Intonation
Intonation is the process of adjusting a musical instrument so that all its notes play in tune across the entire range. This is like fine-tuning a car's engine, but for musical instruments. When looking at resumes for instrument repair technicians, this term shows up frequently because it's a fundamental skill - an instrument that's not properly intonated will sound off-key no matter how well the musician plays. It's different from basic tuning (which is just getting one note right); intonation means making sure all notes are correct in relation to each other.
Examples in Resumes
Performed complete Intonation adjustments on over 200 guitars annually
Specialized in brass instrument Intonation and valve alignment
Developed systematic approach for piano Intonation and pitch correction
Typical job title: "Instrument Repair Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Instrument Repair Technicians
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach intonating a piano that's been neglected for many years?
Expected Answer: A senior technician should explain the step-by-step process: checking the pitch level, deciding whether to do multiple passes of tuning, assessing string and pin condition, and creating a systematic approach to bring the piano back to proper pitch stability and intonation.
Q: How do you handle intonation problems that persist after standard adjustment procedures?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving skills by explaining how they investigate underlying causes like worn parts, structural issues, or environmental factors, and describe their troubleshooting process.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What tools do you use for checking and adjusting intonation?
Expected Answer: Should be able to name specific tools for their instrument specialty (like strobe tuners, bridge saddles, nut files) and explain how each is used in the intonation process.
Q: How do you explain intonation issues to customers?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to communicate technical concepts in simple terms and explain why proper intonation is important for the instrument's playability.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between tuning and intonation?
Expected Answer: Should explain that tuning is getting an instrument to the right pitch, while intonation ensures all notes are in tune with each other across the entire range of the instrument.
Q: What basic steps do you take to check an instrument's intonation?
Expected Answer: Should describe the basic process of checking notes at different positions, using electronic tuners, and identifying when an instrument needs intonation adjustment.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic tuning and intonation checks
- Use of electronic tuning devices
- Simple adjustments and maintenance
- Basic understanding of different instrument types
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex intonation adjustments
- Multiple instrument type expertise
- Diagnosis of unusual tuning issues
- Customer communication skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert level intonation on multiple instruments
- Training and supervision of other techs
- Complex restoration projects
- Custom modification work
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain the difference between tuning and intonation
- No hands-on experience with actual instruments
- Lack of proper tool knowledge and usage
- No understanding of different instrument families and their specific needs
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