Abstract Here we investigate the feasibility of using quartz tuning forks (QTFs) modified with nanostructure decorated polymer wires as potential gas sensors. The sensing parameters of different sensors for various volatile organic compounds like ethanol, methanol, chloroform and acetone were investigated. The exposure of the functionalized QTF sensors to VOC vapours induces a change in the mass as well as the mechanical properties of the polymer wire due to which the resonant frequency of the system changes. The dependence of the general behaviour and the frequency response of the sensors on both mass loading and spring loading effect was investigated and verified experimentally. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.