Welcome to Snark Clip Tuner Review.
This article is my honest Snark Clip Tuner Review. There are so many clip-on tuners on the market, and Snark is one of the best if not the best.
The Snark Clip Tuner is the most popular but selecting among the Snark Clip Tuner models is a little bit confusing. There are quite a number of models to choose from, so I wrote this review to help you out.
So I narrow it down to the two models which are suited for guitar and bass players. These tuners are not designed for ukuleles. There is another model for that.
Snark SN5x
This tuner model is the upgraded version of the original and it the best selling model on Amazon.
This model is designed for guitar, bass, and violin.
The display is more enhanced than the older SN5 and easily visible from any angle. For a few bucks extra this model is worth buying than the SN5.
One thing to note though is to be wary if you have a vintage guitar with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish.
The foam on the Snark SN5x is the same as the foam on old guitar stands which will eat through nitrocellulose lacquer.
If you have a newer model guitar, then there is no problem. The CR2 battery is included.
Snark HZ-5
This model is designed for guitar, bass, and violin. The Snark HZ-5 is a standout.
As the model implies, Hertz is adjustable by 1/10 of a Hertz.
The most accurate and the fastest response among the Snark Clip Tuners and among other brands of clip-on tuners.
It is 30% smaller than the original Snark Clip Tuner and has a high definition display. The display is visible in broad daylight and easily visible at any angle.
It also features an unbreakable clip. This model is suitable for instruments with a nitrocellulose finish. This model is the most expensive Snark Clip Tuner, but this is what I highly recommend.
As of this update, it is now out of stock. A similar model is shown below.
My Recommendation!
If you happen to be on a tight budget, go for the SN5x. Do not buy the SN5. If you happen to have the budget, by all means, go for the HZ-1. It is the best available clip tuner on the market.
Feel free to ask questions, and post comments below.
Den
Silvia says
Hi,
I own a Snark SN5, the one you don’t recommend. I use it with my ukulele and I don’t have any problem so far.
Den says
Hi, Silvia,
The SN5 is good enough and Snark Tuners are all good. The reason why I did not recommend it is that there is an upgraded version of it now which is the SN5x.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Rhett says
Good tip about not using the SN5x with vintage guitars because of the finish, I would not have though of that and would like to protect the finish on my guitar. The display of the HZ5 is much better, even in the picture! I mean, what is the point of having a clip on tuner if you can’t even read the thing…
Den says
Hi Rhett,
The HZ-5 is their top of the line model. It has far better display and the most accurate. This will work great on vintage guitars as the clip will not ruin the nitrocellulose varnish.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Vitaliy says
Hi Den
A while ago I was using Fender FCT-12 Color Clip-On Tuner. I liked it very much. Lost it somewhere on my trip.
Since that time was going with smartphone apps 🙂
I read some positive reviews on Snark HZ5 due to its accurate calibration. Also, the price is quite resonable.
I think I will try your recommendation.
Thank you for the info and suggestion.
Cheers,
Vitaliy
Den says
Hi Vitaly,
The Snark Hz-5 is the most accurate clip on tuner in the market. You can even calibrate to a tenth of a Hertz. The clip on tuner is also safe for vintage guitars with nitrocellulose lacquer finish.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Courtney says
Your review of the Snark Clip Tuners is honest and easy to understand. It will really help guitar players to decide which clip tuner to buy. It is also nice to know that you pointed out the benefits between models. The HZ-5 I think is the best pick if accuracy is desired. Thanks for sharing.Wish you success.
Den says
Hi Courtney,
The Snark Clip Tuners are the best clip tuners you can buy. The HZ-5 is the most accurate as you can calibrate by tenths of a Hertz.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Marley Dawkins says
Nice buddy, i haven’t played my guitar in years, but this post has motivated me to get going again, and i once get back into playing again im going to need a good tuner, and considering i can play the Bass and Guitar, on top of the fact that i don’t mind spending a bit more to get the quality, i am definitely going to go with the Snark HZ5.
So im going to book mark this page, and when im ready to get my guitar activities going again this post and your website in general will be my first stop.
Thanks so much for this!
Den says
Hi Marley,
The HZ-5 is definitely the right choice even though it is more expensive. Welcome back to guitar and bass playing.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Ingrida says
These tuners are really good. They are worth every cent you will pay for it. 🙂
Den says
Hi Ingrida,
Snark Clip on Tuners are excellent and they do the job best. The price you pay for it is nothing compared to its ease of use and accuracy.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Ingrida says
Oh wow! I had no idea such tuner existed!
I guess I need to update mine because it is not doing a very good job at tuning my guitar! 🙂 I’ve been using it for over 10 years on my guitar.
It’s awesome that it’s not that expensive. I paid close to 20 euros for mine.
