Electronic tuner

[leathermarshmallow]

What do you think is the best electronic tuner for your money?

[smallshinything]

The clip on Intellitouch is an incredible value and something I never play without-it tunes in very noisy rooms and is darn true. At home where it's quiet, I love the Korg TM-40. That one follows me around everywhere. I find it has a great internal mic and I like the built in metronome.

[Ivan Kelsall]

The "Intelli" Clip-on tuners are very popular(& good),& seem to be used by a lot of folk on here. Easily carried in your Mandolin case, they can be slipped into a trouser pocket for use on stage or where/whenever it may be needed for a tune-up.
When i'm at home,i prefer to use a Fender Guitar tuner with an Intelli microphone tuner plugged into it. I clip that onto my Mandolin bridge & it seems to produce a much more stable tuning signal,
Saska

[JEStanek]

Intelli. The only irritation on mine (and reported by others) is a buzzing from part of the tuner that can be fixed with a little scotch tape across the front.

http://www.guitaraffecs.com/1tuners/intelli_tuner500.jpg
Jamie

[Tim2723]

I use the Intelli for acoustic instruments and a Boss stomp box tuner for anything I can plug in. To me a critical feature is a clear, light-up display so it can be seen in dim light, no matter where you are. I have a couple of inexpensive tuners that work well enough, but you can't see them in the dark.

[gregjones]

I just got an Intelli off eBay from "gozvyu" (seller name). They have them at a buy it now price of $25, with shipping. This seller also has them at auction. Watch the auctions and catch one ending at a non-peak time. I got mine for just under $20 with shipping.

It works well.

[wildpikr]

Intelli. The only irritation on mine (and reported by others) is a buzzing from part of the tuner that can be fixed with a little scotch tape across the front.


I agree about the buzzing...but I take it off after tuning - the headstock looks better without the tuner attached IMO. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Jason Holmes]

I use the Tune Tech (re-branded, slightly upgraded Intelli) and mine does not buzz like my Intelli did. My only gripe with this one, which otherwise works quite well, is that the flat LED color (yellow) and the in-tune color (green) are in certain lights hard to differentiate.

[Bill Van Liere]

The Intelli pictured above is decent tuner for the money if you are after your first tuner. I use one for Bluegrass gigs where I carry only a mandolin.

I most often perform with a mandolin, octave mandolin and guitar and have used a Boss TU-12H with an aligator clip transducer that I purchased together somewhere back in the 1980's I believe, must be. Mine has endured much use through the years and today is held together with duct tape but keeps on going. It works better for lower notes on guitar and octave and also works better than the Intelli for setting a mandolin bridge. These are still sold today for $69.00 at Elderly so they must good. When it finially dies, I plan to purchase one of those Peterson Virtual Stobe Tuners which I saw Jeff Rose and the Detour boys (Michigan Bluegrass band) huddeling around a while back, and they are always in tune.

So I don't know what is best for you, but that has worked well for me.

[Jim Hilburn]

Man I miss my TU-12. Left it at a gig and it's gone forever.
Am I the only one who thinks the Intelli is a few cents off when it shows a right on needle? Especially noticable with mandolin pairs.
What I mean is the note can be slightly sharp or flat before the tuner reacts to it.

[Jason Holmes]

Am I the only one who thinks the Intelli is a few cents off when it shows a right on needle? Especially noticable with mandolin pairs. What I mean is the note can be slightly sharp or flat before the tuner reacts to it.
I've noticed that, but then I fine-tune by ear once I'm close enough that the Intelli says I'm right on. Sure there are more precisely accurate tuners out there, but the Intellis and Tune Techs serve their purpose quite well, while still being something I wouldn't be too broken up about replacing for $20-30 if mine got lost or damaged.

I do hear that the Korg clip-on tuner is notably more accurate, but then it lacks a backlight, which is a deal breaker for me. I'm really surprised the folks at Korg didn't think of that, especially when their product sells for twice the price of their competitor's product.

