PianoMeter – Piano Tuner

PianoMeter is a piano tuning application designed for the Android platform, which transforms your device into a professional quality electronic tuning aid. This app is particularly useful for both amateur musicians and professional piano tuners seeking accurate tuning capabilities. Users can easily download PianoMeter to access its range of features that facilitate precise piano tuning.

This app is distinct from traditional chromatic tuning applications, which typically tune to a pre-established equal temperament. Instead, PianoMeter actively measures the tonal characteristics of each note on the piano. It automatically calculates the ideal "stretch" or offset from equal temperament, resulting in a custom tuning that balances intervals such as fifths, fourths, octaves, and twelfths. This process mirrors the techniques used by aural piano tuners when fine-tuning instruments.

PianoMeter offers a free version, which serves primarily as an evaluation tool. The free version restricts tuning functionality to notes between C3 and C5, which covers the mid-range of the piano. It includes automatic note detection, allowing users to identify which notes require tuning. Furthermore, users can measure each note's current tuning and compare it to the ideal tuning curve, thus assessing whether a piano is roughly in tune. The app also allows users to swipe in the graphing area to display a live frequency spectrum or the inharmonicity of measured notes.

For those seeking to enhance their experience, upgrading to the "Plus" version unlocks additional functionality. This version extends the tuning capabilities to the entire range of the piano. Users can also tune to frequency standards other than A=440, which can be beneficial for specific musical contexts or historical temperaments. The "Plus" version further offers the ability to calibrate the device to an external frequency source, enhancing accuracy.

The "Professional" version takes the app's capabilities even further by providing a comprehensive set of features designed for professional piano tuners. Users can save and load tuning files, eliminating the need to re-measure each time they tune a piano. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining consistent tuning over time. The app also includes a pitch raise mode, which calculates overpull for an initial rough tuning of pianos that are significantly flat.

Custom tuning styles are another significant feature in the Professional version, allowing users to create a custom tuning curve by adjusting interval weighting and stretch. This level of customization enables tuners to tailor the tuning process to specific preferences or requirements, making it a versatile tool for various musical styles and contexts. Furthermore, users who opt for the Professional version gain access to all future features and enhancements, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with the latest improvements.

PianoMeter requires specific permissions to function effectively. The app needs access to the microphone on your device to measure sound accurately, as well as permission to read and write files. These permissions are essential for the app to provide accurate tuning results and to store tuning data.

In terms of pricing, there are three levels of functionality available through in-app purchases. Users can upgrade from the free version to the Plus version for approximately $25, while upgrading from the free version to the Professional version costs around $300. For those who already have the Plus version, upgrading to Professional is available for approximately $275. This pricing structure allows users to choose the level of functionality that best suits their needs.

PianoMeter is a valuable tool for anyone involved in piano tuning, whether they are beginners or seasoned professionals. By offering a combination of automatic note detection, custom tuning capabilities, and the ability to save tuning files, the app provides a comprehensive solution for achieving precise piano tuning. The unique approach of measuring and calculating tonal characteristics sets PianoMeter apart from standard tuning apps, allowing users to achieve optimal results.

For musicians looking to maintain their piano's tuning or for professionals who require accurate tuning tools, downloading PianoMeter can be a beneficial investment. The app's design and features cater to a wide range of tuning needs, ensuring that both casual users and professional tuners can achieve the level of precision they desire. With its unique capabilities and user-friendly interface, PianoMeter stands out as a reliable choice for piano tuning on the Android platform.