Linotune    

A German computer programmer, handpan enthusiast, and longtime community member named Lino saw a need for a tuning program and took it upon himself to create one. Within two weeks (!!!!), he had proof of concept and only three months after that he had a working program. I am of the opinion that this program represents a quantum leap in regards to tuning related software, especially when working with tuned steel. 

    I was highly aware of its power before I became a tuner, but it wasn't until I picked up a hammer that it began to reveal its true potential. While learning to tune, I quickly realized that Linotune could be more than a tuner, it could be a teacher. It would give me immediate feedback after each hammer stroke showing me EXACTLY what happened to each partial. It educated both my hands and my ears and helped bridge the gap between the two. 

    I have been accused of being a 'new-gen' tuner as I don't pay too much attention to the strobes and their directional movement as I tend to watch the +/- cents. I turn my strobe movement to ÷5 so I am not distracted by the rapid movement. As a 'new-gen' tuner this means the Linotune Laser projection system doesn't work for me as it projects the strobe action. If you aren't a 'new-gen' tuner, I highly recommend the laser so you can rid yourself of tuner's neck!

—Update as of 2021—    

I spent 2018 working with all kinds of strobe tuners: Peterson 5000, Node7050, a custom Conn ST-11, and even a Conn ST-8 (serial number 0238). All of these I either repaired or hacked, making them even better machines and more adapted to my needs as a handpan tuner. I can conclusively say that Linotune is lightyears ahead of any of these tuners.

Also in 2018, I received my Linotune laser. I used it for 6 months and it without a doubt made me a better tuner. I became faster and more efficient. I do feel like at that point I graduated from the laser as it drastically increased my ability to tune by ear until the last 5%.

My Settings

My main window features the partials 1: 2: 8/3: 3 or fundamental:octave: compound 4th: compound 5th. I keep the 4th in there as a checkpoint for when I am rough tuning and for when I am working on instruments that have a 3rd partial other than a 5th. If they do I will change that band to whatever the 3rd partial is. 

    I use the slave function for my second window. It is set to start a triple octave above the primary window's fundamental and shows a 2nd, min3rd, maj3rd, 4th, and 5th above that. This allows me to keep an eye on any extraneous partials or 'shoulder tones." 

    I also use the slave window to tune ports as their relationship tends to fall within a 5th of their fundamental.