MIDABLE

The weekly crossword puzzles by Barry Tunick and Sylvia Bursztyn are usually no fun because they are impossible to solve.

For instance, the Sept. 28 Puzzler, entitled “For Starters.” Clue: “BEAR.” Answer: “RESTRAIN YOURSELF.” Clue: “TUNE.” Answer: “PILES OF MONEY.” Clue: “UM.” Answer: “ROUNDTABLE TALK.” Etc., etc.

I enjoy the problems of research or complicated reasoning involved in the usual puzzles, and I don’t solve them all. My solving them is not the point. Ask this pair to stop seeking triumph and rather provide challenge.

EDWARD SANDS

Los Angeles

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Barry Tunick replies: Each theme clue, when prefixed by “FOR,” becomes the clue for the entry; e.g, “TUNE “ plus “FOR” equals “FORTUNE” equals “PILES OF MONEY.”

Re the Sept. 28 Puzzler clue “Guitar tuner’s mnemonic,” for which the answer was “EGBDF”:

I don’t know what kind of guitar Tunick and Bursztyn were using as an example, but virtually all modern guitars are tuned to E, G, B, D, A, E. There are many alternative tunings, but I’ve never seen one tuned to E, G, B, D, F (what of the sixth string?).

I think what they were referring to are the lines of the treble clef staff (“Every Good Boy Does Fine” for the lines and “FACE” for the spaces are the mnemonics I was taught).

I enjoy the Sunday Puzzler tremendously. Keep up the good work!

GREGORY HATHAWAY

Santa Monica