[Bill Van Liere]

To my ear, the Boss is more accurate than the Intelli. For the most part I think a transducer clip works better than a clip on tuner.

[Jim Hilburn]

I got an Intelli when Shar had them for $15. Been using it lately till I left it at a friends for about a week and reverted to the Intellitouch. It was so much more accurate I'm sticking with it.

[mandolirius]

I have an Intelli, because it's the only thing that fits in my case. So do a lot of others I know and none of us think much of them. They're just not very accurate. They'll get you in the ballpark, but that's it. They're ok for jams but not really accurate tuning.

My other tuner is a Sabine MT9000 which is pretty accurate, has audio tones as well and also quite a good metronome function.

[Bob Kirkland]

Man I miss my TU-12. Left it at a gig and it's gone forever.
Am I the only one who thinks the Intelli is a few cents off when it shows a right on needle? Especially noticable with mandolin pairs.
What I mean is the note can be slightly sharp or flat before the tuner reacts to it.
Yes, my experience is absolutely identical. I still, however, use it and tweak my strings by ear if necessary.

[EdSherry]

For stage use, I recommend the Intelli (not "Intellitouch") IMT-500, as pictured in Jamie's post above. # (I used to use the Intellitouch before the Intelli came out, but strongly prefer the Intelli.) #

I've tried the Korg AT clip-on tuner, but agree with other posters that its lack of a backlight is a deal-breaker for me.

I like the Boss TU-12 a lot, and use one for electric guitar, bass, etc., But for acoustic instruments, they need some sort of pickup in order to plug into the tuner. #(The built-in mic on it, and similar tuners, is all but useless when there's any background noise.) #

There are clip-on tuner pickups (Peterson and others make them), and I would agree that the combination of a clip-on pickup and the TU-12 will outperform the Intelli, but by the time you buy one of those ($15-20) as well as the tuner ($70), you're talking much more money than the Intelli ($20-25). #

I agree that the Intelli will not, by itself, get your instrument perfectly in tune. #You still need to "tweak" the tuning once you get close. #But the Intelli gets me to +/- 2 cents.

For studio/recording work, I use an old Conn Strobotuner.

[Greg H.]

I'm also really fond of the Sabine MT9000 (about $32.00 at Elderly) with an alligator clip mike. When it needs to be accurate that's the tuner of choice Once on stage (when quickness matters)I use intellitouch.

[JeffD]

I don't need a tuner more accurate than the intelli. I toyed with the idea of one of those Peterson's, but then I thought, I am going to do the final tweeking anyway, and what is important is how it sounds not how it looks on a screen. The intelli gets me close enough, if not right on. Then by ear I make the final compromises that make the mandolin sing.

[gregjones]

For stage use, I recommend the Intelli (not "Intellitouch") IMT-500, as pictured in Jamie's post above. # (I used to use the Intellitouch before the Intelli came out, but strongly prefer the Intelli.)
The Intelli seems to register, acknowledge, or recognize the presence of a tone much quicker than the Intellitouch. #Even more so on a mando than a guitar.

[Rick Jones]

The major annoyance I had with the Intellitouch, which drove me to buy the little Intelli, was that it would not 'let go' of a note. I'd be done tuning a string, and it would keep reading that note, even after I started on the next string. I often had to turn it off and back on again. The little Intelli seems to grab the note right away, and let go of it when you move on (if that makes sense).

[Jim Hilburn]

[QUOTE]I still tweak it by ear.
How do you know which string is right? Or if either is?
This makes no sense to me. The reason to use a tuner is to get right on, not close.
I guess I don't have the problem of the Intellitouch locking up. When I damp the strings it always clears.
I also have about as small a case as there is, the Gator-Stew-Mac type and the Intellitouch fits in there fine.

