Electronic tuners

[RevRichard]

I'm thinking about upgrading my electronic tuner. I have an entry-level Korg which works OK but is a little persnickety both with guitar and mandolin. Anyone have any experience with the Intellitouch tuner that clamps on the headstock and tunes by picking up the instrument vibrations? Thanks.

[Eric F.]

I've had one for years. It gets persnickety when the battery is dying, which is about once every two or three years. Otherwise, it works pretty well. I just dropped and killed a Seiko that I liked a little better. Lots of people like the Intelli tuner, which is not to be confused with Intellitouch. Do a search and you'll find some threads on them.

[Alex Fields]

The Intellitouch is pretty bad, I don't know that I've really heard anyone say they like it. Not very accurate tuning, will tell two different strings are perfect when they are like ten cents apart. The Intelli or Korg are the two clip on tuners commonly used.

[MikeEdgerton]

There are quite a few discussions regarding this subject and they can be a wealth of knowledge. Take a look at this (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=8;t=46798;hl=tuners) thread and follow the links inside it to several others.

Honestly, the Intellitouch is not the best choice in my view. I've had the Intellitouch, the Intelli IMT-500, the Seiko whatever, the Korg AW-1, and the Joyo whatever that just came out. I keep going back to the Intelli IMT-500. Others may have a differing view. take a look at the past threads.

[RevRichard]

Thanks for the links to previous threads. Guess I didn't know how to search as well as I thought I did http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[RevRichard]

I haven't seen anyone address this topic: is it better to get a multi-instrument tuner or a mandolin-specific one? My tuner is a guitar/bass tuner which actually works pretty well on the mandolin--when it's working at all. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[KanMando]

I keep going back to the Intelli IMT-500. Others may have a differing view. take a look at the past threads.
The Intelli IMT-500 has been superceded by this:



Tune-Tech tt-1000-B (http://www.themandolinstore.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=8168)

It's a chromatic tuner but also has two pre-set modes - one for guitar, and one for violin/mandolin.

It's very small, but the display is large enough, and is very bright. It seems to work OK at home. I have not used it in a noisey environment yet.

[emitfo]

I have the StroboStomp (http://www.strobostomp.com/) which is discontinued but is great. It's been replaced by the StroboStomp 2 (http://www.petersontuners.com/index.cfm?category=2) which has "sweetened" tunings but I'm not sure if they have a mandolin specific on but that would probably be the same as a violin one, no?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Mike Bunting]

I like my Stroboflip.

[Rick Schmidlin]

I have had my Intellitouch for five years,changed batteries three time and it works like a charm.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I have an Intelli tuner & most times it works ok,but occasionally it has trouble telling the difference between 4th string G & 3rd string D,possibly due to some overtones somewhere. My prefered tuner is my newly aquired Intelli ''microphone'' tuner which plugs into a Guitar tuner & can be clamped onto the bridge of my Mandolins,Banjo & to the top of my acoustic Guitars at the sound hole. Because it pick up the string vibrations almost at the 'source',i find it very accurate indeed,
Saska

[mandroid]

The Clip on tuner accessory [a piezo to a 1/4"plug]
makes my old chromatic Korg work on more stuff.
Intellitouch is convenient, and decent.

quickest to use is the piano, [electronic too].
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[Bertram Henze]

I have settled with the PlanetWaves Multifunctional (http://www.planetwavestuners.com/index.php?option=com_tuner&task=tunerdetailpage&id=7), the strobe mode is precise enough. I can clip it on the tailpiece, which gives a better signal than the headstock.

Bertram

[MikeEdgerton]

The Intelli IMT-500 has been superceded by this...
I haven't seen that one, I have been using this one. It has presets for violin/mandolin and what have you. I just haven't spent enough time with it yet. They are very cheap on that well known auction site and have been seen with several brand names.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/uploads/post-8-42492-jt20.jpg

Here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=8;t=47855;hl=tuner) is a thread on my first impressions of this tuner.

[MikeEdgerton]

I haven't seen anyone address this topic: is it better to get a multi-instrument tuner or a mandolin-specific one? #My tuner is a guitar/bass tuner which actually works pretty well on the mandolin--when it's working at all. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
That depends. I generally carry at least two instruments on stage, sometimes three. I'd rather have one tuner with me that I can use on all three or I can hand to the bass player if his tuner suddenly stops functioning.

[John Flynn]

The Intellitouch is pretty bad, I don't know that I've really heard anyone say they like it. #Not very accurate tuning, will tell two different strings are perfect when they are like ten cents apart. #The Intelli or Korg are the two clip on tuners commonly used.
I have to disagree. I have an Intellitouch, as well as two Intelli's and several brands of non-clip-on tuners. I like both of the clip-on models and probably use the Intelli's more, but your statement is not accurate in my experience. I have tested the Intellitouch and the Intelli agaist a more accurate tuner and my Intellitouch had to be within 2 or 3 cents to lock, whereas I was getting locks with the Intelli as far off as 6 cents. That's why the Intelli locks up more quickly: It's not as accurate. Also the Intellitouch is more rugged, has a great case, and is backed by really good customer service. The Intelli's break easily, have no case and I'm not sure ever have any customer service associated with them at all. Don't get me wrong, the Intelli is a a great tuner at a great price, I really like it. But my Intellitouch is still in the game.

[Bruce Evans]

I haven't seen anyone address this topic: is it better to get a multi-instrument tuner or a mandolin-specific one? #My tuner is a guitar/bass tuner which actually works pretty well on the mandolin--when it's working at all. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I wouldn't get anything but a chromatic tuner. In my house I am reponsible for tuning two hammered dulcimers, an autoharp, three guitars, one mandolin, one 5 string banjo, one 4 string banjo, 7 ukuleles, a cavaquinho and a cavaquinho banjo. That amounts to well over 200 individual strings.

I have several Korg CA30s and an AW-1, but the most accurate tuner is still my first - a Yamaha YT-3000 with a real D'Arsonval meter movement. It measures 4 octaves down from middle C and 3 octaves up. The mechanical meter movement does a real nice job of damping out the signals that make some LCD display tuners go crazy. Besides, I'm an old electrical engineer and I am very comfortable with D'Arsonval meters. It's pretty much irreplaceable, so it stays at home and the small LCD screen devices ride around in the instrument cases.

[Bruce Evans]

Let me add a litle anectdote in here.

The other night at out ukulele GROUP meeting one of the ladies sat out a couple times and got out her tuner to check her uke. Finally she handed it to me and asked me to check it for her. I put my AW-1 Korg on it and found that all four strings were about 30 cents high. I said, "Let me see your tuner." She had a Korg CA-30, which is a good inexpensive meter. I turned it on and looked in the upper left corner of the display. I pointed it out to her and said, "See that number 446 there?"

"Yeah, what does that mean?" she asked.

"It means you are tuning to a reference that is 6 Hertz higher than it should be. That number should be 440." I showed her how to push the calibration button to get it back to 440. She had no idea how it got there.

So, remember to check that you are tuning to the correct reference when you use your meter.

[MikeEdgerton]

That's actually one of the reasons I don't like the AW-1. I'm clumsy and hit the calibration button accidentally too many times. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[RevRichard]

Well, we're getting close to too much information here, but continued thanks to all who posted. I'm off to Sioux City today and I may come back with an early Christmas present. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Jason Holmes]

The Intelli IMT-500 has been superceded by this:

Tune-Tech tt-1000-B (http://www.themandolinstore.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=8168)
I picked up one of these at IBMA this year, and I like it even better than my Intelli, which also works quite well. I do like that this new version has an extra swivel point so you can turn it in more/different directions. Also I think the yellow/green/red LED indicator makes tuning in a hurry easier. Oh, and so far it doesn't rattle the way my Intelli does.

[ApK]

Ooh, I see there's a new batch of gadgets to load own stocking with this year (or fill out the last few nights of Channukka, if I can't wait).

I also disagree with the Intellitouch being bad. It's a reliable, durable accurate tuner, and it's still my main guitar tuner. I also have a Seiko STX, the Intelli, and several non-clip on models.

The Intelli is my current favorite on mando, mainly for the size. I've found them all to be equally persnickity on occasion on one string or another on one instrument or another.

The Seiko seems as accurate and easy to use as any of them, is only slightly larger than the intelli, seems sturdier, and has a beefer, more positionable clip...for the life of me, I can't understand why I don't like it more, but I always find myself grabbing the Intellitouch or something else for guitar.

[Charles Andre]

Don't be afraid of the intellitouch. I've used them for years. I've got two and never had a problem.

[MikeEdgerton]

I've got two Intellitouches that I should probably put in the classifieds. I didn't know they still had fans.

[tterral]

Has anyone tried the new Planet Waves Tru-Strobe tuner ($120.00 Street)? I have the Intelli and Intellitouch and like the Intelli a little better, but I want something more accurate. Mine can say the strings are in tune, but they are obviously off a bit. In a noisy enviornment I need something I can count on for better accuracy and the Intelli is OK, but no cigar. The StroboFlip looks really nice, of course pretty expensive.

Mike - how does the accuracy of the Joyo compare to the Intelli 500?

[MikeEdgerton]

I have a older Korg I use as a benchmark. They are about the same.

[Bruce Evans]

I have the Intelli and Intellitouch and like the Intelli a little better, but I want something more accurate. Mine can say the strings are in tune, but they are obviously off a bit.
Well, are you aware that even if you have the strings all tuned dead center on your meter they are all little bit out of tune? The meters produce just intonation, which has been discussed several times before on this board. Every string is purposely a little bit out of tune.

If you can hear the difference, can you correct for it by ear? If you do fix the tuning for a specific chord, you will find that you are out of tune for other chords. Even if you could tune the open strings for some sort of perfect intonation, you would be out again once you start fretting up the neck.

Tuning any instrument is a compromise.

[tterral]

Thanks for the update tocotodo, I am aware of this. Yes I can tune the strings by ear, but if you read my comments, I am equally concerned about noisy enviornments, i.e. gigs where it can be very difficult to hear and get an accurate assessment of the how well the mando is tuned. I am thinking by tuning with a strobe type of tuner, where the accuracy is supposed to be +/-0.1 cents, this will not really be an issue. Having not tried a strobe tuner, I asked the question about the Planet Waves Stobe tuner and commented on the Peterson, which is supposed to be very good and very accurate. I do not think it is ideal if each course of strings on a mando is a little out of tune with it's "mate", which was what I was commenting on. I am well aware that tuning is a compromise, on certain levels, I deal with it even more on my guitar. In fact, the Peterson has a number of different tempermants/sweetners that address this very issue.

[Steve G]

I just ordered the Tune-Tech tt-1000. I'll give it a try. I like the Intelli but sometimes...ehhh...

[jk245]

Being almost tone deeeaf I can not do without my Intellitouch PT2 Tuner; for thirty bucks it is worth EVERY penny.

[John Flynn]

I will probably get slammed for this, so let me caveat that this is not some prejudice I have or any financial interest, but just based on my personal bad experiences, which may or may not be representative. I have had bad luck with all three Planet Waves products I've purchased, including a humidifier, a hygrometer and one of thier strobe tuners, although I am not sure it is the same model tuner being discussed here. The hygrometer was the most innacurate of the many I have purchased even though it was the most expensive and it did not have a calibration adjustment. The tuner started shorting out after very little use. The humdifier developed mold after one season of use, which I have not had happen with several other brands, some of which I've had for years. MHO is thier stuff looks good in terms of design and appearance, but the quality is not there, especially for their premium prices. I personally will not buy anything with that brand name again.

[Bruce Evans]

Thanks for the update tocotodo, I am aware of this. Yes I can tune the strings by ear, but if you read my comments, ...

I am well aware that tuning is a compromise, ...
My apologies for misunderstanding. Obviously my perceptive abilities are less than perfect also. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[jim_n_virginia]

Have used two Intellitouches for years and when they broke I sent them back to the company and they replced them.

But when the Intelli 500's came out the Intellitouches have been in a drawer gathering dust ever since.

The Intelli 500's are great gigging tuner. It can be crowded, noisey and dark and you can tune up in seconds.

These tuner threads always crack me up as I wait for the clunky Peterson Strobotuners crowd to come rushing out! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[tterral]

Hey Tocotodo, sorry for the "attitude" in my post. Bad day, not usually such a butthead.

[tterral]

Good point Jim, on the clunky factor of the StroboFlip. Certainly appears to be less convenient than the Intelli, but I would have the StrobFlip patched through my preamp Tuner Output and mounted on the mic stand under my preamp (it comes with a mic stand clamp). It appears that the Peterson is nicely backlit, but again, I have never seen one. I will not be getting rid of the Intelli, just thinking to add something more accurate. Wonder if the Tune-Tech tt-1000 is any more accurate than the Intelli 500 (as has been mentioned, Intelli is now called Tune Tech and the TT-1000 B is their newer model). On Eldery's website it sounds like the two are essentially the same, with the TT-1000 having a different look and a couple of new features.

Johnny, thanks for the heads up on Planet Waves.

[MiguelATF]

Have been using a Korg AW-1 for the last year or so and in spite of the lack of backlight, it always seemed to work well. Then, recently, I LOST it (sigh) - and set about looking for a replacement. Since the AW-1's price out at close to $50, and since there are/were quite a few positive reviews of other less pricey tuners, I decided to experiment. Wound up buying a Intelli IMT-900 (which apparently is identical to the IMT-500 in almost every way except for a new feature which allows transposing/altering keys). I bought it inexpensively from that well-known auction site, from a seemingly reputable seller. It arrived relatively quickly, I installed the battery, clipped it on my headstock and....

And.....well. A few initial observations: it is NOWHERE NEAR as accurate - or as quick - as the Korg AW-1. 'You don't miss your water till your well runs dry' as the old song goes; in this case I didn't realize how fast and accurate the Korg was...until trying the Intelli. It is annoying slow - and also seems relatively loose when one is trying to tune a string to a particular note. Example - tuning either an A or D string - the Intelli gives me a range of audibly different tones which, according to its digital measurement screen, are 'exactly' on the note in question. A very BAD sign in my opinion. This versus the AW-1 - which has a nifty system of a digital line/needle approaching a center point - and then becoming a triple line only at the exact moment of being 'in tune'.

So....needless to say...I was a little...unhappy.

But I persisted and continued using it for maybe 2-3 days, trying to put it through its paces on several different instruments. Then, yesterday - after maybe 3 days of ownership - it simply STOPPED WORKING. It powers up - the screen turns green - but apparently now it can no longer hear/measure/tune any sounds transmitted through the headstock (to which it is clipped). And, yes, I did all the things one is supposed to - clipping it to different parts of the headstock, and to different instruments - with the same results (Zero) or rather the same lack of results. End result - a NON-functional new Intelli tuner after only maybe 3 days of use.

I emailed the seller and am waiting for a reply. But right now - based on my own limited real-life experience - this tuner is problematical and unacceptable.

I may have to go back to a non-backlit Korg. Though my old non-clip on Seiko always seemed quite accurate.

Sigh....

(stay tuned for more)

Miguel

[Jason Holmes]

Sounds like perhaps you got a dud. My Intelli and my Tune Tech both work rather nicely, though I do prefer the Tune Tech for its added LEDs and the added pivot point which the original Intelli doesn't have.

I've heard the Korg is very nice, but I can't imagine spending that much on a tuner without a backlight, that's a deal breaker for me.

[Fretbear]

To me, my mandolin's tuning should be so stable that it rarely needs attention. When it does, I want something integral and accurate and which will tune me to a pitch that no piano or flute player will have problems with, and also do not want flashing clamps and plastic protrusions on my peghead for aesthetic reasons. I have been extremely well served by a Sabine AX-2000W contact chromatic tuner that resides permanently on my F-5's side, just back from the scroll. I never remove it from the instrument, even when it's in it's case. These originals are no longer available, and even though the new models are of a lesser quality, I still keep another one on my flatop and would replace the original on my mandolin in a heartbeat if it ever failed.

[Mike Bunting]

These tuner threads always crack me up as I wait for the clunky Peterson Strobotuners crowd to come rushing out! #
Laugh at me if you will! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I generally keep my stroboflip on my music stand at home and take the Intelli to gigs etc. I got a Korg but the lack of backlighting is #the deciding factor in leaving it at home although it is faster and probably more accurate. I just as often use the flapping tuners on the side of my head for tweaking strings that are a little off!
The "clunky" factor of the Strobo makes me laugh too, how lazy we've become that we can't just attach the Strobo to the mic stand (which I do in other studios), just too much work ain't it? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #(Just a general comment, not intended to offend, unless you want to be offended)

[Maxwellt]

To me, my mandolin's tuning should be so stable that it rarely needs attention.
I agree here. #I only take my most stable mandolins out on stage. I've been using a Korg AT-12 for 30 years, and as I can hear better than I can see, I use the sound feature for the mandolin and tune each string by ear to the reference note.