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Reliable tuner that doesn't "jump" or malfunction?

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by quadrogong, Jul 30, 2009.

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  1. Jul 30, 2009 #1
    quadrogong

    quadrogong

    Jul 6, 2006
    NYC
    I've had a few different models, they all seem to either have the "jump around" effect, where the needle just goes haywire,

    or it sticks and does nothing,until I try harmonics, low notes, high notes..or turn the power off and on,then finally tunes.
    All the cheaper korg stuff seem to,I need an output for my effects loop,
    and I'm willing to spend.
    Are they all so unpredictable?
    Or have I bought so-so stuff?

    It's embarrassing in pro situations when I take too long to tune.
    Does anyone know what I mean?
    Or perhaps I have lousy tuning technique or bad batteries?.. I dunno.
     
  2. Jul 30, 2009 #2
    smem

    smem

    Dec 9, 2008
    british columbia canada
    I've got a yamaha tuner, YT-150 paid about 40$, it tracks pretty good for a cheaper tuner. It uses lcd display instead of an actual needle.
     
  3. Jul 30, 2009 #3
    Vic Winters

    Vic Winters

    Apr 20, 2006
    Western NY
    What have you been using?
     
  4. Jul 30, 2009 #4
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    Korg Pitchblack has been right on for me. Still have a TU-2, but it went to the "guitar " board. (it's kinda like a bass, but with much smaller strings, and 6 of 'em).
     
  5. Jul 30, 2009 #5
    Stereo Joe

    Stereo Joe

    Jun 29, 2007
    Ontario, Canada
    I suffered for years with a Boss TU-2 that hated my basses. It doesn't have a needle, but the LED's would jump all over the place and sometimes just not pick up my notes at all. I tried plucking the strings closer to the neck, closer to the bridge, moving the pickup blend knob all over the place and nothing helped.
    Recently, I got a Turbo Tuner:
    http://www.turbo-tuner.com/pages/manual-st2.htm

    It's amazing!! It works fast and accurately with no issues I've found whatsoever. Check it out!
     
  6. Jul 30, 2009 #6
    AndrewMagrini

    AndrewMagrini Gold Supporting Member

    Sep 23, 2007
    NYC
    +1. I've had mine on my board for around 7 months, and I haven't had any issues with it whatsoever.
     
  7. Jul 30, 2009 #7
    FreaqyFrequency

    FreaqyFrequency

    Jan 29, 2008
    Virginia Beach, VA
    I have never used a more accurate or reliable tuner than the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner ST-200.

    The Pitchblack would be my second choice.
     
  8. Jul 30, 2009 #8
    warwick.hoy

    warwick.hoy

    Aug 20, 2006
    Spokane, WA.
    Beta Tester: Source Audio.
    Although I've never had issues with my TU-2,...I really really really want the ST-200. Instant tracking strobe tuner that is a little bit cheaper than the Peterson strobes.
     
  9. Jul 30, 2009 #9
    funkometer

    funkometer Supporting Member

    Jan 16, 2006
    Birmingham AL
    Sabine.
     
  10. Jul 30, 2009 #10
    4-string

    4-string

    Jul 23, 2006
    Norway
    +1.
     
  11. Jul 30, 2009 #11
    rokkitt

    rokkitt

    Jun 7, 2007
    bronx, nyc
    sorry to go against the tide

    but< I had a peterson stroboflip

    sold it

    got the st-200 turbo tuner

    I miss the display on the peterson.....but that is just me and might just be a personal thing


    big al


    as far as accuraccy, can you really tell the difference between the high end tuners? peterson/sonic research?

    even when setting intonation? they both seem pretty accurate to me--even tho the peterson is a not a real strobe, for me it was close enough....

    call me confused! hahahhahaha


    big al
     
  12. Jul 30, 2009 #12
    gnasher1993

    gnasher1993

    Dec 9, 2008
    Wakefield, UK
    I don't have a tuner. I play jazz and I'm always playing with a piano so I have to tune by ear to the piano in question. Pianos rarely jump or malfunction...





    :bag: that wasn't helpful was it? :eyebrow:
     
  13. Jul 30, 2009 #13
    KJung

    KJung

    Apr 9, 2005
    Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
    +1 Literally the best tuner ever... period.

    The Pitchblack is nice, but the Sonic is WAY more accurate.
     
  14. Jul 30, 2009 #14
    KJung

    KJung

    Apr 9, 2005
    Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
    FYI... both the Peterson and Sonic are 'real strobes'. The only difference between them and the big mechanical units is the execution of the spinning wheel, which is 'mechanical' in the old Conn's and larger Petersons, and is 'virtual' in the Sonic and Strobostomp. The accuracy is the same. They are not 'fake strobe displays', like one of the modes on the Pitchblack.

    The Sonic tracks so much faster than the Strobostomp (which I agree is 'accurate enough' for anything) that it isn't even funny. When you combine that with the fact that the Sonic IS actually more accurate, is half the size, less money, and WAY higher build quality, it's a bit of a no brainer! The 'true bypass' is great also, and again, the immediate tracking on the open B string is quite something.
     
  15. Jul 30, 2009 #15
    Pilgrim

    Pilgrim Supporting Member

    Jul 8, 2004
    Fort Collins, Colorado
    Can't fault my TU-2. Right tool, right price, indestructible, and more accurate than my ears. Nothing left to ask for.
     
  16. Jul 30, 2009 #16
    quadrogong

    quadrogong

    Jul 6, 2006
    NYC
    I'm using the Boss TU-80, since last summer, it has a little "beep" when the note's in pitch,which I like,and a metronome,also handy..
    I used to use the little Korg silver ones,the boss one with the needle,that was the standard for so many years..
    and frankly,I've never had a good one. They all seem jumpy,and at times,don't tune at all..
    It's unprofessional,and unacceptable for me to say,"hold on!" between songs..because my tuner is quirky.. I want a quick tune-up,with better technology than the stuff I'm using for so many years,it's becoming an issue.

    The sonic research seems to be a popular choice,
    I'll probably just get one
    I'm sure it's better.can't be any worse than my current setup.
    https://alpha-music.com/productcart...=&resultCnt=&order=&iPageCurrent=1&pageStyle=
    looks nice and small,inexpensive,and easy to read.

    Has anyone tried that N-tune onboard tuner system?
    where u pull up your volume control,and the tuner's onboard?
    I can't imagine the technology's any better than a typical cheapo tuner though,they must put all the emphasis on making 'em small.
     
  17. Jul 30, 2009 #17
    quadrogong

    quadrogong

    Jul 6, 2006
    NYC
    Oh forget it, if BIG AL:bassist: uses it, I'm all in!..:D



    Hey,Al..it's Kev,your long,lost,estranged bass instructor:cool:
    No NYC gigs for a while,doing a mini-tour down in WV,of all places..
    we're playing The Living Room in Sept,U guys should come n hang!
    hope you're well
    ..thanx for the advice,all
     
  18. Jul 30, 2009 #18
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    Another vote for the Turbo Tuner. Yeah, the readout is smaller than the one on the Strobostomp, but the Turbo tracks low notes so much better and faster that to me the smaller size is worth it.
     
  19. Jul 30, 2009 #19
    meatwad

    meatwad

    Apr 9, 2008
    Smallville, USA
    TU-2 for me. My Korg rack tuner was cool, too.
     
  20. Jul 30, 2009 #20
    T.B.A.

    T.B.A.

    Oct 1, 2008
    I love my Peterson Stroborack, but I might have to have a look at the Sonic as I'm after something more portable as well!
     
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