As an Registered Piano Technician (RPT) I was required to learn how
to tune aurally in order to pass the tuning portion of the exams, but
almost immediately after passing I switched to an ETD (Electronic
Tuning Device).  I have tuned thousands of pianos this way, including
concerts for some of the biggest names in music, and have _never_
gotten a single complaint.

The latest ETDs are remarkably accurate.  Personally I use the Reyburn
CyberTuner (http://www.reyburn.com/index2.html) which is actually
a computer program, not a physical machine.  It can be loaded into
a small Netbook and you have everything you need for any situation.
This includes the ability to modify or create custom tunings for
particular pianos.

In addition, you can switch to alternative temperaments, adjust the
pitch standard from A-440, and even create a visual graph showing the
pianos scaling problems.  There is also a remarkably accurate pitch
raise function that can bring a flat piano extremely close to being in
tune in a single pass.  All tunings can be saved as a file for next
time making the process even faster.

It is also a lifesaver when trying to tune in a noisy environment such
as in a restaurant or on a stage with a crew working.  In short, using
an ETD is quick, easy, accurate, and you would have to search long and
hard to find someone who would complain about it.

Speaking with my colleagues, I have learned that those who do complain
typically do so because they observed that the tech was using it and
came to an artificial conclusion that it wouldn't be right.  Had they
not seen it they probably would have loved it.  Do keep in mind, however,
that an ETD cannot actually "tune" the piano -- it can only show you
where it should be.  It still requires learned and experienced skill in
order to reliably feel and set the tuning pins, which is a lot more
involved then a do-it-yourself weekend warrior.

Without regard of anything electronic it still typically takes most
beginners hundreds of diligent tuning attempts over the course of most
of a year to learn the technique.  Furthermore, the ETD only gives you
the temperament; you still have to tune the unisons by ear and knock
them in reliably.  I still recommend learning to tune aurally first and
then move to an ETD later if you so desire.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, Nevada