The world of musical instruments can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing a violin. You have to find a violin that suits your size and skill level as well as the right accessories that go with it. Another challenge that newbies face is figuring out how to tune their instruments.
If this is something that you’ve grappled with, this guide will be of massive help. The following is an in-depth guide to the best violin tuners, along with descriptions of different tuning methods. Read on to learn more!
Reviews of the Best Violin Tuners
Here are reviews of the best electric violin tuners.
1. Snark ST-2 All Instrument Clip-On Chromatic Tuner
If you’re looking for the best violin tuner on the market, the Snark ST-2 Clip-On Chromatic Tuner is a fantastic choice.
One of its key highlights is the fact that it’s easy to use. First off, it’s incredibly easy to read as the display can rotate a full 360 degrees. This means that you can switch up its position till you find an optimal viewing angle.
Versatility is another reason why we recommend this among the best violin tuner options and a great gift idea for a violinist. As its name suggests, it’s flexible enough to be used with different stringed instruments; and not only the violin.
Also, not every electronic tuner includes a transpose and pitch calibration altogether. But this one does, making it stand out from the crowd. The range of its pitch calibration starts from 415 to 466 Hz.
Another handy addition to this tuner is the tempo metronome. This is particularly useful for beginner violinists, who get to learn how to maintain timing and tempo.
Pros
Cons
There are numerous clip-on tuners on the market. But none are as easy to read and fast as the KLIQ UberTuner Clip-On Tuner.
When it comes to design, this electronic tuner looks fairly similar to other models in its caliber.
It’s available in a black hue, and it easily attaches or clips to the headstock of your violin. Important to note is that it has a larger opening than others, allowing it to fit easily on any musical instrument.
And like the Snark ST-2, the display on this clip-on tuner has a 360° swivel capability. This means that you can rotate it till you find the perfect viewing angle.
Even better is that this large LCD display offers high contrast. It illuminates in different colors letting you know the status of your note. If you’re flat, it turns yellow. If you’re sharp, it turns red and if you’re playing the note correctly, then it turns green.
Yet another feature that makes this the best violin tuner apart is the piezo sensor. Designed to be highly sensitive, this element is able to detect the slightest vibrations from the violin strings and tune accordingly.
What’s good about this mode of operation is that it doesn’t get affected by ambient noises. In fact, this feature makes it suitable for beginner and professional players alike.
Lastly, the UberTuner comes fitted with a chromatic tuning mode. This facilitates important changes - specifically Bb, C, Eb, and F - making it suitable to tune both string and woodwind instruments.
Pros
Cons
Looking to buy a violin tuner that can serve multiple functions? If you are, the Wingo digital tuner is exactly what you need. This same tuner can be used as a metronome, tuner, and tone generator. And the best part is, it comes at a price that’s really hard to beat.
As was the case with the other tuners we’ve looked at, the Wingo model can be used with multiple instruments. Whether you’re looking to tune your ukulele, bass, or guitar, this tuner has got you covered.
One of its perks as a tuner entails its broad range that starts from A0 to C8. It also has an extensive pitch range starting from 430 to 450Hz.
If you’re looking to use it as a tone generator, you’ll like how easy it is to switch between pitches. And to activate this function, you simply need to press the sound button when it’s in tuner mode. And thanks to the in-built metronome, you’ll be able to adjust its range between 30 and 260 beats.
Pros
Cons
Don’t mind splurging on a state-of-the-art violin tuner? If you don’t, the D’Addario NS Micro Violin Tuner is the ultimate choice.
There’s a lot to love about this tuner starting with its design. It comes in a compact shape, measuring just 1.3” by 4” by 5.8”. This makes it easy to carry around without it weighing you down.
We particularly like that the clamp is made of non-abrasive material. This enables you to attach it securely to your instrument without scratching it.
The D’Addario ns micro violin tuner also comes fitted with an intuitive display. It’s a multi-color screen, making it easy to view and tune even when you’re in a poorly lit environment.
