The 8 Best Fingerboards of 2022
Fingerboard – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
The tuning fork is a fork-shaped accessory used primarily for tuning symphony orchestras, voices, and musical instruments, although many people also use it in medicine, reiki, or music therapy. For that reason, in this article we recommend some tuning forks. Among them, the Dilwe Universal, which has a compact design and is used to tune various stringed instruments such as violin or guitar. In addition, the Drfeify 440 HZ is made of high quality stainless steel for long life. In addition, it generates a clear and long tone to facilitate the tuning of stringed instruments.
The 8 Best Fingerboards – Opinions 2022
For instruments to sound properly, they need to be tuned correctly, which is why the tuning fork is an essential accessory for any musician. However, if you want to purchase this type of product, it is best to review various models on the Internet. Below, we present some of the most outstanding fingerboards.
guitar fretboard
1. Dilwe Tuning Fork Standard 440 Hz Guitar Tuner
If you are looking for a versatile guitar fretboard that you can use to give the proper tension to each of the strings, this may be the one for you. It is made of polished and plated stainless steel, so its elegance will combine very well with your other accessories and musical instruments. In the same way, thanks to the fact that it is made of metal, the durability of the fretboard will be greater, so that you can enjoy it for several years.
Another fundamental aspect is that it offers the possibility of using it to tune many instruments, for example, pianos, ukuleles, cellos, trumpets, banjos, violins, etc. In addition, it offers a clear and precise sound of the LA 440 Hz, which is the most used note for tuning.
In another order of ideas, we can say that its compact size and light weight make it the best fingerboard to take on a trip when you have a guitar concert out of town.
This is perhaps the best fingerboard of the moment, since it offers advantages that could meet the expectations of beginners and professional musicians.
Pros
Accuracy: Hitting this tuning fork against the palm of your hand will accurately emit the LA, so you can tune the instrument correctly.
Design: It has a compact and lightweight design, so it will be very comfortable to store in the bag or case of your instrument.
Efficacy: In addition to serving as a musical accessory, it also helps in physiotherapy, as its vibrations help relax the muscles of the body.
Cons
Color: It only comes in silver, so you will not be able to choose between other shades.
2. König & Meyer 16800-000-01 tuning fork Steel 0-440 Hz
In the list of the best tuning forks of 2022 we find this model, since it offers the classic LA of the symphony orchestra, that is, it emits a musical note of 440 Hz. In addition, its sound is part of the standard tuning used by most instruments, including synthesizers and modern electronic keyboards. In the same way, it is used to carry out the Rinne and Weber test, diagnosing hearing problems in time.
Regarding its design, we mention that it is a steel fretboard with a shiny finish, so it is elegant and durable. Likewise, it has 3.6 mm in diameter and 10.5 cm in length, to be able to store it in the trouser pocket without problems. It even only weighs 20 grams, so if you want a fairly light guitar fretboard, this could be the one for you.
This might be the best brand for fingerboards, as König & Meyer makes good quality musical accessories. In this section we present the qualities of a fingerboard made by them.
Pros
Tuning: It offers the frequency of 440 Hz, which is the natural A note, so it is used to tune the central A of pianos, as well as string instruments such as guitar, double bass, viola, etc.
Material: It is made of nickel-plated steel and has a bright finish, so it will have a long service life.
Medicine: It can be used in medicine to detect hearing problems early.
Cons
Volume: Because it is very small, you will have to bring it close to your ear to be able to hear and feel its vibrations.
fretboard for electric guitar
3. Drfeify Tuning Fork for Standard Guitar at 440 Hz
This fingerboard for electric guitar, violin or acoustic guitar offers a clear, crisp and long sound. In this way, it is possible to obtain precise tuning so that the instrument produces softer and more pleasant notes.
Additionally, the tuning fork outputs a frequency of 440Hz, which expands its versatility and makes it a good choice if you’re wondering which tuning fork to buy. On the other hand, this model is made of quality steel, which has antioxidant qualities to favor a long useful life.
Also, this type of material not only provides strength, but also gives you a more elegant appearance with polished and plated finish. As if that were not enough, it offers a light weight and compact size, so you can transport it with your other musical instruments without taking up much space.
It is normal to wonder which is the best fingerboard among the wide variety of models available on the market. As a solution, we recommend you to analyze this tool in more detail.
Pros
Tone: It is a 440 Hz tuning fork that can generate a clear and pleasant sound, suitable for tuning your instrument.
