Peterson Virtual Strobe Tuners

vjf1968 · March 5th, 2008, 05:42 PM

Anybody here owns one. I thinking about asking for one for my big 40 but I don't want a piece of junk. Any thoughts?

crackpot · March 5th, 2008, 10:09 PM

I bought a VS-1 when they first became available, attached it to an A-B box, and gigged with it until I replaced it with a Strobostomp.

I love mine. Didn't have any trouble learning to use it -- took about 30 seconds. No problems on dark stages or outdoors, in sunlight.

Gets me in better tune faster than any tuner I ever had (and I've had plenty).

Teddy Salad · March 5th, 2008, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackpot

I bought a VS-1 when they first became available, attached it to an A-B box, and gigged with it until I replaced it with a Strobostomp.

I love mine. Didn't have any trouble learning to use it -- took about 30 seconds. No problems on dark stages or outdoors, in sunlight.

Gets me in better tune faster than any tuner I ever had (and I've had plenty).

+1 on the SS.

getbent · March 5th, 2008, 11:12 PM

Great at tuning. But mine has been a complete and total failure. I have never been more disappointed with a piece of gear. Very nice tech support. Mine went in twice and came back broken twice. They offered to 'work' on it again but since I'm 140.00 in plus tax, plus shipping it twice (20.00) and the hassle of phone calls and their online system and a terse note from them that they told me wasn't intended for my repair (unbelievable) when I asked about it.

I only wanted to use it to intonate guitars on my bench and for tuning prior to recording and it hasn't been up to that rigorous activity.

When it works it is a great tuner... but I feel totally ripped off and frustrated and now they have hinted they would replace mine, but I'm not sure I'd ever trust it...

So, I'm buying a turbo tuner. I also have decided this will be my last response on a peterson thread. I cannot be nice or objective about the experience. If there is a Mr. Peterson and I ever meet him, I will deposit his tuner in the spot that his tuner came from.

klasaine · March 6th, 2008, 02:27 AM

I've been jumping up and down on an original SS for almost two years now w/o issue.

But ... one can of course get a lemon. My SS has been great, but I've had a lot of issues lately with switches and jacks on other gear. And it's becoming a source of frustration.

MBradford6288 · March 6th, 2008, 02:42 AM

I've had one on my bench for 5 years now, and I'm a proffesional tech. Use it everyday, it's covered in wood, bone, and metal dust. Never had one problem.

YMMV
Matt

scooteraz · March 6th, 2008, 02:46 AM

My StroboStomp works great, but eats batteries like no tommorow.

Big John · March 6th, 2008, 04:52 AM

I have a VSII and have had zero issues with it, it doesn't eat batteries it works all the time and the results sounds great !!
I think that model has been replaces by the VS-SAM now, they are a little bit large for the gig bag but overall i would strongly reccomend.

Stevie 202 · March 6th, 2008, 07:03 AM

I have the strobo-flip model and I love it. Very acurate to my ears.
Quite sensitive but once you get used to it, it's great.

abraxas · March 6th, 2008, 07:09 AM

Have the older (blue) Strobostomp, one of the greatest pieces of gear I ever acquired.

Only (minor) problem, is the plastic around the jacks, I hear they have replaced those with metal on the new (black) Strobos. (?)

mojito · March 6th, 2008, 09:37 AM

Been using mine for 15 months now on my board and no issues whatsoever.

stxrus · March 6th, 2008, 10:33 AM

i've got an older blue one too and the only fear was the plastic jacks. but so far (over 2 years) no problems. great tuner!!

i still have a TU-2 that is ready for backup action, if ever needed

steve

asatfan · March 7th, 2008, 02:57 PM

I purchased a used VS-S (older blue model) from GC a few weeks ago and it's on my board. I had to superglue the clear "lens cover" down, other than that it works wonderfully (had to download an instruction sheet from the website). I've never been so in tune....and able to intonate my guitars. I love this thing but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will hold up. They did give me a 30 day return option....

