Questions & Answers

Tuning a cello is a very simple task that many students and parents find quite difficult to do. It is much more simple than most people are lead to believe. With the right tools and equipment any one can successfully tune a cello!

Firstly insure the strings of the cello are in good condition and are not freying, unwinding or discoloured. If this is the case I would reccomed buying a new set of strings. When tuning a cello most people would need an electronic tuner to assist with the process. We reccomend the use of a KORG Solo Tuner. This is the only available product that reads the lower frequencies of the C string on a cello. A regular tuner will be of little use. The KORG tuner can be purchased from our online store.
 
If the cello is extremely out of tune the strings will be quite loose. This requires you to turn the pegs of the cello away from your body in order to tighten the strings. If the pegs slip, push them inwards as you turn. Check the tension of the strings regularly making sure they are not too tight otherwise they will snap. Using the fine tuners of the cello you can now tune to the exact pitch that is required. The strings on a cello from left to right are C G D A.  Your KORG electronic tuner will display the note being played and if the note is flat, sharp or in tune. Watch the needle displayed on the screen. It will move either left or right depending on the pitch. If the note is flat turn the fine tuner clockwise (to raise pitch), if the note is sharp turn anticlockwise (to lower pitch). Complete this process until all strings have been tuned.

If the fine tuners won't screw down any further you will need to unwind them (approx 10 rotations) and tighten the pegs a fraction to enable the fine tuners to work.

You have now successfully tuned your cello!