screen so that it's easier to see. 

*Though unrelated, customers who have player piano systems often prefer a separate iPad or tablet to be a designated device to control their player piano.

A larger screen magnifies the effect that a screen imposes on your senses. This may instill a stronger sense of accuracy for those who'd like to work on their precision.

A large screen also makes it easier to view the device from a distance. This may reduce the number of times needed to reposition the device as you tune.

In the end, it's a more relaxing experience to use a large screen.

Here, my colleague Kevin Klemm uses an ETD on an Amazon "Fire Tablet." In fact, he recommends new tuners use this device and download the free version of Tunelab.

He talks about his experience in this article: The Best Professional Piano Tuning Kit Tools for a New Tuner

Amazon Fire Tablet Kevin Klemm Professional Piano Tuning

Notice how the Fire Tablet rests comfortably atop the pinblock of the upright console piano.

For Kevin, it's simply the "way to go" when beginning piano tuning. He says that he can't recommend it highly enough for beginners.

The screen may only need to be adjusted a few times throughout the entirety of the tuning.

Amazon Fire Tablet for Piano Tuning

What are the pros and cons using an Tablet or iPad for ETD use?

Pros:

  • Larger screen

  • Longer battery life

  • Greater sensory input

  • Redundancy of devices

Cons:

  • Easier to forget about charge level

  • Easier to forget device to an appointment

Honestly, I think most people prefer a larger screen. The only reason why I continue to use my iPhone is for convenience.

Both devices are equally as accurate and the tuning quality is exactly the same.

Good luck! I wish you the best in your piano technician journey!

Attn. New Piano Tuners! Educational Resources/Opportunities

  1. How to Become an RPT in Less than a year

  2. FREE PTG Convention Admissions: Scholarship Application

  3. Expensive Cybertuner App: Getting Started with iRCT Tuning

  4. 2 Powerful and Easy Services to Make A Website as a Tuner

  5. Piano Tech Eric Johnson Teaches “Practical European Voicing”

  6. How to Repair Keytops with Acrylikey in 10 Steps

  7. How to Make the Best String Jig for Piano Tuning

  8. How to Clean and Whiten Piano Keytops: From Gentle to Abrasive

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.