Today I would like to share my review on both the D’Addario NS violin micro tuner and the Violin Tuner App that you can get free on any device. Which one is better? I’ll let you be the judge as I compare the features and functions of both. I will tell you right off the bat, I use them both for different reasons, therefore, I would like to share the pros and cons of both tuners.
When I started out with the violin, my first resource for tuning was a free app known as Master Violin Tuner for Android. Of course, for a small fee ($4.50) you can get the non-ad version. I used this app as my primary tuner for my violin. It also came in handy for my practices where I would use it as a reference to confirm that my pitch was correct. This app uses the device’s microphone to detect the tone of your violin. And I have used it along with music to see if it’s able to detect just my violin tone, and yes it does.
Just like with any tuner, when the arrow is right in the middle you’re on target. If the arrow is to the left, you’re too flat, if the arrow is to the right, you’re too sharp. What I have noticed throughout the use of the violin tuner app, is that it tends to need a little time to detect your tone. So its slightly delayed response would be the first minor con, but that’s ok – it’s free.
A glitch I found was that sometimes this app does not read the A string right away. Instead it stays stuck on G. All you have to do is play G then play A and you will get the correct reading. Like all apps, you will find a glitch here and there.
This app can also be used simply as a pitch reference if you prefer. All you have to do is play each open string to compare the pitch to your instrument’s pitch. Personally, I prefer using the pitch comparison feature when tuning my strings for the first time.
This is a tuner that you can have with you at all times – which is very convenient. In case you suddenly need it somewhere away from your practice studio there are no tuners or keyboards available, then all you have to do is pull out your phone and boot up the tuner app.
The Violin Tuner App Features/Pros
- It’s free
- Uses device microphone to correct tone
- Has tone reference
- Can conveniently be with you at all times (as long as you carry your phone wherever you go)
The Violin Tuner App Features Cons
- Slower response
- Has an occasional glitch for the A string
Some months back when I obtained my current violin, I decided to try an actual physical tuner. I did some research and I could not resist trying the D’Addario NS Violin MicroTuner. Just like the name describes, it is a tiny tuner. I found it convenient that you can attach it to your violin and it isn’t bulky at all. It has a swivel head so that you can tune from any angle. For example, if you are trying to tune your strings using the pegs while propping your violin on your lap, just swivel the head of the micro tuner around in order to see the readings right away. The micro tuner has a button that lets you flip the display up side down or right side up.
D’Addario NS Micro Violin Tuner
Unlike the tuner app, this tuner detects vibration. You can be sure that you will not have any environmental noise interference and as a result, it has a noticeably faster response than the violin tuner app.
Again when you hit the right note, the display with be green with one line on each side of the letter. When you’re off key, the color changes and if there are multiple lines to the right it means that you’re too sharp and if there are multiple lines to the left, it means you’re too flat.
What’s very helpful is the color display. I don’t need to look directly at the tuner to know that I am right on key. If it looks green from my peripheral vision, then I can confirm that I’m on pitch. It really helps because as you may already know, playing the violin involves a lot of multi tasking and not having to look directly at the tuner helps me focus on other aspects of my practice at the same time.
What I really like most about this tuner is it’s compact size. When I’m done using it during practice, I can just leave the tuner attached to my violin. Which is convenient because sometimes I need to double check my intonation in the middle of a song.
It does have a 10 minute battery saver. So if you need to have it on for a longer period of time, you will need to turn it back on every 10 minutes. Also, since I’ve had the tuner, I’ve had to change the battery twice already. It uses one CR 2032 battery that can easily be changed out. So keep that in mind. The Violin Tuner app on the other hand, gives you unlimited access to your tuner as long as your device is charged.
The micro tuner also has a visual metronome feature. To be honest I never use it. For metronome practice, I’d rather use my ears or my inner metronome.
The D’Addario NS Violin Micro Tuner Pros
- Attaches to your violin for easy viewing
- Detects vibration for tone detection/Faster response
- Color display
- Very compact – can go wherever your violin goes
- Costs less than 20 dollars
The D’Addario NS Violin Micro Tuner Cons
- Uses batteries
- Doesn’t have tone reference
I will admit that ever since I purchased the D’Addario tuner, I have not used the tuner app very often. But recently I installed new strings on my violin and I found the need for the audio reference feature from the Violin Tuner app to help me get the strings in tune faster and easier. So on occasion, you may need to use the features from the tuner app that the D’Addario NS Micro tuner does not provide.
Most of the time this small tuner is far more convenient to use. And I think it’s just too adorable – look at how tiny it is! It easily fits any case compartment – so you can take it everywhere your violin goes. For less than 20 dollars I think this tuner is all you need. But if you can’t spare that kind of money, use the free tuner app – it works good as well.
So there you have it, both types of tuners are convenient and easy to use. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Now I will leave it to you – which violin tuner do you prefer to use? Let me know by leaving a comment at my social media sites. (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube – all @ladyandtheviolin)
D’Addario Product Page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L1LL7DQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00L1LL7DQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ladyandthevio-20&linkId=a9c243f0453f601502b0ce9d4facb7b4
