Best tuner pedal? (2025)

[DRBP]

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.

i would like this 100 times if i could. i have a regular sonic research on my big pedal board and a mini on my small pedal board (which is getting much more use lately) and they are fantastic. i won;t use anything else as long as they keep making these. they are super fast, easy to see from a distance, and very accurate. just great pieces of kit for reasonable money.

 

[jmmyoh]

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

Stupid question, but why do I want more ohms on the output?

 

[darev]

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

Ahhh, my understanding was that the display on the Sonic Research tuners were on all the time. That is definitely how I like to have my tuners set; tuner is always on and stomp to mute. Thank you for the background and info.

 

[planetdrumz]

Cant go wrong with a Korg Pitchblack!

 

[erayser]

Also note the Peterson display is bigger but if you're off-angle it fades out.

I was confused by this... since you were the 2nd person in this thread that mentioned this. I've never experienced this on stage... and sometimes I stand way back away from my pedalboard while tuning.... especially when someone is just yapping on the mic. It made me turn on my pedalboard to check. I stood as far back as I could in my office/music room, and it doesn't fade to the point where I couldn't tune. Then I figured out why... I mounted my Strobostomp HD side ways on my pedalboard because of the size of my volume pedal. When I turned my pedalboard sideways, and walk away... I see it fading more. Apparently the screen is more viewable from the side... that's kind of weird.... but good to know.

Config 2 (my preferred). Turner display is always on. Foot switch toggles mute on and off.

I set up my Peterson to the always on display configuration, but I mainly mute with the volume pedal. Seeing the tuning while in a song is sometimes useful... like if a string could use fine tuning between songs.

 

[JimmyO]

You want the Unobtanium Curmudgeon Waza Mark III Tube Tuner with slanted handwired circuit and big bias. It makes your intonation bark like a stressed-out chihuahua.

Spoken like someone who hasn’t even tried the Mark IV, let alone bought and sold it three times in the Classifieds.

 

[jmmyoh]

Spoken like someone who hasn’t even tried the Mark IV, let alone bought and sold it three times in the Classifieds.

Hi JimmyO I'm jmmyoh haha

 

[zombywoof5050]

Ahhh, my understanding was that the display on the Sonic Research tuners were on all the time. That is definitely how I like to have my tuners set; tuner is always on and stomp to mute. Thank you for the background and info.

Only the full-size Turbo Tuner can be set for ‘always on’. The Mini version can only tune when muted.

 

[12bass]

Decided on the full-size Turbo Tuner ST-300 myself, as it has an extra 9V output and a DIP switch for true bypass or buffered output, which the ST-300 Mini doesn't have. It is super quick, accurate, and visible, and switches silently. It doesn't offer color display options like the StroboStomp HD, and I see it as more of a no-nonsense, functional, musician's tool, rather than a having a cool factor. Also allows user uploads of special tunings, if desired/required.

 

[RevOgre]

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
View attachment 7179889

I gigged one for a long time and gave it to my singer when I quit gigging a lot. He still uses it.

I have a Peterson now but not for any good reason, got it used for a good price

 

[Lucienduv]

I love Peterson StroboStomp HD: Accurate, durable, and ideal for outdoor gigs.

 

[twinjet]

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?

View attachment 7179859

I can't speak super educated like on tuner pedals, but a Korg PB-01 has worked great for me.

 

[HueyFreeman]

Stupid question, but why do I want more ohms on the output?

You want less.

 

[tpaul]

Spoken like someone who hasn’t even tried the Mark IV, let alone bought and sold it three times in the Classifieds.

Mark IV? Hah! I spit on your Mark IV! Everyone knows quality control went out the window when Unobtanium moved production overseas! Besides, the Mark III uses fair trade locally sourced solder, while the Mark IV is held together by the tears of underage non-union slave laborers. The Mark IV is not qualified to wipe the boots of the Mark III! Also I don't like the new graphics.

 

[Plain Old Barry]

Mark IV? Hah! I spit on your Mark IV! Everyone knows quality control went out the window when Unobtanium moved production overseas! Besides, the Mark III uses fair trade locally sourced solder, while the Mark IV is held together by the tears of underage non-union slave laborers. The Mark IV is not qualified to wipe the boots of the Mark III! Also I don't like the new graphics.

Have you seen the new special edition paints? I hear it's only going to add a few hundo to the price. I might collect them all!

 

[JimmyO]

Mark IV? Hah! I spit on your Mark IV! Everyone knows quality control went out the window when Unobtanium moved production overseas! Besides, the Mark III uses fair trade locally sourced solder, while the Mark IV is held together by the tears of underage non-union slave laborers. The Mark IV is not qualified to wipe the boots of the Mark III! Also I don't like the new graphics.

I’m not sure you even play the bass. The solder-tears and graphics are exactly what give the Mark IV its improved tone.

 

[darev]

Have you seen the new special edition paints? I hear it's only going to add a few hundo to the price. I might collect them all!

They are spectacular looking but I am still hanging onto my classic II with the robin's egg hammertone finish and leather handle. I only need three Onespot outlets to power it instead of four needed for the Mark IV.

 

[HelpImaRock]

 

[tpaul]

I’m not sure you even play the bass. The solder-tears and graphics are exactly what give the Mark IV its improved tone.

You wouldn't know improved tone if it broke into your suburban faux-Colonial house with carriage lamps and a jockey statue and stole your Pokemon cards. Everyone knows tone is in the knobs. They have to be new-old stock Bakelite or they suck the low end. Philistine.

 

[John K]

Peterson for the win