• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Are Peterson strobe tuners worth the extra $$?

I really like my StroboClipHD.
+1 :thumbsup: Best clip-on tuner I've ever used.

I used a Strobostomp for a number of years, but eventually the switch broke. Rather disappointed in that; thought it would hold up better. I need to fix it someday, but the clip-on HD works so well I haven't felt the need.
 
Eyeing up one of their strobe tuners and just wondering about accuracy, ease of use, and value for the extra cost. Thanks!!

yes, definitely for me both for upright and electric.

also worth looking at Sonic Research Turbo Tuners.

I’ve got a turbo tuner pedal on one board, Peterson strobo stomp on another, and a couple Peterson clip ons. All worth every penny, to me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PizzaFiend
Back in March 2020 I got the StroboPLUS HD. I use it here at home on my bench. I do repairs and flip a few basses out of my house and the Peterson works perfectly for setups and intonation work. I even used it to touch up our piano here at home. I can easily see the display from anywhere on my bench. I used a CONN strobe for years till it was stolen so I'm used to strobe tuners. Hard to beat a Peterson nowadays.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Spidey2112
They're great tuners. I tried the StroboStomp HD vs my Sonic Research ST-300 Mini, while my eyes wanted to look at the Peterson because it's bigger and prettier, I found the ST-300 to be quicker and more to my liking. Both are good choices. Worth the cost? Yes.
 
I use a Peterson 490. Accept no substitutes.
cool.jpg
 
I have an ST-300 and the Peterson StroboStomp HD. Both are fast and accurate. Both are easy to read. Both are quality pieces of kit. But each has its own vibe. To me, the ST-300 feels like a sleek no nonsense sports car, whereas the StroboStomp has that Rolls Royce luxury car thing going for it.

I prefer the ST-300 and its simplicity for everyday bass (and guitar!) tuning needs. Its smaller footprint can be a big plus if you’re rocking a crowded pedalboard.

For everything else I prefer to use the Peterson. The variety of alternate and “sweetened” tuning settings are particularly nice to have when you’re recording - or if you’re a multi-instrumentalist. And when it comes to doing setups it’s worth double it’s price tag IMO. Also, if you like bells and whistles with all the fixins, then the Peterson is definitely the way to go.

My guitarist SO, on the other hand, tried them both and decided she wasn’t much a fan of strobe tuners. She preferred to stick with her trusty TCE Polytune 3.

In the end it all comes down to personal preference. First time I used a strobe tuner (an old Peterson bench model) it was love at first sight. But thats me.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Nuage420