[Jim Hilburn]

I'm going to amend my previous statement. I went in to verify if what I said was accurate and realized the Intellitouch does infinitely hold a note even after the strings are muted. But when the next note is struck it immediately reads that one. If it doesn't for you it must not be getting a good signal for whatever reason.

[mandroid]

added a piezo transducer clip , plugs into to my Korg chromatic .
works best when the banjo-mandolin bridge is clipped to, better than the intellitouch on the headstock.

both have their place.

at home I'm often just using the electrono-piano and tune to it.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[red7flag]

I had an intelli until my dog chewed it up. It is as others have said not very precise. Good for jams and then a ear fine tuning. For minor recording, use a Korg CA30 with a Peterson TP-2 tuning pickup, which plugs right into the tuner and clips easily onto the headstock. The Korg is much more accurate, but be careful, it is easy to hit the calibration adjustment. One day, without noticing, I put the tuner in 444 tuning and then wonder I sounded like crud when I joined the jam. Was definately a duh moment when I found out the problem.
Tony
Tony

[jmkatcher]

Turbo Tuner ST-122 (www.turbo-tuner.com). I use it for everything with a Korg clip-on pickup. I've never had my mandolin feel more in tune, and the programmable goodies really help with guitars. It's a lot easier to use than the Petersons as well.

[300win]

Intelli, but also have a old Korg with alligator clip that works good.

[piiman]

is there adifference between the intelli imt500 and the intelli imt900

[gnelson651]

is there adifference between the intelli imt500 and the intelli imt900
The all new IMT-900 model does everything that the old IMT-500 model does, but has the addition of a 'transpose mode' C# to B in 11 steps and can also be used on brass and woodwind instruments!

[sbarnes]

i have the intelli and at least 2 korgs and they are ok at what they do but i also have the peterson stroboflip for real tuning.....
expensive but accurate

[jim_n_virginia]

Add me as another who uses the Intelli. Like everyone says they are not perfect but it gets you close in a HURRY and the back lighting is the best. I can tune up in a crowded dark room.

I can tune up and then tweak for a second by hitting different octaves pretty fast. You have to use it for a while and then you get a feel for it just like the old Intellitouch tuners of which I had two and when the Intelli's came out thats all I use now, for jams, gigs, practice everything.

[ApK]

I currently have an Intellitouch, an Intelli, a Seiko STX1, and in the non-clip ons, a Sabine MT9000, a couple different QwikTunes, a Diana ($7 sale at Sam Ash), a tuner built in to my RP80 (for electrics) and probably one or two others I'm forgetting. I like gadgets.
The Intellitouch is still my primary guitar tuner. On the guitar, they all have their idocynracies, and I'm used to the Intellitouch. It's worked reliably for years.
The Intelli stays with the mando, mostly because it fits the best, on the mando and in the case.
The STX is the 'upstairs' tuner for guitar and uke.
For the violin, I use the cheap little Diana with a suction cup pickup.
They all get in tune with each other fine.
The tuner built in to the RP80 pedal is the only one the seems noticeably less accurate, but, heck, close enough for rock and roll.

[PatrickH]

The Korg CA-30 cannot be beat. It is extremely portable and accurate, the battery lasts forever, it is easy to use and has a better microphone than most. Used with the Korg CM-100L contact microphone (1/4 inch plug on one side, clip mic on the other), it is a winning combo. I have one for every instrument I have.

One caveat - watch the calibration button. Can be handy to use for tuning down but can also be accidentally changed.

[david blair]

I've found my Intellitouch works better when I strike the string with my finger, not a pick. Can't say why?
I got one of those Planet Waves LED tuners for guitar, they don't hear anything. It works like a timing adjuster for a car, two lights align when in tune. I do recommend for those with TAS.

[JeffD]

[QUOTE]I still tweak it by ear.
How do you know which string is right? Or if either is?
This makes no sense to me. The reason to use a tuner is to get right on, not close.
What is right on? Does anyone calibrate their tuner? Can you hear the difference?

