Best tuner pedal? (2025)

[Obese Chess]

I also have a Strobostomp HD, but as another user implied, I've never once used any of the extra features. Given the choice I'd probably go for a Strobostomp Mini given that I frequently switch basses and tunings during gigs, but the TC Polytune is going to do just fine for 99% of people at $65.

 

[AMJBASS]

I'm still a massive fan of the Sonic Research ST300. Super fast, easy to read even in bright sunlight, doesn't pop when disengaging. Great tuner. The Strobostomp HD is also very good. The ONLY thing I don't like about it is the relay has a slight delay in disengaging. I have both, and use them both about the same amount(different boards).

 

[darwin-bass]

I wanted an always-on tuner so I could check my intonation with fretless. Sonic Research ST-300.

I wanted an always-on tuner with a mute indication so I could see when the tuner is mute. Peterson Strobostomp HD.

 

[Mayborns]

I just went through a deep dive of tuners over the weekend. Being honest with myself that I needed something that can tune quickly and be easier seen. I ended up buying a new Polytune 3 Noir. It’s cheap, small and does the job. Ticked all of my boxes.

 

[joel the bass player]

TU-2 being terrible in the sun I think was what made me want to get a new tuner. Previously mentioned the Peterson StrobostompHD- I think the first time out with it I got all set up and went to tune and the screen was blank. After a freakout that lasted about half a second I realized my polarized sunglasses were interfering. I had to tilt my head a bit to be able to see the screen, which lets me see it perfectly no matter how much sun is shining on it.

 

[EricOnTheBass]

I have a Polytune Mini 3, which works great. I don't use it anymore, though, because there is a tuner built in to my Shure GLXD6+ wireless receiver pedal. My HX Stomp also has a tuner. I have no excuses for being out of tune. But I'm keeping the Polytune in case I decide to go with no pedalboard.

 

[darev]

I wanted an always-on tuner so I could check my intonation with fretless. Sonic Research ST-300.

I wanted an always-on tuner with a mute indication so I could see when the tuner is mute. Peterson Strobostomp HD.

I didn't realize that the Sonic Research tuner didn't have a visual indicator for when it is muted.

That is really too bad. I was going to get one too. It looks great but it could be made of platinum meteorite dust but I won't use it if I can't see that it's off or on at a glance. Between playing, singing, vamping w the audience I am not going to muck about with the critical mute

Edit: typo

 

[MultiScaleMale]

SonicResearch Turbo Tuner. Accurate and minimal lag that will speed up your tuning - you won't overshoot, undershoot while tuning and need to correct the excess tuning because of the lag.

 

[HueyFreeman]

I didn't realize that the Sonic Research tuner didn't have a visual indicator for when it is muted.

That is really too bad. I was going to get one too. It looks great but it could be made of platinum meteorite dust but I won't use it if I can't see that it's off or on at a glance. Between playing, singing, vamping w the audience I am not going to muck about with the mute

The LED screen turns on when engaged/muted. This qualifies as an indicator to me.

Nonetheless, another voter for Sonic Research from me.

 

[erayser]

I recently changed to the Peterson Strobostomp HD from a TU-3. Since I got it, every weekend when I play... the rotating circle blocks would remind me how bad my intonation was off... but always forget to fix it during the week. This thread just reminded me... all fixed for this weekend. Not saying it's any better than my TU-3... I just got it because the screen looked cool and the color options. I just like how it looks on my pedalboard.

 

[darev]

The LED screen turns on when engaged/muted. This qualifies as an indicator to me.

Nonetheless, another voter for Sonic Research from me.

But doesn't the LED screen turn on when it's on too?

 

[wboyd68]

Peterson all the way.

 

[mapleglo]

I use the Polytune, Peterson, and TurboTuner all with great results. I have a few different versions of each, on various boards.

 

[RattleSnack]

Another vote for Korg Pitchblack. Very visible large screen in every angle and ambient lights condition. Looks good, inexpensive, low power draw, can work on 9V battery for a long time.
True bypass with no sound suck I can detect. Perfect gear.

 

[_Obra_]

I'm in a hunt for a new tuner for about two months. Can't decide between Boss Tu3W, Walrus Audio Canvas and Peterson StroboStomp HD.

Already have 2 of Boss Waza pedals and they are just brilian and good looking, but a lot of people say that Tu3W colors on the display is not so good. Pedal is so cool to me though, with buffer on/off and DC out jack.

Walrus Audio Canvas is also cool looking and has great and interesting functions (display orientation, screensaver, needle and strobe mode...), but 200mA is just to much for my pedalboard. Also, quite a few people have said that there is some buzz experience.

Peterson StroboStomp HD is probably no brainer but the comments are that there is a lag and noise when turning it on and off. Also, the menu is too complicated.

So, while I'm overthinking it I'm still using my old trusted Polytune 2 Noir.

 

[dune]

Peterson StroboStompHD for me.

 

[HueyFreeman]

But doesn't the LED screen turn on when it's on too?

The LED screen is off until I engage the tuner to tune. While engaged, the signal is muted.

 

[Parzival]

Strobostomp Mini. Sweetened bass tuning.

 

[Hundred proof]

I go back to when we had one Conn strobe tuner for the whole band.

I’ve had several including the Peterson … and still come back to and use a TU2

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I have and used a PolyTune Mini 2 for a long time and liked it, so got a PolyTune Mini 3 for the added buffer mode.