A pitch pipe gives you a reference note to sing or tune to, with no battery. Most chromatic models cover thirteen notes with a sliding or rotating selector, while a violin pipe gives only the four open strings.
The six pipes below cover Kratt bronze-reed models in two scales, a Tombo whistle, a chrome-plated 13-note pipe, a metal and plastic C-C pipe and a two-pack of violin pipes. Notes, materials and sizes come from each listing. We have not used these pitch pipes ourselves, and accuracy claims are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Scale | C to C and F to F begin on different notes |
| Reeds | Bronze, brass or metal reeds are listed by the makers |
| Selector | A sliding or rotating selector picks the note |
| Case | A box or velvet case keeps the reeds clean |
Specs at a Glance
| Pitch pipe | Scale | Build | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kratt MK1 | F to F, 13 notes | Bronze reeds | 3.1 x 3.1 x 1.3 in; 1 year warranty |
| Kratt MK2 | C to C, 13 notes | Bronze reeds | Made in the USA per the listing; 1 year warranty |
| Tombo P-13E | E scale, 13 notes | Brass-type material | A = 440 Hz per the maker |
| That’s My Tune | C-C, 13 notes | Chrome plated pipes | Sliding selector; velvet-lined case; 1.44 oz |
| HORNO | C-C, 13 notes | Metal and plastic | Storage box; 2.08 oz |
| Dnyta violin | G D A E | ABS shell, metal reeds | 2 pack; 1.8 x 1.2 x 0.5 in |
The 6 Best Pitch Pipes
1. Kratt MK1 Master Key F to F
A chromatic pitch pipe in silver with 13 hand-turned bronze reeds arranged in a sequential scale from F to F, with embossed note names on the top and bottom. It measures 3.1 x 3.1 x 1.3 inches and has a 1 year warranty.
Suits: a scale that runs F to F. Strengths: bronze reeds and embossed marks. Weaknesses: no case is listed. Skip it if you want a C-C layout.
View Kratt MK1 Master Key Chromatic Pitch Pipe F to F on Amazon
2. Kratt MK2 Master Key C to C
The same Master Key design in a C to C chromatic scale, with 13 hand-turned bronze reeds, embossed notations on the top and bottom, and a country of origin listed as the United States. The warranty is 1 year.
Suits: the usual C scale. Strengths: bronze reeds and a clear layout. Weaknesses: no case is listed. Skip it if you want a sliding selector.
View Kratt MK2 Master Key Chromatic Pitch Pipe C to C on Amazon
3. Tombo P-13E Whistle
A chromatic tuning whistle with 13 sounds based on A = 440 Hz. The maker describes it as useful for Western instruments and for taking sounds in a cappella singing, and says to sound it while turning the tuning screw of the string you want to match. The scale is listed as E, and some fields on the page are in German.
Suits: matching strings by ear. Strengths: a stated A = 440 Hz reference. Weaknesses: mixed-language fields. Skip it if you want a C-C scale.
View Tombo P-13E Chromatic Tuning Whistle Pitch Pipe E Scale on Amazon
4. That’s My Tune 13 Note
A 13-note chromatic C-C pitch pipe with chrome-plated pipes, a sliding note selector and a velvet-lined case. It weighs 1.44 ounces and measures 2.8 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches. The listing text also talks about vocal tone; we repeat none of those claims.
Suits: a slim pocket pipe with a case. Strengths: a sliding selector and a case. Weaknesses: a long, wordy listing. Skip it if you prefer a bronze-reed pipe.
View That’s My Tune Pitch Pipe Tuner 13 Note Chromatic C-C Scale on Amazon
5. HORNO 13 Tones C-C
A C-C chromatic pitch pipe made of metal and plastic that the maker lists for violin, ukulele, guitar, cello, mandolin, banjo and bass. The scale is marked on the top cover and a storage box is included. It weighs 2.08 ounces. The bullets also call it a metronome, which looks like a listing error.
Suits: a multi-instrument tuning reference. Strengths: a box and a marked cover. Weaknesses: an odd metronome claim. Skip it if you want a better documented brand.
View HORNO 13 Tones Pitch Pipe C-C Tuner Chromatic Pitch Pipe on Amazon
6. Dnyta Violin Pitch Pipe
A two-pack of mouth-blown pipes with four holes for the open strings G, D, A and E. The ABS shell measures about 1.8 x 1.2 x 0.5 inches and comes in a metal reed plastic box. The maker advises storing it dry so the reed does not rust.
Suits: violin practice. Strengths: two pieces and a tiny size. Weaknesses: only four notes. Skip it if you need all twelve semitones.
View Dnyta 2 Pcs Violin Pitch Pipe Four-Hole Tuning Tone Setter G D A E on Amazon
Care Tips
- Blow gently; hard blasts do not help a reed.
- Keep the pipe in its case or box between uses.
- Store it dry, away from damp rooms.
- Check the note against another reference now and then.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the wrong scale for your needs.
- Expecting a violin pipe to give all twelve notes.
- Skipping the case and letting lint reach the reeds.
- Trusting a note that sounds off without a second check.
Pitch Pipes FAQ
Which ones list bronze reeds?
The Kratt MK1 and MK2 list 13 hand-turned bronze reeds.
Which one is for violin?
The Dnyta two-pack gives the four open strings G, D, A and E.
The Short Version
For an F to F scale, the Kratt MK1. For C to C in bronze, the Kratt MK2. For an A = 440 Hz whistle, the Tombo P-13E. For a slider and case, the That’s My Tune. For a boxed C-C pipe, the HORNO. For violin, the Dnyta pair.
