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)
Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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)
- VERSATILE: UberTuner has dedicated modes for Guitar (Acoustic & Electric), Bass, Violin, and Ukulele and offers a Chromatic mode that allows for key...
- FAST, ACCURATE & EASY TO USE: The UberTuner's highly sensitive Piezo Sensor detects the instrument's vibration via direct contact and accurately tunes...
- BRIGHT HIGH-CONTRAST DISPLAY: The large color LCD display allows you to easily see if you're flat (yellow), sharp (red), or dead-on (green) from any...
- RELIABLE & DURABLE: The UberTuner is backed by a comprehensive 3-Year guarantee, and with a strong and durable design, this tuner is built to last. In...
- AUTOMATIC POWER-OFF & MEMORY BACK-UP FUNCTIONS: Ultra-low-power and auto-off function save energy and extend the life of the battery. Memory back-up...
Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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)
- Full Color Display
- Features frequency range tailored to guitar and bass
- Tuner can be used on front of back of headstock,Rotates 360°
Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- VIOLIN TUNER CLIP ON - Features a non-marring, lever-lock clamp that holds the tuner securely to the instrument while allowing easy application and...
- TUNES FROM VIBRATION - Built-in piezo transducer picks up instrument's vibration rather than sound
- LCD SCREEN - Tri-color reversible backlit LCD screen makes it easy to tune in dark environments
- CALIBRATION - Wide calibration range (410Hz to 480Hz)
- FOR VIOLINS OR VIOLAS - Tunes both violins and violas
Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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)
- Colorful LCD display, LCD display will show the string NO. and note; Yellow flat, Red means sharp.
- Suitable for: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass with Chromatic tuning mode;
- Special big clip design, suitable big head of violins; More sensitive, easier control
- Attaches to the instrument over the pegbox and out of the way; Easy for young and adult violinist to use immediately independently;
- Battery: 2 XCR2032 (Included )
Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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
- ✔【 Large & Rotational LCD Screen】This guitar tuner with 1.8-inch and 360° rotatable screen will provide you clear view experience with no...
- ✔ 【Fast & High Precision】So you are perfectly in-tune every time you play. The internal micro sensor uses vibrations to detect what key you play...
- ✔【 All-Instrument Tuning】 - With Five Tuning Modes: C, G, B, V, U (chromatic, guitar, bass, violin, ukulele) to cover a wide range of...
- ✔【Easy to Use】--- Turn it on, clip it on, and you're ready to tune. Since the tuner detects the pitches directly from your instruments'...
- ✔ 【GUARANTEE】:If you have any problem after receive this item, please don't hesitate to contact us, we will try our best to resolve all...
Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.