Bankai Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 (edited) The advantages of working in a guitar store are certainly wonderful. Today I decided it was time to have a look at Stage Tuners and which one would be the best for bass guitar. In order to really test these pedals I walked passed the Laklands, Fenders and Sadowsky basses, and instead opted to use an Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V. A Thunderbird produces one of the deepest responses you'll get from bass and this 5 string would definitely test the tuners with it's Low B. Pedals are rated on: Usability (How easy it is to read and use) Functionality (The function itself, does it tune well!?) Build Quality (How durable is the thing? If I miss the switch will I take the screen out by mistake?) So first up; [url="http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/tuners_detail.asp?stock=08062617320138"][b]Korg Pitchblack.[/b][/url] I wasn't originally going to include this in my test however on the recommendation of a colleague I tested it as well. The first thing that struck me on taking out of the box was the build quality. This thing felt like if I stood on the wrong part of it, it might break on me! Moving on to the display, it was easy to read and shouldn't be too much trouble on a dimly lit stage, however the tuning display steps aren't quite as precise as I would have liked. But on to the big question, how does it tune? Well, it handled the G, D and A strings alright, but really did struggle with the E and B. It would constantly bounce about the display, change the displayed note as it tried to find which one was being played and sometimes not sense it at all. I wasn't that impressed really and I had definitely hoped for better. Next, the specialist; [url="http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/pedals_s_detail.asp?stock=10092411143228"][b]Ashdown Bassometer.[/b][/url] This specialised bass tuner was the pedal I was first interested in and at first glance it was absolutely perfect and it looked very good (for a pedal!) as well. In theory this is the one specifically designed for tuning bass guitar, however that was what let it down the most. The build quality was amazing, absolutely amazing, built like a tank! Out of the all the tuners I tried, this was definitely the easiest to use and the easiest to read as not only do you get an illuminated dial reading of the note cents but also an LED readout of the same PLUS a sizeable display showing the note being tuned. But this thing just couldn't tune bass. It did the G, D and A strings ok. The B and E strings, well that's another matter. After a minute or so I still didn't have the B tuned! The Bassometer wouldn't sense the B so wouldn't give a readout at all, however it would read the E, but would take about 2 seconds to do so. Definitely not one for the stage. Finally, the standard; [url="http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/tuners_detail.asp?stock=09112511032028"][b]Boss TU-3[/b][/url] The world's best selling stage tuner eh? Well for a start the build quality was what I've come to expect from Boss stompboxes, good and sturdy! While not as rugged as the Ashdown, I'd still have a hard time breaking this and I'd be confident that it'd survive the rigors of a tour. The display? Precise, although perhaps not as easy to read on a stage as the other two, although I doubt it'd be hard by any means. Ease of use? Well same as the other pedals, if you want to just tune, it'll just tune. However you can make the thing extremely complicated if you wanted, with several different settings and types of mode. But the main thing, can it handle the B string that has tripped up so many other tuners? Like the Pitchblack and the Bassometer, it didn't have any trouble with the G, D and A. But when it came to the E and more importantly the B, it jumped straight in and gave a static reading without any trouble at all. No wobble like on the Pitchblack, and no sensing issues like the Ashdown. The results? Pitchblack - Usability 4 | Functionality 3 | Build Quality 3 Bassometer - Usability 5 | Functionality 2 | Build Quality 5 TU-3 - Usability 3 | Functionality 5 | Build Quality 4 The winner? Boss TU-3. I'd buy one, and after completing the test, I did! So if you're thinking of getting a stage tuner, the leg work has just been done for you Edited July 19, 2011 by Bankai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deanovw Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 Excellent test. Thanks. I have used the boss one for years, trouble free, and was thinking of treating myself to the Ashdown one. Not now!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Wazoo Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 I am hooked on the [b]tc electronic [color="#00BFFF"]poly[/color]tune[/b] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bankai Posted July 19, 2011 Author Share Posted July 19, 2011 Polytune would be an option, however it cannot be used for drop-tuning such as C. I'll try it though when I get a chance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soliloquy Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 I've used a Pitchblack for my 6 string basses with never a problem. It's my 2nd tuner in fact. It's also 'true bypass', which is something you don't mention. The Polytune is pants to be honest, not very accurate at all, and rubbish with a low B. I think it's supposed to be true bypass, but I didn't like it. The best, is the Turbotuner, but it's not readily available over here. It's true bypass too. Great reviews by the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topo morto Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 [quote name='Bankai' post='1309603' date='Jul 19 2011, 08:35 PM']this 5 string would definitely test the tuners with it's Low B.