My intelli gets me within a cent of 440 on. At that point I don't care which string is right. By ear I bring the lower string up to the ever so slightly higher string (till the beat frequency stops). Then by ear I check fifths and octaves. If they are audibly off I might check the intelli again. But they hardly ever are.

Thats accurate enough for all playing public and private. I don't think anyone can hear closer than that. Its closer than folks got with pitch pipes and tuning forks, during which time some some beautiful music was made.

[Jim Hilburn]

All I know is you can have a pair of strings be audibly off from each other and the Intelli needle shows them both to be right on. Because of that I think it's more than one cent off.
It's not that it's calibrated wrong. It doesn't do fine enough increments. The string is audibly off before the needle moves to the next flat or sharp increment. I guess as long as it's small, bright and cheap it's good enough.

[Bill Van Liere]

I agree completly Jim. It's about sounding in tune right? If it does not sound in tune but the tuner says it is, well...

[John L]

I've found my Intellitouch works better when I strike the string with my finger, not a pick. Can't say why?
I got one of those Planet Waves LED tuners for guitar, they don't hear anything. It works like a timing adjuster for a car, two lights align when in tune. I do recommend for those with TAS.
Using the finger works better for some reason - probably cuts down on overtones - I don't think I came up with this on my own, I believe this comes from the instructions.

[Steve Perry]

Evidently, Ricky likes the Intelli too. #I saw him on the TV portion of the Opry Saturday night and he had one clipped to the headstock of (what I suppose was) his DMM. #I thought it was kind of odd to see... thought he might have forgot to take it off, but it was clipped on there all night.

[matt_uk]

What's the difference between the IMT-500 and the IMT-600? The specs I've seen look identical.

[jasona]

All I know is you can have a pair of strings be audibly off from each other and the Intelli needle shows them both to be right on.
Funny, I found the Intellitouch to be a bigger offender on this issue than the Intelli. I first tried one by tuning about 3 mandolins in a shop with it, and was astounded that the strings wound up right on each other after tuning them separately. That never happened with my Intellitouch. So I bought the tuner on the spot and just sold the Intellitouch on eBay.

Now I find it faster to get one string tuned with the tuner and tune the second by ear.

[Mark Walker]

Funny, I found the Intellitouch to be a bigger offender on this issue than the Intelli. I first tried one by tuning about 3 mandolins in a shop with it, and was astounded that the strings wound up right on each other after tuning them separately. That never happened with my Intellitouch. So I bought the tuner on the spot and just sold the Intellitouch on eBay.

Now I find it faster to get one string tuned with the tuner and tune the second by ear.

I agree. #Our group at church has like three or four different Intellitouch tuners, and I repeatedly caution them to use JUST ONE as each varies noticeably at (supposedly) 440 Hz. #

And on my mandolin, they're frustrating (to me anyway) as they show a pair of strings in tune but audibly they're noticeably different.

I prefer my Korg with an aligator clip.

I am going to check into the Intelli versions though; they look to be 'consistently consistent' among Cafe' members!

[Jim Hilburn]

Tuner Shootout (http://www.guitarservices.com/Tech_Talk/body_tech_talk.html)
I found this site. Doesn't include the Intelli but gives the Intellitouch good marks.

[JeffD]

For years I only used an A 440 tuning fork held to the bridge, and my ear. I was able to tune up with orchestras.

The intelli, and my korg, just speed up the process.

I guess my point is that I will never tune up exclusively by eye, no matter how good the tuner is supposed to be. Never. So who wants to pay for that last increment of accuracy if I am not going to use it.

Just my view, respectfully submitted.

[Steve G]

I have a Boss TU-12H which i used to use with a clip and still use it at home. I have a couple of Inteli's and a Korg. I got a TuneTech and that's what I use now. I like the guitar and mando callibration settings and it doesn't buzz. I always take it off and put it in my pocket though just because seeing it there bothers me, I don't know why.

