Tuning Pedals

[Clark W]

What brand / model tuning pedal do you use and why?
I'm doing a lot of practice at home in E, but playing the same stuff live in drop D.
Tuning at home isn't a problem, I use my computer. Tuning at a gig is where my gear is lacking.

 

[BunchyMutt]

Hey! Welcome to TalkBass! This is a widely covered topic - please always do a search.

Popular tuners are made by Korg, TC Electronics, and strobe tuners like the Turbo Tuner get a lot of love around here. I personally use the Polytune 3 - it tracks fast, I feel is more accurate than the Korg, not as accurate as the Turbo but I also don't feel like .02 of a cent is noticeable in a live context, and the display is easiest to read of the tuners I've tried (Korg Pitchblack, Polytune 2, and Turbo). Others might chime in, but it's very possible you won't get a whole lot of responses because it's been talked about a lot.

Ultimately, you really can't go wrong. And again, do a search

 

[bassbrad]

I use my Zoom pedals to tune.

 

[JimmyM]

I use a TC Polytune 2 Mini in strobe mode. I also use a Hipshot Bass Xtender for drop D (mine has two stops and will go to B as well as D). Requires a little finessing to stay in tune, but does stay in tune very well.

 

[Nashrakh]

You really can't go wrong with either of those models, really. Most of my experience is with a Korg Pitch-Black and a Boss TU-3, and they work just fine. I prefer the Korg though, and it has never let me down. Grab whatever pedal is the most opportune for you, I think.

 

[symbolic_acts]

tc polytune 2 mini noir

because its cool, the strobe is realllly good, and i got it for cheap.

 

[alack]

I've had the same Boss TU-2 forever. I also use my Zoom MS-60B.

 

[saabfender]

What brand / model tuning pedal do you use and why?
I'm doing a lot of practice at home in E, but playing the same stuff live in drop D.
Tuning at home isn't a problem, I use my computer. Tuning at a gig is where my gear is lacking.

Problem solved. Just bought one and it'll be here Monday. Costs less than a lot of new tuners (I use my phone anyway, even at gigs).

 

[Wasnex]

What brand / model tuning pedal do you use and why?
I'm doing a lot of practice at home in E, but playing the same stuff live in drop D.
Tuning at home isn't a problem, I use my computer. Tuning at a gig is where my gear is lacking.

I use a Boss TU2 in strobe mode. The current model is the TU3. It's easy and fast to use this tuner between songs on gigs. Stepping on the tuner mutes the signal to my amp and lights of the tuner. Never any trouble picking up the low B string. I find the strobe easier and faster to use. I do recommend running the tuner off a wall wart or pedal power supply rather than 9V battery.

 

[Moody Tuner]

I use a BOSS TU-2 but have a Sonic Research ST-300 Mini on the way. Upgrading!!!

 

[blip]

I also use a TU-2 because it's the same model my guitarist has. Not great in direct sunlight, but it's otherwise worked well for the last decade.

Whatever you get, make sure you turn it off before the song starts

 

[Dub56]

Sonic Research ST-300 Turbo Tuner Mini

Awesome tuner. Love mine, best I've ever tried

 

[Dave W]

Same. Sonic Research Turbo Tuner ST-300 Mini.

I've also got a TU-3, have used the Polytune 2 Mini, and Peterson Strobo series. They're all good. The Turbo Tuner is the fastest and my favorite of the bunch. It's easy to see in all types of light too.

 

[Fumble Fingers]

I use the tuner built into my Shure GLX wireless.

 

[ferarayabass]

Love my Tu-3! try it!

 

[anyonefortennis]

Polytune 2 mini. My fav over the Korg and apeterson I've tried.

 

[Moody Tuner]

Same. Sonic Research Turbo Tuner ST-300 Mini.

I've also got a TU-3, have used the Polytune 2 Mini, and Peterson Strobo series. They're all good. The Turbo Tuner is the fastest and my favorite of the bunch. It's easy to see in all types of light too.

Mine should arrive today, I'm excited! The TU-2 served me well for over 15 years. I'll still use it on my ancillary boards.

I've learned how to do my own setups so the combination of the st-300's strobe accuracy, pedalboard friendly size and preset ability, makes it the next logical upgrade for me.

BOSS tuners are excellent tanks and can get the job done for a gigging musician though.

 

[Dave W]

Mine should arrive today, I'm excited! The TU-2 served me well for over 15 years. I'll still use it on my ancillary boards.

I've learned how to do my own setups so the combination of the st-300's strobe accuracy, pedalboard friendly size and preset ability, makes it the next logical upgrade for me.

BOSS tuners are excellent tanks and can get the job done for a gigging musician though.

I keep a TU-3 in my gig bag for backup. I've had to use it a few times over the years, and it's always ready to go.

 

[Feral Feline]

DARN! I thought this was going to be a thread about tuning pedals, like how to get more growl at 400Hz or increase the attack by reducing X-capacitor...


I heard the H9 tuner is the shizzle, get that.

Currently I pitch a Turbo on my board, the Korg Pitchblack I have can't track the low E of DB that well, and it left the factory incorrectly tuned — it's a few cents sharp from every other tuner I've tried including fellow bandmates' — sharp enough to be annoying on a gig. If it'd been a few cents flat, it might've survived being culled from the board. At least, that's how I remember it. It's been a long time since it was relegated to the drawer of disused...

 

[gary mitchell]

i like my tc polytuner real well