Thanks for information!
Den says
Hi Ingrida,
These tuners are very accurate especially the HZ-5. They are also very easy to use and the prices are very reasonable.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Vertical Veloxity says
If you have a guitar then consider it your baby that you have to take care . So getting the best is a good thing. It seems like this clip on tuner is essential for every guitar player. I have to check this out and for sure I will inform the boys about this product.
Thanks for the review.
Den says
This clip on tuner is an essential accessory for every guitar. It is accurate, easy to use and cheap.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Mattina Engel says
hello and thank you for this review on tuners. I have been researching for a good guitar portable tuner and these look fantastic! My husband uses the Quik Tuner for his guitar but I find it difficult to use and be accurate for my guitar. This seems much simpler to use.
I have never seen tuners that attach to the instrument before. How would you compare these to other tuners such as the Quik Tuner both in accuracy and ease of use?
Den says
Hi Mattina,
These tuners are very accurate especially the HZ-5. You can calibrate in tenths of a Hertz. I compared this to my Boss GT-10 pedal effects tuner and they are that accurate. The Snark Clip-on Tuner is very much easier to use. I haven’t used the Quik Tuner you mentioned, though.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Bob says
Wow Den, another great webpage! I really appreciate your knowledge in guitars. That piece on the rubber eating through a certain lacquer was excellent. Really shows the depth of your passion for this and your concern for other people and what they have.
I would really appreciate having a list of all your websites so I can look at them for my own personal satisfaction. Take care and keep up the great work.
Den says
Hi Bob!
You should be careful when using these tuners on a vintage guitars with nitrocelulose lacquer as the rubber paddings on the clip will eat up the lacquer. The exception is the HZ-1 and the HZ-5 as they have a different clip. New guitars have no problem with any of the clip tuner models. The problem with the HZ-5 is it is always out of stock. They are selling like hotcakes.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Chris Towers says
Hi,
I came across this page for the Snark Clip Tuner and I must admit it is the first time I have seen this.
I am a keen guitar player and have been for many years. I used to play in a band when I was younger and I always remember having to spend time tuning my guitars.
This is the first time I have seen the Snark Clip Tuner and I can also see it has some amazing advantages too.
I think if you are a keen guitarist and want things done right I would go for the HZ5 over the cheaper model. In my opinion you get what you pay for, and sometimes it is worth spending a few extra bucks to get quality.
Thanks for this!
Chris
Den says
Hi Chris,
Yes the HZ-5 is the most accurate clip tuner in the market but unfortunately it is very hard to find nowadays.They are selling like hotcakes.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Leslie says
Good review. I have never heard of the Snark brand but it sounds like good value for money. My guitar has an inbuilt chromatic tuner though. Is there a difference in accuracy?Would it be worth it if I buy the Snark?
Great post by the way. You did a good job.
Den says
Hi Leslie,
Snark is the best clip on tuner in the market. It is a must even if you have a chromatic tuner built-in in your guitar. It is much easier to tune using a clip on tuner. It is worth for you to buy the Snark. The HZ-5 is the most accurate as it you can tune by 1/10 of Hertz. Too bad this item is always out of stock in the market as it is selling like hotcakes.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Geoff says
Hey there. I came across your review while looking for gift ideas. I’d never heard of a clip on tuner until now and can see how good of a concept it is.
I was also reading another persons comment about pricing. I’m no expert but I thought websites didn’t post exact prices when they suggest products due to the fact that prices can change.
Anyway I did notice that the tuner works on bass, violin, and guitar, but not ukulele. I was wondering why that is? Any idea?
Thanks for the fabulous information. Geoff.
Den says
Hi Geoff,
The reason why I wrote this article is that due to the popularity of Snark Clip Tuners and because I came across a lot of questions regarding this tuner. If you read my article again, it mentioned that buyers are overwhelmed on what model to buy. Snark has so many models so I narrowed it down to two most popular model that would work for guitar and bass as well. It is just a coincidence that the model i picked to review also work for violin. There is a Snark for all string instruments and there is also one just for ukulele.
Thanks for your comments,
Den
Albert says
Thank you for your nice Snark Clip Tuner review. I have a couple of questions that would be nice of you to answer?
1. I couldnt find the exact price on this page, could you please add the price to your list? This can be a time saver for visitors like me 🙂
2. I usually use my laptop for tuning my guitar. How do you compare the accuracy of computer softwares with devices like snark clip?
Have a nice day,
Den says
Hi, Albert,
You just have to click on that image to go to eBay or Amazon. Just 2 clicks are required if you are interested. A computer software will not be able to tune guitars like the Snark Tuners or any stand alone tuners as a matter of fact. The HZ-5 is very accurate it could be calibrated to 1/10 of a hertz frequency.
Thanks for the comments,
Den