[cudofcow]

<==nearly perfect pitch. #I dont use tuners anymore and i'm pretty much always on key, at least pretty darn close. #My roommate is a composition major and thinks i might have perfect pitch. #Just hum G and go from there.

I do use metronomeonline.com though because i am horrible at keeping time.

As a completely off track side note, has anyone gotten the chance to check out the Gibson Robot guitar? Google it. They need a mandolin version asap.

[Folkmusician.com]

No mention of Peterson Tuners? Their Strobes are a bit pricy (not to mention bulky) for the average player, but if you want the ultimate tuner, Peterson fits the bill. The Stroboflip is a great deal considering the price vs. benefit. For $200, you are practically guaranteed to sound better. You have to pay that much for the required "night on the town" dinner for your significant other, to make up for the new instrument you purchased but didn't really need. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[foldedpath]

I use a Peterson Stroboflip, they do get mentioned here from time to time. In a jam situation I leave it on the floor next to my chair, with a clip-on pickup cord that I can clamp to the bridge if I need to tune between songs. Love that big bright display that I can easily read, that far away.

However, tuning with the Peterson does take longer than flipping out one of those little headstock tuners if you need a FAST touch up in-between tunes, or worse, during a tune, and you're not playing through an instrument pickup where you can run something like the StroboFlup inline with your signal. So it's really a different market than the little headstock clip-on tuners. I'd use one of those if I had to, but if I don't, I'd always prefer the Peterson if I can get away with it.

[Mike Bunting]

I love my stroboflip; that coupled with the Waverlies I put on my MF5 puts me in tuned up heaven.

[Tim Bowen]

First choice is Peterson StroboStomp. I use this ped as tuner and DI on a dedicated little mando board, along with an Ibanez EM-5 Echo Machine delay and an MXR Micro Amp for subtle boosts, as routed to the house system. The Peterson's accuracy as to dealing with unison courses of strings is undeniable in my opinion.

For logistical reasons, I sometimes need to route my mando through my guitar rig. For this, a BOSS TU-2 ped. Quick and fairly accurate.

Backup for all my engagements is an Intellitouch clip-on. I use it for teaching mostly, but it makes for a live security blanket, should a ped fail. I'll say that it absolutely is susceptible to reading fundamentals and harmonics from other instruments in loud live situations, which is why I typically don't count on it for live, other than at duo gigs.

[Lane Pryce]

I got an Intelli when Shar had them for $15. Been using it lately till I left it at a friends for about a week and reverted to the Intellitouch. It was so much more accurate I'm sticking with it.
Totally agree with Jim. Lp

[mandopete]

The answer depends upon the application. #For rehearsal or studio I always use an "analog" type tuner - I prefer the Korg ST-12 Chromatic tuner. #By analog I mean one that has a real needle. #I find that's the only way to get an accurate tuning. #I attach the transducer to the bridge and use the chromatic mode. #I find this tuner is very stable and I don't get the "jitters" that I've seen with other analog tuners. #I also have the strings dampened on the other side of the bridge - I think this helps.

For a live application I use the Intelli. #Good enough for bluegrass, does chromatic and lights up in the dark.

[Jim Hilburn]

I found that one shoot-out which was a somewhat scientific comparison of the models. What I was hoping to find was something from either Guitar Player or Acoustic Guitar mags where this type of comparison was made of the clip-on tuners only. Sure seems like an article waiting to be written to me.

[mandopete]

Yeah, the article only really compares two aspects - accuracy and price. #That's a pretty limited comparison and one that's not too useful in my mind.

Jim - you really need to write that article.

[Ken Sager]

Seiko STX1.

All tuners require a little fine tuning by ear, but the STX1 is the most accurate sounding tuner I've used. I gave away my Intelli and haven't seen my Intellitouch for a year. I don't miss either.

[Randy King]

I use an intellitouch and an intelli

[DaveNB]

I use a Korg TM 40 tuner and metronome. It works great, with both a needle display and led display. I checked it against a tuning fork when I got it. It was right on and remains so.

