|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Feb 10, 2024 9:50:19 GMT -5
I was looking at the offerings of Peterson clip-on tuners and it struck a mild interest in the alternate/tempered tunings as well as the finer degree of pitch. I see Sweetwater has two different versions available, one that seems to have been around for awhile and a new version about $20 more. Some of the negative reviews of the older version gave me pause and was wondering if the newer one addressed those issues. Anyone have any experience or insights?
Also, I've seen multiple references to a Peterson app but don't see it available in the Google Play Store (android). Discontinued?
|
|
|
Post by insanecooker on Feb 10, 2024 11:02:22 GMT -5
I don't know about Android, but on iOS I still use iStroboSoft, which is the Peterson app. Great for pedal steel due to the tempered tuning.
I have one of the old physical VS-IIs that I never use these days as the app replaced it.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Feb 10, 2024 12:30:09 GMT -5
I can't justify the high priced tuners. The goal of trying to zero in on super precise pitch when intonating a fretted instrument always struck me odd. Finger pressure, pick attack, even where you land a finger between frets makes it an inexact science.
But having a decent, non-clunky clip on tuner that doesn't get confused is appealing.
|
|
|
Post by funkykikuchiyo on Feb 10, 2024 14:49:41 GMT -5
I've always heard the android version of the app is very different. If it has disappeared, hopefully a better one is forthcoming.
I love peterson, but I'm also a professional guitar dude. They're easier to read, too. I hate seeing a light/needle go back and forth when it can't make up its mind if I'm sharp or flat. My Polytune clip on is good like that, too.
It can be nice to troubleshoot tuning issues, too. One thing I've done from time to time is if I have a customer who insists their guitar is out of tune on certain frets I can pull out my phone and go fret by fret and see how it is with a chromatic scale up a string. Sometimes it is off, and it is just a string. Usually it is fine, and it is the customer gorilla gripping certain chords. It is easier to show the customer this than to just tell them.
You are right about diminishing returns. Lots of players expect if we "put it on a strobe" we'll get it so it'll never sound sour, and the player is the limiting factor. Lately I wonder if intonation should always be set by the end user, because technique varies so wildly.
I'm yet to spend any time with the "sweeteners". Do they work for intonation as well, or just open strings? The nice thing about the buzz feiten add on with the app is that it'll detect whether you're playing open or 12th, so you don't need to fuss with offsets or change a setting.
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Feb 10, 2024 16:05:46 GMT -5
I’ve got that round Planet Waves unit on my bench. It works muy grande.
|
|
sirWheat
Wholenote
For a better future, play Stevie Wonder for your children.
Posts: 319
|
Post by sirWheat on Feb 10, 2024 16:54:20 GMT -5
Looks like the only difference between the two is the ability to change the display color, though I didn't do a detailed comparison.
I have the Stroboclip HD. It's a great tuner, best clip-on I've had and I also have the Polytune (which is also quite good) and have had others. The Peterson seems the most sensitive, picks up the low E consistently (others I've had have a hard time with this) and reads quickly. I have a couple of Buzz Fieten guitars so I like that it works for those.
As far as the "sweetened" setting goes, it seems to work for some guitars but not others. But honestly, it's pretty rare that a guitar comes out sounding perfect after using any tuner, and that includes my 490.
I'm not familiar with the negative reviews, mine has been great.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Feb 10, 2024 17:09:48 GMT -5
I was trying to wrap my head around some of the tunings. I've seen reference to the "James Taylor" tuning. I assume this applies to acoustics and perhaps is geared for more cowboy chord type stuff? I dunno. I think I have a pretty sensitive ear for tuning. I've had a few guitars that despite a properly cut nut and using the lightest touch possible had issues that drove me nuts. I was able to correct those with an earvana nut. But I just don't get deliberately altering the pitch of strings by a few cents to create some kind of magic.
|
|
DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
|
Post by DrKev on Feb 11, 2024 7:31:55 GMT -5
I have the iStroboSoft app on iOS and love it. I recently bought the Strobostomp Mini pedal tuner and I like it a lot too (it kicked the TC Electronic PolyTune off my board). Like the Stroboclip HDC it can connect via USB cable to their web app (Peterson Connect) and you can design custom tunings and sweeteners, set custom colors for everything, and change the strobe display speed and pattern length (sometimes a little slower is more comfortable). BUT Peterson tuners are great right out of the box and you don't have to do any customizing if you don't want to. Changing colors for tunings is available on the tuner without using the app.
