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best pedal tuner for bass?

O

on1ne

Dec 21, 2004
193
4
NYC
#1
Much as I hate to add anything to my hookup, I'm thinking about using a pedal tuner.

The Boss TU2 seems popular but I read that it doesn't offer true bypass so the signal is slightly altered even when the pedal is switched off. I've never tried one but just knowing that bugs me.

I recently tried an Ibanez LU20 tuner. I like the design and it claims true bypass. It doesn't have a designated "bass" setting but it works fine at home. At gigs it sometimes has trouble tracking. I think it's from hum in the lines. I'm using the Squire Classic vibe 50's P bass which is a single coil so it does develop hum if there is a lot of track lighting or for whatever reason.

Any pedal tuners particularly good for bass?
Gotta stay under $100, prefer under $50.

Reports on specific models, good or bad, appreciated. Thanks!
 
#2
Here we go again...

Sonic Research Turbo Tuner is currently considered the fastest, most accurate pedal tuner. The Korg Pitchblack is a good alternative (it's the one I use, btw).
 
#4
on1ne said:
Much as I hate to add anything to my hookup, I'm thinking about using a pedal tuner.

The Boss TU2 seems popular but I read that it doesn't offer true bypass so the signal is slightly altered even when the pedal is switched off. I've never tried one but just knowing that bugs me.

I recently tried an Ibanez LU20 tuner. I like the design and it claims true bypass. It doesn't have a designated "bass" setting but it works fine at home. At gigs it sometimes has trouble tracking. I think it's from hum in the lines. I'm using the Squire Classic vibe 50's P bass which is a single coil so it does develop hum if there is a lot of track lighting or for whatever reason.

Any pedal tuners particularly good for bass?
Gotta stay under $100, prefer under $50.

Reports on specific models, good or bad, appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I actually really like the Boss TU2. I notice no difference at all in my sound when it's switched off. The bypass works fine for me, and I love the fact that the TU2 powers all my other pedals as well.
 
#5
I have the TU2 but I run it through my tuner out on my SVT-4 Pro...so it wouldn't effect the sound anyway for me. When I did run it in-line I never noticed a difference in tone compared to running without it, and I did A/B test it (did every single pedal at the time). It may not have "true bypass" (not sure really) but even if it doesn't what it does have doesn't effect the sound.
 
#10
Din Of Win said:
a pitch perfect ear is the best tuner :ninja:
Click to expand...

The guitar player in one of my bands often mentions what great hearing he has in terms of pitch, which he does. Still doesn't make it any less unprofessional when he goes to an alternate tuning during a gig and tunes his guitar at full volume. To me, the fact that a pedal lets you tune in silence is it's biggest advantage.

Back to the OP, I'd go along with the recommendation of the Korg Pitchblack if you are looking to keep the cost under $100.
 
#11
Din Of Win said:
a pitch perfect ear is the best tuner :ninja:
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:


anywho, I've had a TU-2, and currently own a PlanetWaves and out of those 2 the PlanetWaves is my fave.... BUT!!! a friend of mine has the Peterson StroboStomp (latest version I think) and yes, it is well over your 'hopefully under $50' request but I've gotta tell ya, it's a great tuner and worth the saving up for, I know I am.
 
#13
TheBigO said:
The guitar player in one of my bands often mentions what great hearing he has in terms of pitch, which he does. Still doesn't make it any less unprofessional when he goes to an alternate tuning during a gig and tunes his guitar at full volume. To me, the fact that a pedal lets you tune in silence is it's biggest advantage.
Click to expand...

Haha, yeah i was just acting a fool.

I had a guitarist before that had "pitch perfect hearing". He was kind of a jerk about it and boasted constantly. Always correcting my TU-2 tuned bass and the other guitarist's guitar.

On a serious note... +1 for the Korg and it's true a-hole bypass.
 
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#14
Infernal Affair said:
Honestly the only reason people still use the TU-2 is because of the BOSS name and it's been the standard pedal tuner for a long, long time. As far as visibility on stage, tuning speed, and accuracy there's several others out there for around the same price that are better.

I use a Korg Pitchblack.
Click to expand...

I use the TU-2 because I picked it up for $25 from a guy who didn't know that leaving cables plugged in would drain batteries. He thought it was broken! :eyebrow:

If I didn't already have one, I might look at other options.
 
#18
TheBigO said:
I know, I was just venting a bit. I think tuning at stage volume is incredibly tacky.
Click to expand...

Agreed, my guitarist does this as well. He's got an amazing ear when it comes to guitar, but the lower bass strings are just harder to hear in between songs- even for him. LOL! I wouldn't do it unless you can down tune by ear for aestic purposes like Less Claypool.
 

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