[cudofcow]

http://www.gibson.com/robotguitar/

Watch the Instructions Video.

[JGWoods]

I like the Seiko STX-1 best.
I have, or had, most every tuner.

Intellitouch- wanders, won't lock in easily, too hard for me to read. Died when dropped

Korg AW-1 clip on- wonderful, accurate, no back light, short battery life. Mine developed a short and killed batteries in 24 hours.

Intelli- bright, doesn't grab notes well( I have to move around the headstock to get it to pick up sometimes), in-tune zone seems to be wide.

Peterson Strobe Flip- accurate beyond any others, not so portable, hard for me to read, often indicates the wrong note unless I hit the string very hard.

Sabine stick ons- good for guitars, not enough flat places on my mandos to use it.

Guyatone- dumb stick on pads, broke quickly for no apparent reason.

Boss TU-15- analog needle, fast response, works great for fiddle, doesn't pick up well with the piezo clip in my experience. It's the one I keep on and nearby when fiddling.

Back to the Seiko STX-1- works in the dark, tough as nails, accurate enough, always picks up the note, mic or piezo, long battery life, I clip it on my pocket when I'm playing ( because I think instruments look dumb with tuners on their headstocks)- overall the best I've had.

[mando.player]

I just took delivery of a Korg AW-1 today. It's really fast and really accurate. The display needs to be are a certain angle to rally read it clearly. It does appear a bit fragile, but comes with a nice carry case. I've also got an Intelli, that's less accurate but a bit more durable.

[ApK]

Intellitouch- wanders, won't lock in easily, too hard for me to read. Died when dropped
Doesn't sound like mine. I'm sure OBR would replace it for you if it died. They're famous for that, and maybe you had a dud?

[JGWoods]

Intellitouch- wanders, won't lock in easily, too hard for me to read. Died when dropped
Doesn't sound like mine. I'm sure OBR would replace it for you if it died. They're famous for that, and maybe you had a dud?
It was about 4-5 years ago.
I still have it but haven't bothered to try and get another from them after all this time.
DO I have a lifetime guarantee I don't know about?

[ApK]

DO I have a lifetime guarantee I don't know about?
I don't want to pretend to speak for them, but I've dealt with them and they've earned their excellent lifetime support reputation. You should call them . 1-800-340-8890

[Mark Normand]

I can't seem to locate thru goggling, but does anyone have a website on contact for the Intelli folks? I lost the back cover of mine, hopefully they can replace so I can remove the black tape I now have holding the battery. I just bought another Intelli for other instruments, nice product.
Thx
Mark

[Mike Snyder]

The Intelli is much more secure on a mando headstock than the Intellitouch. Clamp design on the touch was pitiful. For grassers that chop hard, that tuner is gonna end up on the concrete sooner or later. For out-door jamming most folks leave the tuner on and the clamp alone will give the nod to Intelli.

[danb]

Turbo Tuner ST-122 (www.turbo-tuner.com). I use it for everything with a Korg clip-on pickup. I've never had my mandolin feel more in tune, and the programmable goodies really help with guitars. It's a lot easier to use than the Petersons as well.
I use this one too. Expensive, but the best I have ever had. Coupled with waverlies and a properly set up nut & saddle, you can really dial a mandolin in with this one. It looks kinda cool too http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[mandroid]

FYI, Onboard Research Corp , Intellitouch, is at www.tuners.com

warrantee Dept: 1600 N.Interstate 35 E., ste 107, Carollton TX 75006

[John Bertotti]

I use a 590 auto strobe at home and an intellitouch on the road. I check the intelitouch before i leave because if the batteries are even a little down the intellitouch is off.

