Hacker News Reader

I actually tune my C string slightly sharp for this reason!

It's 2% of a semitone off by my understanding. I thought I had pretty good ears but I really doubt I could pick that. Open strings do often stick out in general on string instruments though, for a combination of reasons, lack of vibrato and ability to micro-adjust tuning presumably being the main ones (but even the tone is different, I assume based on the difference between having one end fixed by a soft fleshy substance vs the wooden nut).

the last reason you gave is exactly why open strings sound different. check out zero-fret guitars.

Except you very very often don't get an A=440, since a lot of orchestras don't tune to that pitch and early-music orchestras are a full half-tone below that, etc.

Huh, is that why an open C on a viola always buzzed wrong?