Upgrading stompbox tuner

Thumpie · #1 02-24-2013, 10:17 AM

I'm looking at the Korg Pitchblack. It is supposed to be a "true bypass."

Right now I'm using a Boss TU-3, and I'm getting tried of having to lean down and mute my amp before tuning (there's no way I'm letting its "buffered signal" into my signal path--I use it from my preamp's tuner port).

Any experience with the Pitchblack in between your pickup and pre, double bass players? If it's a "true bypass," there shouldn't be any impedance issues, right?

(I don't need to hear from bass guitarists.)

Champagne · #2 02-24-2013, 11:13 AM

For pedals, I have only ever used a Boss TU-3 but I have never tried it with my DB. For DB, I use a Snark clipped to the bridge and there is no impedance issues with that.

neddyrow · #3 02-25-2013, 08:09 AM

i don't know how much you like your preamp but i got a L.R. Baggs Venue DI and i love it! it has a great eq and an onboard tuner/mute button (no bending over). usually i have to give it up to our guitar player at some shows because it has the boost and it really helps with his solos.

i also just got a meisel clip on tuner from gollihur which i really like as well. sometimes the snark doesn't work. i've found that when i have my bass max pickup inserted into the bridge, it dampens the vibrations and the snark can't pick up the strings. the meisel works on the headstock and the bridge very well and it seems a little more durable than the snark, which i have broken 3 of them so far.

i highly recommend both options

Thumpie · #4 02-26-2013, 07:58 AM

I have a clip-on tuner that works great when I don't need to mute my instrument.

But I'm looking for info a stomp-box that mutes the signal when I'm onstage and offers a true bypass. The Pitchblack is the model I'm looking at most.

I'm seeking very specific information on this thread.

Thanks!

Champagne · #5 02-26-2013, 09:09 AM

The specs say:
"A broad detection range from E0 (20.60 Hz) to C8 (4186 Hz)"

I would worry about the E0 detection.

There are a couple of used ones on ebay for a few bucks ending today. Why not pick one up and pioneer the adventure?

DiabolusInMusic · #6 02-26-2013, 09:13 AM

I know you don't want to hear form bass guitarists but you are aware that true bypass pedals tend to make a clicking sound when engaged as the switch slams into place. I thought my first polytune was broken because of this. You might hate that click coming through your amp more than you hate the buffered signal impeding on your tone, I know plenty of guys who don't use true bypass for this exact reason.

I only use 3 pedals, all true bypass, and they all noticeably click when engaged.

Champagne · #7 02-26-2013, 09:14 AM

Or, keep your clip on and get one of these

Thumpie · #8 02-26-2013, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Champagne

The specs say:
"A broad detection range from E0 (20.60 Hz) to C8 (4186 Hz)"

I would worry about the E0 detection.

There are a couple of used ones on ebay for a few bucks ending today. Why not pick one up and pioneer the adventure?

E0 is an octave below the lowest note on my bass, so I'm not worried about it.

I might try one.

Thumpie · #9 02-26-2013, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Champagne

Or, keep your clip on and get one of these

I've thought about this. But I wouldn't use it with my particular clip-on (a Crafter) because it takes too long to cut it off and on. You have to hold the button for several seconds. I might use it with my TU-3, but then I'd have to stomp twice and also carry another box and set of cables around...

NickyBass · #10 02-26-2013, 09:44 AM

What about a splitter box. One signal goes to the amp, the other goes to the tuner.

I don't know if this would work or not, but throwing it out there.

http://www.loop-master.com/product_i...roducts_id=153

Thumpie · #11 02-26-2013, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickyBass

What about a splitter box. One signal goes to the amp, the other goes to the tuner.

I don't know if this would work or not, but throwing it out there.

http://www.loop-master.com/product_i...roducts_id=153

I already have that.

I'm looking for a one touch mute/tuner foot-switch.

Champagne · #12 02-26-2013, 01:47 PM

If you have money to burn:

Quote:

Permits tuning to any of the 12 notes from C0 to C8, in any temperament.

The only tuner that is individually calibrated at the factory to a precision of better than .02 cents

Seriously?!?!

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

Have you noticed sonic differences having your current tuner in line vs not?

boylebass · #13 03-04-2013, 01:08 PM

I use the effect send on my amp to my tuner, a TU2.

Bob Gollihur · #14 03-05-2013, 09:09 AM

I've been having good luck with the Planet Waves Tru-Strobe Pedal Tuner over the last year or so. While I primarily use a Meisel clip tuner for URB, if it's anything more than a lightly amplified session I'll use the pedal tuner since it helpfully mutes the amp when I tune.

Thumpie · #15 03-06-2013, 09:24 AM

I got the Korg. Preliminary testing hasn't revealed any problems yet.

I'm running it in line between my EAP "preamp" and my real preamp.

No popping when muting, and no adverse effect on the signal. Appears to be a "true bypass."

dylanjohnson · #16 03-06-2013, 10:47 AM

I have used it with URB. I didn't think it clicked either till I was gigging in a big hall with PA support. VERY noticeable. I don't have a tuner out on my GK combo, though.

oren · #17 03-06-2013, 10:53 AM

I have the Pitch Black and like it a lot - I also came from a TU-3. The PB is easy to read and accurate, even on the low B on my 5-string BG. I plug it into the tuner output on my amp (Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.2).

shrigg · #18 03-07-2013, 10:19 AM

+1000

Turbo Tuner is the best tuner made. No battery drain when plugged in and bypassed either. Never leave home without mine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Champagne

If you have money to burn:

Seriously?!?!

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

Have you noticed sonic differences having your current tuner in line vs not?