[/quote] Find this a bit odd TBH. I've not had particular problems with the low B on any of the tuners i've used, including el-cheapo plastic jobbies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Wazoo Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Bankai' post='1309636' date='Jul 19 2011, 08:54 PM']Polytune would be an option, however it cannot be used for drop-tuning such as C. I'll try it though when I get a chance [/quote] tc electronic have announced a drop tuning free firmware update as incoming soon: [url="http://www.tcelectronic.com/polytune.asp"]tc electronic polytune[/url] Edited July 19, 2011 by Grand Wazoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor J Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 Great post, thanks! [quote name='Soliloquy' post='1309677' date='Jul 19 2011, 09:19 PM']The best, is the Turbotuner, but it's not readily available over here. It's true bypass too.[/quote] Yeah, been looking at them. My trusty old TU-2 is possibly on its way out after many years. [url="http://www.turbo-tuner.com/"]http://www.turbo-tuner.com/[/url] I'd be keen to hear some first hand experience of how it does with low notes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mart Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 [quote name='Bankai' post='1309636' date='Jul 19 2011, 08:54 PM']Polytune would be an option, however it cannot be used for drop-tuning such as C. I'll try it though when I get a chance [/quote] Nice review of the others, so I'd love to hear your opinion of the polytune in comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soliloquy Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 [quote name='Doctor J' post='1309706' date='Jul 19 2011, 09:38 PM']Great post, thanks! Yeah, been looking at them. My trusty old TU-2 is possibly on its way out after many years. [url="http://www.turbo-tuner.com/"]http://www.turbo-tuner.com/[/url] I'd be keen to hear some first hand experience of how it does with low notes.[/quote] It just locks onto the low B, pretty much immediately. No wobbly LED's or needles, just fast and accurate tuning. The build quality is superb too. It's also true, 'true bypass', so there's absolutely no loss of tone, and you can just leave it in line between your bass and amp with no fear of the battery going on you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 [quote name='Bankai' post='1309636' date='Jul 19 2011, 08:54 PM']Polytune would be an option, however it cannot be used for drop-tuning such as C. I'll try it though when I get a chance [/quote] It doesn't recognise drop tunings yet in polyphonic mode,but the others don't either.It's my favourite of the lot as chromatic tuner though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Wazoo Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 [quote name='Doddy' post='1309781' date='Jul 19 2011, 10:49 PM']It doesn't recognise drop tunings yet in polyphonic mode,but the others don't either.It's my favourite of the lot as chromatic tuner though.[/quote] and mine too. And you can get it on the iPhone, which, if you use the iRig interface you can do silent tuning just as a pedal does! And all that for only a fiver from the Apple Store, bargain! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocco Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 TU-2 FTW. Had mine for 10 years, never let me down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomBassmonkey Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 (edited) I'm looking at floor tuners at the moment and have narrowed my choices down to: The polytune. Polytune mode doesn't bother me, I don't often need to quick tune and it's reduced accuracy in that mode. It's fairly cheap though, would be great for our guitarist who can't stay in tune past the intro for most songs, it'd do the trick for me easily. Strobostomp 2: more accurate, easily availabe over here, very expensive, supposedly the screen is very readable in sunlight and it has a built in DI. Turbo tuner: very fast tracking, slighty more accurate then the strobostomp, cheaper than the strobostomp, hard to get hold of over here though. Doesn't let you tune without muting the signal which is potentially annoying but great for the battery!! I'm leaning towards the turbo if I can find one, otherwise I'll probably go for the strobostomp, both are sensitive enough for setups, the DI would be nice as a backup plan on the Peterson but it's pricey for what's actually an inferior tuner to the turbo tuner. All are supposedly true bypass for me which IMO is essential. It makes NO sense to have your tone sucked by a tuner. Edited July 19, 2011 by ThomBassmonkey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Undead Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I use an Artec Big Dots tuner. Very easy to read on stage and gets low B with no problem. But I've never heard of anyone else using these, and don't recall every seeing them mentioned on these forums. Are there any other users out there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finbar Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 [quote name='Doctor J' post='1309706' date='Jul 19 2011, 09:38 PM']I'd be keen to hear some first hand experience of how it does with low notes.