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In my 32 year career tuning, I've always worked with two strings when tuning unisons. That is, muting one string while tuning it to the center string. Lately I started tuning the last string as an open unison with no mutes. I definitely like it better, though I'm not exactly sure why. The unisons are still solid, but something about the method and result is more satisfying in some way. Anyone?

so it's your ears has hearing in more much db sound coming from couple good tuned string. It's (couple good tuned string) helps your ears make sharp analysis

Could you explain please?

You tune each note as you go using two strings? Then add the third before moving on?

What do you mean by "started tuning the last string with an open unison"? What were you doing before? Tuning the left two, then the right two?

I think I know what you mean now. I reread it a few times.

Yes, I have always tuned unisons by muting one string and then removing the mute and tuning the three together.

Then I may check the right two, then the left two, and clean up the pair that sounds worse, while listening to all three.

Yes, Mark. In other words, I'd tune the center string, remove one mute and tune an outer string to the center. Then I'd mute that string again and remove the mute of the other outer string and tune that string. It was just the habit I developed way back when when I learned to tune. But after finishing up by tuning all three together, I like that much better. Just seems to go smoother.

Glad you mentioned this Loren. I have always done what you are now trying and thought that was standard, but maybe not. Sometimes I will tune two string unisons if there is a problem like hammer mating or false beats. I never like re-muting a string that has been tuned, but sometimes 'ya gotta.

Thanks, Jeff. You know, I never really thought much about (gently) re-muting a tuned string, but yes, you're right. Probably best to avoid muting it again.