In the production of strings for musical instruments, special alloys are used, well-holding system. However, the demand for various types of tuners for tuning and adjusting tools is preserved, the number of guitarists wishing to purchase them are especially not reduced. Beginner musicians will help to learn everything about these devices, as it is very important to keep the guitar in constant readiness for rehearsals and performances.
What it is?
Any tuner for a guitar is a device with which you set up the tool (English TUNE is translated - "Adjuster"). The device works on the basis of determining the height of the sound and its comparison with a specific reference value. In this case, the guitar tuner for configuration displays the results of this comparison of the audio range. Externally, this is a compact electronic device. Nowadays, the tuner features are able to perform personal computers, laptops and even smartphones in the presence of appropriate software.
The described devices are equally successfully used when setting up classic, acoustic and electrical guitar models. It can be noted that they allow you to perform all the necessary operations and bring a tool into a working condition to even people who do not have a developed musical hearing.
In addition, most digital devices allow you to adjust the guitar in noisy premises and on open areas. For rumor in such conditions, the instrument setting is quite difficult.
Varieties
At the moment, many manufacturing companies offer a potential consumer a wide range of tuners, including a large list of universal models. By the way, some professionals are primarily recommended to consider devices equipped with arrowless indicators. In their opinion, it is such instruments that guarantee maximum accuracy when setting up the tool.
Existing tuners for the classic six-string, seven-time and any other guitar species are classified taking into account a number of characteristics. In particular, they differ from each other with functionality. For example, you can find instruments with integrated metronomas. In some cases, combination in one device of several functions leads to the deterioration of its operational properties in general.
Also, tuners are divided into categories, taking into account their design features, connection methods (for example, an optical output) and the principle of operation.
Normal
We are talking about fairly simple gadgets, which when configuring should be located as close as possible to the tool. And also they can switch through cables. Similar devices in size, of course, more than their miniature "colleagues", but are characterized by the maximum setting accuracy, therefore, they are used by the appropriate demand among professionals.
It is worth focusing on the functionality of such devices. For the most part, such models provide the ability to adjust several parameters. This allows you to equally effectively customize acoustic, including 12-string tools, and electric guitars. At the same time, portable tuners are characterized by ease of operation.
Clothespins
Based on the name, it can be understood that such a mini-tuner is a clip with the screen. The device is fixed on the grip head, and during the tool setting, it captures the fluctuations of each string, including nylon, displaying the corresponding data on the screen. Significantly simplifies the entire process light indication.
Depending on the accuracy of the setting, the backlight of the closuit displays changes its color. With an accurate or inaccurate setting, it becomes green or red, respectively. This type of instrument is universal and is suitable for both classical and electric guitars.
The list of obvious advantages includes:
- compactness;
- minimum weight;
- Easy use in any conditions (at home, at rehearsals, during the scene speeches).
Particular attention should be paid to the speeches. It is enough to leavas to secure the clothespin on the jig and check the tool setting. The device allows you to check the guitar system at any time and, if necessary, make adjustments to quickly.
Among other things, the available cost of such electronic adjustments should be taken into account.
Pedals.
Many people are familiar guitar grazers. It is on them like outdoor tuners that are made in the form of pedals. As for the design, it can be said - they are the same. The difference is that the housing is a tuner for setting, and not a device responsible for sound effects. The principle of operation in this case is similar to the functioning of portable models. Connection is carried out using a cable. Determine in real time, which note sounds, allow LED indicators that show the deviation from the standard.
The main advantages of such outdoor devices can be attributed to the possibility of fast and convenient tool setting directly during the performance. At the same time, as a rule, such manipulations remain invisible. However, there are disadvantages. The list of minuses for some devices includes relatively large weight and sizes, as well as the lack of use of use for adjusting acoustic guitars that have non-standard settings.
Best models
As already noted, companies specializing in the development and issuance of the described equipment offer a wide range of products. On the expanses of the World Wide Web, you can easily find the reviews of many models of guitar tuners, differing from each other with dimensions and functionality. The catalogs contain whole range of devices - from compact to full-size.
On the one hand, such a variety allows you to choose the optimal option in any situation. At the same time, newcomers are difficult to navigate, so the ratings of the most accurate models included in the top most popular are published and constantly updated.
BOSS TU-10-BK
The TU-10-BK model from BOSS is a pickup with a display with a reflection function that makes it comfortable to use the device at any lighting. It is possible to choose a monochrome and full-color mode. By the way, the first option allows you to increase the operation time of the device up to 24 hours. The settings range varies from 16.25 to 4186 Hz with a reference frequency A4. One of the key features of the model is the option "Accu-Pitch", downstream up to 5 halftone.