Material: It has a stainless steel structure that resists corrosion and provides a long service life.
Dimensions: It has a length of 120 mm and the fork extensions have a diameter of approximately 4.5 mm, so it is a compact model.
Cons
Cover: It does not include a cover to transport it in a more comfortable and safe way, which could reduce its practicality.
4. Jadpes Instrumental Tuning Fork Standard A 440Hz Guitar Tuner
Perhaps it is the best price-quality tuning fork, because it has an accessible cost, but at the same time it offers a long tone so that you can tune the instrument correctly. In addition to this, we inform you that it is not only a fretboard for electric guitar, but also works with classical, flamenco, acoustic dreadnought, etc. It even serves to tune violas, mandolins, banjos and upright pianos.
On the other hand, if you need a tuning fork that will last a long time, maybe this is the one, because it is made with high quality stainless steel, so it is resistant and will have a long life. In the same way, it has a luxury plating that gives it a shiny touch. This makes it a stylish accessory that will match the aesthetics of your electric guitar.
This is one of the most versatile tuning forks, so if you are a beginner and want to have an accessory with which you can accurately tune your instrument, this might be the one for you.
Pros
Size: It measures approximately 12 cm in total and the hairpin is 8.2 cm. In addition, its diameter is 4.5 mm.
Case: The package includes a practical carrying case, so you can take the fretboard anywhere.
Weight: With only 33 grams it will not be a bother to carry it with you in the guitar case along with the cables, strings and other accessories.
Cons
Handle: The handle is a bit short, it is only 3.8mm, so it may be uncomfortable for some people to hold.
violin fretboard
5. Wittner 901923 Round Tuner 442Hz
This is a tuning fork for violin, viola, cello, double bass and all orchestral instruments including wind, flute, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, etc. It offers a tone of LA 442 Hz, which is used in various orchestras and musical groups in Europe. That is, although it is not the most common frequency for tuning, it is used by many professionals, especially for bowed string instruments.
Regarding its design, we can say that it does not vary much from the classic fretboard, however, we mention that it is made of metal and has a shiny finish, so it will look great next to your musical instruments. As if that were not enough, it has a length of 12 cm, so that taking it from one place to another or storing it will not be an inconvenience.
Also, we mention that with this tuning fork you will be able to better tune your voice in your singing exercises.
If you get this accessory, you may be able to accurately tune various musical instruments. Therefore, we present its most outstanding positive and negative aspects.
Pros
Tuning: Emits the LA sound at the frequency of 442 Hz, therefore it is useful in symphony orchestras.
Length: Thanks to its 12 cm length, you can carry it in your pants pocket without any problem.
Design: It’s a gloss finish metal fretboard, so it’s stylish and won’t tarnish quickly.
Cons
Case: It does not come with a cover or case to store it, so you will have to purchase this accessory separately.
6. Planet Waves TF-A Tuners and Metronomes
This is a violin fingerboard with a soft handle for comfortable holding. Outputs the LA sound at the standard frequency, ie 440 Hz, so that other instruments can also be tuned. You just have to hit it with the palm of your hand or your legs and place it on the vibrating body of the violin so that the LA note sounds stronger, being able to tune it with greater comfort and precision.
Similarly, the seller also offers the MI tuning fork, with a frequency of 329.6 Hz, to tune various instruments or use it in reiki practice, since this note can help unblock the third chakra.
And if you buy both fingerboards, you will have no problem identifying each one, since on the neck they have a colored line that differentiates them, for example, the LA one is red and the MI one is green.
This is a very comfortable and practical fingerboard to use, so knowing its advantages and disadvantages is not a bad idea. Here we will explain some of them.
Pros
Tone: This fretboard model comes in LA or MI, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Finish: It has a robust and durable chrome metal design, so you will be able to use this fretboard for a long time.
Reiki: With the MI tuning fork you can perform reiki sessions and therapeutic massages.
Cons
Neck: The neck has a thin and simple end, that is, without a ball shape, so it may be less efficient when transmitting vibrations to the body of the violin.
music fretboard
7. Stagg TF1440 Fingerboard 440 Hz orchestral tuning
If you want to buy a musical tuning fork to tune the symphony orchestra or some other group, we recommend this Stagg brand model, since it has a chromed metal design that provides sound precision and durability. It also has a compact size, so it fits in the palm of an average adult’s hand or in a pants pocket.