JohnnyCrash · March 7th, 2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

Great at tuning. But mine has been a complete and total failure. I have never been more disappointed with a piece of gear. Very nice tech support. Mine went in twice and came back broken twice. They offered to 'work' on it again but since I'm 140.00 in plus tax, plus shipping it twice (20.00) and the hassle of phone calls and their online system and a terse note from them that they told me wasn't intended for my repair (unbelievable) when I asked about it.

I only wanted to use it to intonate guitars on my bench and for tuning prior to recording and it hasn't been up to that rigorous activity.

When it works it is a great tuner... but I feel totally ripped off and frustrated and now they have hinted they would replace mine, but I'm not sure I'd ever trust it...

So, I'm buying a turbo tuner. I also have decided this will be my last response on a peterson thread. I cannot be nice or objective about the experience. If there is a Mr. Peterson and I ever meet him, I will deposit his tuner in the spot that his tuner came from.

HAHAHA! Where would that be?

That sucks man!

Mine hasn't given me any trouble yet. I use it to tune for intonation, saving my BOSS TU-2 for the stage. It's been very accurate and easy to use for me.

I guess if I had this scenario, I'd be recommending against it too :(

They should at least just replace it.

getbent · March 7th, 2008, 07:45 PM

Johnny, this is my Weber experience... You know how you had a bad experience with those guys... but most other people had a really good experience? for me, I have kind of accepted it except when I think about it....

Like I said this is my last Peterson thread... They are awesome at tuning that is for sure.

stxrus · March 7th, 2008, 09:40 PM

i find that if i "pre" tune with the peterson and later have to retune with the TU-2 it's closer that in reverse. now this is in madison square musicroom not on stage. for a gig i take the peterson and keep the boss for a backup in case of a failure.

the peterson is as spot on as i could ever want without the bulk of a Conn strobe

YMMV

steve

pc · March 8th, 2008, 01:25 PM

I love mine. I had the original blue one and it was fine except that the jacks were made of plastic. The first time the nut came loose, tightening it back down stripped the jack's threads. It was loose forever after.

It wasn't too terrible because mine stayed battened down on my pedal board. Still, I wasn't impressed that an expensive piece of gear would have plastic jacks.

I got the SS2 when it came out and mine has been very literally bullet-proof. Extremely accurate and easy to read once you get the hang of the (LCD) strobes.

cob666 · March 18th, 2008, 11:26 PM

I have a SS and would feel lost without it. I don't use it in the traditional way though. I have it plugged into the tuner out on my volume pedal so it's pretty much always going which is convenient. It's on my board on A/C so batteries aren't an issue. I did have to send it in for repair over the summer for a screen issue but haven't had any issues with it since getting it back.

I also have the VS and pretty much just use that at home for setting up and stuff.

red57strat · March 19th, 2008, 08:31 AM

My VS-1 has been great in the years that I've owned it. I'd like a Strobostomp but can't see having $400 worth of tuners.

I use a cheap $40 Fender pedal tuner on my board with great results, though I have to compensate slightly for the fact that it's less accurate than the Peterson.

Grin'n'pick · March 19th, 2008, 09:40 AM

I only have the very highest praise for my old blue strobostomp. It has always worked flawlessly and the results are noticeable for me above my other tuners.

HootieUK · March 19th, 2008, 10:43 AM

Just got my first SS2 yesterday - seems like a great solid unit and I'm trying not to listen to all the horror stories of jack plugs, cheap build etc.

Seems great to me, just need to adapt to the strobe to get my intonation correct at last.

Steve / Hootie

Grin'n'pick · March 19th, 2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HootieUK

Just got my first SS2 yesterday - seems like a great solid unit and I'm trying not to listen to all the horror stories of jack plugs, cheap build etc.

Seems great to me, just need to adapt to the strobe to get my intonation correct at last.

