constant structure

A tuning system where each interval occurs always subtended by the same number of steps.
(THAT IS ALL, NO OTHER RESTRICTIONS)

[from Erv Wilson, via Kriag Grady, " Yahoo Tuning List message 5244 (Onlist Tuning Digest # 340, message 15)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A list of integers representing the cardinalities of nested MOS's is a Constant Structure of all scales that can support the entire nest. The larger the numbers, and the more of them, the fewer the number of scales in the Constant Structure (tho the number of scales is always infinite if you assume infinite tuning precision).

[from Carl Lumma, Yahoo Tuning List message 5236 (Onelist Tuning Digest # 340, message 7)

...

This was my stab at Lumma-CS, which we now know is not CS. It is a concept I got from Erv, tho; I wonder if he has a name for it?

...strict propriety does guarantee CS!

[from Carl Lumma, Yahoo Tuning List message 5250

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Any periodicity block where the unison vectors are smaller than the smallest steps will be CS [constant structure].

[from Paul Erlich, Yahoo Tuning List message 15405 Thu Nov 9, 2000 9:12pm

---

(to download a zip file of the entire Dictionary, click here)

For many more diagrams and explanations of historical tunings, see my book. If you don't understand my theory or the terms I've used, start here

I welcome feedback about this webpage: corrections, improvements, good links. Let me know if you don't understand something. return to the Microtonal Dictionary index return to my home page return to the Sonic Arts home page