Likewise, it is essential to know that it is a tuning fork with a frequency of LA at 440 Hz, so it will be used to tune wind and string instruments, and even the human voice. This means that it will be very useful in solfeggio and professional singing classes.
This musical accessory emits a clear tone and its vibration is long enough to accurately tune the orchestra.
When recommending fingerboards we cannot leave this model aside, as it brings various qualities that could satisfy the needs of beginners and professionals. These are its main characteristics.
Pros
Design: It is made of metal and plated with a shiny silver paint, so it looks great.
Cover: The package includes a cover, so it will be safer to transport or store it.
Functionality: Apart from being used to tune instruments, people can use it to enter meditation or relax their mind.
Cons
Volume: Because it is small, it does not emit a very high volume and you will have to place it on the body of the instrument to hear it better.
8. Toogoo 440Hz A-tone stainless steel fingerboard
Although this musical tuning fork is one of the cheapest at the moment, with it you can tune guitars, electric basses, fours, violins, mandolins, ukuleles, etc.
In addition to this, it is important to know that it is made of polished and plated steel, so it provides long life and good aesthetics. Of course, we recommend that you use it with great care, since being made of metal it could hit your instrument and leave some scratches on it. Also, if you want a compact fretboard, this could be the one you are looking for, since it is only 12 cm long.
In another order of ideas, this tuning fork emits the tone of LA in 440 Hz. Likewise, its sound is clear and long, so that you can take your time tuning the musical instrument. This is an advantage for students who have not fully developed their musical ear.
Since it is one of the cheapest tuning forks, it could be the one you need to start your music classes. Next, we explain its most important pros and cons.
Pros
Tuning: It has the standard note of A at 440 Hz, so it is useful for tuning almost any instrument.
Dimensions: Its handle is 3.8 cm long, the fork is 8.2 cm and the fingerboard is 12 cm in total, making it very easy to store.
Durability: It is made of high-quality steel, so that it offers a long service life.
Cons
Note: This fretboard model does not come in multiple notes, just A.
Shopping guide
There are many products in this category on the Internet, so choosing the right one for you could be a difficult task. However, through this guide to buying the best fingerboard, perhaps all your doubts will be clarified and you will be able to acquire the correct accessory.
Note
In a comparison of tuning forks you must take this aspect into account, since when you hit them they vibrate and emit a certain sound, that is, a note that is not always the same for all models.
For example, there are tuning forks that emit the standard tuning, which is A at a frequency of 440 Hz. On the other hand, others emit the same note but at 442 Hz. This last one is the one with which the bandoneon is tuned, although many people also used to tune their instruments, for example, violins, guitars, mandolins, banjos, etc.
In addition to this, although the 440 Hz tuning is the most common, the 442 Hz tuning is still used today in orchestras in Europe. Of course, this will largely depend on the musical director’s preferences and the works he is going to perform.
In the same way, we mention that when tuning musical instruments in 442 Hz, they emit a higher sound than when using 440 Hz. That is why some people prefer to lower the tuning even more, especially for some symphonic works, reaching at the frequency of 432 Hz, furthermore, according to them, the orchestra sounds very high tuned at 442 Hz, so much so that they do not feel satisfied with the sound.
However, there are tuning forks with lower frequencies, so they provide a deeper sound, for example, those with 329.6 Hz. These tuning forks are generally larger and can also be used to tune guitars, double basses, banjos, etc., as they offer the natural E note.
On the other hand, it is important to know that depending on the note that a tuning fork emits, it will be possible to use it both in music and in medicine. There are even some that serve in reiki, those of LA, MI, SOL, RE, DO, etc. For example, the first tone helps to unblock the third eye chakra and the second the solar plexus. Also, all of these tuning forks are used for relaxation or meditation.
Design
The most common question from people who want to buy a fingerboard is how much it costs, but before talking about the price, it is best to know the characteristics that an optimal model should have. For example, the fretboard that is made of stainless steel will withstand continuous use, sweaty hands, unexpected bumps and scratches, etc. In fact, stainless steel makes it possible for the original shape of the fretboard not to be affected by the passage of time. This is how you can issue the precise note each time you use it.
In the same way, the external finish must be of high quality, so check this quality in the description of the fretboard that catches your attention. In this sense, it is best that it comes with a bright chrome finish, which is also the same as talking about plating. It is a paint that protects the steel from possible liquid spills or humidity, giving the accessory greater resistance.
