New Acquisition - Peterson Strobotuner Pedal

[Spook410]

I finally decided to ditch my cheap pedal tuner (Kliq from Amazon..yea.. I know). As much as I liked the small form factor and bright LED, it was simply too useless to continue with. My ears could easily detect the inadequate accuracy. It would say 'in tune' when that clearly wasn't the case. Also, the display lacked the organic feel of a good needle tuner much less some of the better phone app's. I found myself turning to my phone (inconvenient) and clip on's in spite of their numerous issues. So I needed a better solution.

After reading all the reviews I broke down an spent the $150 for a Peterson Strobotuner pedal. I wanted the accuracy and that's what these are known for. I was concerned that it would be too fidgety for quick tune ups. A problem I had with my old first generation strobotuner clip on. But the pedal has turned out to be actually better than any of the alternatives I've used in this regard. Very organic response. Big display you can see from a distance. And it just feels right watching the wheels turn. Quick and accurate. My other concern was pedal board installation. Reviews said velcro wouldn't stick to rubber pads, serial number in the wrong place, et al. That's apparently been addressed in this version. Velcro was included and it doesn't occlude the serial number or battery compartment. Nice to see Peterson addressing this sort of thing with product updates.

Unless problems arise, which based on reviews is not expected, the main downside is the cost. This may be offset for some by the sophisticated features. But I'm not sure I'll use many of them. I tend to stick to standard tuning on electric archtops. However, I do like the ability to choose the display color which is kind of unique. Also, display icon choices and modifying menu organization are useful. I also like the ability to choose between buffered or pass through though my current set up has a dedicated tuner out. Finally, it's a very nice looking pedal with solid controls. Nothing cheap about it.

Is it worth the price of entry? Will no doubt vary by individual. It's a necessary tool but other pedals will work. So will a clip on for that matter if you don't mind the aggravation. However, I don't think anything else matches the functionality or aesthetic of the Strobotuner. Since I'm going from a cheap not-too-great tuner pedal to what is probably the best on the market my view is no doubt jaded by buyer enthusiasm, But my expectations have been exceeded thus far and I don't think the cost of entry will come to mind much in the future.

[Gearloose]

Good review. I like mine, too.

Big display, accuracy, and simplicity all very nice.

[jazzkritter]

Happy NTD (?)))

I had and liked my Peterson clip on, but when we moved it along with a few other loved items have been hiding.
So I’ve been using the Peterson iPhone app. It’s not as easy to use as the clip was, it does seem to be overly sensitive.
I wonder if it’s as accurate as the clip/pedal versions?
Anyone ever do a comparison?
jk

[Ukena]

I have one of these as well. I haven't played out much, and when I grab my guitar, I usually tune with the Peterson Stroboclip HD, which I like much better than the old Peterson clip-on.

But the StroboStomp HD is a very reliable piece of equipment, and when I am playing in front of people having something clipped to the headstock of my archtop just offends my sensibilities.

I also had an older desktop strobe tuner from Peterson that had a clamp that could be placed on any instrument; I gave it to my nephew, who plays jazz trumpet, and it was invaluable to him in gig situations.

But I prefer to tune to strobe tuners, so Peterson's tuners are best for me.

[deacon Mark]

I bought a Peterson clip on strobe tuner on the advice of the forum about 4 months ago. I paid $65 and it has been the best $65 I have spent for a guitar maybe ever. It is easy to see and use and tells me just what I need to know. I wish I had it a long time ago all these years repairing guitars with my needle tuner.

[sgosnell]

I have the Peterson app on my phone, and it works well, but it's less convenient than the clip-on, for multiple reasons. They do offer a clip-on attachment which connects to the phone's microphone, which does help a lot in a noisy environment. I don't like the wire from the clip-on to the phone, though, so I don't use it that much. I find the Stroboclip tuner to be very close to the phone app in accuracy and stability, but the Stroboclip allows using sweetened tunings and other temperaments. I won't buy the pedal tuner because it's also inconvenient to use - I don't want to have to use another cable, and I have no pedalboard, seldom use any pedals at all. Plus it's expensive, But if one has the cash and already uses pedals, it may be worth the investment. I would expect it to be very similar to the clip-on or the phone app. AFAIK the software is the same.

[citizenk74]

My brick-size VS-1 Strobotuner was the best two hundred bucks I ever borrowed. Petersons Rule!

[bluejaybill]

My brick-size VS-1 Strobotuner was the best two hundred bucks I ever borrowed. Petersons Rule!

Yes, I recently picked up a Peterson Stroboplus HDC, it is bigger than I expected, not cheap, and works perfectly. I use it mostly for desktop tuning and intonation setting, for which it is extremely accurate. Plus it has a great metronome.

On pedalboards I use Sonic Research Turbo tuners which also work great.

I am not a fan of clip ons, I can usually hear how inaccurate they are, and they don't work well for intonation, at least the ones I've tried. Not crazy about putting them on an expensive guitar either.