Tuner Pedals?

I am appaulingly bad at tuning by ear and recently I have been experimenting with a lot more tunings, which I tend to change very often. I hate wasting my time and getting things out of tune.

So I want a good reliable, accurate and easy to use pedal that can get me going from open G to open E tunings in a few seconds. Tuning up and down with ease in a loud, dark room is what I need.

Specifically something that will let me tune strings up as easily and as fast as down.

Thanks

Korg Pitch Black. Less than $100 CDN, and quite accurate. You mentioned a loud room - the Pitch Black tunes in silence, so you can't hear what you're doing, but the display is easy to read. Tuning in silence is good for the audience, not good for you, but it's also handy to use it to mute your rig between songs!

The Pitch Black also powers other pedals via a daisy chain.

I just got the Boss TU-2 about a week ago. I switch from standard to Open G to tuning down 1/2 - 3/4 a lot. It allows me to do all of this quickly and accurately.

I've used a lot of tuners, PitchBlack from Korg is awesome and pretty cheap. Many tuners - including Boss ones I have used in the past - I have needed to tweak the tuning by ear after using the tuner to get it to sound right. The Korg - in strobe mode - gets the guitar in tune so I don't have to do the after tuner tweaking. Also the display is bright and clear for stage use.

The mute function is useful, and I believe it is true bypass as well. However I wish there was an option for it not to mute while you tune.

Sonic Research Turbo Tuner.

Korg pitch black tuner.

I just got the Boss TU-2 about a week ago. I switch from standard to Open G to tuning down 1/2 - 3/4 a lot. It allows me to do all of this quickly and accurately.

+1
Used the TU-2 for my entire career of live performances
Very fast, good bright display, I can check tuning on all 6 strings in a 10 second break between songs, or even between my guitar parts mid-song.

bought a Korg Pitchblack this week - design classic!

I've seen enough TU2s on stages in my live sound work to make me want to buy stock in Roland.

...but I like to be different, so I got a Pitchblack. I love it. True bypass too, which is nice, since I don't use any other pedals live, and I keep it on top of my amp, so I don't need buffers.

The guitar sounds in tune when I'm done - and I'm very picky, and usually prefer to tune by ear to a reference pitch. This doesn't work well live though.

The TU2 is a fine pedal as well. I've really got nothing against it.

Korg PB

You should learn to tune by ear, it's good pitch training.

Then get a Peterson Stomp2, it's the absolute dog's furry bits.

Korg Pitch Black.

i have a tu2 and have been considering selling it for a korg pitchblack

Pitchblack, no need to look elsewhere...

I had the Korg floor tuner that preceded the Pitch Black. I don't know if mine was "special", but it was wrong! Everyone that I play with in several different bands uses the Boss floor tuner and I discovered that I was very slightly out of tune with my bandmates. When I tuned to one of their tuners the issue was corrected. Very irritating. And yes, I checked the calibration.

Now I have a Boss and it works great. I think there is a good argument for "tuner brand unity" within a band. It's not the first time I've run into inconsistencies.

Many tuners - including Boss ones I have used in the past - I have needed to tweak the tuning by ear after using the tuner to get it to sound right. The Korg - in strobe mode - gets the guitar in tune so I don't have to do the after tuner tweaking.

I haven't had the need to replace my ancient Seiko ST-727, but you guys have me intrigued...

...Regarding tweaking by ear, I have a trick that I do that a good tuner will allow you to utilize.

I tune the wounds (or strings 4-6) about 2-3 cents sharp. I then tune the plains (or strings 1-3) either dead on or a cent flat.

It's kind of a variation on the setup that Jerry Donahue uses, and that I imagine many folks did years ago, prior to the Buzz Feiten stuff, compensated saddles, what have you...

But I find that it still works even with well intonated saddles. If you've got a decent strobe display, you should be able to nail those few cents FAST after you've had practice.

Not really relevant, and probably a bit of a digression, but just thought I'd share...

I don't understand how that could possibly work or sound good, have you got any references to the theory behind it?

