Tuner Pedals?

[tazzboy]

Originally Posted by Radspin

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.

[guitarzan13]

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

[Tim Bowen]

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!

[RomanS]

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!

[pawadokai]

Korg Pitchblack i love it

[vjf1968]

Originally Posted by Tim Bowen

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.

[h2ocreeker]

Another vote for sonic research. Great tuner.

[guitarzan13]

Never mind

[guitarzan13]

deleted

[fender_bender]

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.

[Tim Bowen]

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.

[OaklandA]

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.

[Tim Bowen]

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.

[guitarzan13]

Originally Posted by Tim Bowen

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!!

[fender_bender]

Originally Posted by Tim Bowen

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.

[InknI]

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.

[Tim Bowen]

Originally Posted by fender_bender

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.

[cqmurphy]

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.

[cooktimj]

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.

[redcurtis]

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).

[Yoni]

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

[A.B.Negative]

Absolutely no complaints about the TU2.

[Chito]

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.

[zombie]

you might want to try something like this just an inch or to above the screen should do it.

[Yoni]

Originally Posted by A.B.Negative

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.

[xrolandtx]

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

[Astro1176]

Originally Posted by Chito

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.

[AngryEL34s]

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!

[Tele Fan]

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.

[Chito]

Originally Posted by Astro1176

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.

[czech-one-2]

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

[Teleglide]

Another vote for the Korg Pitchblack.

[TG]

I've a Pitchblack too. No complaints.