Iphone vs iPad for optimal tuning

J.C.

First, my sincere congrats to Frank for such a great app! I have been using pianoscope in my tunings since January ’25 and the feedback I receive from my customers after finishing the tuning sessions have been extremely positive.

Since I have pianoscope installed in my iPhone 15 and iPadPro 12.9, my question is whether there is any advantage of using the iPhone or the iPad for the best result. My assumption is that the iPadPro may have better microphone than the iPhone. But if this is not correct, please let me know. Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions.

Best,
J.C.
Piano Technician (Wash DC Metro Area)

Frank Illenberger

J.C. Thank you for the feedback. I am glad your customers like the tunings you create with pianoscope.

The mics in both devices you mention are good enough to achieve high quality tunings. So you are free to choose between a very small or a large screen and battery..

IanM

I favour the iPhone over the iPad for practical reasons, as it can be placed nearer to the string being tuned. This is especially advantageous in the high treble at times.

J.C.

Thank you both for your responses!

While I agree that the iPhone is more practical for its placement near the strings, I like the large screen to see the graphical feedback while I’m careful to move/place the iPad close to the strings being adjusted.

MilanDka

J.C. look at this: https://forum.pianoscope.app/d/38-where-to-put-the-apple-device/12
Its my holder.

KrisKlein

I have thought about that question for a long time. I also ended up using the iPhone because of placement choices. But I sure do agree with you about the iPad screen, and being able to see everything so clearly, especially since I have hit my 60’s.

What finally sold me was Bill Busby’s recommendation of having the mic over the treble bridge for better readings when using the ETD in the treble sections. The iPhone stand that I use allows the phone to hover right above the bridges, a few notes up from where I am tuning.

J.C.

KrisKlein Thank you for your comments. If possible, can you please share the iPhone stand model that you are using? or a pic of it?

KrisKlein

Correction: Jim Busby, sorry Jim! Not Bill Busby.

KrisKlein

J.C.

Here are some photos for the iPhone stand.

KrisKlein

The stand is made by Reyburn Tools: https://www.reyburntools.com/products/cyberstand

It is rather expensive as stands go, but, it has worked in every situation, whether placing it on the tuning pin in a grand or upright, or standing it over the treble bridge on a grand. I have recently purchased the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and it does fit that phone with the Apple case installed.

There are extra parts included with the stand, such as an extra spring, and I even think you can change the sliding post size. They use piano lifesaver style clips that are curved, so when the phone is in the mount, the clips do not press up against the volume or other buttons on the side of the phone.

I have tried many other stand through Amazon, and they were nice, but they tended to be heavy didn’t have the tuning pin extension etc. You can use the phone in portrait or landscape mode. I have gotten used to using it in portrait mode, it not only allows me to see the tuner better but then I can really direct the microphone right at the note I want or over the note on the bridge.

I can't seem to get my photos to upload, but Reyburn's website has a few.

KrisKlein

Hi Frank,

How do we post photos? I keep getting this:
![/Users/krisklein/Desktop/IMG_1936.jpeg](https://)

Thanks!
Kris

Frank Illenberger

KrisKlein I've activated image uploading now for all members. But please be sensible with this function as webspace is limited.

KrisKlein

Thank you Frank! I will remove the photos in a few days :-)

KrisKlein

J.C.

KrisKlein Thank you so much for posting the photos. It looks great!

KrisKlein

👍