I've read some stuff about setting up intonation sharp and flat due to uncompensated 3 barrel bridges and tuning accordingly, or tuning flat to allow for finger pressure to bend notes up to pitch, but I don't see how tuning strings sharp will allow you to be in tune with other band members and keyboards etc.

recently I have been experimenting with a lot more tunings, which I tend to change very often.


sounds to me like a great excuse to buy a guitar for each tuning...

just kidding

Think for $100 US or less the TU2 is the one to get. If you have the dough, the Peterson is the absolute mack daddy bomb. Pays for itself after a few really good intonations on your guitars. I wouldn't part with my Peterson for anything -- it's that good, that easy, and that accurate. Plus, it has presets or user settings for anything you want to do tuning wise.

I've been using a TU2 for years but recently got a Turbo Tuner Model ST-200. I think it tracks better and tunes easier than the Boss, but the real test will be how the LEDs stand out in outdoor venues (you can't see much on the Boss in outdoor conditions).

Daddy Elmis - I have a Peterson VS-2 - the Pitchblack compares well for accuracy. I wouldn't sell the peterson though.

+1 on the TU-2.

I've used a Boss TU-2 for many years and haven't found a reason to replace it. My only gripe is it can be hard to read on an outdoor stage.

+1!

Verry relieble, rock-sollid, good visability when the sun/lights hit it, very easy to use etc. etc.

I've used a Boss TU-2 for many years and haven't found a reason to replace it. My only gripe is it can be hard to read on an outdoor stage.

I've retro-fitted a couple of TU-2s with the lense from a pair of cheap plastic sunglasses, cut to shape and attached with the two thumbscrews the unit comes with. Works great. Sorry, no pictures, I use a Planet Waves.

Mike Bruce

ModTone Tuner. I was curious about it . It is solidly built. I have no complaints. It is visible in dim light. It works really well and the price was right.

I've retro-fitted a couple of TU-2s with the lense from a pair of cheap plastic sunglasses, cut to shape and attached with the two thumbscrews the unit comes with. Works great. Sorry, no pictures, I use a Planet Waves.

Mike Bruce

Excellent idea! Thanks Mike!

+1 on the Peterson Strobostomp. I used a TU-2 for a long time and really fought the idea of spending that kind of dough on a tuner, but once I finally bit the bullet and bought the Peterson, I was sold. Absolutely perfect tuning every time, no need to "touch it up" by ear after using the tuner. The "sweetened" preset sounds really good - I haven't looked into the nuts and bolts of how it's different from standard tuning, but it sounds better to my ear. Nice to be able to set the intonation on your guitars with it too.

I don't understand how that could possibly work or sound good, have you got any references to the theory behind it?

I've read some stuff about setting up intonation sharp and flat due to uncompensated 3 barrel bridges and tuning accordingly, or tuning flat to allow for finger pressure to bend notes up to pitch, but I don't see how tuning strings sharp will allow you to be in tune with other band members and keyboards etc.

Here's (http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/choosing-installing/tech-tips/saddle_up_your/) the reference. Concentrate on what he says in the final paragraph, regarding tuning a piano.

And Jerry goes on to say that the issue becomes compounded with hybrid/custom gauged string sets, how you attack the strings, and other factors.

I guess that I should have specified that my gauges are almost the inverse of what Jerry uses - he's got really light wound strings - his 6th is a 42, while mine is 48 - 52.

It was as a result of being out of tune with the band and especially recording that got me into the sharp/flat thing. Bear in mind that I'm only talking about a couple of cents at most, unfretted. By the time I'm up to G or G#, it's all typically dead on. And there are no keys in my current gig or recording projects (save a splash here or there), so that might affect things otherwise.

I've also tried methods such as this (http://www.ryanguitars.com/News%20and%20Events/Guitar_tech_tips/Tuning_Method.htm), which can be a fair compromise if playing with keys and the like. On a Tele with a fairly heavy set of wounds and the old MannMade saddles, I got the following readings on the meter:

E - 5 cents flat
B - 2 cents flat
G - 5 cents flat
D - to pitch
A - 3 cents #
E - 9 cents flat

But playing a G maj. barre chord, I basically get the following:

-6th string (3rd fret) is very flat compared to 4th string (5th fret)
-5th string (5th fret) slightly sharper than 2nd string (3rd fret)
-both 6th and 4th fretted strings sharper than 1st string (3rd fret), especially 4th string
-3rd string 4th fret more or less in tune with fretted 6th string and 1st string, pretty flat compared to others

When retuning to basically a cent # on strings 4-6 and to pitch or not even a cent flat on 1-3, the same G maj. barre is much more in tune, at least on my guitar.

