Boss TU-2 and TU-3

[BruceBass3901]

I have a Boss TU-2 and think that it does the job just fine, but I was curious how many people on here have gone from the TU-2 to the TU-3? Other than being slightly more accurate, is it any better?

[tony_clifton]

The TU-3 is a better TU-2 indeed. More accurate, faster, better display,...

In my humble opinion; if you are happy with your TU-2, stick to it. If you want to upgrade to something better (accuracy and respons time, footprint,...) get something out of the Boss catalog. The Korg Pitchblack has the best bang for buck ratio, followed by the Polytune probably and then there is the Turbo Tuner, which is considered the best tuner on the market, but is also more expensive.

[SteveC]

I've never had an issue with my TU-2. It works dine for live shows. Actually, I have "strobbed" my basses with it and then checked them with a "real" and "more accurate" tuner and it has been right on. I know it' only accurate to +/- 3 cents, but for whatever reason, it always checks out.

[jamzcl]

I traded my TU-2 & Blues Driver towards a new TU-3 at GC. Tracks faster and more accurate than my TU-2. I think it was worth the trade.

[BruceBass3901]

Well I might be selling my YU-2 to guitard-ist and will put the money towards a TU-3

[Floyd Eye]

I have a TU2 and my guitarist has a TU3. I like the TU3 better, but not enough to run out and buy one when the TU2 works just fine.

[thedude77md]

subscribed. I've been curious about this too. Totally happy with my TU-2 but that's not to say the 3 can't top it....

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

I have a TU2 and my guitarist has a TU3. I like the TU3 better, but not enough to run out and buy one when the TU2 works just fine.

This is where I'm at. I'm using my Korg CA-30 via the tuner out right now anyway.

[marklaforest]

I've had three TU-2's in my time. They are great, but I've had the same issue with each of them. After long hours of usage and many beer soakings at gigs, they start to give off a wicked squeal for a brief moment whenever you step on them. I've cleaned them out and changed the input jacks and everything to no avail. I just bought a Polytune a couple months and I'm happy with it so far. We'll see how it does after a few beer soakings. I like the display a lot better on the Polytune, it's much easier to see on outdoor stages. It was hard to tell if the TU-2 was on or off when outdoors. I don't really use the polytune function on it, but I think it would be handy on a guitar or a bass that has more than 4 strings or is a little more finicky.

Also, are Boss pedals true bypass? The Polytune is for sure so that would give it another advantage.

[grimniggzy]

Originally Posted by marklaforest

Also, are Boss pedals true bypass?

nope

[BruceBass3901]

Boss pedals have a buffered input as opposed to true-bypass

[IronMaiden]

I sold my TU-2 for a TU-3 and I thought it was worth it. More accurate and faster. Not much more you can do to improve a tuner pedal. I don't find the buffer to be a problem at all btw.

[Floyd Eye]

They are difficult to see outdoors. ( I mean the TU2)

The buffer doesn't bother me either.

[chicago_mike]

Yeah dont buy into the true bypass vs. buffered bypass myth wars. I had the TU-2 and now use a TU-3. Works just fine and I just leave it in.

[Hookus]

Originally Posted by chicago_mike

Yeah dont buy into the true bypass vs. buffered bypass myth wars.

Amen, unless you just like pedals to have parts that are bigger than they need to be. When I build pedals I build them TB, just because it's easier for a home-solderer, but I have actually seen MORE problems with TB pedals than bufferred, unless some care is given to provide a leakage path between the input and ground, or something like a millenium bypass is used.

TU-2 is still the shizzle for me.

[BillyIVbass]

I hear the display is better, does this mean brighter? Played one the other day outside and could barely see it!