Cheap tuner for a 5-string??

[jdbutz]

I need to get a tuner for my bass and I want it to be chromatic. I don't want to spend a lot. I've been looking at the Korg CA-30. Would this work? Any other ideas? Thanks.

 

[hartke20g]

any tuner will do. since most are made for guitars (which have B strings), they'll work with your B string too. the korg CA-30 is the black one, right? if it is, get it. it's much easier to use than the silver one, mainly because it can tune to say C or Eb without you having to fret a note while tuning.

 

[lowphatbass]

Many of the common chromatic tuners won't hear the low B. None of mine do, I just fret up to the E on the B string. Make sure your not bending the note and your intonation is somewhat cool.

 

[LizzyD]

I always tune my B string using the 12th fret harmonic. Always. I never have trouble with this. Any tuner will pick that up much easier than the open string, IME.

Tuning a fretted note is only a good idea if your intonation is already perfect. But to properly set your intonation, it's best if your open string is in tune.

 

[SwitchGear]

I have a Korg DT-10 pedal tuner which picks up the open B string same as the rest of the strings. Highly recommended.

BTW, I also have a Korg DTR-2 racked which works great also.

Don't know about the CA-30, how it tracks the B that is.

 

[theshadow2001]

A few years ago i saw a guy using one of those korg rack mounted tuners to tune his E string down to an open C as part of a song (which worked quite well) From what I remember it read out C when he got there. But thats just based on a vague memory so probably don't listen to me. Plus its a completely different string

 

[beaglesandbass]

if you're playing at home, just go to tunemybass.com

it'll play the note and you just have to tune to it.

 

[theshadow2001]

+1 for just using your ear. Don't even need to go on line just find a CD with an open note on it. Like the start of Around the world by RHCP for an E or the start of killing in the name of by Rage against the machine for your d string and work it from there.

Although cromatic tuners are great to have when playing live. I wouldn't leave home without it. But I know I don't have to depend on it and can use my ear if needs be.

Anytime I'm at home though. I always use my ear

 

[bausman]

if you're playing at home, just go to tunemybass.com

it'll play the note and you just have to tune to it.

Thanks for the link I am just starting and this is great resource for me.

 

[Depth_Charge]

I have a Korg CA-30 and it tunes the low B on my 5 string just fine.