Like I said - we now have the Feiten system, and I think that there are vendors who will carve comp saddles for custom gauges, but the old school "piano" method works pretty well, at least for me. If I went to slinkier wounds like 46 or lighter, I'd probably keep the wounds dead on and go flat a cent on the unwounds.

I have used others TU2's, and owned a Korg DT-10. While they were both OK, I bought a Pitchblack for size reasons.
Once I got it I realized that it also is far more accurate than either of the others.

I am a huge fan of Digitech Hardwire, and I own the tuner from that series.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/DigiTech-Hardwire-Series-HT2-Chromatic-Tuner?sku=500135

It is bright, and readable- even outdoors, which I have tested. Its also tough, stable, and true bypass. Plus, high voltage operation and an auto bypass if it loses power means that this whole series of pedals just seems less foolproof than others I've tried- I'm purchasing the chorus from this series next.

Try it out, and see if you like it- the whole series appealed to me.

does anybody have experience with korg dt 10 , especially with bad working footswitch ?

zoppotrump
:O)

Excellent idea! Thanks Mike!

No problem. Comes from hanging around folk festivals too much.

Mike Bruce

buying a pitch black soon, I will let you know how it goes.

TU-2

I had the Korg floor tuner that preceded the Pitch Black. I don't know if mine was "special", but it was wrong! Everyone that I play with in several different bands uses the Boss floor tuner and I discovered that I was very slightly out of tune with my bandmates. When I tuned to one of their tuners the issue was corrected. Very irritating. And yes, I checked the calibration.

Now I have a Boss and it works great. I think there is a good argument for "tuner brand unity" within a band. It's not the first time I've run into inconsistencies.

does anybody have experience with korg dt 10 , especially with bad working footswitch ?

zoppotrump
:O)

I've had issues with Korg products for awhile that I am scared to try anything that has the Korg name on it!
I use a Planet Waves pedal tuner just because I didn't want to be like everybody else using a Boss TU-2. But then, IMHO, that's what makes the Boss TU-2 the "standard" pedal tuner...

I'm surprised seeing only a couple of posts about the Turbo Tuner ST200. I have the Strobostomp, Pitchblack and the Turbo Tuner. The TT blows the other 2 away. More accurate than the overhyped and unreliable Strobostomp, easy to read even when playing outdoors on a bright day, has a smaller footprint, cheaper than the SS and only a bit more expensive than the Pitchblack. True strobe too. Check it out guys, I have had it for more than 6 months now, best pedal tuner around.

http://www.turbo-tuner.com/

BTW, all three are more accurate than the TU-2 which use to be the standard.

11 Gauge, I have that ST727 too. Those are very good tuners. I use them to intonate my guitars before I got my strobostomp. Also, the Turbo tuner would be perfect for you as it is fully programmable for different tunings and temperaments.

Yeah, the Turbo Tuner is superb. My steel playing friend and I both have one, and we've never been more in tune throughout gigs than we are now.

Here's (http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/choosing-installing/tech-tips/saddle_up_your/) the reference. Concentrate on what he says in the final paragraph, regarding tuning a piano.

And Jerry goes on to say that the issue becomes compounded with hybrid/custom gauged string sets, how you attack the strings, and other factors.

I guess that I should have specified that my gauges are almost the inverse of what Jerry uses - he's got really light wound strings - his 6th is a 42, while mine is 48 - 52.

It was as a result of being out of tune with the band and especially recording that got me into the sharp/flat thing. Bear in mind that I'm only talking about a couple of cents at most, unfretted. By the time I'm up to G or G#, it's all typically dead on. And there are no keys in my current gig or recording projects (save a splash here or there), so that might affect things otherwise.

