# JustDrones - Tunable Just Intonation Drones

> Music

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id348861427](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id348861427)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id348861427`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Michael Eskin
- **Category:** Music
- **Rating:** 2.80 / 5 (13 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.0
- **Last updated:** 2015-06-16
- **First published:** 2010-01-07
- **Size:** 2.42 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-05
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/justdrones-tunable-just-intonation-drones/id348861427)
- **Website:** [http://www.tradlessons.com/apps.html](http://www.tradlessons.com/apps.html)

## Description

JustDrones is a set of tunable fully chromatic virtual Uilleann bagpipes drones for intonation practice with any instrument.

An optional additional just-tuned interval drone may be enabled a 3rd, 4th, or 5th scale tone above or a 5th or octave bass below the root. 

The volume of the main drones and the interval drone may be controlled independently.

You may adjust the tuning of the main drones and the just-intonation based interval drone +/- 50 cents in one-cent increments using the fine-tuning slider control just below the drone puck. Touch the "Zero" button to quickly reset the fine tuning.

Pitch selection, interval drone, fine tuning, and volume settings are saved when the app exits and restored the next time the app is run.

The interval drones are tuned using just intonation relative to the drone root pitch for perfect consonance.

Playing against drones is an excellent way to work on improving intonation. Tin whistle, wooden flute, and Irish fiddle players can all benefit from using the JustDrones as a practice aid.

JustDrones can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to add the unique sound of the Uilleann pipes drones to their live or recorded music. 

Uilleann pipers, looking for an interesting alternative to standard D drones on a concert set? Set the main drone root to G and enable the 5th interval drone.

To get even more usefulness out of JustDrones, try plugging your iPhone or iPod Touch into a set of external speakers. The drones sounds are from acoustic recordings without additional effects. Try connecting to external effects devices such as chorus or reverb boxes for even more interesting sounds.

It also plays perfectly through the iPhone's speaker (make sure you turn off the ringer mute switch if you're not hearing anything).

Please visit my website for demonstration videos of JustDrones and additional information.

## Rankings

- #364,542 — Overall

## Review summary

JustDrones is valued as a practical tuning reference with strong tunability and richer drone tones, helping players improve intonation. Common complaints focus on sound quality (PWM sidebands, odd/noisy tones) and playback limitations on iPhone speakers. Some users also desire more octave options and minor UI improvements, but the core feature—adjustable drones for tuning across keys—remains the app's primary strength.

### Pros

- Excellent practice tool for tuning and intonation across instruments (pipes, fiddle, strings).
- Highly tunable: can select all twelve keys, add intervals to the root, and fine-tune by up to +/-50 cents.
- Drones use complex waveforms beyond simple sine tones, providing a richer, more realistic reference for practice.
- Delivers on its promise as a focused drone/tuning reference (the app title matches the functionality).

### Cons

- Sound quality is a frequent complaint: some reviews describe PWM sidebands, non-musical noise, or tones that are unpleasant or hard to tune to.
- Drones may not be audible on the iPhone's built‑in speaker and often require external headphones or speakers.
- Limited octave range or lack of octave controls; some users wish for more pitch options.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id348861427)