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Clip-On Tuners --- best and cheapest

JimmyM

JimmyM

Apr 11, 2005
127,257
125,180
Plymouth NC
Disclosures
Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
#1
Don't usually need a clip-on tuner but I'm realizing the benefits of one on gigs where I only bring one bass such as my fly gigs and don't want to use a pedal or unplug during a show anymore. OK, here's what I need out of a clip-on tuner:

1. Fairly quick tracking

2. Ability to work while someone is talking between songs without getting messed with...doesn't need to work while the drummer is soundchecking the bass drum in his monitor, but needs to work while Bowzer is yelling at the crowd

3. Standard 4 and 5 string bass tuning...chromatic would be nice, but I'm willing to trade price for functionality

4. Doesn't need to be the most rugged tuner ever but should be able to hold up to moderate roadwork

5. As low a price as possible...talking the sub-$20 range

Here's my thing about tuners...it does not make me feel good to have the most awesome tuner in the world if it costs me more money. If a tuner costs $5 and does what I need, I'm there. I just got a Korg Pitchjack for $10 total that does what I need and works great. Only problem with it is the unplugging.

And anyone who says "do a search" will be subject to intense ridicule.
 
#2
I got a Snark for 20 bucks. Tracks well on a 4 string, don't know about a 5 string though, doesn't seem to be bothered by any another instrument, voice or drums while tuning.
 
#6
Snark
vonraschke.jpg

Und dat is all you need to know!
 
#7
My snark works great on my 5'er, I do have to tune using harmonics tho. If you do that the 12 dollar one will work great. I ordered 2 off amazon because you never know when it is going to run outta batteries or get snapped.

BRUMSHINE
 
#13
I have a snark, but it does have its limits. It's accurate enough to "get you in the ballpark," but I wouldn't expect to tune up with it and then lay down tracks.

From what I've read, the Gogo tuner is much more accurate. However, I have read about reliability issues with them.
 
#14
Ya, Baron Von Raschke's famous finishing submission hold The Claw carries a lot of weight with me.

Thank you all for your suggestions...I looked at all of them plus a few more. I think I'll go with the Snark SN-8. I can get it in black, I can get it pretty cheap, and while the Planet Waves tuner looked very cool, it looks like more trouble to mess with during a gig than I'd like to deal with, and I don't like the look of clamped on tuners mounted the whole gig.
 
#15
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#19
rhino333 said:
I've used Snarks, Intellitouch, Fishman and Planet Waves clip on tuners. The Snark tracks the best, but I found it fragile. I'm using Planet Waves NS Mini on all my instruments now. It is a little dicey getting the low B (I use a harmonic), but it's sturdy.
Click to expand...

Same for me.
Works great in noise, tracks very well, fast, accurate, low B "ok" I use the octave & that's as fast as the rest.
Chromatic too :confused: ain't it?? Haven't tried actually:D
 

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