I've also tried methods such as this (http://www.ryanguitars.com/News%20and%20Events/Guitar_tech_tips/Tuning_Method.htm), which can be a fair compromise if playing with keys and the like. On a Tele with a fairly heavy set of wounds and the old MannMade saddles, I got the following readings on the meter:

E - 5 cents flat
B - 2 cents flat
G - 5 cents flat
D - to pitch
A - 3 cents #
E - 9 cents flat

But playing a G maj. barre chord, I basically get the following:

-6th string (3rd fret) is very flat compared to 4th string (5th fret)
-5th string (5th fret) slightly sharper than 2nd string (3rd fret)
-both 6th and 4th fretted strings sharper than 1st string (3rd fret), especially 4th string
-3rd string 4th fret more or less in tune with fretted 6th string and 1st string, pretty flat compared to others

When retuning to basically a cent # on strings 4-6 and to pitch or not even a cent flat on 1-3, the same G maj. barre is much more in tune, at least on my guitar.

Like I said - we now have the Feiten system, and I think that there are vendors who will carve comp saddles for custom gauges, but the old school "piano" method works pretty well, at least for me. If I went to slinkier wounds like 46 or lighter, I'd probably keep the wounds dead on and go flat a cent on the unwounds.

Thanks for the links. I am not totally convinced the piano paralell applies - pianos are unusual instruments due to their vast range of notes, but its very interesting.

I have a Korg DT-10 and it's been reliable after a few years of moderate use. It's a good tuner. However, the Pitchblack is far superior--its more accurate and, as others have noted, there's no need to manually "touch up" the tuning after you tune with it, whereas with the DT-10 I had to manually tweak the tuning after tuning a guitar with it.

I would think that the Pitchblack is also better for setting the intonation on a guitar. I haven't tried it yet, but I found that the DT-10 wasn't accurate enough for really getting the intonation just right on my Les Paul. It took me hours, literally, of using the DT-10 and then tweaking the saddles by ear until I was satisfied.

I would think that the Pitchblack is also better for setting the intonation on a guitar. I haven't tried it yet, but I found that the DT-10 wasn't accurate enough for really getting the intonation just right on my Les Paul. It took me hours, literally, of using the DT-10 and then tweaking the saddles by ear until I was satisfied.

I have set my guitars intonation with my Pitch Black tuner and it work just fine.

Has anyone used a Pitchblack outdoors in the sun?? Can you see it?

I did my first outdoor job of the season two weeks ago, and it was, "oh yeah, right, the BOSS TU-2 in direct sunlight is not so good". I have a Peterson StroboStomp which is by far the best pedal tuner I've owned, and it's great in direct sunlight; unfortunately, it occupies a bit too much real estate for the small working board that I'm using these days. I was seriously interested in the Turbo, and asked very specific questions about daylight visibility at another forum, and was told in no uncertain terms that it was a no-go in this respect... (?) - so I passed. I have a bunch of outdoor jobs coming up, so I needed to figure out something. I bought a Korg Pitch Black a week ago, but I've only used at indoor gigs so far. It'll get the acid test as to visibility at a three hour outdoor job this Saturday.

I have some questions about placement and tracking regarding the Pitch Black, but I guess I should preface with some background. I know that the preferred placement of a tuner is first or very early in the chain. Whenever the "help with pedal order" threads pop up, I often mention that I place the BOSS TU-2 after my gainers; the reason for this is that, at least to my ear, the TU-2's buffer subtly reacts better with gainers best as placed after them. The BOSS has no trouble at all "seeing" a note and tracking it with this placement approach; if it did, I'd default to the slightly harsher tone of placing it before gain stomps.

Which brings me to the Pitch Black. I purchased it en route to a gig, so I just popped it in where the TU-2 had been residing, and did the show. It tracked six string guitar *reasonably* well, but was absolutely horrible with my 12 string guitar and mandolin - the display just jumped off the note extremely quickly, and it was quite the time-consuming pain in the butt to tune those instruments. Is the Pitch Black considerably more sensitive to placement within the chain than is the TU-2, as to accurate tracking?

If I'm going to re-route my board to place the Pitch Black first in line, my only shot at doing that in advance of my upcoming jobs, and properly testing it, is tomorrow evening. I don't mind spending the time to do it if it will definitely improve tracking, although I'd much rather spend the time working on tunes and parts. If tracking is generally an issue with the Korg, regardless of placement, I'll probably toss the TU-2 back on the board and deal with the visibility issues for a few more shows, as it at least grabs a pitch and holds it with all of my instruments.

Sage advice would be much appreciated!

