A question for those who do not use guitar pedals

**tfling** · 02-23-2017, 04:41 PM

I completely appreciate the simplicity of guitar>cable>amp, and it makes setup super fast and easy; but what do those of you who don't use pedals do for tuning? Do you all use the clip-on type?

I am getting ready to order a Turbo Tuner, and I have gotten used to and enjoy the strobe tuner accuracy, but want to maintain easy setup

I am thinking of building a very small battery powered pedalboard with just a Tweed amp simulator (Catalinbread Formula 55) and Turbo Tuner that can fit into the zippered pouch on my Henriksen amp bag; but part of me doesn't want to deal with the added cable

my other thought is maybe go back to no pedals, and try a different solution for tuning- anyone have any recommendations?

**mr. beaumont** · 02-23-2017, 04:48 PM

I use the clip on type, with the understanding that I might have to tune to the piano (ah, working in schools...)

I do use a reverb pedal in some environments, but I'd never waste floor space with a pedal tuner. I want as little to trip over as possible--generally, even when I use a reverb pedal it sits on top of my amp, not on the floor.

**Woody Sound** · 02-23-2017, 04:53 PM

Just a warning about the clip on kind. It's hard to use if there are other loud instruments going at the same time. It reacts to them.

**drbhrb** · 02-23-2017, 04:54 PM

I use a cell phone app then tune by ear if needed.

**Woody Sound** · 02-23-2017, 04:57 PM

Do you need the tuner only before you play, or also during?

**drbhrb** · 02-23-2017, 04:59 PM

I only use it while setting up or maybe on a break. If there's a keyboard instrument I'll need to tune to that anyway so I don't find tuners super useful.

**Herbie** · 02-23-2017, 04:59 PM

I have used and I use a pedalboard in my rock bands but with my jazz band I like to travel light and concentrate on music instead of technic. Just the suit, white shirt and a tie plus a ES175 and an amp. Oh, and of course a white towel on the amp! Yes, I sweat!

The tuner has been a nuisance. Clip-ons look ridiculous and drop when I turn around – until the D'Addario (or Planet Waves?) Micro Tuner came along! At last a clip-on tuner that does not erect in an ugly way from the guitar! Just good experiences with it.

Planet Waves :: NS Micro Tuner

**mr. beaumont** · 02-23-2017, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by Woody Sound

Just a warning about the clip on kind. It's hard to use if there are other loud instruments going at the same time. It reacts to them.

Hmmm, can't say I've ever had an issue with that.

**Woody Sound** · 02-23-2017, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

Hmmm, can't say I've ever had an issue with that.

When all the guys in my big band are warming up the clip on things go crazy. There are so many different loud notes being played at the same time, the guitar neck picks up all the vibrations.

I just use one of these. Cheap, and portable. Will fit in your pocket if you want. Just plug into it with your guitar cable. (The newer ones are digital.)

A question for those who do not use guitar pedals-korg-tuner-jpg

A question for those who do not use guitar pedals-korg-tuner-jpg

**tfling** · 02-23-2017, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I use the clip on type, with the understanding that I might have to tune to the piano (ah, working in schools...)

I do use a reverb pedal in some environments, but I'd never waste floor space with a pedal tuner. I want as little to trip over as possible--generally, even when I use a reverb pedal it sits on top of my amp, not on the floor.

I am using a Henriksen Bud, so theres actually not enough room on top of it to place a pedal - Maybe I will have to check out some of the clip on tuners, I just really love how accurate and fast the strobe tuners are

**lawson-stone** · 02-23-2017, 05:20 PM

I've never had a problem with interference with my clip-on tuner--it "listens" to the vibrations in the headstock, and so seems to sort out what's the guitar and what's ambient sound.

I use no pedals and love the freedom it gives me.

**sgosnell** · 02-23-2017, 05:26 PM

The clipon tuners only react to the vibrations of your guitar. But the guitar can react to loud sounds and vibrate from them, especially if it's a hollow-body. It's just like feedback. You can try holding the body tightly, both back and top, while tuning and that might help a little.

For tuning I'm using iStroboSoft from Peterson on my phone, and Peterson's PitchGrabber clipon. This is much better than using the phone's mic. My only complaint with it is that the cable is very long, probably 8 ft or so, and it can be a little cumbersome. I keep it mostly wrapped up in the velcro tie that comes on it.

I have a variety of tuners, including clip-ons, software, a Zoom multi-effects pedal that includes a tuner, and something like Woody posted, very similar but not identical, which I almost never use. I like the Peterson software strobe. But there are reasons so many types of tuners are offered for sale. Pick the one that works best for you.

**GNAPPI** · 02-23-2017, 06:59 PM

+1 For clip on tuners. They're inexpensive enough to have one in your main git case and others in your practice rooms.

Replacement coin batteries I get on EBAY silly cheap.

**pingu** · 02-23-2017, 07:09 PM

The Snark HZ1 is the best clipon
I've tried ...fast , good at rejecting
ambient sounds , fairly accurate
Clip doesn't break ....
White though

**marcwhy** · 02-23-2017, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by tfling

I completely appreciate the simplicity of guitar>cable>amp, and it makes setup super fast and easy; but what do those of you who don't use pedals do for tuning? Do you all use the clip-on type?

I am getting ready to order a Turbo Tuner, and I have gotten used to and enjoy the strobe tuner accuracy, but want to maintain easy setup

I am thinking of building a very small battery powered pedalboard with just a Tweed amp simulator (Catalinbread Formula 55) and Turbo Tuner that can fit into the zippered pouch on my Henriksen amp bag; but part of me doesn't want to deal with the added cable

my other thought is maybe go back to no pedals, and try a different solution for tuning- anyone have any recommendations?

Definitely get the Turbo! I have the Turbo "mini" on my pedal board, but when I'm not using the board (it depends on the gig, space, etc.), I have one of the original Intellitouch clip ons, which still works fine.

**Cunamara** · 02-23-2017, 08:14 PM

I use the micro clip-on tuner and no pedals. I'm apparently not smart enough to be able to get pedals to work helpfully...

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 02-23-2017, 08:33 PM

I don't think I'm going to convince anyone who doesn't use tuner pedals, but they are also useful as a mute switch.

**lammie200** · 02-23-2017, 08:37 PM

I think that I should start a thread for recommendations for clip on tuners. Granted I have a very inexpensive one, but I am not finding it to be very accurate. It is one of specials from Strings and Beyond.

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 02-23-2017, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by lammie200

I think that I should start a thread for recommendations for clip on tuners. Granted I have a very inexpensive one, but I am not finding it to be very accurate. It is one of specials from Strings and Beyond.

TC's clip on? In strobe mode its accuracy is +/- 0.02 cents.

**lammie200** · 02-23-2017, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

TC's clip on? In strobe mode its accuracy is +/- 0.02 cents.

Might have to spring for one at some point. Too bad it costs 6 times more than the cheapo I got from Strings and Beyond.

TF · 02-23-2017, 08:53 PM

I've used pedal tuners and clip-on tuners. But lately I just listen to the other players and tune to them. Something about the process I like. It forces me to really hear how the others sound, and adjust to them and to the room.

Of course if I were duetting with a percussionist...

**Alter** · 02-23-2017, 09:23 PM

i got a turbo tuner. It's a superb tuner and it spoils you with the accuracy and fast response. That said, i hardly ever use it any more. Today even 10$ noname clip ons are great, i 've had no problems tuning at very loud stages with them, so i m not that motivated to carry an extra pedal. At some point i paid 30-40 euros, got 4-5 of the cheap ones and just put one in every gigbag i use..