[mandozilla]

When in doubt whip your TUNING FORK out. I use an Intelli 900 outdoors and at jams because it doesn't require peace and quiet to stay relatively in tune.. At home where its quiet, I use my trusty old A-440 tuning fork and tune by ear. It helps keep my Ear in shape. Honestly, what did we ever do before electronic tuners? I ask myself the same question regarding cell phones, computers and other modern conveniences.

[JGWoods]

When in doubt whip your TUNING FORK out. I use an Intelli 900 outdoors and at jams because it doesn't require peace and quiet to stay relatively in tune.. At home where its quiet, I use my trusty old A-440 tuning fork and tune by ear. It helps keep my Ear in shape. Honestly, what did we ever do before electronic tuners? I ask myself the same question regarding cell phones, computers and other modern conveniences.
Before tuners we all arrived at jams tuned differently and spent way too much time trying to get in tune with each other.
Now that electronic tuners are commonplace it is remarkable how much playing gets done, and that is the goal.

[allenhopkins]

Honestly, what did we ever do before electronic tuners? ...
Before tuners we all arrived at jams tuned differently and spent way too much time trying to get in tune with each other.
Now that electronic tuners are commonplace it is remarkable how much playing gets done, and that is the goal.
I should also point out that Robin Williams (of Robin & Linda Williams, not the actor/comedian) says the electronic tuner saved his and Linda's marriage. #Before the tuner, they spent much time and negative energy arguing over who was in tune. #Now they're in agreement, and connubial bliss results.

[Gutbucket]

I always had problems with the Intelitouch on my upright bass. The low registers of the E string didn't show on the tuner. The Intelli is alot more accurate and easier to use.

[8STRINGR]

I use to use the "Onboard Research Corp. Intellitouch Tuner". I too had problems with it staying clipped on to the peg head and had moved on to a "Meisel Clip On Digital/Chromatic Tuner" aka: "MCT-7". Works much better for me. I've had it now for 3 years and it hasn't let me down. Meisel has now upgraded that same tuner to an "MCT-8" which I believe has "Memory" tuning and is even lower in profile. Priced at $25.00 the last time a friend bought one...loves it too!

By the way. The Meisel "MCT-7 & 8" both have a wide opening clamp that will easily fit on a Dobro peghead...couldn't do that with the "Onboard Intellitouch" tuner. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[theBlood]

I have about 7 intelli's. I sometimes give them out to people who seem to need one.

[Mark Normand]

One more time... anyone has the box or literature that came with the diamond shaped Intelli ? Would like to contact them to replace the lost back battery cover. Can't find a contact on the web. Thx!

[Kevin K]

Those with the Turbo Tuner, which tuning do you use?
Violin, Violin5, or create one?

[Scot Thayer]

mnormand - I have the box plus a package insert that came with one of my Intelli IMT-500's. #Unfortunately there's zero contact info on either. #The only possible hint was "CE - Made in Korea". #Sorry.

[gregjones]

I've got a half dozen clip on tuners ranging from $12 to $60.

I'm not a professional and only play for and by myself for the enjoyment and satisfaction of doing so. I'm not burdened with dark stages, having to "set up" or worrying about much of anything.

I realized I when get in or out of the truck I generally have my laptop in one hand and a mando in the other.

I ordered a Peterson clip-on pick-up with the adaptor to fit into my laptop and use G-Tune software.

Gets close enough for me with 600HP rumbling through stereo exhaust stacks next to the "bedroom" walls.

[Benjamin Farnum]

Will the Korg AW-1 clip on pick-up other noises? what I want is a tuner that you can use in loud surroundings. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif

[ApK]

No clip-on tuner will be bothered by the common noises of people talking and tuning up around you. Nor will any be immune to truly loud noises that vibrate your instrument and rattle your teeth.

[Benjamin Farnum]

No clip-on tuner will be bothered by the common noises of people talking and tuning up around you. #Nor will any be immune to truly loud noises that vibrate your instrument and rattle your teeth.
I had a Seiko STX1 tuner that picked up sounds.

