My beginner's Epiphone bass came with one. I always assumed everyone had one until reading threads like this. 
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Buy a friggen tuner!
- Thread starter need4mospd
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A band we have played with a few times tuned to each other at full volume with distortion. Funny the first time, not so much after that.
What I do on stage is hit the mute button on my tuner, tune my A string, then turn the mute button off but leave my bass turned down real low and use harmonics to tune. Then after about 3 songs, i'll turn my bass down again, and hit the harmonics again real quick to tune. I figure if people hear it, then they'll think i'm serious about my playing because i'm taking the time to tune.
Back in the day ... that would be the 70s we all use tuning forks held over the pickup (heck even Acoustic 360 amps used a tuning tone then) . I remember around 76 or so the band I was in pitched in and bought a used Conn strobe tuner we all shared .... for years I've only used a Sabine ST1100 works great ... but now! a Peterson Strobo Stomp is on my pedal board ... never leave home without one ...
I've been trying and trying for 2+ years to convince the guitards in my band to buy tuners, for the longest time I would tune to them and they would be a half step out or more and I finally got sick of it.
They would get pissed because I would tell them to tune to me because I KNOW I am in tune, given that I actually use a tuner, but finally they are now tuning to me so I know they are at least close to being in tune, we all have fairly good ears so its close.
Unfortunatly though like most everyone on TB frowns upon, tuning out loud at gigs, they did that at our last one, I was SO embarassed. I was tuned up in 30 seconds and ready to go, and did it SILENTLY and then I have to stand there like a fool waiting for them to tune out loud...disrespectful and embarassing are the only 2 words to describe that kind of thing I think.
Jared
They would get pissed because I would tell them to tune to me because I KNOW I am in tune, given that I actually use a tuner, but finally they are now tuning to me so I know they are at least close to being in tune, we all have fairly good ears so its close.
Unfortunatly though like most everyone on TB frowns upon, tuning out loud at gigs, they did that at our last one, I was SO embarassed. I was tuned up in 30 seconds and ready to go, and did it SILENTLY and then I have to stand there like a fool waiting for them to tune out loud...disrespectful and embarassing are the only 2 words to describe that kind of thing I think.
Jared
Could be worse. Tuning up as you go out on stage ¬_¬ But the guitarist is leaving for America soon. I'm quite happy with the guys, they tune up well before each gig usually, just that one slip-up.
I'm interested in the pedal tuner idea. Is it like the cheap tuners you get, but will mute your sound while everything is on, instead of unplugging stuff to plug into a pocket tuner? Apologies if that doesn't make sense, bad day and it's too hot for me.
I'm interested in the pedal tuner idea. Is it like the cheap tuners you get, but will mute your sound while everything is on, instead of unplugging stuff to plug into a pocket tuner? Apologies if that doesn't make sense, bad day and it's too hot for me.
Timmayx,
Some pedal tuners, or all, I'm no expert, have a pedal to do just that - mute the signal going to your amp. Although some amps, and heads have a dedicated mute switch on them to perform that function as well. I know on my Boss ME-50B it has a volume pedal so all I have to do is just take the volume down for my tuning and I am good to go.
Jared
Some pedal tuners, or all, I'm no expert, have a pedal to do just that - mute the signal going to your amp. Although some amps, and heads have a dedicated mute switch on them to perform that function as well. I know on my Boss ME-50B it has a volume pedal so all I have to do is just take the volume down for my tuning and I am good to go.
Jared
There is nothing like three stringed instruments (amplified and running through a PA) tuning together on stage.. dun, dun, dun, ding, ding, ding, ding, der,der, der, der, der, der, der.
I am standing by what I said, Pierce (sorry bro), nothing says "WE SUCK" more than tuning openly, at full volume on an amplified stage. Orchestras and ensembles are different... they are not amplified to 120 db.
I am standing by what I said, Pierce (sorry bro), nothing says "WE SUCK" more than tuning openly, at full volume on an amplified stage. Orchestras and ensembles are different... they are not amplified to 120 db.
tlwaps said:
Yes, because when I go to see Aerosmith or the Rolling Stones, they always come out and tune in front of everyone, just to show how serious... how professional... they are.
Tuning your instrument is like taking a dump... everyone needs to do it, but no one else needs to hear it, and they're not going to appreciate it if they do.
A
appler
Guest
I tune by ear at rehearsals but at gigs, I use a tuner. It's more professional and less annoying. Nobody in the audience will ever turn to their buddies and say, "Hey, those guys must be good; they're tuning by ear!"
Also, to address the "other side of the forum" comment, I play more double bass than I do bass guitar. Occasionally, in a situation such as a crowded pit for a musical, I bring a tuner because I simply can't hear myself while the whole orchestra is tuning, let alone during especially loud moments in the show. Usually, all the instruments are miked and I don't want an out-of-tune bass going into the house. I don't think I've lost any gigs because I used an electronic tuner.
Also, to address the "other side of the forum" comment, I play more double bass than I do bass guitar. Occasionally, in a situation such as a crowded pit for a musical, I bring a tuner because I simply can't hear myself while the whole orchestra is tuning, let alone during especially loud moments in the show. Usually, all the instruments are miked and I don't want an out-of-tune bass going into the house. I don't think I've lost any gigs because I used an electronic tuner.
mb1 said:
I use a WinAmp plugin, where I can tune the mp3 to whatever I need, speed it up, whatever. I can then write the file to .wav, reconvert to mp3's, and have a folder of mp3's that are all in the same key that my band plays in.
Ya'll have no idea how painful tuning can be. Try going to a pipe band practice (as in bagpipes) and be there when the pipe sergeant tunes up the band.
I've spent many years in pipe bands (as a drummer) and have had the pleasure of listening to pipes being tuned for many many many many many many many hours.
And, the tuner is not usually a nice 9V powered box sitting quietly on stage. It's a usually a big sweaty guy.
I've spent many years in pipe bands (as a drummer) and have had the pleasure of listening to pipes being tuned for many many many many many many many hours.
And, the tuner is not usually a nice 9V powered box sitting quietly on stage. It's a usually a big sweaty guy.
bass_player16 said:
Thanks for the reply
I've been ahving a look at the boss TU2 pedal, which has now gone on my wishlist Diggler said:
What plugin is that out of interest?
That's when you hop on the mike and tell an awful joke! Pretty soon they'll be so anxious to avoid your jokes that they'll willingly invest in tuners!bass_player16 said:
