Double Bass Clip on Tuner Problems

[Ampig]

I am trying to find a clip on style tuner that really works for the URB. I find them very convenient to use on a gig. The problem is that I can't find one that works reliably. Maybe I just haven't found the sweet spot for locating the tuner. I've tried various locations on the bridge with marginal success. There always seems to be a dead spot where at least one string doesn't register.

 

[wdave]

I like this one:
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For my $25, it can't be beat.
Dave Little

 

[El Thumpo]

Well, here's a new one that's specifically for DB. I havent seen it in action, but there's a video on the page that seems to demonstrate it pretty well.

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[El Thumpo]

Also: do you have a pickup? If the situation's too noisy for a bridge-mount tuner, I just plug my iPhone into my pickup and use one of the many good tuner apps.

 

[disp]

Try positioning the tuner on the peg box.

 

[michaeln]

I think those tuners where the display changes color whether the note is in tune or not are not are "interesting".

Peterson Stroboclip is the one to get.

 

[Ampig]

Well, here's a new one that's specifically for DB.

Cool tuner but it's not strictly for DB. That's just how Upton advertizes it.

Also: do you have a pickup? If the situation's too noisy for a bridge-mount tuner, I just plug my iPhone into my pickup and use one of the many good tuner apps.

No iPhone here. I'm on part of the less technology counterrevolutionan

Try positioning the tuner on the peg box.

I havent had much success with that.

I think I'll check out the one on the Golihur Music page. I like the gooseneck.

 

[El Thumpo]

No iPhone here. I'm on part of the less technology counterrevolutionan

That would explain the cardboard box-bass in your avatar!

 

[Ampig]

That would explain the cardboard box-bass in your avatar

Actually I've moved one step up from the cardboard box. I've got an Englehardt

 

[Rebop]

Just addressing the Zoid tuner that was posted above. I got one as a sample from Sabine and started using it on gigs.

This thing stinks for tracking the E string (I've tried clipping it everywhere on each bridge foot, on the wings, etc). Example: It will say just slightly flat and as you tune up it really doesn't change; then it says you're playing a D#, then E but waaaay sharp. Pluck the string again and you're flat again. Then fiddle with it for another minute or two and it turns green and you're in tune. Just don't check it a second time because it sometimes will say it's out of tune again and the band leader wants to count off the song (this tuner may add some anxiety and sailor talk to the setlist). Possibly a different type of string will help it work better.

The battery seems to die quickly (I think I'm able to use it for about 2-3 weeks before it starts flickering and dying).

CONS: I feel like I'm always double checking this thing by ear to make sure it's doing its job.
PROS: Better than a Qwik Tune product or stomp box style tuner for me.

 

[Ampig]

Just addressing the Zoid tuner that was posted above. I got one as a sample from Sabine and started using it on gigs.

This thing stinks for tracking the E string (I've tried clipping it everywhere on each bridge foot, on the wings, etc). Example: It will say just slightly flat and as you tune up it really doesn't change; then it says you're playing a D#, then E but waaaay sharp. Pluck the string again and you're flat again. Then fiddle with it for another minute or two and it turns green and you're in tune. Just don't check it a second time because it sometimes will say it's out of tune again and the band leader wants to count off the song (this tuner may add some anxiety and sailor talk to the setlist). Possibly a different type of string will help it work better.

That's pretty much what my current tuner is doing.

 

[fathead1]

Try tuning using harmonics. It eliminates the false tones especially for the E string. It worked for me.

 

[drurb]

We just went through this. See here.

 

[tstone]

I've tried both the Meisel COM-90 and the Sabine Zoid Z-1000 clip-ons.

The COM-90 works great with my bass, either clipped to the bridge or the pegbox, either arco or pizz, either open strings or harmonics. I haven't tried it in a really noisy environment yet, or checked the visibility of the display in sunlight, but I'm sufficiently impressed that I'm definitely keeping it.

The Zoid Z-1000 was hopeless with my bass. Couldn't find the E-string with a map and instructions, regardless of where it was clipped, arco or pizz, open string or harmonics. Didn't do too well with the A string either. It got sent back. It does seem to work pretty well for guitars, which is probably their target market.

I think results probably vary depending on the harmonic content of notes on individual basses as played by individual players, bows, etc.

 

[Rob Thompson]

No iPhone here. I'm on part of the less technology counterrevolutionan
.

 

[Ampig]

Good luck with atuning fork in noisy club

 

[Rob Thompson]

Good luck with atuning fork in noisy club

Put it on your temple and you'll get an A440 in your brain.

 

[Eric Swanson]

I used to bite down gently on the tuning fork stem, with my back teeth, when tuning in a noisy spot. The vibration carries through the teeth into one's head, so its pretty easy to hear. One ear against the neck listening to the bass, with the vibrating tuning fork clamped in my teeth; I could always hear well enough.

Or then, there is always tuning to the keyboard, by ear. But then, I am an old fart.

Most recently, I have been using a little Intelli $23 tuner successfully, using the octave harmonics on the E and A strings, when needed.

 

[jmmcc]

Octave harmonics is the way to go with any tuner but if you're playing with an acoustic piano leave the tuner at home.
Peace

 

[iiipopes]

Octave harmonics is the way to go with any tuner but if you're playing with an acoustic piano leave the tuner at home.
Peace

Indeed. Trying to match tuning a bass with a piano with a tuner is a real s t r e t c h!