Alternative Pedal Tuner

[ShredCow]

Hey guys...
I know everyone like and goes gaga over the Boss TU2 pedal tuner... However, there is an alternative to the TU2 which has several irritating limitations.

Check out the Korg DT10
http://www.korg.com/gear/info.asp?a_prod_no=DT10&category_id=5

Available at City Music for LIST $130 (Slightly cheaper than the Boss, more so if there's a discount)

My friend got it and I had some time with it, just checking it out...

The thing I liked most about the DT10 is that it has a tunning accuracy of +-0.1 cents, compared to the TU2's disappointing +-0.3 cents. Tracking is very fast, I was impressed! Also, when its in the signal chain, I could not detect much tone sucking, but there was just a touch of bass cut. Compared to the tone sucking TU2, thats one big plus point.

Some downsides though.... it still wouldn't be as accurate as those hi end needle tuners (Boss TU12) since its on LEDs well, it will suffice for live applications. Its construction though solid feeling, does not seem to be as sturdy as the TU2 but definately much better than any danelectro pedal.

I think its worth checking out.

 

[Vaiyen]

Why do some guitarists put tuners in their signal chain when they know it's gonna suck tone?
can't they use those normal tuners and plug them in as and when they feel like tuning?

Nice review btw.

 

[echoist]

Why do some guitarists put tuners in their signal chain when they know it's gonna suck tone?
can't they use those normal tuners and plug them in as and when they feel like tuning?

i guess when u r live onstage, and u realise u r out-of-tune, that would be a great hassle.

the other way is to use an A/B switch. one goes to ur efx chain, the other to ur tuner. but same thing, sometimes A/B switch "suck tone" too!

 

[ShredCow]

Yeap, Vaiyen... thats that... you want to tune up fast, not have to mute yourself, squat down, unplug and tune.

I use a Boss TU12 tuner and a True Bypass A/B box for live tuning.

 

[boone]

Using the TU-12 for live tuning? Won't the noise from the other bands affect the tuning? I mean, I'm currently using one now, somehow when there's a loud noise near the tuner the tuner picks up that noise instead of the plugged in guitar. Guess the mic is too sensitive.

Off topic, I saw them TU-12s for sale on Swee Lee some time ago, I saw the price tag. 8O Really couldn't believe it that I got it for $50 sometime in '94.

 

[ShredCow]

Boone, thats very strange..when the guitar is plugged into the TU12, the mic shouldn't function...

I got mine 2nd hand... MIJ for $60!

 

[echoist]

Using the TU-12 for live tuning? Won't the noise from the other bands affect the tuning? I mean, I'm currently using one now, somehow when there's a loud noise near the tuner the tuner picks up that noise instead of the plugged in guitar. Guess the mic is too sensitive.

hmmmmm... i don't encounter that problem... whether the drummer is drumming beside me or otherwise. maybe its already old???

 

[Weiht]

Or u can use a volume pedal that has tuner out...

 

[boone]

Boone, thats very strange..when the guitar is plugged into the TU12, the mic shouldn't function...

I got mine 2nd hand... MIJ for $60!

Meh! Mine's first hand, MIJ! hmm, Maybe it is kinda old, more than 10 years ready. I originally got it for guzheng in primary school.

edit: typo

 

[Stillborn]

Boone, thats very strange..when the guitar is plugged into the TU12, the mic shouldn't function...

I got mine 2nd hand... MIJ for $60!

I got mine 2nd hand too... :twisted: MIJ for $30!!

 

[WiZaRd]

Hmm the Korg DT-10 Looks really Niocee. How's the size by the way?

Im finding a pedal tuner also to complete my pedalboard setup. It's a hassle to unplug everyting and tune again when you out of tune then plugging back again. Worst when playing live.

I'm actually finding a small pedal tuner.With LED that is.

 

[ShredCow]

Hmm the Korg DT-10 Looks really Niocee. How's the size by the way?

Well, its compact, shorter than the Boss TU2 but wider. It doesn't look bulky at all.

 

[milkmesto]

Nice tip with the KORG. I'll be sure to check it out sometime. I'm still using my TU2 though, and I must say that accuracy and tone sucking aside its pretty decent. Not much issues with accuracy though, but I definitely won't use a TU2 to intonate my guitar! What I really love about the TU2 tho is that I can clearly see what note I'm tuning to! In my pre-TU2 days I used to use a Morley A/B which led to a Seiko ST-707 (which i still carry with me everywhere, and still use for setup - i've got two of them!) and it was dead accurate but it was so hard to see what note i was tuning to!!

 

[ChanMin]

wah crap... i bought a tu-6 2nd hand for $30..then after 2 yrs it finally died..

upgraded to my TU-12 which i sadly bought first hand from swee lee ...
kana chop big time... $100+

 

[thor666]

if you guys are worried about sucking tone and stuff, get the tuner i got.

i first saw it at The Observatory's concert. neat piece of equipment.. but you gotta take a while to learn how to use it. Guitars with dead spots on the headstock - steer mightily clear of this tuner! you won't be able to register anything with this vibration-based tuner. (on the other hand.. hehe it's a good piece to test out whether your guitar is a dud.) It also takes specific way of tuning... the instructions will help you a lot on this.

For the interested, it's $55 (yea a lil hefty) for the white one with minimal functions, $65 for the black one with a bit more functions.

 

[Vaiyen]

wow cool! where?

 

[thor666]

I got it at luthermusic. Guitar workshop also stocks it. about same price. you *might* want the black one as it has back lighting... for me i play in bright areas... no need for that in any case.