Steve / Hootie

I think the jackplug issue was on the SS1. They are delicate, but Peterson changed them for something more robust on the SS2.

vjf1968 · April 3rd, 2008, 12:59 PM

Well thanks for all of your input. I received SS2 on my birthday and after playing with it and tuning my acoustic I have to say it made a big difference. I love this thing.

Thanks again.

March 5th, 2008, 05:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
vjf1968 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia Age: 40 Posts: 896 7 Photos	Peterson Virtual Strobe Tuners Anybody here owns one. I thinking about asking for one for my big 40 but I don't want a piece of junk. Any thoughts? __________________ "the cult aesthetic of liking only what's obscure is just as sick of being mindlessly led around by the nose" -Mark Mothersbaugh

March 5th, 2008, 11:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 10,159 37 Photos	Great at tuning. But mine has been a complete and total failure. I have never been more disappointed with a piece of gear. Very nice tech support. Mine went in twice and came back broken twice. They offered to 'work' on it again but since I'm 140.00 in plus tax, plus shipping it twice (20.00) and the hassle of phone calls and their online system and a terse note from them that they told me wasn't intended for my repair (unbelievable) when I asked about it. I only wanted to use it to intonate guitars on my bench and for tuning prior to recording and it hasn't been up to that rigorous activity. When it works it is a great tuner... but I feel totally ripped off and frustrated and now they have hinted they would replace mine, but I'm not sure I'd ever trust it... So, I'm buying a turbo tuner. I also have decided this will be my last response on a peterson thread. I cannot be nice or objective about the experience. If there is a Mr. Peterson and I ever meet him, I will deposit his tuner in the spot that his tuner came from. __________________ 'never pet a burning dog'

March 6th, 2008, 02:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
MBradford6288 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 141	Works great for me I've had one on my bench for 5 years now, and I'm a proffesional tech. Use it everyday, it's covered in wood, bone, and metal dust. Never had one problem. YMMV Matt __________________ Classical music is the kind we keep thinking will turn into a tune. -Kin Hubbard (1868 - 1930) Music makes one feel so romantic - at least it always gets on one's nerves - which is the same thing nowadays. -Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)

March 6th, 2008, 04:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
Big John Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 4,690 36 Photos	I have a VSII and have had zero issues with it, it doesn't eat batteries it works all the time and the results sounds great !! I think that model has been replaces by the VS-SAM now, they are a little bit large for the gig bag but overall i would strongly reccomend. __________________ If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly !!

March 6th, 2008, 07:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
Stevie 202 Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ottawa Age: 53 Posts: 444	Strobo Flip I have the strobo-flip model and I love it. Very acurate to my ears. Quite sensitive but once you get used to it, it's great.

March 5th, 2008, 10:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
crackpot TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Western NC Posts: 26	I bought a VS-1 when they first became available, attached it to an A-B box, and gigged with it until I replaced it with a Strobostomp. I love mine. Didn't have any trouble learning to use it -- took about 30 seconds. No problems on dark stages or outdoors, in sunlight. Gets me in better tune faster than any tuner I ever had (and I've had plenty).

March 6th, 2008, 02:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
klasaine Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: los angeles, ca Age: 46 Posts: 1,488 11 Photos	I've been jumping up and down on an original SS for almost two years now w/o issue. But ... one can of course get a lemon. My SS has been great, but I've had a lot of issues lately with switches and jacks on other gear. And it's becoming a source of frustration.

March 6th, 2008, 02:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
scooteraz Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 778	My StroboStomp works great, but eats batteries like no tommorow.

March 6th, 2008, 07:09 AM	#10 (permalink)
abraxas Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Greece Posts: 330 4 Photos	Have the older (blue) Strobostomp, one of the greatest pieces of gear I ever acquired. Only (minor) problem, is the plastic around the jacks, I hear they have replaced those with metal on the new (black) Strobos. (?) __________________ I am a little world made cunningly myspace page: The Genius Loci

March 6th, 2008, 09:37 AM	#11 (permalink)
mojito Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: "Land of Pleasant Living" Maryland Posts: 362	Been using mine for 15 months now on my board and no issues whatsoever. __________________ "So many guitars, so little time."

