Buying Guide for the Best Pedal Tuners
Choosing the right pedal tuner is essential for any musician who wants to ensure their instrument is always in tune. A pedal tuner is a device that helps you tune your instrument quickly and accurately, and it can be a crucial part of your pedalboard setup. When selecting a pedal tuner, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.Tuning AccuracyTuning accuracy refers to how precisely the pedal tuner can detect and display the pitch of your instrument. This spec is important because higher accuracy ensures your instrument is perfectly in tune, which is crucial for achieving the best sound quality. Tuning accuracy is usually measured in cents, with lower values indicating higher accuracy. For example, a tuner with ±0.1 cent accuracy is more precise than one with ±1 cent accuracy. If you are a professional musician or recording artist, you may want to opt for a tuner with higher accuracy. For casual playing or practice, a tuner with moderate accuracy should suffice.
Display TypeThe display type of a pedal tuner determines how the tuning information is presented to you. Common display types include LED, LCD, and strobe. LED displays are bright and easy to read on stage, while LCD displays can show more detailed information. Strobe displays are known for their high accuracy and are often preferred by professionals. When choosing a display type, consider where you will be using the tuner most often. If you play in dimly lit environments, an LED display might be best. If you need the highest accuracy, a strobe display could be the right choice.
True BypassTrue bypass is a feature that ensures your signal remains unaffected when the tuner is not in use. This is important because it prevents any potential tone loss or signal degradation. If maintaining the purity of your instrument's tone is a priority, look for a pedal tuner with true bypass. However, if you are not overly concerned about slight changes in tone, this feature may not be as critical for you.
Power SupplyThe power supply specification indicates how the pedal tuner is powered. Most pedal tuners can be powered by a 9V battery or an external power adapter. Some tuners also offer the option to be powered via a pedalboard power supply. Consider your setup and convenience when choosing a power supply option. If you prefer a clutter-free setup, a pedal tuner that can be powered by your existing pedalboard power supply might be ideal. If you need portability, a battery-powered option could be more suitable.
Tuning ModesTuning modes refer to the different ways a pedal tuner can tune your instrument. Common modes include chromatic, guitar, bass, and polyphonic. Chromatic mode allows you to tune to any note, making it versatile for various instruments. Guitar and bass modes are tailored specifically for those instruments, providing a more straightforward tuning process. Polyphonic mode lets you tune all strings simultaneously, which can save time. Choose a pedal tuner with the tuning modes that best match your instrument and playing style. If you play multiple instruments, a chromatic tuner might be the most versatile option.