Speaking of tuning, this gadget relies on a built-in piezo transducer. This is what detects vibrations from the violin strings and adjusts the tune in a timely manner. The fact that it can detect the pitch quickly makes it fit for referencing and enhancing intonation.
Pros
Cons
Have you been searching for a violin tuner that won’t break your bank? If you have, you’ll be pleased to learn about the ENO Professional Tuner that comes in at a very low price.
This cheap violin tuner has multiple features that set it apart. First off, it’s equipped with a 360° rotational clip design. This lets you rotate the display to different angles till you find the perfect viewing angle.
Speaking of the display, this one is designed with ease of use in mind. It’s bright and illuminates in different colors, letting you know how to adjust your playing.
If it displays a yellow color, this means that the note is flat. If it shows red, it means that the note is sharp and if it lights up in white, this means that you’re in tune.
Another reason why ENO is considered one of the best chromatic tuners is its tuning mechanism. This allows it to be used with several other instruments other than the violin. Use it to tune guitars (both acoustic and electric), the ukulele, bass, and banjo among others.
We also like that this tuner comes with everything you need to get it up and running. Included in the package are the tuner, a manual, and two CR2032 batteries.
Pros
Cons
When you’re tuning your violin in a crowded space, a tuner that has a bright and large display will really come in handy. This is precisely what the Neuma Clip On Tuner has to offer.
It’s equipped with a 1.8-inch LCD screen that’s relatively bigger than what you find in other models. Better yet, it rotates a complete 360 degrees, so as to help you find the ideal viewing angle.
We also like the ultra-tight padded clip that secures the tuner firmly to your violin without damaging its finish. This prevents any shaking or ghosting, enabling you to view readings with utmost clarity.
Worried that the background noise will interfere with your tuning? You don’t need to as this clip-on tuner also has an internal micro-sensor. This element relies solely on vibrations from the strings to detect correct tuning. As such, it’s not affected by any external noises.
Another thing you’ll love about the Neuma Metronome Tuner is that it’s fit to use with any stringed instrument. It offers five modes of tuning: C, G, B, V & U. Each of these is dedicated to different instruments namely, chromatic, guitar, bass, violin, and ukulele.
Pros
Cons
If you anticipate using your violin tuner in a poorly-lit setting, then you’ll want to buy one that offers good visibility. On that note, Mugig clip-on tuner is one of the most suited models for this kind of application.
For starters, it has a color screen, meaning it displays text in color. Secondly, it has a very flexible design.
Not only can this display rotate a full 360° but it can also be tilted to an angle of 135°. The displays of most violin tuners are only rotatable but not tiltable, giving the Mugig clip-on tuner a competitive edge.
Despite this, the clip-on tuner isn’t overly big. So you don’t need to worry about it weighing you down.
Another feature that makes this a good violin tuner entails its ease of use. It only has two buttons, resulting in a very intuitive tuner. The first button lets you switch between power and tuning mode. The second is an A4 key that allows you to adjust the pitch calibration in the range of 430 to 450Hz.
The energy efficiency of this tuner is yet another aspect that makes it stand out. If it doesn’t detect any operation or signal for 3 minutes, it automatically shuts off. Lastly, the tuner relies on a vibration sensor that makes it ideal to use in noisy environments.
Pros
Cons
Types of Violin Tuners
Violin tuners are classified into two main categories: clip-on and apps
Violin Clip-On Tuners
This involves a tuner mounted directly to the instrument, usually near the scroll. The best violin tuner typically has a clamp alongside a rubber pad that protects the veneer of the violin. So the only thing you have to do is to clamp the tuner securely to the violin and you’re good to go.
Another thing you’ll notice about this tuner is a tiny circuit board and a small-size LCD display. This screen displays the specific name of the string that needs tuning.
As soon as you pluck a string with a violin bow, the clip on tuner picks up the resonant frequency generated by the string’s vibration. It then examines the vibration and lets you know whether that particular string needs more tightening or loosening.
In nearly all violin tuners, the gadgets provide a visual display of the Hertz frequency scale. This is a handy feature as it helps you determine just how much tension or slack is needed so as to tune your violin.