The only potential issue with the web app is that not every web browser supports WebHID protocol that it requires. I usually use Opera, or Safari, neither of which work for this so I have an install of Google Chrome that I use only for Peterson Connect. What I have at the end of it all is a tuner that has just 4 tunings: the default equal temperament tuning and three custom tunings of my own, each has the low E string down -1 cent, and they have different strobe speeds and colors.
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Feb 11, 2024 7:40:05 GMT -5
I’ve been a bit old-school and have never tried a tuner app. I probably should. 🤔
Edited to add:
Ok… I got the iStrobosoft app. Looks pretty cool!
|
|
sirWheat
Wholenote
For a better future, play Stevie Wonder for your children.
Posts: 319
|
Post by sirWheat on Feb 11, 2024 7:47:55 GMT -5
But I just don't get deliberately altering the pitch of strings by a few cents to create some kind of magic. I hear ya. I'm super picky about tuning myself and I love the BF set-up. Is it necessary? No, not at all but what it gets you, most noticeably, is great sounding chords all the way up the neck. I would never recommend it to anyone for their acoustic (it's pricey and involved) but it's totally worth it for an electric if you're curious. I learned to do it myself, probably would never have paid for it on my acoustic. Will be doing another of my acoustics in the near future.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Feb 12, 2024 8:09:54 GMT -5
I went ahead and ordered the newer clip on Peterson that is rechargeable via USB. I have a variety of tuners, from old Korgs to a Polytune on my pedalboard, but none display pitch down to such small increments. My one clip on often gets confused, particularly on the low E string.
|
|
|
Post by Sharkie on Feb 12, 2024 8:20:03 GMT -5
Another satisfied iStroboSoft user here. Let us know how the clip on works compared to the competitors Auf.
|
|
DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
|
Post by DrKev on Feb 13, 2024 11:23:29 GMT -5
I'm yet to spend any time with the "sweeteners". Do they work for intonation as well, or just open strings? The nice thing about the buzz feiten add on with the app is that it'll detect whether you're playing open or 12th, so you don't need to fuss with offsets or change a setting. As I understand it the Feiten system requires off sets to the intonation. Otherwise, no offsets to intonation are used for the sweeteners. They are more for making the open position chords sound good by making small tweaks to the tuning. Personally, it's of no interest to me if thing are not what I want further up the neck. That said, I find my low E strings tends to work their way sharp as I play so I start them a cent or two flat, which sounds fine.
|
|
|
Post by LTB on Feb 13, 2024 14:02:58 GMT -5
I have 2 Strobostop virtual tuners. One for guitar and one for bass. They are so accurate and make tuning quick. Once tuned to the proper Note when they get off all I do is watch the bars movement, Up is sharp and moving down is flat. The faster the bars move the further they are off and all I need to do is turn tuner and it will slow down to a stop as it gets closer then right on. I wouldnt trade for them
|
|
|
Post by funkykikuchiyo on Feb 15, 2024 10:39:56 GMT -5
I'm yet to spend any time with the "sweeteners". Do they work for intonation as well, or just open strings? The nice thing about the buzz feiten add on with the app is that it'll detect whether you're playing open or 12th, so you don't need to fuss with offsets or change a setting. As I understand it the Feiten system requires off sets to the intonation. Otherwise, no offsets to intonation are used for the sweeteners. They are more for making the open position chords sound good by making small tweaks to the tuning. Personally, it's of no interest to me if thing are not what I want further up the neck. That said, I find my low E strings tends to work their way sharp as I play so I start them a cent or two flat, which sounds fine. I used to work with a guy who was a very good guitarist and Berklee grad who would tune a guitar by ear with the low E slightly flat. I don't think he did this intentionally, it just sounded better to him. It had a sort of "stretch" effect on a lot of chords, especially with rock chords, and would give wiggle room if you pressed too hard and bent it sharp. w/r/t the "sweeteners", I think we're on the same page. If it isn't offsets for intonation, I'm not sure there is going to be all that much there to write home about. I have Buzz Feiten on one of my guitars (ES-335), and installed it on many others. The biggest benefit is the nut and getting those first position chords sounding right. The extra intonation bit is pretty cool, too. But, I never bother tuning the open strings with the BFTS suggestions.
|
|
|
Post by reverendrob on Feb 15, 2024 13:18:42 GMT -5
I still use...the same tuner I've had for 35 years. 9v battery, bigger than a pedal, real VU-style 'are you in tune' physical needle.
