Port Tuning Variations

There have been some interesting tuning variations in this batch of bottom shells. Previously, the ports arrived nearly perfectly in tune with unison D6’s, making my job very easy. Some of the shells in this batch arrive with unison C#6’s. While it is sometimes possible to bring them up to a D6, going flatter is a much easier option.

For scales with a C# (Arrezo and Ysha) it will stay C#6’s, embracing the tension of the natural 7th of the scale. For another scale, it will either be unison C6’s or if it allows it, unison D6s.

This is a great example of something that makers don’t have control over. My instinct is that the variation is due to slight thickness differences in the material—even a .05mm can make a big difference.

While I have the ability as a tuner to bring the ports lower and tune a full triad related to the scale, I have found that it is to the detriment of the instrument as a whole. The amount of material in the Xenith’s port causes a VERY strong fundamental frequency that tends to drain the energy out of its corresponding frequencies in the top shell.

Beyond that, I’m loving the aesthetics, below is a recent bottom shell just oiled up.