If your clip on violin tuner doesn’t have this kind of display, then it will likely have a pulsing scale instead. This one showcases the metric from low to high frequency, starting from the left to the right side.
Also, the middle of these electric tuners will likely have a digital metronome. Although the design of each tuner varies slightly, the fundamental principles are fairly similar.
Violin Tuning Apps
If you don’t fancy the idea of buying or adding another accessory to your arsenal of tools, a violin tuner app is an excellent alternative to tune your violin.
So how exactly does this work? Well, these apps leverage the onboard hardware integrated into a smartphone or tablet. They use these tools to gauge the tonal frequency of a particular sound.
Due to this, the precision offered by a violin tuning app depends largely on the quality of hardware in your cellphone.
So as soon as you pluck the violin strings, the resulting sound is picked up by your phone’s microphone and transmitted to a program. The app then performs a set of calculations to assess the sound being captured.
As is the case with a tangible tuner, the app also has a display showcasing the results of your accuracy. So the more in tune a violin string is, the closer the dial is to the middle of the scale.
If you choose this approach, here are recommendations of the best violin tuner apps:
Tuner Lite
A key feature that attracted us to this app is that it doubles up as a pitch pipe. Dubbed as the automatic reference note calibration, this enables you to detect pitch with utmost precision.
ClearTune
Unlike the Lite app which is free to download, ClearTune is a paid app. On the plus side, it’s available in both Google and Apple stores, making it readily available.
This app is more feature-packed. This makes it suitable if you're an intermediate or advanced violinists who want to tune your violin.
nTune Violin
nTune has created multiple successful tuning apps for different instruments and this one is no exception. Often described as the best violin tuner app, it helps you discern the difference between bowed and plucked strings when you’re tuning.
How to Tune a Violin
As you probably know, the violin is classified in the same category as the viola and cello. These instruments typically have four strings each, which are tuned in perfect 5ths. What this means is that every string generates a sound that is just 5 notes away on the scale.
Also crucial to note is that every string is tailored for a particular pitch. When it comes to standard tuning, the strings ought to vibrate with a specific frequency stipulated by the International Standards Organization as follows:
The tuning process largely entails tightening or loosening the strings so as to alter the vibrational frequency and pitch. To achieve this, all violins come fitted with either tuning pegs or fine tuners.
Tuning pegs are great if you want to make considerable adjustments to the pitch. Conversely, fine tuners are designed for tiny pitch adjustments. Turning either of these components helps to either decrease or increase the strings’ tension. This, in turn, alters the resulting pitch; thus, allowing you to tune your violin.
Tuning by Ear
As mentioned previously, the norm of tuning a violin is to perfect fifths. And one technique you can use to achieve this is to tune it by ear.
Since tuning a violin properly requires you to start with the A string, you’ll need to look for an A sound to listen to. You can then compare it to yours and adjust the A string to correspond to this.
Once you’ve gotten the hang of this string, you can then tune the remaining strings in relation to the A string.
There are several ways you can go about this. For instance, if you’re playing alongside other string musicians, then you can request them to play an A. Alternatively, if there’s a piano near you, then you can use it as your reference point too.
However, the most old-fashioned way of tuning this A string is to use a tuning fork. This pocket-sized metallic piece is made up of two parts: the shaft/stem and two tines.
To use a tuning fork, all you have to do is hit it on a table then bring it next to your ear to hear the pitch. Afterward, pluck the A string on your violin and compare its pitch to that of the tuning fork. If it doesn't match, adjust the tension of the string accordingly.
Tuning by ear is not easy, especially if you’re a beginner. Mastering that perfect pitch calls for years of experience so don’t be disappointed if you’re having a difficult time with this approach.
Tuning with an Electric Tuner
The truth is, not every violinist has the inherent capability to find that perfect pitch. If you’re one of the unlucky ones, you’ll benefit from electronic tuners.
This kind of tuner comprises a brightly-lit display with a dial. The screen shows the specific string that you’re playing.