[/quote] Perfectly. Absolutely perfectly. I would never ever ever willingly go back to my DT-10, and still have it on my board even though my Pod has an inbuilt tuner (which sucks at low B unless you use a 12th fret harmonic). And they're not difficult to get hold of here. You just buy it direct from Sonic Research with Paypal, and it turns up at your house a few days later. I don't understand how that's hard. Unless people mean you can't get it in shops? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soliloquy Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 [quote name='Finbar' post='1309886' date='Jul 20 2011, 01:20 AM']Perfectly. Absolutely perfectly. I would never ever ever willingly go back to my DT-10, and still have it on my board even though my Pod has an inbuilt tuner (which sucks at low B unless you use a 12th fret harmonic). And they're not difficult to get hold of here. You just buy it direct from Sonic Research with Paypal, and it turns up at your house a few days later. I don't understand how that's hard. Unless people mean you can't get it in shops?[/quote] I bought mine direct from Sonic Research, it took about a week. You can sometimes buy them from here [url="http://www.theguitarstoreonline.co.uk/Pedals/FX/p-73-376"]http://www.theguitarstoreonline.co.uk/Pedals/FX/p-73-376[/url] They're generally out of stock though. They really are the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topo morto Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 [quote name='Finbar' post='1309886' date='Jul 20 2011, 01:20 AM']And they're not difficult to get hold of here. You just buy it direct from Sonic Research with Paypal, and it turns up at your house a few days later. I don't understand how that's hard. Unless people mean you can't get it in shops?[/quote] Does it come from USA? If so then there's always the question of whether you're going to be charged extra ££££ for customs / handling... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I've been using the tcelectronic polytune for a year or so now - it's great I don't bother with the multiple string thing, just in chromatic mode. Easy to see & accurate, allows you to tune very very finely - right down - bottom A is as far as I've gone but it picks it up fine. Wouldn't change it for anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linus27 Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I have the Korg Pitchblack and so far it has been excellent. I love the big bright display but I do feel that its a little fragile. I have just bought a Boss TU-3 and it is bullet proof but seems less user friendly and complicated compared to the Korg which is very simplistic. Saying that, once I get used to the TU-3, I am sure its a better tuner over the Korg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soliloquy Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I think it's odd that 'true bypass' wasn't a feature that you took into account in your tests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0175westwood29 Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 boss all the way! build like a tank, makes down tuning easy, can run up to seven boss pedals out of it using a dasiy chain lead, has a direct out so you can split signal if you want to and its a really good tuner. i tune using the 12th fret harmonics and the note is up in seconds. the tu-3 is even more accurate than the tu-2 due to having a better display, you can also brighten or dim the lights. i run mine of the direct out of my whammy, that way i can leave it on and always see if im in tune, but sadly that way i can't mute and this way theres no bother it not being true bypass, not that i care about that tho! andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bottle Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Interesting results Can't say I've compared many tuners, I have two Boss tuners myself, a TU-2 and a TU-88 tuner/metronome. I've also used a Korg DT-10 which was pretty good (it was my mates) Have been very happy with the TU-2; have had no trouble with tuning down below E, in fact went down as far as low A without too much hassle on my Precision (and some wobble that may have been down to intonation anyway). I always check intonation by tuning open strings and at the 12th fret. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odub Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Another one for the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner, it's fanastic, very very very quick, never had any kind of problem with it, built like a tank and it's got lots of flashing lights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBassBob Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Another vote for the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner here! It's a brilliant tuner; fast note recognition and immense accuracy. I know that the TU2 received a lot of praise over the years but when I briefly had one I found that it never got my instruments in tune 100% and I'd end up having to fine tune by ear any In my humble opinion (based on my experiences): Sonic Research Turbo Tuner> Korg DT10> Boss TU2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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