Well, I don't have any problems wioth tracking with the Pitchblack, but I neither have a 12 string, nor a mandolin (it does work very well with my lapsteel).
Oh, and placement of the PB should be totally irrelevant, since it is True Bypass!

Korg Pitchblack i love it

I did my first outdoor job of the season two weeks ago, and it was, "oh yeah, right, the BOSS TU-2 in direct sunlight is not so good". I have a Peterson StroboStomp which is by far the best pedal tuner I've owned, and it's great in direct sunlight; unfortunately, it occupies a bit too much real estate for the small working board that I'm using these days. I was seriously interested in the Turbo, and asked very specific questions about daylight visibility at another forum, and was told in no uncertain terms that it was a no-go in this respect... (?) - so I passed. I have a bunch of outdoor jobs coming up, so I needed to figure out something. I bought a Korg Pitch Black a week ago, but I've only used at indoor gigs so far. It'll get the acid test as to visibility at a three hour outdoor job this Saturday.

I have some questions about placement and tracking regarding the Pitch Black, but I guess I should preface with some background. I know that the preferred placement of a tuner is first or very early in the chain. Whenever the "help with pedal order" threads pop up, I often mention that I place the BOSS TU-2 after my gainers; the reason for this is that, at least to my ear, the TU-2's buffer subtly reacts better with gainers best as placed after them. The BOSS has no trouble at all "seeing" a note and tracking it with this placement approach; if it did, I'd default to the slightly harsher tone of placing it before gain stomps.

Which brings me to the Pitch Black. I purchased it en route to a gig, so I just popped it in where the TU-2 had been residing, and did the show. It tracked six string guitar *reasonably* well, but was absolutely horrible with my 12 string guitar and mandolin - the display just jumped off the note extremely quickly, and it was quite the time-consuming pain in the butt to tune those instruments. Is the Pitch Black considerably more sensitive to placement within the chain than is the TU-2, as to accurate tracking?

If I'm going to re-route my board to place the Pitch Black first in line, my only shot at doing that in advance of my upcoming jobs, and properly testing it, is tomorrow evening. I don't mind spending the time to do it if it will definitely improve tracking, although I'd much rather spend the time working on tunes and parts. If tracking is generally an issue with the Korg, regardless of placement, I'll probably toss the TU-2 back on the board and deal with the visibility issues for a few more shows, as it at least grabs a pitch and holds it with all of my instruments.

Sage advice would be much appreciated!

I would err on the side of caution and place it first in the chain. I have both and I know the Peterson is way sensitive to output. I usually turn my guitar volume down by half. I would think the Pitchblack would be just as sensitive and with your drive pedals adding gain it may be causing the tuner to mistrack. I was always of the mindset that a tuner wants to see a clean and pure tone for accuracy.

Another vote for sonic research. Great tuner.

Never mind

deleted

If you're willing to shell out for the peterson then I would urge you to check out the turbo tuner. Its MUCH smaller, more accurate (+/- .02 CENTS), programmable, true bypass and costs $130. The tracking is at least as good as the strobostomp.

IMO there's the turbo tuner and then the rest.

If you don't need the accuracy of the TT for intonating your guitars then the PitchBlack is absolutely a step up from the TU-2. It's smaller, cheaper, tracks better (not sure whats going on with the 12 string/mandolin post?), better display and true bypass.

I did re-route the board so that the Pitch Black is first in line. I'll gauge it at jobs over the next few days.

As to the mandolin and twelve string thing. Thusfar, the Korg doesn't seem to grab the E course of strings on my mandolins for the length of time that my BOSS and Peterson tuners will; additionally, the octave E, A, and D strings on my 12 have been wonky with the Korg so far.

What's the 'display' button on the back of the Korg do? The little instruction sheet doesn't say much about it.

I'd happily pony up for a Turbo... it's just that I keep reading conflicting reports as to its viability in direct sunlight, which for me is a factor.

Peterson Strobostomp....not the cheapest but the best IMO. It + Glendale or Callaham compensated saddles and you can have about as fast and accurate intonation as you need. Works real well in the dark too.

