Favorite Pedal Tuner

[nnnnnn]

I've been thinking about the ST-300 Turbo Tuner and using a 9v battery in it. I read that when it's in bypass there is no draw from the 9v

This is true. I have the ST-300 running on battery power and leave audio cables permanently plugged into input and output. The battery lasts for ages, I think I've changed it maybe 2 or 3 times in three years, and even when it does run down it gives a very clear low battery warning but keeps on working for plenty of time after that (so you wouldn't need to rush to change the battery mid-gig).

I don't notice any change to my bass tone with the tuner in bypass, and it doesn't pop when I turn it on or off.

Also of course the actual tuning function is very, very good, senses the note very fast, handles low B or A no problem on my five-string.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

The silver snark pedal tuner! Cheap, works great and they last forever. I liked it so much, I have one on my bass board, guitar bird and have 2 spares in the boxes! Never needed them but I got them!

 

[Zooberwerx]

Peterson Strobo for detail work. In the field, I use the available "on-boards" found on any number of multi-FX pedals.

Riis

 

[scott sinner]

Turbo Tuner is the best

 

[bassfran]

Peterson Strobo Stomp 2. It's built like a tank, so it withstands the clumsy and the extensive sweetend tuning features have made it indispensable for any recording situations.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

I love the TC Polytune and have never had pops. Is it possible your bass is sending a hot signal that when suddenly muted by the pedal causes a pop through your amp?

The Boss TU pedals are great. The old TU-2 is rock solid if you can find one used, but the lights can be a little dim outside. I think the TU-3 has brighter lights.

 

[Marley's Ghost]

+1000 for Polytune3. Only one I've found that is bright enough for outdoor shows in direct sunlight.

 

[Ancientwhale]

Turbo tuner is where it’s at…it’s fast, you can tune up in seconds between songs easily. You can program any of your other tunings into custom slots.

 

[jthisdell]

I have two Polytune 3's and have never noticed a pop or tone change. I find it faster and easier to read than my old Korg Pitch Black.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

The Turbo Tuner (300) is the best one I've found for my preferences. I just like the display better than the peterson.
Used ones usually go for a premium - best just to bite the bullet order direct off their website, with tax & shipping included in the price. (although I see they've finally had to raise their price)

 

[Zbysek]

I've been using TC Polytune (V1) for number of years. It tunes very well. The only thing which I dislike about it is that the footswitch produces pop sound when the pedal is powered by battery...

 

[Goatrope]

Arguably, the ST300 is above all in build quality and accuracy. Hundreds and hundreds of gigs, and after many years, it hasn’t blinked. I run it on a pedal board, so can’t comment on battery life.

Prior to owning this gem, all others either became noisy or glitchy in the same environment.

In my pedal graveyard are several Korg pitch blacks (all now failed), TC electronics (noisy), Boss(foot switch broke), and a $8 Joyo clip-on that I keep in the gig bag for backup.

I’ve never owned a Peterson due to the look, which doesn’t appeal to me. They get good reviews.

I own a 40-some-odd-year-old Korg WT-10a that still works pretty well, but it’s an impractical antique now.

Enjoy your search.

 

[mmbongo]

Polytune 3 produces no pops and does not alter the sound so you definitely had some issues. Likely another tuner pedal will do the same. How are you powering everything?

 

[jthisdell]

I've been using TC Polytune (V1) for number of years. It tunes very well. The only thing which I dislike about it is that the footswitch produces pop sound when the pedal is powered by battery...

maybe that is the difference as I have both of mine powered by power supplies

 

[swagbotbilly]

Ol' reliable TU-2 has served me well since high school

 

[Zbysek]

maybe that is the difference as I have both of mine powered by power supplies

Yeah, there is no pop with power supply...plus mine is version 1, yours is V3, right?

 

[jthisdell]

Ol' reliable TU-2 has served me well since high school

I still have a Korg I bought in 1981, not a pedal, a hand held tuner where you have to turn the dial to which note you want to tune. Still works but each note takes 4-5 seconds to register.

 

[CheckBass]

My experience with the Peterson Strobe Tuner is that velcro does not stick well underneath.
The strobe tuning has pros and cons: it is the most accurate but maybe not the most convenient in a live situation (it takes more time to tune)

I have tried a bunch and my favorite is the Korg Pitchblack: accurate, quick (I play 4 strings only), easy to read, solid and classy.

 

[oomo]

Another vote for the ST-300 here. Long battery life, no clicks/pops, fast note tracking, easy to read.

 

[Petethebassman]

+1000 for Polytune3. Only one I've found that is bright enough for outdoor shows in direct sunlight.

I definitely agree- mine is a Polytune 2 mini and last week I played a gig in direct bright sunlight and had no problems reading the tuner display. And it reads the pitch very fast which is great for quick tuning checks between songs.