March 6th, 2008, 10:33 AM	#12 (permalink)
stxrus Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2007 Location: St. Croix, USVI Age: 56 Posts: 637	i've got an older blue one too and the only fear was the plastic jacks. but so far (over 2 years) no problems. great tuner!! i still have a TU-2 that is ready for backup action, if ever needed steve

March 7th, 2008, 02:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
asatfan Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: IN Age: 53 Posts: 153	I purchased a used VS-S (older blue model) from GC a few weeks ago and it's on my board. I had to superglue the clear "lens cover" down, other than that it works wonderfully (had to download an instruction sheet from the website). I've never been so in tune....and able to intonate my guitars. I love this thing but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will hold up. They did give me a 30 day return option....

March 7th, 2008, 07:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 10,159 37 Photos	Johnny, this is my Weber experience... You know how you had a bad experience with those guys... but most other people had a really good experience? for me, I have kind of accepted it except when I think about it.... Like I said this is my last Peterson thread... They are awesome at tuning that is for sure. __________________ 'never pet a burning dog'

March 7th, 2008, 09:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
stxrus Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2007 Location: St. Croix, USVI Age: 56 Posts: 637	i find that if i "pre" tune with the peterson and later have to retune with the TU-2 it's closer that in reverse. now this is in madison square musicroom not on stage. for a gig i take the peterson and keep the boss for a backup in case of a failure. the peterson is as spot on as i could ever want without the bulk of a Conn strobe YMMV steve

March 8th, 2008, 01:25 PM	#17 (permalink)
pc Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Columbus, OH Age: 41 Posts: 515 3 Photos	I love mine. I had the original blue one and it was fine except that the jacks were made of plastic. The first time the nut came loose, tightening it back down stripped the jack's threads. It was loose forever after. It wasn't too terrible because mine stayed battened down on my pedal board. Still, I wasn't impressed that an expensive piece of gear would have plastic jacks. I got the SS2 when it came out and mine has been very literally bullet-proof. Extremely accurate and easy to read once you get the hang of the (LCD) strobes. __________________ Me

March 18th, 2008, 11:26 PM	#18 (permalink)
cob666 NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newington Age: 43 Posts: 4	I have a SS and would feel lost without it. I don't use it in the traditional way though. I have it plugged into the tuner out on my volume pedal so it's pretty much always going which is convenient. It's on my board on A/C so batteries aren't an issue. I did have to send it in for repair over the summer for a screen issue but haven't had any issues with it since getting it back. I also have the VS and pretty much just use that at home for setting up and stuff.

March 19th, 2008, 08:31 AM	#19 (permalink)
red57strat Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,195	My VS-1 has been great in the years that I've owned it. I'd like a Strobostomp but can't see having $400 worth of tuners. I use a cheap $40 Fender pedal tuner on my board with great results, though I have to compensate slightly for the fact that it's less accurate than the Peterson. __________________ Don

March 19th, 2008, 09:40 AM	#20 (permalink)
Grin'n'pick Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sarf Eas' Laandon Posts: 1,952 38 Photos	I only have the very highest praise for my old blue strobostomp. It has always worked flawlessly and the results are noticeable for me above my other tuners.

March 19th, 2008, 10:43 AM	#21 (permalink)
HootieUK NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 8	StroboStomp 2 Just got my first SS2 yesterday - seems like a great solid unit and I'm trying not to listen to all the horror stories of jack plugs, cheap build etc. Seems great to me, just need to adapt to the strobe to get my intonation correct at last. Steve / Hootie

April 3rd, 2008, 12:59 PM	#23 (permalink)
vjf1968 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia Age: 40 Posts: 896 7 Photos	Well thanks for all of your input. I received SS2 on my birthday and after playing with it and tuning my acoustic I have to say it made a big difference. I love this thing. Thanks again. __________________ "the cult aesthetic of liking only what's obscure is just as sick of being mindlessly led around by the nose" -Mark Mothersbaugh