In direct sunlight, the Korg fared better than the TU-2, but was not nearly as easy to read as expected. I didn't notice any difference in tracking with the Korg placed first in line at my jobs. The Korg is okay with standard guitars, but it didn't play well enough with my other instrumentation to earn a spot on the working board (it simply won't grab and hold onto the E string course with my mandolins, 12th fret harmonic or otherwise, for starters... among other considerations). I just spent too much time tuning with it, and I can't afford the additional down time between songs. So, The TU-2 resumes its previous residency for now, and the Korg will likely be used in my practice lounge here at home.

In direct sunlight, the Korg fared better than the TU-2, but was not nearly as easy to read as expected. I didn't notice any difference in tracking with the Korg placed first in line at my jobs. The Korg is okay with standard guitars, but it didn't play well enough with my other instrumentation to earn a spot on the working board (it simply won't grab and hold onto the E string course with my mandolins, 12th fret harmonic or otherwise, for starters... among other considerations). I just spent too much time tuning with it, and I can't afford the additional down time between songs. So, The TU-2 resumes its previous residency for now, and the Korg will likely be used in my practice lounge here at home.
Thanks Tim!!

I did re-route the board so that the Pitch Black is first in line. I'll gauge it at jobs over the next few days.

As to the mandolin and twelve string thing. Thusfar, the Korg doesn't seem to grab the E course of strings on my mandolins for the length of time that my BOSS and Peterson tuners will; additionally, the octave E, A, and D strings on my 12 have been wonky with the Korg so far.

What's the 'display' button on the back of the Korg do? The little instruction sheet doesn't say much about it.

I'd happily pony up for a Turbo... it's just that I keep reading conflicting reports as to its viability in direct sunlight, which for me is a factor.

One way around the outdoor glare issue with the TT might involve getting one of those stick on anti-glare screen protectors they make for Blackberry's and iPods. Its worth a try because in every other respect the TT is fantastic.

Another vote for the pitch black which I use in strobe mode. I used it live with both 4 and 5 string basses and guitar. When using with my guitar I use it to power my pedals. Great buy for $80.

A guitarist in my band uses a fender tuner and it sucks some tone so id try to stay away from that.

One way around the outdoor glare issue with the TT might involve getting one of those stick on anti-glare screen protectors they make for Blackberry's and iPods. Its worth a try because in every other respect the TT is fantastic.

Hey thanks, that's a cool tip. I'll look into it.

i recently switched - strike that - UPGRADED from the TU-2 (which i have had for 8 years now) to the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner. Why is it an upgrade?

- true bypass (i know many think this is a myth, but i A/B'ed them yesterday, the difference was noticeable to all in the room)
- +/- .02!!! it sounds like small change, but that's 33% more accurate than anything but the Petersen (which is also +/- .02 and, in my IMHO, not as sturdy)
- picks up the signal off of my guitar IMMEDIATELY (as opposed to the delay from my old TU-2)

while it doesn't fall under the $100 price limit of this thread's title, $129.95 was well worth the difference when considering how much of an upgrade it is.

Boss TU-2. I think it's the absolute best. I've owned a couple of of Korgs, one of the ones you clip on the headstock, Fender, etc. None of them are quite as convenient or versatile as the Boss. Every guitar player I know uses one and has never complained about them.

Another really cool feature is you can daisy-chain up to 8 or 12 pedals off of the TU-2 tuner. This really only applies if used in a pedal board situation.

Pitch Black.

Silent tuning is king....plus, you stomp on 'er, and change out guitars without the violent "CLUUUUNK!" you'd get if you didn't engage the pedal. You can use it as the 'king' of your pedal board, and power up to 9 others I think (but I had to order the power supply from Korg Canada...didn't have them at any GC store in the US or store in Canada that I visited.)

It is a bit difficult to see for outdoor gigs though (that's the only problem so far, after using it for ~10 months).

So I'm guessing the pitch black is the way to go?

Absolutely no complaints about the TU2.

I have the Strobostomp V1, Korg Pitchblack and the Turbo Tuner. I've had the Turbo Tuner since August last year. Hands down the TT is the best among the three.

