Tuning Standard / 432
Shrutiboxes and harmoniums are tuned to a fixed reference pitch. The common options are either standard pitch or 432 hertz. When buying a harmonium or shrutibox, you have to choose one of these two options, as these instruments cannot be easily retuned back and forth.
The international standard pitch a' (A4) = 440 hertz is a global standard. It was established in 1939 by the International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations. It is a pragmatic compromise that facilitates global collaboration among musicians and instrument makers.
Tuning to a' (A4) at 432 hertz is slightly lower than standard tuning. It is said to have a relaxing and healing effect. There are various theories to explain this effect. The 432 hertz tuning is particularly popular in certain spiritual and esoteric circles.
Instruments tuned to standard pitch and those tuned to 432 hertz are NOT compatible for playing together. When making your decision, consider which other instruments you want to play music with. String instruments and drums can usually be easily retuned to match your instrument — but other shrutiboxes, harmoniums, pianos, wind instruments, handpans, and many others can not.
With a harmonium or shrutibox in standard tuning, you have more flexibility, as most instruments worldwide use this standard or can be adapted to it. With an instrument tuned to 432 hertz, your options for ensemble playing are rather limited.
Not happy with the reference pitch of your harmonium or shrutibox anymore? In principle, harmoniums and shrutiboxes can be retuned from standard to 432 hertz or vice versa. The cost depends on the number, type, and condition of the installed reeds. Just contact us if you are interested.
People have been making music since the earliest times — without any idea of the exact frequency in hertz of it. They were moved and delighted by the timbre of voices and instruments, by rhythms, melodies and harmonies, their connection with words, their unfolding in space and time, the resonance of body and soul, the sense of freedom and transcendence. To believe that 432 hertz is the one and only true healing and blissful fundamental frequency of everything may be too narrow a view and may overlook the infinite complexity of music. But if your well-being is increased by sounds in 432 hertz, then enjoy it!