Pedal Tuners - How low can they go?

[NKUSigEp]

I haven't had to buy a tuner in years but one thing that USED to be a major issue was tracking a low B note or below. The Korg DTR-1000 has never had this issue but lately I've been considering a Polytune or a Pitchblack tuner. So my question is how well do pedal tuners track lower notes?

[bkbirge]

This is hands down the best tuner in pedal format made, it will handle your low B no problem...
http://www.amazon.com/Turbo-Tuner-ST...ef=pd_sxp_f_pt

[KJung]

The newer, smaller version of the Polytune, when set in 'single note' mode gets a B+ on tracking speed and accuracy with an open B IME. The Pitchblack gets an A, and as long as you don't need strobe accuracy, is probably the best value out there for a 'live gig tuner'.

The 'king of them all' regarding accuracy and tracking is the Sonic Turbo Tuner. True strobe accuracy (i.e., you can literally use it on the bench for intonation work), A+ on tracking the open B... FAST.

All three of these have true bypass, which means they won't suck the high end of your bass tone like the old Boss or Korg tuners. Also, the 'true bypass' design literally turns the tuner off when bypassed, so no battery drain when not tuning. So, batteries last a long time!

[cybersnyder]

Originally Posted by bkbirge

This is hands down the best tuner in pedal format made, it will handle your low B no problem...
http://www.amazon.com/Turbo-Tuner-ST...ef=pd_sxp_f_pt

Yep. Best tuner around. Period.

[tink9975]

I use the Turbo Tuner and tune a 5 string down a half step. It seems to grab the A# as fast as it does any other note.

[Swipter]

That is an expensive tuner compared to the Korg.

[bkbirge]

Well, tuning accuracy and speed is more important to some people than others. For me, this pedal would be the last one I'd ever get rid of. It's the most used and useful one in my collection. It's so fast that I can practice scales on my fretless and check my intonation while I'm doing it. And it makes tuning a 12 string a breeze. Not to mention you can program in alternate tunings. If you order direct from the manufacturer it is cheaper than amazon...

http://www.turbo-tuner.com/

Originally Posted by Swipter

That is an expensive tuner compared to the Korg.

[bigchiefbc]

I use the Polytune Mini, and I tune my five-string down to ADADG. It gets the low A every time, although it does occasionally take a second or so to figure it out. No latency at all for B. I haven't tried lower than A.

[alec]

Joining the lovefest for the Turbo Tuner. It handles my Bb easily.

[RnBass]

Originally Posted by KJung

The newer, smaller version of the Polytune, when set in 'single note' mode gets a B+ on tracking speed and accuracy with an open B IME. The Pitchblack gets an A, and as long as you don't need strobe accuracy, is probably the best value out there for a 'live gig tuner'.

I just replaced my pitchblack with a polytune mini.
Finally, tuning my Low B string is fast and easy.

Smaller, faster, cuter

[bassgod0dmw]

Before I bought the Polytune Mini, I tested it down to a low G# just to make sure it would pick up a low B easily.

[Jean Baudin]

The Turbo Tuner will recognize a low C# string (almost an octave below low B) - The Polytune doesn't.

[G.Bisson]

Pitchblack will do the trick just fine. No problems at all tracking a low A. It begins to struggle when dropping the B string down more than a whole step.
Turbo Tuner if you are willing to spend a little more money for the fastest and most accurate pedal tuner available.

[edwinhurwitz]

Another vote for the Turbo Tuner. I've been a fan of Peterson tuners and all of a sudden, I lost both of my tuners. I decided to check out the Turbo and it is faster and easier to use. I did recover one of the Petersons (stroboclip), so now it will be a good backup.

Don't waste money on cheap tuners. They don't get you in tune, you're better off using your ear at that point.

[Josh Pelican]

My Turbo Tuner has successfully tuned (and intonate) a bass setup for Eb0. Jean has had it tune lower.

[bongomania]

Turbo Tuner here too.