Observations on modified tunings in fixed pitch instruments as indications of psychological adjustments to temperament
George W. Mulder · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1977
The relative temperament of three different scales was used in tuning fixed pitch instruments. The listener perceiving the temperament within the framework of certain scales accepted the tuning as normal. However, in other scales the listener rejected the tunings. The learned psychological responses of the listener were deemed to be accomodated to the scales within which the interval relationships were presented. The micro-tonal distinctions in the work of composers thereby becomes better understood and the tapestry of differentiated colors is greatly enhanced.