Korg Pitchblack Tuner - luvin it!

jaywa · #1 08-24-2009, 02:21 PM

Hey everyone, I was on here awhile back asking for a recommendation on a stompbox style tuner. After much deliberation between the Korg Pitchblack and Boss TU-2 I went with the Pitchblack.

I have used it now on two gigs and at a rehearsal and I am liking it a LOT. I love how simple it is (one in, one out, one switch), it's sturdy and easy to read and doesn't take up much room. And oh yeah, like a lot of you said, it's extremely accurate. This Sunday I'm playing a mid-afternoon outdoor gig and that will be a good test of its visibility but I think it will be fine. I also plan to test its strobe mode next time I change strings and need to set the intonation.

Thanks all of you who recommended both options.

afroman · #2 08-24-2009, 02:54 PM

Glad u like it.
I went from a TU2 to a Pitchblack.
Best move ever!

gastric · #3 08-24-2009, 03:03 PM

What about users that DONT like the Pitchblack and found some other tuner they prefer more?

jaywa · #4 08-24-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gastric

What about users that DONT like the Pitchblack and found some other tuner they prefer more?

No worries, I'm happy for them too.

I didn't really intend to re-open the debate, just wanted to thank everyone who voiced their opinions on any option.

gastric · #5 08-24-2009, 03:45 PM

Sorry, I was soliciting those particular users opinions. The Pitchblack is my current choice. But if the TurboTuner is truly $50 better of a pedal I'd consider it.

jaywa · #6 08-24-2009, 03:52 PM

I considered the TurboTuner... but in my case the Pitchblack was $89.95 at Best Buy -- and then I got another 10% off that -- and it was in-store vs. having to wait on a special order. I'm not a full-time pro so considering all of that, it was going to be pretty hard for me to justify spending half again as much for something else, and then having to wait for it to come in. I have heard lots of good things about the TurboTuner though, too.

Soloshchenko · #7 08-24-2009, 06:14 PM

I love my pitchblack as well. Great tuner.

rfclef · #8 08-24-2009, 10:24 PM

Love my pitchblack... lights are bright, but in full sunlight, still a little hard to see. I usually wind up putting my hat down over it... I think maybe I can make a shade for it or sumpin... but that is in FULL daylight...

Gashaponcito · #9 08-24-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfclef

Love my pitchblack... lights are bright, but in full sunlight, still a little hard to see. I usually wind up putting my hat down over it... I think maybe I can make a shade for it or sumpin... but that is in FULL daylight...

When the sun is very bright... do as Optimus Prime!

¡¡¡Cocktail Umbrella!!!

ehque · #10 08-24-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gastric

Sorry, I was soliciting those particular users opinions. The Pitchblack is my current choice. But if the TurboTuner is truly $50 better of a pedal I'd consider it.

I've tried both. I own the Turbo, and my guitarist has the pitchblack.

Truthfully, the Turbo is slightly better. I found it even more sensitive to small tuning changes than the pitchblack. For example, its possible to be "in tune" on the pitchblack, but trying to be exactly in tune on the Turbo seems to require 40:1 tuning machines or something. I feel it also responds a lot faster.

On stage, the difference is probably very very small, but i would use the Turbo to do my set ups, and definitely not the pitchblack.

One thing to note though, the Turbo's switch is a little louder than the pitchblack. It's one of those true-bypass things, so it gives quite a "click" on stage if you step on it. The pitchblack one is silent for all purposes.

speedkills · #11 08-24-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaywa

Hey everyone, I was on here awhile back asking for a recommendation on a stompbox style tuner. After much deliberation between the Korg Pitchblack and Boss TU-2 I went with the Pitchblack.

I have used it now on two gigs and at a rehearsal and I am liking it a LOT. I love how simple it is (one in, one out, one switch), it's sturdy and easy to read and doesn't take up much room. And oh yeah, like a lot of you said, it's extremely accurate. This Sunday I'm playing a mid-afternoon outdoor gig and that will be a good test of its visibility but I think it will be fine. I also plan to test its strobe mode next time I change strings and need to set the intonation.

Thanks all of you who recommended both options.

Objectively, what advantage(s) does the Pitchblack have over the TU-2?
What would justify a change from the TU-2 to the Korg?

Thanks!

JanusZarate · #12 08-25-2009, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedkills

Objectively, what advantage(s) does the Pitchblack have over the TU-2?
What would justify a change from the TU-2 to the Korg?

Thanks!

Better accuracy (+/- 1 cent on the Pitchblack, compared to the TU-2's +/- 3 cent accuracy), better bypass (negligible difference in practice, IMO), larger display.

icarussmicarus · #13 08-25-2009, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

Better accuracy (+/- 1 cent on the Pitchblack, compared to the TU-2's +/- 3 cent accuracy), better bypass (negligible difference in practice, IMO), larger display.

Increased ninja stealth

gastric · #14 08-25-2009, 06:02 AM

I'm mostly interested in a small box, accuracy, easy to read display, high quality build. The Pitchblack and TurboTuner are the two that seem to meet the criteria.

Or continue to use the tuner in one of my multi-effects which is what I'll probably do. Most usually fall short on the easy to read department though.

stflbn · #15 08-25-2009, 06:09 AM

I like my Pitch Black, but can never get 'to' worked up over a tuner. For my needs they either tune well enough or don't.

jaywa · #16 08-25-2009, 10:55 AM

I wouldn't necessarily say it's "worth" switching from a TU-2 to a Pitchblack if you already have a TU-2. But I was starting from scratch.

My criteria were exactly the same as gastric's, and for me the Pitchblack delivered all of that at the best price.

gmarcus · #17 08-25-2009, 11:06 AM

The Pitchblack definitely has a better bypassed sound. I had both and A B'd them. The TU-2 cuts out some of the highs and punch. The pitchblack is also a little smaller and lighter and it is more accurate and easier to read.

speedkills · #18 08-25-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmarcus

The Pitchblack definitely has a better bypassed sound. I had both and A B'd them. The TU-2 cuts out some of the highs and punch. The pitchblack is also a little smaller and lighter and it is more accurate and easier to read.

Maybe I'll have a TU to sell soon-- AARGH!

Hawkeye · #19 08-25-2009, 11:20 AM

I got the Pitch Black as a replacement for the Korg DT-10 which I had and which also died on me during the warranty period. The DT-10 was discontinued so the retailer offered to swap me for the PitchBlack.

I like it a lot. It's smaller and lighter than the DT-10 and aside from the smaller scale, it is very easy to read and use.

This always goes with me now to rehearsals and gigs.

jnewton · #20 08-25-2009, 11:50 AM

After having gone through what seems to be 50+ Boss tuners, I bought the Pitchblack. I love it.