# MeanTones — Temperament of the Renaissance

> Interactive music app explaining Renaissance meantone tuning systems. (iPhone/iPad app by Lucy Hudson.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meantones/id1582880428 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Lucy Hudson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1179157812)
- Category: Music, Education
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 30 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2022-01-27
- Data updated: 2026-07-06
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meantones/id1582880428/reviews.md

## What is MeanTones?

Why is that wolf lurking in the clavichord? Because it skulks along with the meantone tuning system, used by most keyboards of the 16th and 17th centuries. 

What is quarter-comma meantone temperament and how does it work? Which problem does it solve, and which problem does it create? MeanTones answers your questions with some math, some music, and lots of fun. Choose a note and an interval to play on the Piano, or switch to the Cheesy Organ if you’re brave. Either way, you’ll hear the interval in meantone, and you’ll see a complete chart of the numbers comparing it to the same interval in equal temperament. The Background Information explains the meantone tuning system in detail, and the Timeline puts it all in perspective.

Press “Play Game” to put your knowledge to the test. You see and hear an interval, and quick — is it a wolf? If you’re right, you add a new layer of bricks to your house. But if you’re wrong, the wolf will huff and puff and blow your house down!

## Key features

- Meantone tuning system explanation
- Interactive piano and organ
- Interval comparison charts
- Background information on tuning
- Historical timeline
- Meantone knowledge game

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meantones/id1582880428/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work iPhone XR

*2023-03-16*

Doesn’t work iPhone XR , no sound output when pressing the key

## Frequently asked questions about MeanTones

### What is MeanTones?

MeanTones is a paid music app that explains and demonstrates the meantone tuning system used in the 16th and 17th centuries. It offers interactive instruments, comparison charts, and a game to test your knowledge.

### How much does MeanTones cost?

MeanTones is a paid application, available for $1.99. This one-time purchase grants you full access to all its features without any additional in-app purchases or subscriptions.

### What devices support MeanTones?

MeanTones is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It is designed for iOS users who want to explore historical music tuning.

### Is MeanTones suitable for children?

MeanTones has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger users. The app presents educational content in a fun and engaging way.

### How often is MeanTones updated?

The latest version of MeanTones is 2.0.1, last updated on January 2, 2026. This indicates a commitment to ongoing development and improvements.

### Does MeanTones have ads?

No, MeanTones does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it provides an uninterrupted learning and gaming experience.

### What are the benefits of using MeanTones?

MeanTones helps users understand the complexities of meantone temperament, its historical significance, and how it differs from modern equal temperament through interactive tools and a game.

### Can I play MeanTones offline?

The provided data does not specify offline capabilities. However, given its educational and interactive nature, it is likely designed to function without a constant internet connection.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 2.0.1 — 2026-01-02

answered new age rating questions

### 2.0.0 — 2024-10-18

-Added iPad capability
-Screen redesigns for clarity
-Small bug fixes

### 1.2 — 2022-01-27

No release notes.

## Apps similar to MeanTones

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Scale and SticKey](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scale-and-stickey/id6443648498) | — | $2.99 | Music |
| [Englitina - English Concertina](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/englitina-english-concertina/id349451473) | 5.0 (2) | $0.99 | Music |
| [Music Theory Intervals •](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-theory-intervals/id1017427212) | 4.0 (5) | $1.99 | Music |
| [Music Theory Keys •](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/music-theory-keys/id1017426995) | 3.3 (4) | $0.99 | Music |

## More apps by Lucy Hudson

- [5ths Machine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5ths-machine/id1582877284)
- [PentaMonochord](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pentamonochord/id1582880506)

All apps by Lucy Hudson: https://appshunter.io/developer/1179157812

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-06.*