And a TC clip tuner with metal clips that does a damn fine job when I want it to.
But since i play Gibbies with robotuners most of the time now....I don't even NEED a tuner. :0
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Feb 16, 2024 19:09:44 GMT -5
Got the Peterson HDC clip on and messed with it briefly. Reads well with no wonkyness on the low strings. Tried the "acoustic" setting in the sweeteners and to my ears standard sounded better. But I am a little disappointed that it doesn't display the cent value of the note. Should've done more research. Not a deal breaker, but...
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Feb 16, 2024 19:24:32 GMT -5
For that many dollars, you’d think…
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Feb 16, 2024 19:35:37 GMT -5
There's a ton of navigation through 3 little buttons, I'll do some more checking but haven't come across anything that indicates showing the actual pitch in cents.
|
|
|
Post by LTB on Feb 17, 2024 21:15:11 GMT -5
Got the Peterson HDC clip on and messed with it briefly. Reads well with no wonkyness on the low strings. Tried the "acoustic" setting in the sweeteners and to my ears standard sounded better. But I am a little disappointed that it doesn't display the cent value of the note. Should've done more research. Not a deal breaker, but... The sweeteners are nice sounding however the only caveat it seems is that everyone playing together would have to use it also in order to sound good together. I have not tried the HDC clip on, only an older Peterson VS-1 and now Strobo Stomps.
|
|
Tequila Rob
Wholenote
Posts: 683
Formerly Known As: Guitar Fool
|
Post by Tequila Rob on Feb 17, 2024 21:18:55 GMT -5
I can't justify the high priced tuners. The goal of trying to zero in on super precise pitch when intonating a fretted instrument always struck me odd. Finger pressure, pick attack, even where you land a finger between frets makes it an inexact science. But having a decent, non-clunky clip on tuner that doesn't get confused is appealing. geez...no kidding....but every once in awhile, I'll get a customer into the shop that is very particular about intonation. If your recording or tracking music I can see the reasoning behind it...but for yer average joe player, like me, if I'm close I'm happy.....
I mean unless your intonation is waaay off during a live performance with a band, can you really tell?
However, all that being said, I've considering getting one of their tuners due to all of the great reviews they get....
|
|
|
Post by funkykikuchiyo on Feb 18, 2024 14:09:45 GMT -5
You're right Rob, intonation is a game of diminished returns and people need to realize that there is no such thing as "perfect". For me, I hear it being off the most with basic barre chords, and it might be why doing a barre E shape is more often done as a power chord than a full strum, or when pairing with other instruments. If/when I play fretless bass, it is always far more challenging if I'm accompanying a piano. Tone impacts how important it is, too. Hollow body instruments can sound/feel more harmonious with slightly out of tune chords than a solid body. Sounds weird, but it is true. A lot of funny jazz chord voicings on an archtop with a non-adjustable saddle and flat frets will sound fine, but the same on a Tele where the 3-barrel saddles hold you back will drive you nuts.
There's a quality of life thing, too. Some people hate the wobble or delay in a tuner purely because it is annoying and not because their tuning comes out worse. I'm weird with Boss tuners because they do that weird back-and-forth thing. Some people can intonate perfectly with them, they frustrate me and I feel like I want a different brand... not necessarily a more accurate/precise one, but just one that behaves differently.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Feb 18, 2024 15:55:17 GMT -5
I think my manual makes reference to playing the string with a finger/thumb vs a pick, and sure enough it does seem the note is more stable on the display. I'm guessing a plectrum can create some overtones?
|
|
DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
|
Post by DrKev on Feb 19, 2024 7:02:39 GMT -5
Some people hate the wobble or delay in a tuner purely because it is annoying and not because their tuning comes out worse. I'm weird with Boss tuners because they do that weird back-and-forth thing. Some people can intonate perfectly with them, they frustrate me and I feel like I want a different brand... not necessarily a more accurate/precise one, but just one that behaves differently. ^THIS^ This is exactly why I replaced my PolyTune with a Peterson. The PolyTune display gets flickery and dance-y and they are too bright and resolution is too low I would squint to read it comfortably and I don't like squinting. So when Peterson came out with the mini, I jumped on it. In accuracy they are 100% identical (when the PolyTune is in strobe mode) but I prefer the Peterson display. And the customizations too. My wife calls it "Kev bait". I can happily spend hours making anything just the way I want it with no real improvement in function. Also, I prefer to tune using the 12th fret harmonics. It gives the most accurate read without the initial sharp note of the first couple of seconds of the attack. If I may post my own video...
