Tuning mechanisms for stringed instruments: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:15, 2 September 2018

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Fine tuners are used on the [[tailpiece]] of some stringed instruments, as a supplement to the tapered pegs at the other end. Tapered pegs are harder to use to make small adjustments to pitch.

Fine tuners are not geared. They have a screw with a [[knurl]]ed head, whose lower end advances against one end of a lever with a right-angle bend in it. The string is fastened to the other end of the lever, and tightening the screw tightens the string.<ref>https://www.violins.ca/info/tune_a_violin_fine_tuners.html</ref> With the screw is at the lower limit of its travel, the lever can come close enough to the instrument's top to pose a risk of scarring it.<ref name=strings_finet>http://stringsmagazine.com/how-to-select-the-right-fine-tuners/</ref> To avoid damage to the top, the screw may be turned out as far as it goes while still engaging the lever, and the string re-tuned using the peg.<ref>https://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/violin/troubleshooting-guide-for-dealing-with-violin-pegs-and-fine-tuners/</ref>

Fine tuners can buzz, and may cut strings if not filed smooth before use. They add weight and, when not built into the [[tailpiece]], reduce string afterlength.<ref name=strings_finet/> Fine tuners are common on cellos, but some violinists regard them as an aid for beginners who have not yet learned to tune precisely using pegs alone.<ref>http://blog.feinviolins.com/2011/04/fine-tuners.html</ref>