“The importance of this contribution cannot be overemphasized. The dialogue among all tuners has been enriched by Rick’s work in advancing our understanding of tuning methods and theory. This book by Rick Baldassin will surely emerge as an important milestone along the path of discovery.”

“Rick Baldassin’s On Pitch is a modern classic in the field of piano technology. It not only codifies the tests used in aural tuning, but it relates these tests and their underlying acoustic principles to the use of electronic devices. This book belongs in the library of every serious piano technician.”

“Rick Baldassin is one of the foremost authorities on the subject of aural and electronic tuning, as well as a much sought-after lecturer in piano technology in general. On Pitch is mandatory reading for fellow piano technicians.

“Rick has distilled a set of vital tuning information into a systematic, clear, and zero frills presentation that anyone can understand. His book On Pitch was groundbreaking; the DVD, with its audible examples, is a valuable companion resource because piano tuning is, in essence, all about listening. Every tuning student needs to watch this DVD, and any pro tuner with ambition, whether aural or ETD or hybrid, should know this stuff. A very impressive effort!” 

“Rick demystifies some of the greatest challenges in piano tuning: when to stretch your octaves, how much to stretch them, and what makes that stretch necessary. The combination of academic theory and practical application presented here makes this an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to tune at the most refined level.” 

“Rick has taken the difficult ‘gray area’ task of how and when to compromise octave types and made it very ‘black & white’ in this wonderfully done visual and aural aid! It couldn’t be any clearer!“ 

“Rick’s DVD is beneficial to everyone, whether you are new to aural tuning or have many years of experience. You can finally understand why octaves are stretched, or in some cases, narrowed. The filters are great listening aids, and the visuals and explanations are very helpful and clear.” 

Rick Baldassin has my hearty congratulations and endorsement for this incredible body of work. There have been few DVDs explaining and demonstrating tuning theory and principles; but Rick’s “filtering” has made this so decisively clear, that the novice tuner can pinpoint even the most difficult of partials, and the veteran tuner has a decisive set of teaching tools at their fingertips. This companion DVD, as part of the set, completes a triumph in our profession.  

On Pitch is the best, most concise, and most thorough explanation of the relationships of intervals and partial interactions in our field. These excellent DVDs have only expanded my own understanding and my personal gratitude for Rick’s superior efforts in this field. On Pitch is a resource that all tuners, aural and ETD, should own. As an examiner, instructor, and tuner with 40 years experience, I still find the time to re-read and watch the material that Rick has so carefully assembled and polished for our profession. Excellent. Highly recommended. 

Siendo un Hispano Técnico Certificado de Pianos, en nuestra lengua materna, el Español, no encontramos muchos libros ni videos instructivos. El libro y los videos de las serie On Pitch con un inglés muy facil de entender y gran calidad audiovisual, ya nuestra limitaciónes con el idioma no es un impedimento para nuestro aprendizaje. Gracias a este trabajo comprendí mucho mejor el proceso de afinación lo cual me permitío prepararme para alcanzar mi anhelada certificación de RPT. A nuestros colegas de habla hispana, les recomiendo estas magníficas obras educativas.

(English translation) As a Hispanic piano technician, it has been difficult to find instructional books or videos in Spanish. The On Pitch book and DVDs are written in English that is easy to understand and contain great visuals. As a result, language is not an impediment to learning. Thanks to this work, I gained a better understanding of the tuning process that allowed me to achieve my desired RPT status. I highly recommend this magnificent series to my Spanish-speaking colleagues.