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Tuners

About Tuners

Whether you are rehearsing at the studio or performing on stage, you need to get your guitar tuned. The idealists usually argue that it is better to tune by ear. However, in the real world, there many instances when tuners are simply more reliable and practical.

Back in 1936, the Con company released the first commercially successful tuner. It was known as the ‘Stroboconn’. This machine offered accurate pitch tuning with the help of technology now known as ‘strobe tuning’. It worked by comparing the notes to an internal reference frequency using a series of flickers and a rotating disk. Even though the stroboconns are now merely a collector’s items, the same basic technology is still used in most accurate strobe tuners today. With the advent of technology, you can find several types of these electronic audio adjusting devices. Read on to find out more.

The five categories of guitar tuners

It is a device used to tune your instrument up to a required specific pitch. For instance, 440 Hz is now the standardised frequency for modern music. Besides, this measure ensures that all instruments in an ensemble will play notes of the same frequency. Most guitars tuners these days are user-friendly. This is because they all are visually represented by a needle that flickers back and forth, indicating your tune-ins. There are many types of guitar tuners available from acoustic guitar tuners to electric guitar tuners. This guide will help you narrow down the best one for yourself.

Clip-on tuner

These audio & Hi-Fi devices have not been around for long. However, they are incredibly popular among modern guitarists. This is because they come with an ergonomic and portable design. Therefore, you just need to simply clip on the turner onto the headstock. Subsequently, its sensors then pick up the vibrations from the neck when you play an individual string. These audio adjusting devices are reasonably accurate. Thus, most guitarists choose to leave the clip-on tuners on their guitar at all times. Moreover, they also keep them on even when the guitar is stored in the case. Thus, you can take out the guitar, tune-up, and rock on.

Pedal tuner

This tuning device is an excellent solution for gigging guitarists. That’s because it makes tuning your audio device easy, especially in-between the songs you play. What’s more, it can engage the tuner by pressing the footswitch. Moreover, most pedal audio adjusters have bright screens. And that means you can fine-tune your pitch even in a dark environment. Furthermore, a pedestal tuner also has a handy function. It mutes your guitar signal entirely and allows you to tune silently. Of course, it is an art to tune in to an instrument without listening to anything.

Polyphonic acoustic guitar tuners

This kind of tuner is the one with which you can detect and determine multiple pitches at the same time. In other words, you can strum all six strings of the guitar at once. Obviously, you can only tune one string at a time, unless you’re an octopus! It is just that the tuning device will show which strings are out of tune. You can play all the open strings at once, and the polyphonic meter in the lower part of the unit illuminates. This shows you the strings that require tuning. Typically, there are three-meter modes—regular, strobe, and half strobe. Each of them has different functionalities and features.

Stroboscopic classical guitar tuners

These are one of the best classical guitar tuners that entered the market in 1936. They are still the most accurate tuner available. Typically, they compare an incoming guitar signal with its internal reference. These tuners examine both to determine if there is any difference in the pitch. You usually use a disc as the visual reference. This disc spins if there is any difference in the pitches and stops when the notes become identical. Such a marvellous feature makes stroboscopic tuners the most expensive in the market. You will usually find them in studios or on the stage due to their bulky size and high cost.

Rack and acoustic tuners 

A rack tuner does exactly what it says. At first, you may find it nonsensical to have such a large piece of kit. This is especially true when there is a small stompbox. But in most cases, rack tuners come with lots of other features. One of them is the selectable alternate tuning feature. Alternatively, there are acoustic tuners as well. Of course, you can use clip-on and pedestal tuners. However, tuners specifically built for acoustics possess more features. These snuggly fit in the sound hole, where, as the name describes, the sound is emitted. It is also possible to tune with these while you’re playing something. 

Tips on how to buy Tuners online

With a bunch of tuners to choose from, buying the best guitar tuning device is perplexing. Thus, checking out some tips to pinpoint your ideal model won’t hurt. Of course, reading product descriptions can help a lot, particularly if you are buying guitar tuners online. However, certain factors are much more important. Let’s discover them below.

  • Look out for auto pitch detection – Good quality tuners automatically detect the played tone. It shows the relation to true pitch. However, there are less advanced models too. They require you to set the target pitch for each string. You might need to tune them individually.
  • Check the display or metre – Limpidity is a crucial factor when it comes to seeing what is on your tuner metre. Typically, many tuners use a needle-based meter. This shows how close you are to pitch as you adjust your string tension. Some use LCDs too with graphic needles or LED light arrays. Brighter, larger displays can be a big advantage on poorly lit stages.
  • Analyse the special tuning modes – You’ll see that many digital tuners provide optional tuning modes to match specific instruments. Some also facilitate drop tunings that are popular in rock and heavy metal. If you are using capo, look for audio adjusters that support capo tunings. There also some elaborate guitar audio adjusters that allow you to tune to many alternate modes and various tempered scales.
  • Examine the microphones and speakers – Tuners equipped with microphones are excellent. They can detect the instrument’s tuning acoustically. This is why they are handy for tuning a wide range of instruments. Those that come with built-in amplifiers and speakers generate audible tones. These are useful for developing your ear for intonation.
  • Assess the bypass/silent tuning – Those tuning models that have a bypass feature do not colour the signal sent to your amplifier. You can see such cases in pedal tuners. The mute tuning bypasses the output to your amplifier or sound system. This, in turn, allows you to tune by referencing your tuner’s visual display.

When learning to play instruments, it is easy to get disheartened when you strum a chord, and it all sounds a bit too wrong. Though this is sometimes because you used an improper technique. But, more often it is because you haven’t tuned your instrument. This is why the tuner is essential. There are a vast range of these devices and hope this guide has given you insights on what a good buy would be.

Question & Answer

Are tuners worth the money?

Whether you use software installed on a laptop or handheld tuners, you’ll see and feel the difference in tuning your instruments. Of course, they are worth the money you pay, especially if you perform on stage. However, the key is to learn how to use them properly since any schmuck can plug in a tuner and press a few buttons. Most guitars tuners these days are user-friendly. This is because they all are visually represented by a needle that flickers back and forth, indicating your tune-ins.

Can guitar tuners be repaired?

There are many guitar tuners out there. And even if you buy the highest quality of these audio adjusters, they are bound to wear out in due course. There are only two ways that you can keep them up and running for longer periods. First is to keep your tuners tight and second is to have them lubed. Lastly, before you do any maintenance work on your guitar, ensure that you remove the strings. This way, you will be able to retain them in a good condition for a long time.

What tuners fit my guitar?

There are numerous brands of guitar audio adjusters available in the market. However, not all of them will suit your guitar. So, it is imperative to get the one compatible with your instrument. Whether you have an acoustic or electric guitar, always check the specifications before you buy a tuner. Know your guitar model and type to get the best one. There are many kind of tuners you can find in the market. However, not all will be specific to your needs. So, keep some consideration in mind.

What are tuners used for?

A tuner is essential for any professional musician who wants an excellent intonation on his/her instrument. This is primarily true if they use strings such as guitars or violin. This audio adjuster helps you correct the tone of your instrument in various ways. You’ll find many models of them in the market these days. However, the tricky part lies in choosing the right one. There are many types of guitar tuners available from acoustic guitar tuners to electric guitar tuners.

If you are still unsure of which tuner to buy, explore our product search engine to find the best guitar tuners online. You can select from the best online stores. You’ll also find here tuners from top brands like Ukulele, Fender, Korg, Gotoh, Schaller, Hipshot, Sperzel, Kluson, Boss, and Joyo. Enjoy shopping on Shops.ae!