The main advantages of the model include:
- high-quality LCD screen;
- compactness;
- quite a long period of work;
- convenience of setting;
- Wide viewing angle;
- streaming mode;
- Durable case.
The main disadvantage of the device can be called a very high cost.
KORG AW-OTG
The Korg AW-OTG tuner is another high-quality digital model with a modern design that belongs to the category of clothespins. The gadget was obtained from the developers of an organic LED display, similar to those that are structural elements of smartphones and tablets. The functionality of the model provides definition and comparison of sound height indicators and chord recognition. Stability during continuous use of the tool will provide an option that is responsible for saving the entered parameters. Batteries AAA class guarantee up to 18 or more hours of the gadget. Its obvious advantages include:
- convenience of operation;
- reliable fastening mechanism;
- Durable housing;
- Maximum tool setting accuracy.
The minus KORG AW-OTG is the sensitivity of the device to radio intervals.
TC ELECTRONIC POLYTUNE-3
Outdoor TUner TC Electronic Polytune-3 provides the ability to work in different modes. Thanks to the "Always ON" option, the device is supported in an active state, as well as simply setting up several tools at once. Adjusting all the strings of the guitar is carried out due to the polyphonic mode. The tuner power source can be a 9-volt adapter or a "crown" battery. The ability to save the settings will allow you to quickly enter the device to work even after a long break. Key advantages:
- high-quality LED screen;
- USB support;
- setting in automatic mode;
- several working modes;
- Compact housing.
The most significant minus is a small battery life.
FLIGHT FAT-46G
Model Flight Fat-46g - another high-quality representative of the roster tuners family. One of the interesting features of the model is an automatic shutdown after a while after termination of use. This option saves energy supply and extends the life of the device. Quickly activate the tuner by turning the grid head. All data are displayed on a wide LED monitor. The list of advantages includes the following items:
- Maximum setting accuracy (no more than 1% error);
- Easy installation and operation;
- Efficiency.
The list of flaws should be noted that some users focus on possible failures in the work.
Planet Waves PW-CT-17BK Eclipse
Planet Waves PW-CT-17BK Eclipse is an adjoint model that can be installed on both the front and back of the grid head. The display of the device is swivel, which allows you to install it at the most convenient angle, taking into account, for example, lighting. For energy savings, the function of autotlision is responsible. The versatility of the tuner is due to its ability to identify compliance with all semitones of chromatic gamma. As a result, the device is equally efficiently used to configure both classic tools and guitars with non-standard build. Important characteristics:
- Overview of 360 degrees;
- high accuracy;
- ergonomics;
- fastening reliability;
- High quality display.
The main disadvantage can be called a rather long sound adjustment.
Fender FCT-2 Color Clip-On Tuner
Fender FTT-2 Color Clip-On Tuner is a high-quality digital device for setting a guitar that has a special sensor for fixing vibrations. Similarly, stable signal control is ensured, including situations where the setting is required to produce under conditions of increased noise. For the maximum ease of operation of the device, a high-quality LCD display and a convenient interface understandable at an intuitive level correspond to the device. Standard individual adjustment of the acoustic guitar is available in five operating modes. The double fastener mechanism allows you to securely fix the tuner on two sides of the grid head. The main advantages of the model include:
- stability of work;
- maximum accuracy;
- fastening reliability;
- efficiency;
- Ease of operation.
For many users, minus may seem a relatively small monitor of this model.
MUSEDO T-90RC
The T-90RC model from MUSEDO is a guitar clips. The device is equipped with a display rotating for maximum efficiency at any angle. The capabilities of the device are expanded due to the chromatic mode, which allows you to adjust the sound of the musical instrument not only within the standard system. The range varies from 27.5 to 4186 Hz. In this case, the error does not exceed 1%. Main advantages:
- swivel screen;
- compact dimensions;
- Increased accuracy;
- Available cost.
Analyzing the deficiencies of the device, it is worth noting that it has a rather fragile panel, which is indicated by some product reviews.
Cherub WST-2058B
WST-2058B from Cherub is another popular tuner model model. The main features of this model include deactivation in automatic mode after completing the tool setting. Lithium batteries type CR2032 are used as a power source. The display backlight in two colors allows the device to use the device in almost any lighting. The tuner allows you to achieve the analysis of lower guitar sound due to the possibility of lowering the system. Explicit advantages:
- compactness;
- minimum weight;
- Flexibility of settings;
- accuracy;
- affordable price.
When using the device in noisy places it will be necessary to take into account the possibility of inaccuracy of the device due to interference.
Separately, it is worth considering the models of modern digital tuning for bass guitars. Such gadgets, as a rule, have a simple interface, but at the same time are characterized by increased sensitivity.
BEHRINGER TU300.
Behringer TU300 is a tuner that has seven operating modes and is characterized primarily by the increased accuracy of the settings. Stability and quality are provided with a 11-bit LED scale, as well as the options "regular", "Flat" and "Double Flat". The device screen is divided into 7 segments displaying all the necessary data. Customize the musical instrument in completely silent mode while maintaining the ability to compare the initial sound of the string with the final indicators allow the "Bypass" and "Mute" options. The light indication helps to quickly switch effects and in parallel is notifying about the charging level. Advantages of the model:
- high-quality and informative display;
- High accuracy settings;
- reliability;
- Efficiency.
The disadvantages include the massiveness of the equipment.
JOYO JF-326
Model Joyo JF-326 is a tuner in a solid metal case having a cover reliably protecting regulators. This ensures the safety of the device during transportation, as well as the maximum extends its life. Regardless of the operating conditions and features of the tool itself, the error of its setting does not exceed 1%. The operating range of the device varies from 12.5 to 4186 Hz. Comfortable use of the gadget is provided by a large display with backlight, which allows it to be located at some distance from the guitar. The main advantages of the tuner:
- strength of the cast case;
- screen sizes;
- Increased accuracy;
- Ease of operation.
Ibanez Mu2 Tuner.
Ibanez MU2 TUNER - a device with an integrated metronome, which is capable of significantly simplifying the process of setting up a tool taking into account the rhythmic pattern of a particular composition. The presence of input and output channels provides the possibility of connecting the bulls. Thanks to the built-in microphone, it is possible to operate the device without prejudice to the result in conditions of noisy premises and on open areas. The tuner functions both in chromatic and guitar modes. Compactness and the presence of a durable case simplify the transportation and storage of equipment. Key advantages:
- metronome function;
- Increased setup accuracy;
- convenience of operation;
- the presence of a microphone;
- duration of work (up to 24 hours or more);
- Bright display indication.
For disadvantages, some users include inconvenient fixing of the device.
TASCAM TC-1S WT
The TC-1S WT model from Tascam differs from many analogues and competitors by the presence of an integrated solar battery. This structural element guarantees a long and stable operation of the device. USB output allows you to match the device with a PC and a laptop, including to recharge. The monochrome screen is equally convenient to use with bright light and in the dark. The user is available 4 interface options, the list of which includes a histogram and an animated strobe pulse. Key competitive advantages:
- Fast charging of the gadget;
- Maximum comfort;
- Increased accuracy.
The most significant minus can be called the lack of adjusting the sensitivity of the device.
Criterias of choice
Initially, it is necessary to determine the type of device, which in each case is selected taking into account the characteristics of the musical instrument and the conditions for its use. For example, if it comes to periodically working with a tool at home, then in the overwhelming majority of cases it will be possible to effectively use the smartphone and specialized software online.
For those who are engaged in music regularly, the optimal solution can be a tuner-clothespin. Such devices are convenient and effective for frequent tool settings. It is important to take into account that a piezoelectric sensor of such adjustments differs from microphones of even the highest quality mobile devices with minimal susceptibility to noise. Semi-acoustic guitars in scene conditions are conveniently configured using outdoor tuners. On the one hand, such devices are quite large and heavy. But they are easy to control the foot.
And it is also worth considering that after activation, they effectively devour the output signal, which eliminates the extra sounds during the guitar setting.
When a model is selected for the scene, it is necessary to keep in mind that the clothespin will need to be fixed on the jiff and remove after the setup. This is due to the risk of damage to the device during the performance, if it remains on the instrument. In addition, do not forget about aestheticism.
If you make a choice in favor of a separate device, then the following important points should be taken into account.
- It is recommended (if possible) to give preference to modifications of adjustments with a chromatic mode of operation.
- Not the best choice will be models that have on the scale of only 2-3 LEDs. The scale should be the most visual and readable readable at any lighting. An exception may be cases when strict requirements for tyueru (in particular, to its size) are presented.
- When the clip is selected, it is important to consider that if the accuracy is displayed by an arrow and a rectangular screen scale, then the optimal option is the location of the latter along the main side.
How to set up a guitar?
Adjusting the guitar using the described gadget is a simple procedure. It is enough to install the clothespin on the grip head or connect another type of device by means of a special cable. Next, the sound of each guitar string is checked. The arrow or the LED indicator will display the deviation from the reference value of the sound height in one direction or another. When the green diode is properly adjusted, and the arrow is located strictly centered.
When working with acoustic instruments, the camera function is often used. In such situations, the device generates sounds with a height defined for each string. The tuner is located as close as possible with the guitar so that the fluctuations of the stream strings are fixed by the integrated microphone, and the desired information is displayed on the screen.
The choice in favor of one of the options musicians makes experience and personal preferences.