|
|
|
Post by reverendrob on Feb 19, 2024 7:15:45 GMT -5
Some people hate the wobble or delay in a tuner purely because it is annoying and not because their tuning comes out worse. I'm weird with Boss tuners because they do that weird back-and-forth thing. Some people can intonate perfectly with them, they frustrate me and I feel like I want a different brand... not necessarily a more accurate/precise one, but just one that behaves differently. ^THIS^ This is exactly why I replaced my PolyTune with a Peterson. The PolyTune display gets flickery and dance-y and they are too bright and resolution is too low I would squint to read it comfortably and I don't like squinting. So when Peterson came out with the mini, I jumped on it. In accuracy they are 100% identical (when the PolyTune is in strobe mode) but I prefer the Peterson display. And the customizations too. My wife calls it "Kev bait". I can happily spend hours making anything just the way I want it with no real improvement in function. Also, I prefer to tune using the 12th fret harmonics. It gives the most accurate read without the initial sharp note of the first couple of seconds of the attack. If I may post my own video... The lack of blinding death bright and the metal clip was why I love the Polytune clipon. It's as accurate as anything else I've ever used.
|
|
|
Post by Sharkie on Feb 19, 2024 9:13:25 GMT -5
Some people hate the wobble or delay in a tuner purely because it is annoying and not because their tuning comes out worse. I'm weird with Boss tuners because they do that weird back-and-forth thing. Some people can intonate perfectly with them, they frustrate me and I feel like I want a different brand... not necessarily a more accurate/precise one, but just one that behaves differently. ^THIS^ This is exactly why I replaced my PolyTune with a Peterson. The PolyTune display gets flickery and dance-y and they are too bright and resolution is too low I would squint to read it comfortably and I don't like squinting. So when Peterson came out with the mini, I jumped on it. In accuracy they are 100% identical (when the PolyTune is in strobe mode) but I prefer the Peterson display. And the customizations too. My wife calls it "Kev bait". I can happily spend hours making anything just the way I want it with no real improvement in function. Also, I prefer to tune using the 12th fret harmonics. It gives the most accurate read without the initial sharp note of the first couple of seconds of the attack. If I may post my own video... After seeing the comparison I prefer the Peterson display also. Thanks for the review Kev.
|
|
chucksmi
Wholenote
Posts: 174
Formerly Known As: Offshore Angler elsewhere
Age: I saw Jerry Live
|
Post by chucksmi on Feb 19, 2024 11:46:31 GMT -5
Put me in the working guitar player category too.
My preference is for my rackmount tuner, I like the Korgs. It's much easier to see what's going on when the display is a foot wide.
For a pedal-type tuner I want the following features:
1 Can be read outdoors in direct sunlight 2. Has a bypass mode so I can tune silently 3. Can use the bypass when changing guitars. 4. Isn't so complicated that you could have the reference frequency off of 440 Hz and not realize it. I hate it when that happens. 5. Isn't too heavily buffered, a common issue with tuner pedals. 6. Change color from in-tune to out-of-tune. 7. Easily used when stoned.
The last option I would consider is a clip-on tuner. Why? Because I don't know of anyone who gigs frequently with one that hasn't lost it on the stage during setup or mid-set and it takes too much time to fart around with them when switching guitars. And anyone who puts on an SG gets what they deserve, lol!
For a hobbyist the clip-ons are all you'll ever need. If you can't tell you're out of tune by ear then that's all you need.
Seriously, the only time I like a strobe tuner is when I'm doing setups and setting intonation.
Chuck
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Feb 19, 2024 13:09:12 GMT -5
Clip-ons are great for otherwise quiet settings.
Kev, thanks for posting. The Peterson does have a superior display for sure.
|
|
|
Post by Auf Kiltre on Feb 19, 2024 14:05:29 GMT -5
I put a Polytune on my pedalboard probably in the twilight of my gigging days. One of the first gigs I used it at was an outdoor thing and the sunlight made it virtually impossible to read.
|
|
DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 418
|
Post by DrKev on Feb 19, 2024 14:21:19 GMT -5
The Strobostomp is readable in sun light. What happens is that the led colors vanish, washed out by the sun. Instead of the display being back lit it is now front lit. Kind of like a negative version of old lcd digital watch screens, the screen is mostly black rather than mostly silver grey. Here's a photo... imgur.com/a/6AmGTik
|
|