Since their invention by John Shore in 1711, tuning forks have been used to tune instruments and singing to the same pitch. Today, thanks to Hans Cousto's Cosmic Octave, they also enable specific tuning to planetary frequencies.
Planetware tuning forks are made of special steel and produce a clear, long-lasting tone. They remain precise and frequency-stable even with regular use. They are the perfect tool for sonopuncture, sound therapy and energy work to harmonise body, mind and energy.
On this page:
Tuning fork models — Material — Vibration — Handling — Tuning data
Tuning fork models
Tuning forks are available for all tuning pitches in the S, Splus, L and Lplus versions. The L (large) model is more solid than the S (standard) model. The plus models have an ergonomic handle made of a thermoplastic elastomer filled with cork.
Tuning fork S
Special steel, nickel-plated *)
Mirror-smooth surface
Rounded edges
Thickness of fork arms: 4 x 8 mm
Stem with thickened end: 38 mm
Total length (136.10 Hz): 190 mm
Frequency number stamped on the stem.
Tuning fork Splus
Special steel, nickel-plated *)
Mirror-smooth surface
Rounded edges
Thickness of fork arms: 4 x 8 mm
Long handle with grip pad: 55 mm
Total length (136.10 Hz): 206 mm
Fork arm labelled in high contrast with frequency number and name.
Tuning fork L
Special steel, nickel-plated *)
Mirror-smooth surface
Rounded edges
Thickness of fork arms: 5 x 8 mm
Long stem without handle pad: 55 mm
Total length (136.10 Hz): 242 mm
Fork arm labelled in high contrast with frequency number and name
Tuning fork Lplus
Special steel, nickel-plated *)
Mirror-smooth surface
Rounded edges
Thickness of fork arms: 5 x 8 mm
Long handle with grip pad: 55 mm
Total length (136.10 Hz): 242 mm
Fork arm labelled in high contrast with frequency number and name
The illustrations show the proportions of the tuning forks with a frequency of 136.10 Hz.
The S and Splus models have the same fork arms.
The L and Lplus models are more massive and longer than the S models at the same frequency.
The following applies to all models: the higher the tuning frequency, the shorter the fork arms.
*) Nickel and skin compatibility
Our tuning forks are nickel-plated and therefore reliably protected against corrosion. We are not aware of any allergic reactions to date. Nickel allergies generally only occur with permanent skin contact - for example through jewellery - but not with short-term use of a tuning fork. If necessary, a thin cloth can be placed underneath. The Splus and Lplus models also have a grip pad that prevents direct contact with the user's skin.
Note: In the event of a known severe nickel allergy or in case of doubt, we recommend seeking medical advice before use. Liability for allergic reactions is excluded.
Material
Planetware tuning forks are made from specially developed steel alloys with optimal vibration properties – for a clear, long-lasting and precise tone. While aluminium tuning forks slightly lower their tone due to body heat, as the material expands and the fork arms lengthen minimally, tuning forks made from special steel remain frequency-stable even after prolonged use. This means maximum precision and reliability in therapy, sound work and scientific applications.
Vibration
When struck, both arms of the tuning fork vibrate and generate sound waves through air compression. The vibrations are transmitted to the stem via the connecting bar. When placed on the body, the vibrations can be felt there at the same frequency.
Handling
Hold the tuning fork by the handle with your thumb, index finger and middle finger without touching the fork arms. Strike the end of one of the fork arms with a quick, controlled movement from the wrist against a material that is not too hard - hard surfaces produce an unpleasantly high tone.
The ideal striking surface is the ball of your free hand or a soft material with a similar texture, e.g. a small rolled-up terry towel fastened at both ends with strings. This can also serve as a shock-absorbing storage cover for the tuning forks.
Tuning data
Explanation of the tuning data
Cycle: Type of period
Period: duration in days or years
Frequency: Frequency of the tuning fork
Hertz: Number of oscillations per second
Octave: Number of octaves, starting from the corresponding cycle
Tone: Note name
a1: Corresponding chromatic a (in hertz)
Diff. 440 Hz: Cent value deviation from a1 at 440 Hz
Color: Corresponding octave analog color
bpm: beats per minute
Pendulum: The pendulum length for the specified tempo
More details: All information with more detailed tuning data can be found in the info pool at www.planetware.de/octave