Difference between tuning and intonation

Responding in a non-rigorous way (experts will correct any inaccuracies) so we can understand each other. Tuning is an operation performed on the strings and serves to establish a "correct" vibrational frequency for the strings, which must also be in relation to one another.

Voicing, on the other hand, is a different operation that is done only after tuning, acting on the hammers in order to achieve a certain sound tone. By tone, we mean the "color" of the sound (sweet, harsh, dry sound... etc).

Ciao

I will only make a specification that is quite independent of the piano issue.

In a general sense, tuning is a technical procedure that changes from instrument to instrument and, as with the piano, often follows precise organological rules (tuning guitars, violins, harps, pianos, timpani are all different procedures).

In many of the instruments that can be tuned, intonation is something different. With the piano we probably have fewer differences, precisely because it is traditionally defined as a fixed-intonation instrument (meaning the PERFORMER'S intervention is minimal regarding intonation). But a violinist must intonate every single note while playing it, even if the instrument's strings are perfectly tuned. Simply because tuning and intonation are distant procedures for them.

Practically speaking, one talks about tuning if the pitch of the sound is changed.

To be clear, if a violin string is usually tuned to the note D and I change it to D#, we are talking about modifying the tuning and not the intonation. Right?

In the piano... Tuning means modifying the frequency of the notes produced by the strings to try to obtain certain ratios, which are correct when taking the tempered system as a reference. Increasing the tension increases the frequency, and vice versa it decreases.

Voicing does not concern the strings, it concerns the Hammers. They are punctured with a special tool at specific points to soften the felt. What is obtained with voicing is a change in timbre...

Marziano wrote:

Practically speaking, one is talking about tuning if the pitch of the sound is changed.

To be clear, if a violin string is usually tuned to the note D and I change it to D#, we are talking about modifying the tuning and not the intonation. Right?

in a general sense, tuning is done with the strings and, even more generally, by intervening on the instrument in a significant way. Before the performance. Intonation, on the other hand, is in a certain sense part of the performance itself, and is an adjustment made on a base...

Beyond the scientific discussions, which Simone has already argued in other interesting posts, I can illustrate the difference in a practical sense. Tuning, as we know, achieves the correct pitches of the sounds. The ratios between the sounds themselves and, above all, whether or not they coincide with the partials.

Intonation concerns the timbre of the hammers. It is achieved by pricking the hammers more or less deeply, starting from a low area of the flanks to reach very close to the apex. Each zone affects the intensity of the sound. One intervenes from forte up to pianissimo... not least, a light cushion for the pianissimo is created right at the apex of the hammer. It is a difficult and "rough" technique. In fact, one must proceed with great caution so as not to irreversibly ruin the structure of the hammers. (See my video Tutorial)