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Do you know why top violins always come with ONE fine tuner?! Why it is always on E string?!
I've spent a lot of time thinking about it. I haven't got an answer yet. Why 1? Why not four fine tuners? Why not 0 fine tuners? I can't get the point.
I suggest that there is no rational explanation of such... phenomemon. Have you got any ideas about this?
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Hi Hurton:
My understanding is that a fine tuner is definitely needed on the E string because tuning is so sensitive on that string. Professionals and really good players believe that they are able to adequately tune the other strings with the peg alone.
That said, I got a new, better violin for Christmas and it only has one fine tuner (my old one has four) and I think that when I change the strings I may put fine tuners on the other strings. Maybe I'll get used to tuning with the pegs but right now I'm finding it a bit frustrating because I keep going past the right point. Argh!
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
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Don't worry, KindaScratchy. My old violin had no fine tuners at all. I used to tune it with pegs only. The point is that you should turn the pegs very gently. This is really not difficult. You'll get used to it after a week or two. I don't know how to explain... but you just need feel how turning the pegs affects the sound.
My new violin has four fine tuners but I don't use them. I use pegs instead (even on E string). 
Regulars
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My fiddle from the 1930-40's did not come with fine tuners. My Suzuki Teach who has a great ear said add a tuner for only the E. My Bluegrass Teach said add tuners for all the strings. I did but then took them off, except for thye E string, because the strings are basically always in tune!!! On occasion the E needs a bit of adjusting.
Violinist start date - May 2013
Fiddler start date - May 2014
FIDDLE- Gift from a dear friend. A 1930-40 german copy, of a french copy of a Stradivarius. BOW - $50 carbon fiber. Strings - Dominants with E Pirastro Gold string.
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I like one fine tuner.. However....not all pegs and violins are the same. I have gotten used to just tuning from the pegs and what each peg requires... then I got another violin.. and some pegs require more or less .... my A string on both violins, when I tune from the peg while in playing position... I have to be careful to push in or they will slip and unwind.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
Regulars
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As a beginner, 4 FT's are much easier on strings as you learn just how little turning it takes to achieve the proper tension.
After 6 months or a year, you can always remove the FTs and go with only 1 on the E string.
Some violins have geared pegs so a FT is really not that necessary when starting out. I have 6 violins, 4 of them do not have all 4 FT's, but 2 do. Both of my electric 5 strings have both geared pegs and FT's so it's a really versatile combination setup.
I have 2 very old violins (in excess of 120 yrs old) and one has gut strings and only 1 FT on the E string.
After awhile, the strings don't require so much attention to stay in tune and are simply an occasional tweak or so.
Diane is correct, the E string is the tightest and most sensitive string on a violin and will not tolerate abuse when tuning up. Slow and careful and use a good sensitive tuner to achieve the proper frequency and thus the proper octave of the E note.
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
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For me also.. the e-string.. it just takes the slightest, tiny tiny adjustment to tune it... so tuning the estring with the peg is harder for me... just my take on it.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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