Here are some comparisons including the Boss TU-2:

Accuracy:
Turbo Tuner is ±0.02 cents
Strobostomp is ±0.1 cent
Pitchblack at ±1.0 cent
Boss TU-2 at ±3.0 cents

Strobe Tuning:
Turbo Tuner - True Stroboscope
Strobostomp - Real-Time Virtual Strobe™ Technology (Digital)
Pitchblack - Not Applicable
Boss TU-2 - Not Appicable

Alternate tunings and temperaments:
Turbo Tuner - Fully programmable
Strobostomp - Fully programmable
Boss TU-2 - Not programmable
Pitchblack - No functionality

Footprint:
Turbo Tuner - 4.40" x 2.40" x 1.40"
Pitchblack - 4.72" x 2.67" x 1.85"
Boss TU-2 - 5.18" x 2.78" x 2.38"
Strobostomp - 5.00" x 3.87" x 2.25"

Price:
Pitchblack - $89.95
Boss TU-2 - $99.00
Turbo Tuner - $129.99
Strobostomp - $199.00

True Bypass:
Turbo Tuner - Yes
Strobostomp - Yes
Pitchblack - Yes
Boss TU-2 - No

Best outdoors during the day (Best to worst):
Strobostomp
Pitchblack
Turbo Tuner
Boss TU-2

Hope that helps.

you might want to try something like this (http://www.rockfordimages.com/DVX100LCDSunshade.htm) just an inch or to above the screen should do it.:oops::mrgreen:

Absolutely no complaints about the TU2.

I hadn't either till I started kicking it and it was making the worst noises and effecting the pedals around it. It looks like it was a loose nut on the input jack but I don't know if I'll keep it.

I also have and can vouch for the amazing korg pitch black, highly visible, rock solid construction, and true bypass!

Best outdoors during the day (Best to worst):
Strobostomp
Pitchblack
Turbo Tuner
Boss TU-2


Great list of comparisons of the tuners. I have a question about this one though - the strobostomp is quoted as top for outdoor use. It has a backlit LCD display, which I would have imagined was harder to see outdoors (or indoors) then the LED displays of the others. Do you find the LCD performs better out doors? I have only used it indoors but I would have assumed reflected sky and glare would have made this the hardest to see.

Also I am confused why the Korg is not listed with strobe capabilities. It certainly seems as responsive as a strobe tuner in the strobe mode, although I don't know what technology it uses to display the strobe.

I've been using the TU-2 forever, but it's currently taken up residence at the jam space and I have a crappy $20 tuner at home, so it looks like I'm getting a new tuner! The Sonic Research has really got my attention. The feature set looks awesome and the price is certainly right!

My wife just bought me a Boss TU-2 and I dig it. Works well for me in a jam setting but I usually do my set ups with a little cheap-o tuner my Mom bought me back when I was a teenager. The thing still works and it's what I'm used to so there you go.

Great list of comparisons of the tuners. I have a question about this one though - the strobostomp is quoted as top for outdoor use. It has a backlit LCD display, which I would have imagined was harder to see outdoors (or indoors) then the LED displays of the others. Do you find the LCD performs better out doors? I have only used it indoors but I would have assumed reflected sky and glare would have made this the hardest to see.

Also I am confused why the Korg is not listed with strobe capabilities. It certainly seems as responsive as a strobe tuner in the strobe mode, although I don't know what technology it uses to display the strobe.


The Pitchblack and the Strobostomp for me are almost the same in terms of which is better outdoors with the Turbo Tuner not far behind. So I can't say outright that LCD performs better. The Boss TU-2 on the other hand, is very hard to read under a bright sun.

The reason why the PB is not listed with the strobe capability is because the strobo display or mode in the PB is only a simulation. It uses the same technique as a needle tuner to measure the frequency of the note and then sets the speed of the pattern in the LEDs instead of driving a needle.

Here's a link to some info about Stroboscopes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroboscope

Hope that helps.

I've got about $45.00 into this fender tuner and DOD A/B box.
it's rewired to be a true bypass A/B switcher so tuning and guitar changes are silent. The Fender ST-1 was about $10.00 and is pretty bright and plenty accurate. similar to the boss pedal tuner without the strobe.
I'm done looking for tuners.

sometimes I wonder, how on earth did all those players from the 50's through the 80's survive without + or - .01 cent tuning accuracy and strobes?
and why dont those recordings sound out of tune?


bk

Another vote for the Korg Pitchblack.

I've a Pitchblack too. No complaints.