Clip on tuner and the low B

[pcnnrs]

Do any of you have issues with your clip on tuner not picking up the low B string? The tuner works fine on the other strings but the B can be difficult for it to pick up.

 

[crentest]

sometimes, if you move it a bit it will pick up better. hope that helps.

 

[RandomKaren]

Play the octave harmonic instead of the open string.

 

[Lo-E]

For me it depends upon the tuner.
My Snark has a lot of trouble with low B. My more expensive Peterson has no trouble with low B. It leads me to believe there’s at least some truth to getting what you pay for when it comes to tuners.

 

[pcnnrs]

Thank you all for the replies and tips. I have tried moving it, to no avail, but I will try the harmonic. That is a good idea.

And yes I too am thinking you get what you pay for in tuners.

Cheers!

 

[retslock]

Do any of you have issues with your clip on tuner not picking up the low B string? The tuner works fine on the other strings but the B can be difficult for it to pick up.

I have several that now sit idle on a shelf somewhere. I bought a Korg Pitchblack X tuner pedal and haven't looked back.

 

[Ggaa]

TC Unitune. I clip it near the nut instead of at the end of the headstock. Also make sure you mute the other strings.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

KILQ Ubertuner is the best clip on tuner I've used. I have bought one for all of my basses works better than Shark & TC.

 

[Thumpin6string]

Mine works with the low B on my ABG, but honestly, the clip ons suck IMHO. I plug into my tuner for a more precise tuning.

 

[FluffyDog66]

At $80, it is a bit spendy, but I have never had a better tuner than the Peterson StroboClip HDC clip-on tuner. Check into it, and you'll see many reviews that parallel my opinion. There is also a $60 version that uses replaceable (vs. rechargeable) batteries, but I like the fancier one personally.

Picks up the lowest notes with ease. Once you master the "touch" it takes to freeze the rotating display, you won't look back. Even my Tc Electronic Polytune clip on seems crude in comparison.

 

[slareman]

sometimes, if you move it a bit it will pick up better. hope that helps.

TC Unitune. I clip it near the nut instead of at the end of the headstock. Also make sure you mute the other strings.

I found that moving mine (TC Polytune clip) closer to the nut helped a lot.

 

[Brandon Shea]

At $80, it is a bit spendy, but I have never had a better tuner than the Peterson StroboClip HDC clip-on tuner. Check into it, and you'll see many reviews that parallel my opinion. There is also a $60 version that uses replaceable (vs. rechargeable) batteries, but I like the fancier one personally.

Picks up the lowest notes with ease. Once you master the "touch" it takes to freeze the rotating display, you won't look back. Even my Tc Electronic Polytune clip on seems crude in comparison.

View attachment 7452363

I got the cheaper model a while ago, amazing tuner. Totally agreed about mastering the touch with it - that part took me a little while, but well worth it.

 

[burgerdj]

My Snark has a significant latency on the B, but rely on my pedalboard tuner for rehearsal and gigs. To make up for the latency, I tune my B string at the 5th fret/E.

 

[joe vegas]

TC Unitune. grabs low B like an afternoon snack. $32-ish. Pricier than the Snark but worth it for instantly readable low B.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I solely use TC Unitunes on my sixers.
They always register the open B.

 

[Gervais Cote]

My TC Unitune usually works fine but sometimes I have to pinch my strings closer to the bridge to get a quick and clear reading.

 

[J Wilson]

I never use clip-on tuners. I'm not convinced the 'convenience' is worth it, plus I know me: If I didn't super glue them on to the head somewhere, I'd keep buying new ones . . . . .

 

[logdrum]

Glue the Snark down. That area where it pivots is the weak point and I have lost a Snark or 2 but I stupidly bought a 3rd one. Once glued, I have no more B issues.

Peterson for the win.

 

[ddnidd1]

Peterson Stroboclip tracks the B accurately. As mentioned above you can try the 12th fret harmonic if your tuner doesn't track the B well.

 

[pcnnrs]

Things seem to be working better thanks to the tips from you folks.

Thanks!