Origin and history of tuning

"adjust the tones of (a voice or musical instrument), bring into a state of correct or standard pitch," c. 1500, from tune (n.). Earlier "sound a musical instrument" (late 14c.), "intone, recite, chant" (mid-15c.).

Figuratively, "put in proper or desirable condition," 1520s, hence, non-musically, "set a machine in order for work" (1814); also, "adjust (the ear, a receiver), put into a state proper for some purpose," recorded by 1887.

The verbal phrase tune in, in reference to radio is recorded from 1913; the figurative extension to "become aware" is recorded by 1926 in "Variety." Later extended to television; an earlier verbal phrase for TV was watch in (1928).

Tune out "eliminate radio reception on a particular frequency" is recorded from 1908; the figurative sense of "disregard, stop heeding" is from 1928. Related: Tuned; tuning.

two-pronged steel instrument designed to produce a tone of a particular pitch when struck, by 1776; see tuning (n.) + fork (n.). Supposedly invented by John Shore (d.1753), royal trumpeter.

[Shore] was a man of humour and pleasantry, and was the original inventor of the tuning-fork, an instrument which he constantly carried about him, and used to tune his lute by, and which whenever he produced it gave occasion to a pun. At a concert he would say, "I have not about me a pitch-pipe, but I have what will do as well to tune by, a pitch-fork." [Sir John Hawkins, "A General History of the Science and Practice of Music," London, 1776]

A similar device was the tuning-cone, a hollow brass cone used in tuning metal organ pipes.