Planet Waves CT-04 Chromatic Pedal Tuner Review

[Nyarlathotep]

Finally got this thing yesturday, and all the rumors are true. It is true bypass. The switch clicks rather nicely, and causes a little pop when switched! Very easy, smooth switching. AND NO TONESUCK!!!!!!!

Now, my first concern was how it would track my low-B, and when I want a low-A. All my concerns were blown away when I hit the B and BAM!!!! Up comes the display: "B". Even when down tuning to A the tuner kept up, and I was able to hit the A note bang on, with out going flat. I was never able to do that with the TU-2.

The display it self is quite big and very bright. I have mine in sweep mode, but it is very easy to switch to strobe, or even set the calibration frequency. Just hit mode until the mode you want comes up. In the calibration mode you use the 2 arrows beside the mode button to shift it up and down.

The in/out/bypass jacks are quite sturdy, as is the whole unit. It's about the same size as my TU-2 (a little thiner), but it's like 3x as heavy! The battery door is a little pain-in-the-@$$ to figure out, but I just slipped a pick underneath and popped it open.

The price on this was $90 CAD. In comparison, my TU-2 cost $125 CAD. IMHO this should become the new standard over the TU-2. I give the CT-04 10 out of 10!

[Willem]

That's nice!! Hope I win their competition .

[fenderx55]

Hey, does it power a daisy chain? I was thinking of looking into these.

[ashbory]

I am currently using the Korg DT-10. I find it is better overall than the TU-2, brighter and bigger display, more accurate and quicker.
I have been waiting for the Strobostomp to come down in price, since I like true bypass. In the mean time I have been using the Korg in my effects loop. The tone suckage on the Korg really is minimal (better than the Boss when A/B'd them).
I am interested in the Planet Waves because of the true bypass, but would have to try it first to see it does the job as well as the Korg.

[Nyarlathotep]

This is how I opened the battery compartment:


Top/Bottom/Front Ends:
<- As you can see the daisy chain things are just like the boss.

CT-40/TU-2 Comparison shot:

The PW is a little smaller.

The only thing that the PW doesn't have that bothers me (just a little) is no LED indicator. It's only really cus I use it to mute as well that it bothers me. The one advantage to true bypass over the TU-2 is that this tuner will remember that it was on when you shut off the power (if it is...), and will mute your signal when the power is turned back on.

It really is a great tuner!

Quick Edit: Plus, IT'S CHROME!!!!!! (bling, baby!)

[Nyarlathotep]

Posted in the gear review section as well:
http://www.talkbass.com/reviews/show...hp?product=919

[lomer]

sweet, I just picked one of these up off of ebay after searching for some time for someone to ship to Australia.

[andrewd]

i just got one today. the switch feels like and sounds like a stapler.

which is a good thing, apparently

[dave_bass5]

Can i ask is this a "real" strobe tuner?
The spec seems to show it has the same acuracy as the TU-2 which i believe isnt as good as a strobe like the peterson.
i might have got it wrong of course.

[andrewd]

it picks up notes much faster than my old boss. i think peterson makes the only "true" strobe tuners but this one is pretty good.

[Markus Bender]

Last night I had the first gig with my CT04.
Works like a charm! Easy and fast tuning, great mute feature to switch between my Lakland and my Rob Allen, and the best: no tone suck!
Great pedal!

[Matt Till]

Yeah, I gotta get one soon (mebbe next paycheck )

[lomer]

I love my CT04, it is the fastest tuner I have ever used (including rackmounts) and gets my bass in drop-c dead easy.... Build like a brick ****house too

[Matt Till]

I just ordered mine last night... you guys better be right. :shakesfist: