Best tuner pedal? (2025)

[Jason Hollar]

I’m a burgeoning curmudgeonal minimalist and most times prefer going straight into the amp … although I have been gizmo-curious and have a mini pedalboard in the works.

However, I’m finding the need for a convenient, standalone tuner + mute for swapping instruments on certain jobs.

I’ve owned and gigged a tc polytune 2 for many years and never had any problems with it. In studio, I have noticed some minor tone suck even though it’s touted as “true bypass”. However I’m not an audiophile so it’s not an actual problem on loud gigs … just an observation.

What are you cool kids using these days - what’s got the best display for sunny outdoor stages, long term reliability, easiest to use feature set (the extra 9v out comes in handy sometimes), and most important: silent switching with passive instruments etc?

The tc 3 is on sale for like $65. Is there a reason it’s so inexpensive?

Should I spring for a Peterson or Boss Waza etc? What’s the best TUNA packed in METAL?

 

[silky smoove]

After years and years of use, I’ve still not found a better tuner than the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner. Both the standard and mini versions are exceptionally good.

 

[wolffire99]

I like using a tuner as a buffer and Peterson with its big screen and 100 ohm output checks all the right boxes compared to 1k ohm output of the Boss

 

[joel the bass player]

Love my Peterson StrobostompHD, but just looking at Sweetwater and it is up to $149 (don't think it was that much back when I got mine) and seeing it next to the TC Polytune Mini for $54 I think the price would decide for me.
I actually wanted to get a Mini Turbo Tuner but they have been out of stock for a while. Maybe I should just get a Polytune Mini...

Strobostomp is great and I'd definitely recommend it, but even my old TU-2 does the job.

Also should mention that the StrobostompHD is a very heavy pedal.

 

[musicmansf]

Waza's LEDs are harder to read than the TU-3, IMO. Cool to switch buffer on/off to see what the differences are though. I have a Korg Pitchblack mini on a smaller board that seems just as good if you're used to the needle style interface.

 

[Goatrope]

After years and years of use, I’ve still not found a better tuner than the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner. Both the standard and mini versions are exceptionally good.

This. I've beat mine up for several years of gigging and it's still running perfectly. Built like a tank.

 

[Not_Shane]

I really like the Korg Pitchblack series.
As accurate as any these days, LARGE screens, multiple display setting options, 9v out.
I used the PB-01 for almost 15 years with really no issues or complaints.
I recently "upgraded" to a still discontinued, yet newer, korg pitchblack advance.
This one is more accurate but also has a larger screen than its predecessor.
One feature i love about the PB's is the angled screen, making it easier to read when you're not on top of the pedal.
Their newest series is "even more accurate" but loses the angled screen. Theres also an option with no button, and a "bass specific" version that has a wider freq. range it can pick up.
The PB-01 and the PB-AD (the older 2) are still top tier, and go for under $75 on Reverb. The PB-01 I've seen for as low as $20

 

[HelpImaRock]

 

[-Stingray]

Korg Pitchblack.

It's very accurate, tracks extremely well, and reads a B string with no problems. It's also not terribly expensive.

I have two. The one on my main board is 22 years old.

 

[ahbass2500]

Peterson (HD or Mini) or Sonic Research are the best. Peterson has a larger display, but off angle clarity is not great. Turbo Tuner does not have issues with off angle, but offers fewer additional features than Peterson (most of the additional features are not all that useful for most).

 

[Goatrope]

Just looked it up, and my Sonic Research Turbo Tuner is 9 years old. Dang.

 

[JimmyM]

I’m still quite happy with my Polytune 2 Noir. Got to be 10 years old now. I’ve noticed that little bit of tone suck it has, though, and using a buffered pedal in front of it always gets rid of it. And since I always have a buffer in front, it’s not a problem for me.

 

[Zooberwerx]

~20 y.o. Peterson StroboStomp…even has a DI. It’s mounted on my board which I rarely use. I generally rely on the built-ins on a Fly Rig or Zoom multi-FX. I’ve done side-by-sides and they’re spot-on.

Riis

 

[DionClassic]

I don't know if this applies but I really liked the ernieball volume pedal with tuner in it. it gave me the ability to mute and tune. also took a space off my board.

 

[Wfrance3]

Polytune makes great products I have had 3 of their tuners over the years and have 2 now. The only reason I only have 2 now is that I sold one. I had one of the small-sized Polytune tuners and sold it because I just wanted the bigger display. I currently have one polytune with the buffer and one without. Both are just fine and over 10 years old young.

 

[Tj smith]

Boss tu-2

 

[burgerdj]

I struggled to see the Boss in bright daylight. I have been using the Peterson HD and it has been super readable in all light conditions - bonus for super accurate intonation, too.

 

[Peteyboy]

The tc 3 is on sale for like $65. Is there a reason it’s so inexpensive?

Because the 12 year old girl who made it gets paid $1.75 a day?

JOKING. Just joking. Sort of...

 

[bigjames]

I am still very happy with my Korg PitchBlack. Has never let me down and does exactly what I need it to do.

 

[Jonahlane]

Somehow I’ve ended up with so many different tuner pedals over the years, here are some standouts and thoughts:

- Polytune 3 Noir mini: great pedalboard friendly tuner, fantastic accuracy and bright readout. Pretty barebones and simple, can be used always on with a buffer or true bypass.

- Peterson Strobostomp HD: Peterson is a big name in the world of strobe tuners, and this version of it is really killer. Includes a power passthrough, a great buffer, always on tuning, alternate tuning options and “sweetened” tunings, which seem cool. Display is nice and big, no issues reading it.

- Walrus Audio Canvas tuner: Easily the most “fun” tuner out of the 3. A number of display and bypass options, including the option to load your own image (setlist, or a picture of your cat) that displays on the tuner during bypass. Tuning is nice and accurate, though the power draw is a bit higher than the rest. I’ve had a couple of small pops when using it with an active bass, something to keep in mind.