Which Turbo Tuner?

kesslari · #1 01-02-2009, 11:30 AM

I don't *need* a stompbox tuner - my amp has a tuner out, which I use.
So my tuner isn't part of my pedalboard, and I like it that way, because most of my gigs don't require (and I don't take) a pedalboard.

BUT - the ST-200 (the stompbox turbo tuner) seems to have more features that I like (especially the large LED note readout).

I don't need the ability to tune acoustic instruments (though it's a nice bonus). What other features does the non-stomp Turbo Tuner (the ST-122) have that I'd miss by getting the ST-200?

Or should I just get the ST-200?

Have at it, denizens.

rakirksey · #2 01-02-2009, 11:44 AM

I think they actually have the same feature set. I actually have both since I bought the ST-122 earlier, but also needed the stompbox ST-200 for when I tune live.

As far as live performance, the ST-200 is far superior in terms of reading the actual note from the display. Since it is a stompbox though, you would need to add it to the pedal board setup. The ST-122 displays the note on the backlit LED screen which isn't that easy to read further than about a few feet away.

For the other features, I just think the ST-122 is a bit easier to navigate since there are more dedicated buttons for different features of the tuner. That may be something that you find useful if you change tunings on a variety of songs throughout your set.

Depending on how often you tune, you could just get the ST-122 and walk back to your amp and tune up and be able to read the display. The ST-200 isn't "that" large though. I am able to toss it in my gig bag, Incase Slim Bag, and I always have it.

kesslari · #3 01-02-2009, 04:53 PM

Thanks for the input.

Are you saying that the ST200 would need a cord out, and couldn't just be set up with a line in from the "tuner out" of the Genz Benz head?

rakirksey · #4 01-02-2009, 09:27 PM

The ST200 doesn't need a cord out. You can easily just use the tuner out and keep it on the entire time. You would just need to prop it up to be able to see the notes.

The BurgerMeister · #5 01-03-2009, 01:51 AM

don't know which you should get, but i figure i'd post to say i just got an ST-200 and am quite impressed with it so far.

nemo · #6 01-03-2009, 02:19 AM

I got ST-122 over ST-200, mostly due to its ability to tune acoustic instruments and I am satisfied with it.
Moreover, it has the option of readout of the current frequency in Hz so if you have resonance in the room you can check on which note (in Hz) it resonates and cut this frequency on the amps eq.
I don't miss the large note display, during a set the tuning usually moves only couple of cents out so the string is pretty much still on the same note, plus you just hear it, right?

NorCal Dog · #7 01-07-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemo

I got ST-122 over ST-200, mostly due to its ability to tune acoustic instruments and I am satisfied with it.
Moreover, it has the option of readout of the current frequency in Hz so if you have resonance in the room you can check on which note (in Hz) it resonates and cut this frequency on the amps eq.

based on what you're saying here, if i'm in a horrible venue, with a boomy stage, ( which happens often ), & i have the ST-122, i can play up & down the neck before soundcheck, & the ST-122 will tell me which frequencies ( in Hz ) are resonating the stage ( boom ) & i can adjust my eq accordingly, to dial out the boom ?

normally that's all done by ear & peoples perceptions & interpretation of exactly what they're hearing differs quite a bit.

if so, it sounds like the ST-122 is a MUST HAVE piece of kit.

nemo · #8 01-07-2009, 03:08 PM

Yes, you are correct, the principle is - you play various notes up and down on the neck and find out on which note the boom is the most pronounced. Then you readout on the tuner, which frequency in Hz this particular note is. Then you cut this frequency on the amps eq.

In fact, I did not tried/needed to do this yet on the stage, but in general, this is how it would work.

KJung · #9 01-07-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rakirksey

I think they actually have the same feature set. I actually have both since I bought the ST-122 earlier, but also needed the stompbox ST-200 for when I tune live.

As far as live performance, the ST-200 is far superior in terms of reading the actual note from the display. Since it is a stompbox though, you would need to add it to the pedal board setup. The ST-122 displays the note on the backlit LED screen which isn't that easy to read further than about a few feet away.

For the other features, I just think the ST-122 is a bit easier to navigate since there are more dedicated buttons for different features of the tuner. That may be something that you find useful if you change tunings on a variety of songs throughout your set.

Depending on how often you tune, you could just get the ST-122 and walk back to your amp and tune up and be able to read the display. The ST-200 isn't "that" large though. I am able to toss it in my gig bag, Incase Slim Bag, and I always have it.

+1 I also have both. FABULOUS tuners. The stomp is great for putting between your bass and amp, and the true bypass really is true bypass. I can't hear any difference between the muted signal and the tone without the tuner in the signal path. Fabulous.

I use the plastic 'amp top' model with my TecAmp head with a nice mute button. It's designed better for that, since you have an on/off button versus the footswitch. That being said, I like the note read-out in the center of the stompbox model better than the small, backlit LCD screen on the amp top model.

Both work wonderfully, although it will take you a little bit to get used to the 'strobe' readout versus the little needle or the flashing lights, etc.

Fantastic tuners., and the floor model/stomp box seems built like a tank, and is very small!

The speed of tracking on these things is stunning, even with an open B. It's virtually immediate.

NorCal Dog · #10 01-07-2009, 03:20 PM

i can see me dumping my current Korg DT-10, & putting one of these in it's spot on my board very soon

nemo · #11 01-07-2009, 03:21 PM

Another benefit - the stroboscopic mode is so baffling for the guitarist that he is not borrowing mine anymore..

NorCal Dog · #12 01-07-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemo

Another benefit - the stroboscopic mode is so baffling for the guitarist that he is not borrowing mine anymore..

The BurgerMeister · #13 01-07-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemo

Another benefit - the stroboscopic mode is so baffling for the guitarist that he is not borrowing mine anymore..

yup! just yesterday, my guitarist said to me, "how do you tune with that thing?? it looks like it'll give you a seizure!!"

hee-hee!

John Bigboote · #14 01-07-2009, 03:27 PM

I just received my ST-200 in the mail on Monday (ordered it Friday late, shipped Saturday).

OMFG. I never thought I could be so happy with a freaking TUNER! I'd held off buying a StroboStomp because I didn't want to spend $200 on a tuner, and it's big, and I don't need yet another DI, and there are too many folks who have had issues with them of one sort or another. And I didn't want the StroboFlip because it has too many silly things I don't need, and it's too big, and I wanted something on the floor. Then I find out about the Turbo Tuner.

Highly accurate for set-ups, fast for on-stage, easy to read, small, sips juice, true bypass (which I don't usually need, but nice to have), rugged, reasonable price/features... I'm in love. I'm just disappointed because... well... it takes so little time to tune now, I don't get to spend enough time with it! ;-)

I'm thrilled. I'm in love. With a little black box.

Sigh,

-jb

Rufus · #15 01-08-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Bigboote

I'm thrilled. I'm in love. With a little black box.

Sigh,

-jb

LOL! I am glad to see the turbo is finally getting the attention that it deserves.
I have the ST-122 and it has stunned me with it's accuracy. It is perfect, and my intonation has never been this spot on before. AND, I don't know how anyone can have trouble reading this tuner! The rotating lights can be seen from 20 feet away, AND, you don't have to be directly in front of the screen so the needle is lined up. Best tuner ever imo.