We all want to make sure our violin is in tune. To do this, you need to use a tuner. But it’s not just about the right tuner – other factors influence the sound of your instrument as well. This article provides recommendations for the best violin tuners, reviews for how they work, and what other features that they offer.
This article will highlight the benefits and drawbacks of both types as well as give an in-depth review of some tuners I use myself. It will also include information about how to re-tune your instrument and what you should look for in terms of good tuning equipment.
If you are in need of a tuner, or just want to know more about what’s out there, then this list is for you! This guide will list the top violin tuners with video reviews and recommendations. We’ll show all clip-on models along with standard models, and give you recommendations on which one is best for your needs.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
Choosing the best violin tuners for your needs is not as black and white as it may seem. The best tuner will be whatever matches your specific needs and plays to your strengths. So if you’re a beginner, you’ll want something that’s easy to use and has a well-rounded feature set.
1. Understanding tuners
There are three main types of tuners: A standard tuner, clip-on tuners, and optoelectronic tuners. Standard Tuner The standard electronic tuner has become ubiquitous in the modern music world. Every guitar shop has one, and you can find them at any large retailer like Target or Walmart. Pro violinists like Lindsey Stirling, Lindsey Stahli, and John Tesh all use standard tuners to keep their instruments in tune on stage.
2. More than just strings
Your violin is more than just strings. You probably noticed right away how sensitive it is to changes in temperature and humidity. If your tuning stabilizes at the perfect frequency for your environment, but then you go somewhere else with different conditions, it can sound off. This is why you should always take more than just the strings into consideration when choosing a tuner.
3. Standards and Commercial Tuners
You can often get by by using just your ears to tune your violin, but that’s only going to get you so far. Some people will say that all you need is a good ear, but if it’s not the case for you, then a standard tuner may be a good choice. A standard tuner is a common tuner that uses a mechanical device to tune your instrument. It cannot provide the same range of features as a clip-on tuner, but it will handle most violin tuning needs.
5 Best Violin Tuners – Standard & Clip-On (Includes Tuning Guide)
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1. KLIQ UberTuner – Professional Clip-On Tuner for All Instruments (multi-key modes) – with Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Bass & Chromatic Tuning Modes (also for Mandolin and Banjo)
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The KLIQ UberTuner, a professional clip-on tuner that’s designed to work with electric guitar, ukulele, violin, bass, and chromatic tuning modes. It also comes with options for mandolin and banjo/5-string banjo.
Pros :
- Simple and compact
- Lightweight and portable
- Great battery life – typically 3+ hours per charge depending on usage, with a full charge lasting up to 5 hours
Cons :
- The KLIQ UberTuner is an excellent bargain for those looking for a clip-on tuner that has some added features that you may not find with other tuners.
- One of the best features is the ability to change between different tuning modes.
2. Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin (Current Model)
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The Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin is a great tuner to use for those who play the violin, bass, or guitar. The device can clip to your instrument using the part of the tuner that is adjustable and, as such, you can be playing and tuning simultaneously.
Pros :
- Amazing tone and performance
- Affordable price point
- Compact size for easy carrying and storage
Cons :
- No LCD display
3. D’Addario NS Micro Violin Tuner
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The NS Micro Violin Tuner from D’Addario is a device that attaches to the head of a violin and quickly tunes the instrument to A440, making it easier for students to tune their instruments by themselves or in a group. The Micro Violin Tuner can also be used with violas, cellos, and other string instruments.
Pros :
- The D’Addario NS Micro Violin Tuner is a compact, battery-free tuning device with dual modes for single notes and chords.
- This tuner is designed to be used with violin, viola or cello strings.
Cons :
- Although the product’s design is minimalistic, it only has one button on the front of the device.
- To change modes you must turn it over to press the button on the back.
4. Eno Professional Violin Viola Tuner, Colorful LCD Display Easy Control Clip-on Accurate Violin Tuner (ET-05SV) (Tuner)
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This is the world’s first dedicated string instrument tuner with an accurate LCD screen, intelligently distinguishing between different types of strings. This special tool comes with a one-year warranty and has a colorful LCD display to make tuning easier.
Pros :
- Sensitivity adjustable to fit your instrument
- Effective for any size violin or viola
- Unique design with colorful LCD display
- Easy control with strong clip-on mechanism
Cons :
- Had to order online, didn’t come with instructions
- USB cable for this device is not included
5. MARTISAN Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin, Viola, Chromatic Tuning Modes,360 Degree Rotating, Fast & Accurate, Easy to Use
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The Martian clip-on tuner for guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, viola, and chromatic tuning modes is the ultimate device for musicians of every level. The 360-degree rotating display always keeps you facing the right way so you can read it with ease.
Pros :
- Fast and accurate
- 360 degree rotating clip design
- Economy mode for saving battery life
- Easy to use
Cons :
- No battery
- Requires a clip to hold the device on the body
Conclusion :
To conclude, the best violin tuners are the ones that you don’t have to fumble with. Clip-on tuners are great if you want to go hands-free, but they can be tough to use with certain instruments. The standard tuner is a bit more sensitive and accurate than the clip-on, but it requires much more setup time before playing your instrument.