Likewise, another aspect that you must take into account in relation to the design is the size, since some are very large, which is an advantage if you want more volume. On the other hand, if you want to be able to move it anywhere easily, we recommend a compact fretboard, with a maximum length of 12 cm.
Also, the weight is a feature that you should check, although, almost all manufacturers make light fingerboards, so the differences between them are minimal.
Another aspect of the design that we can highlight is the handle, as it must be wide, greater than 3 cm long, so that you can hold it with your hands without having to touch the fork and reduce vibration.
Sheath
Although the fingerboard that comes with a cover may be more expensive, you may find an inexpensive model on the Internet, as there are many options available. The cover is an accessory that will protect the fretboard from dust, rain, drops and scratches, etc., especially when you are going to take it often to the music conservatory or orchestra rehearsals.
Another aspect that we can highlight about the case is its design. Normally, this accessory is simple and smooth, but some fingerboards include a more resistant one.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use a tuning fork?
The first thing you should do is grab the fingerboard of the neck, that is, the lower part that is just below the fork. We do not recommend taking it from the fork because that is the area of the fingerboard that vibrates and emits the sound.
Then hit the fretboard against the palm of your hand or with a hard rubber stick. In this way, the fork will vibrate and provide a sound of LA, MI, FA or the tone that you have purchased the instrument. Normally, the tuning fork does not sound very loud, so we recommend that you hold it close to your ear to hear it more accurately.
Q2: Who invented the fingerboard?
It was created in 1711 by Sergeant John Shore, a British lutenist and trumpeter who stood out as a musician thanks to his family background. His sister, Catherine Shore, was also a famous singer of the time, so this man was passionate about studying music from a young age. We also mentioned that John played at the British court; perhaps it was for this reason that Henry Purcell and Georg Friedrich Händel wrote scores for him.
Q3: What kind of instrument is the fingerboard?
This is an idiophone metal instrument, since it emits sound from the vibrations that occur in its own material, without the need for strings, air columns or membranes.
Currently, therapists, specialists in reiki and other meditation activities are incorporating it into their sessions, so that it is gaining value on a harmonic and melodic level. In addition, this accessory is one of the most used by beginners and professionals to tune musical instruments and the human voice.
Q4: How to tune a guitar with a fretboard?
Although there are several ways to tune a guitar with the fretboard, here we will explain two of the most effective. The first way is by touching the tuning fork and placing it close to the ear. This way you will hear the note clearly, for example, A at 440 Hz, which is the standard tuning of the guitar. Once you have heard the reference note play the fifth string of the guitar and try to make it sound the same. Next, tune the low E, D, SOL, B, and high E strings.
Another way to tune your guitar with the fretboard is as follows. First, you hit the fretboard making it vibrate quite a bit, then you place the neck on the top of the guitar body. This step will cause the fretboard to transmit its vibrations to the soundboard, which in turn will amplify the LA sound. In this way you obtain the reference note and proceed with the tuning of the fifth string of your instrument. In this case, you must also match the sound for the note to sound correctly. Then, you continue adjusting the tension of the other strings, according to the 440 Hz LA that you have achieved.
Q5: Is a musical tuning fork the same as a medical tuning fork?
A musical tuning fork is an object used to tune musical instruments such as guitars, pianos, and violins. It is mostly used in symphony orchestras before each concert, where everyone tune to the musical note LA at 440 Hz. Instead, the medical tuning fork is an instrument used to assess hearing capacity in two ways, the first through bone conduction and the second by air.
Q6: How to make a homemade fingerboard?
The first thing you should do is use a 3 mm thick brass plate. Subsequently, you draw the fretboard on the plate with a marker and ruler, then cut it with an axial grinder. Next, you will need a fibrofacil soundboard, we recommend using the 12 x 7 x 6 cm one; This comes with a cover that at the end of all the work you will have to glue with carpenter’s glue.
For the fretboard support use a threaded rod with nuts on top and bottom. This rod must be drilled lengthwise with a 4.5mm drill bit. Next, make a window in the side of the box using a dremel.
For the accessory to hit the fretboard, use an eraser and attach it to the neck. Similarly, to know the frequency, we recommend using the Visual Analyzer software, which is a completely free program. Download and install it on your computer. Then open the frequency counter window and then the signal generator. Follow the instructions and in a few minutes you will see the frequency of your tuning fork adjusted according to your preferences, 440, 432, 442 Hz, etc.