As you pluck each string with your violin bow, the dial moves either closer to or further away from the middle. The idea is to get as close to the middle as possible as this shows that that particular string is in tune.
For fast and precise tuning, consider buying electric tuners that rely on the strings’ vibrations rather than sound. This way, it can pick up the slightest vibration and display the results accordingly.
How to Choose the Right Violin Tuner
There are a couple of things that you should keep in mind when choosing electric violin tuners. These include:
Display
Visibility is a crucial aspect to consider when selecting the best violin tuners. So you’ll want to pick one that shows clear text while also offering a good viewing angle.
For the best outcome, an LCD display mechanism with LED light is an excellent choice. Such screens are designed to illuminate different colors depending on whether the strings are in tune or not.
Special Tuning Modes
If you have more than one instrument, consider getting a violin multi-tuner. This is a versatile tuner that lets you tune multiple instruments.
A good case in point is the ENO MUSIC Pano Tuner. It is great for tuning multiple instruments including a violin, thumb piano, guitar, bass, and even ukulele.
That said, you can also choose to buy a tuner for each of your instruments. For instance, these Korg tuners are designed for specific instruments. There's one for a chromatic instrument and another for a guitar or bass.
Accuracy
Another thing you’ll want to check when choosing the best chromatic instrument tuner is accuracy. If you really want to improve your violin playing experience, then look for the most accurate violin tuner.
On that note, tuners that use vibration sensors are typically more precise than those that don’t. They’re able to pick up the slightest vibrations from the strings, which is particularly handy when you’re playing in a noisy environment.
Power Source
One last thing to take into account is the power source. Nearly all violin tuners rely on batteries.
What makes them different is the type of battery. While some use non-rechargeable batteries, others use rechargeable ones. If you want to save money, look for a rechargeable clip-on tuner that can simply be recharged once it runs out of juice.
FAQs
How many fine tuners should a professional violin have?
One fine tuner is enough for a professional violin. But for beginners, four fine tuners are the best option so that there’s a tuner for each string. This allows you to tune each string with utmost precision.
Why do professional violinists not have fine tuners?
If you’ve come across professional violinists, you may have noticed that some don’t use any fine tuners. The reason for this is that they’ve already mastered how to tune their violins by ear.
Should I use fine tuners on violin?
Yes, you should, especially if you’re a beginner violinist. Chances are, you don’t have a ton of experience playing your beginner violin or kids violin.
As a result, your listening is not yet “attuned” to the trivial differences in pitch. Don’t worry, you’ll gain this experience over time. But meanwhile, investing in a standard violin tuner that will let you know whenever you’re out of tune.
How to tune a violin with a tuner
The process starts by deciding the specific type of tuner to use. In the past, the most commonly used item was a tuning fork. But in the present day, most violinists prefer to use an electric violin tuner. Here are the steps that you should follow:
Turn on the violin tuner
This will instantly show you how close your strings are to the right tuning
Pick any string randomly and play it
This gives you a rough idea of how the tuner works. The screen should instantly display the string number or note name.
Start tuning one string at a time
Do this by beginning with the A string. In a sitting position, pluck this string and watch the results on the screen. Next, use your idle hand to make adjustments using the tuner. If tuned to the right pitch, the needle in the display should be dead set in the middle. In other tuners, the display turns green, which also indicates correct tuning.
Repeat process
Repeat this process on the D, G, and E strings.
Last step
The last step in violin tuning entails playing each of the strings one last time to ensure that each of them is in tune.
Conclusion
Violin tuning isn't easy, which is why a violin tuner was invented.
One of the best violin tuners available is the Snark ST-2 Clip-on Chromatic Tuner. This gadget ticks all the boxes for what you’d want in a violin tuner. And, it comes at a mid-range price.
It’s equipped with a 360-degree rotatable display, offering you the perfect viewing angle. The chromatic tuner also boasts an extended frequency tuning range, which makes it suitable for tuning different instruments. And, it has a vibration sensor, resulting in easy tuning when you’re in a noisy environment.
