Instrument Tuning

The tuning of the launeddas is a complex operation.

The quality of the reeds, the different conditions of temperature and humidity can have a relevant influence on the intonation.

The tuning of a reed is performed by regulating its frequency, that is to say its vibration speed. This can be done by varying the wax quantity placed in proximity to free extremity of the reed or by modifying its position.

Increasing the wax quantity or moving the existing one toward the free extremity involves a diminution of the vibration frequency and a consequent lowering of tonality. Removing a small wax quantity or moving it toward the fixed part of the reed, causes the opposite effect, that is to say a raising of the tone .