[Don Grieser]

Luke, use the fork. The tuning fork. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[PhilGE]

No, Don! Don't go there...

Use the Free on-line (and downloadable) tuner from SeventhString.com (http://seventhstring.com/tuner/tuner.html) - the makers of Transcribe!

It's very, very accurate.

[John Flynn]

Wow, Phil! That thing is cool. I also found out my laptop has a built-in microphone I didn't know it it had.

[ApK]

I had a Seiko STX1 tuner that picked up sounds.
I have an STX-1 as well.

Be aware that that tuner, like several other clip-ons, has a microphone IN ADDITION to the clip sensor, but with the STX-1, because of the way the power button also selects the mode, if you're not careful, you may be in mic mode when you think you are in clip mode. I've done that many times. It'l still respond to your instrument, but it'll also pick up every sound around you. Whether or not that's what happened in Luke's case, it's good to be aware of.

ApK

[ApK]

Luke, use the fork. The tuning fork. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
"Ancient tuning forks and hokey vibrations are no match for a good tuner at your side, kid."
-- Han Soloist
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[earthsave]

I bought my Intelli-touch back in 2000 or 2001 and still use it. My arm broke off in 2002 or so, I emailed them and they sent me a new one. I think I'm on my 2nd battery.

I bought my wife and nephew both one of the Bare bones versions and they work fine too.

[Benjamin Farnum]

I always made sure that it was in clip mode and it still picked up other sounds.

[ApK]

My arm broke off in 2002 or so, I emailed them and they sent me a new one.
Ouch! Now THAT'S SERVICE!

...or did you mean the INTELLITOUCH's arm?

Anyway, yes, my Intellitouch has held up for years, and is still my primary guitar tuner, and the guys at OBR, Inc. have been great.

ApK

[ApK]

I always made sure that it was in clip mode and it still picked up other sounds.
If it picks up sounds that other clip-ons don't, you might want to see about exchanging it. Mine doesn't exhibit that problem.

[Benjamin Farnum]

I always made sure that it was in clip mode and it still picked up other sounds.
If it picks up sounds that other clip-ons don't, you might want to see about exchanging it. #Mine doesn't exhibit that problem.
I already sold it.

And by the way just so yawl know I'm only 13, so I don't have that much experience with a whole lot of equipment.:D
I've only been playing mandolin for 5 years. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[mandroid]

The general nature of an acoustic string instrument, IS:
Outside noises, if they are loud enough, will ring the soundboard (top of the instrument)
that is what your clip on tuner hears, the instrument itself is vibrating , It's just when you pick the strings that will be the loudest vibration.

one friend at the local pub jam goes to the W.C. to tune, & so eliminates the outside noises that way.
[Problem arises when It is occupied] http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Jim Broyles]

I use the Tune Tech (re-branded, slightly upgraded Intelli) and mine does not buzz like my Intelli did. #My only gripe with this one, which otherwise works quite well, is that the flat LED color (yellow) and the in-tune color (green) are in certain lights hard to differentiate.
I agree with the comment about the lights. I wish they had used red for both flat and sharp. Otherwise I really like the tuner. I've had it for 20 minutes now! Seriously, It folds behind the peghead facing the right way to read it. My intelli was upside down when I'd fold it behind the peghead, so I like this one better. And it DOES NOT BUZZ!!!!

[JGWoods]

I always made sure that it was in clip mode and it still picked up other sounds.
If it picks up sounds that other clip-ons don't, you might want to see about exchanging it. Mine doesn't exhibit that problem.
I was tuning up (my banjo) right across from another guy tuning up and my Seiko picked up his playing- to be expected as my instrument was vibrating along with the notes he picked.

When I picked a note I over rode his note, but yes, I think any clip on piezo tuner will, under certain circumstances, grab a note from a nearby instrument as the instrument it is clipped onto vibrates along with the neighbor.

I turned a bit, faced a different direction, and my tuner worked just fine.