Tuning a violin

How would one know when to use the pegs or adjusters? Apparently you shouldn’t realise use the pegs so I’m confused. :confused:

By adjustors I assume you mean the fine tuners. You should use the pegs to get it close, and then use the fine tuners to get more precise tuning.

On most quality violins only the E string (the highest one) has a fine tuner. So, you have to use the peg for the G, D, and A strings.

A violin with four fine tuners is likely to be a student model.

Adjusters are only needed on all four strings when solid metal (ie cheap) strings are being used. Gut or synthetic strings have lower tension, so only the E string needs an adjuster.

Basically, if there’s an adjuster present, use it. Only use the pegs if the limits of the adjuster aren’t enough.

If the string needs a whole lot of tuning, the pegs are what you need to work with first.

As you get closer and closer to the desired pitched, use the fine tuners.

I would advice loosening the fine tuners before you work with the pegs (since it seems like you’re a novice). This will give you some wiggle-room just in case you tighten too much.

Another piece of advice (again, assuming you’re a novice who’s interested in tuning his/her brand new fiddle), move the pegs slowly and push them in ever-so-slightly as you turn them. Sometimes they don’t like to stay put.

Final piece of advice: don’t tighten the fine tuners too much. If you’ve got them tightened all the way down, loosen them up and then adjust with the pegs till the string is somewhat close to the desired pitch. Then adjust with the fine tuners.