A fine tuner is a device that is used to tune a violin. Violin tuning can be tricky; but, using fine tuners is one of the easiest ways for beginners to do so.
This article will answer some of the questions beginning violin players ask most often about fine tuners.
Table of Contents
What Are Fine Tuners On A Violin
A fine tuner is a small device placed on the violin’s tailpiece that is used to tune the instrument. It is often difficult for beginning violinists to make small adjustments using just the pegs. Fine tuners make tuning easier than it would be if using the instrument’s pegs.
As the name suggests, fine tuners are intended for you to make small adjustments in the violin’s pitch. If the string you are tuning needs major adjustments, use the peg first to get closer to the correct pitch, then fine-tune it with the tuner.
Do Fine Tuners Affect A Violin’s Sound
Fine tuners that are added to the tailpiece do affect the violin’s sound. You will likely hear a dampened sound due to the added weight of the fine tuners. Fine tuners also sometimes produce wolf tones and buzzing.
Most agree that the effect of fine tuners is insignificant and generally not noticeable unless you are a professional violinist with an expensive, high-quality violin.
Built-in tuners do not have this same effect on the violin’s sound.
Do You Need Fine Tuners On A Violin
Fine tuners are extremely helpful for tuning your violin (especially for beginners), but they are not necessary.
Because the E string is a steel wire, it is much harder to tune; thus, you will find that most violin players (even many professionals) prefer to keep a fine tuner on the E string.
Fine tuners are a tool used to make tuning the violin easier; however, violins can also be tuned with the instrument’s pegs.
How Do Violin Fine Tuners Work
Fine tuners can change a string’s pitch by tightening or loosening it. Tightening the fine tuner by turning it to the right gives you a higher pitch; while loosening the fine tuner (turning to the left) creates a lower pitch.
This video shows just how easy it is to use a fine tuner:
Can You Add Fine Tuners To A Violin
You can install fine tuners on your violin. Installation of the most popular 2-prong string adjuster is simple using the following steps:
- Remove the screw from the tuner.
- Remove the nut/stabilizing ring from the tuner.
- Remove the string you are adding the tuner to.
- Put the prong end closest to the bridge and feed the other end through the hole in the tailpiece.
- Hold the tuner with one hand and put the pieces of the tuner back in place – the nut goes on first, then the screw.
- Re-attach the string.
Do Professional Violins Have Fine Tuners
Most professional violinists do not use fine tuners.
Why Do Professional Violinists Not Use Fine Tuners
Professional violinists do not use fine tuners because they do not need to use them. After years of playing the violin, they are able to tune their instruments with the pegs.
Also, pro violin players don’t like the added weight of the fine tuners and the negative effects (buzzing and wolf tones) they have on the violin’s sound.
Should I Use Fine Tuners On My Violin
The choice to use fine tuners is one of personal preference. There is some stigma about using fine tuners; with the inference being that you’re not a very good violinist if you have fine tuners on your violin. This inference simply is not true.
If you find it easier to tune your instrument using fine tuners, use them.
How Many Fine Tuners Should A Professional Violin Have
Most professional violins will not have fine tuners installed. However, you may see one fine tuner on the E string of some professional violins.
Are Fine Tuners Bad For Violins
Fine tuners can be bad for a violin, but primarily just its strings are impacted. Fine tuners can weaken gut or synthetic strings.
Also, finer tuners can be bad for the sound of your violin. They may cause a buzzing sound and the added weight affects the resonance of the instrument.
Finally, there is the potential that you can damage the top of the instrument if you’re not careful installing them.
How To Remove Fine Tuners [Video]
You can remove fine tuners that are added to a violin. However, you will not be able to remove the built-in fine tuners. The video below will give a quick tutorial on removing fine tuners.
What Types Of Violin Fine Tuners Are Available
Violin fine tuners are tools used on the violin to adjust the tension of the strings. There are several types of violin fine tuners available for use. The type of violin tuner you should use depends on your skill level and preference, as well as what type of strings you prefer to use.
The most common types of fine tuners include:
- Suzuki style.
- Stable
- Post type
- English type
- Titanium spring
- Compact or midget
- Gotoh design
Why Do Violinists Take Off Fine Tuners
Violinists take their fine tuners off when they no longer need them. They also remove at least some of the fine tuners to avoid the stigma of being labeled a beginner.
When Should I Take Off My Fine Tuners
A violinist never has to remove their fine tuners if they don’t want to. However, if you want to advance your skills and learn to tune with the pegs, that’s the perfect time to remove your fine tuners.
