Electronic Tuners: Korg GT12 vs Boss TU12 vs Boss TU12H

I'd cough up an extra $20 and get a Boss TU-2 stomp box. The convenience is worth it. It mutes while you tune, then just kick it on. Two of our guitarists have 'em and love 'em.

 

I have a TU-12 and its a great tuner but it won't go down to low B. I tune the first fret to low C, not that big a deal but I thought you'd like to know.

 

I have a Korg tuner. I can't recall the model, but it is the cheapo $15 korg tuner. (GA-20 maybe?) I bought it to throw in my acoustic guitar case. It is not chromatic, but is it automatic as far as switching to the string you are tuning.

It has the LED lights as well as LCD "needle" This is the cheapest tuner I have ever used, yet it is also the fastest, most acurate one. It goes down to a low B with no problem and even turns itself off if you leave it on.

It is so acurate I even use it to set the intonatation on my basses.


Cons:

You can't run it "Line through"

Pretty small read out so you couldn't really tune on the fly in a dark room.


I mention this only to say that KORG tuners are very good.

Chas

 

Agreed Chasarms. That particular tuner rocks. I run it from my preamp-out section, just switch it on when I need it. I can see those LED's pretty good in the dark though.

 

Korg make good stuff. I'm just not experienced with pedal or rackmount tuners(a tuner is a tuner, for chrissakes).

 

Muji's got the right idea - the TU-2 is an awesome tuner. I have both the TU-2 and the Korg DTR-2 rackmount tuner and the TU-2 is a much better tuner, IMHO (at half the price). It picks up the low B extremely well, and the pedal form factor is very convenient.

lo-end:

Have you tried using a strobe tuner? They're a little harder to get used to, but I find them to be much more accurate than needles. The TU-2 has a very nice strobe feature also.

 

The ultimate is a Korg DTR-1. I have one in my rack, and it rules. RULES!

 

I've been using the TU12H tuner for more than 10 years and only have one complaint with it. It has a hard time picking up notes below the fifth fret on the "B" string of a five string unless the bass has active electrics with a lot of gain.

The LED tuners are a real pain in the a** to use if you play an outdoor venue in the daytime. Those little illuminated dots literally disappear.

 

really, just get boss' tu2 tuner. I have one, it picks up my low B perfect, has many different options as to how you tune (by #,chromatically, flats, double flats) and is extremely convienient. You don't even have to turn to your amp. It's a little expensive but it really pays off when you know you're off pitch and only have 2 seconds before the next song starts.

 

I've got the Korg GA-20 (chromatic). It cost £15 brand new. I really can't fault this unit. It's fast and accurate. If there is a down side it's that it's not in-line so plugging in and out has to be done. 'Still, there's nothing that can't be solved with a simple break-out cable.

John

 

Yet another vote for the TU-2!

I got rid of my big expensive rack tuner (Sabine RT-1601) for this unit. It tracks all the strings perfectly and quickly, including the open B on my EUB. It doubles as a mute switch when it's turned on. It's very stable and easy to see - even on a brightly lit or daytime stage. We played at an Orlando Magic basketball game this past Saturday, before the game and at halftime. The pre-game set was under full house lights at center court, as bright as you can get, and I could read the LED's perfectly. It has the additional advantage over a rack tuner of being right at your feet so you don't have to turn your back to see it.

lo-end, the units you mention are very good, but for the same price you can get something better and more functional in a live situation.

 

Is anybody still using that tunner that sticks to the bass and you can tune with the intrument unplugged..


i cant remember the name

 

Intellitouch tuners. I have had two of them. They work great, especially with acoustic instruments, but both broke. The little swivle joint is made of very cheap plastic. One broke, I sent it back. Sent me another. It broke as well. Definately not strong enough to stand up regular use.

Chas

 

I've had the TU-12 for 10 years, and really like it. The analog needle, as you say, gives much better information than LEDs. The H I think goes an octave higher or so. Not a concern. As others say, it will not pick up the low B. I tune with the 12th fret harmonic, and check with some fretted notes down low. I guess we should be tuning up and down the neck anyway, not just the open string.