The ST-200 Stomp Box Strobe Tuner by Sonic Research Inc. is a great tuner and highly recommended. See below for my experience with it.
When I first started out, it was suggested by a few guitar players that I should get a Boss tuner. At the time, and with the limited money at hand, I found an used Boss TU-12.
 It worked good and stayed with me for 30+ years. At the time, I was playing a four string Gibson EB-3 and the TU-12 tracked each string very well. The battery lasted pretty good but I do remember a few gigs where a mad rush for a 9 volt made up the pre-gig time slot. I think I used an AC adapter for a few years but those would get lost or the power cable would break - so the 9 volt was usually the power source. |  |
However, when I made the move to a five string, the tuner would not track the B string as well as the other strings. I ended up always tuning the four high strings with the tuner and tuning the low B by ear. Not too large an issue but kind of a drag.
I believe Boss came out with a bass tuner and a look at their site today shows a tuner that can tune a six string bass...
I believe Boss came out with a bass tuner and a look at their site today shows a tuner that can tune a six string bass...
So they have improved. There might have been a bass tuner back when I started on the five string but I didn't become a member of the bonehead club for nothing - I either never looked or never thought of tuning enough to warrant the purchase.
| So...flash forward to last year...and my 30+ year tuner finally gives up its ghost. It wasn't mistreated but 30+ years in a gig bag getting thrown in with cords, DI boxes, tools, and a guitar stand - I'm actually surprised it lasted as long as it did. I got it used too. So, I do like Boss gear. However, after some research and talking with few guitar players, I decided on the ST-200 Stomp Box Strobe Tuner by Sonic Research Inc. The tuner has great reviews on Amazon and music sites. [side note - I find that I use Amazon more and more just for the reviews.] I love this tuner. I've been using it for nine months and its been fantastic. |  |
- It tracks all strings very well, even the low B string. To me, this is the killer feature.
- The battery life is, well, I'm still on the first battery so I can't give a life span estimate yet. I think "fantastic" cover it.
- Its rugged. I keep it in a box in my gig bag but the thing is built like a tank.
- It has the ability to change tuning to other-than 440 but I haven't needed it yet.
- Its quiet, however, I use the tuner out on my Eden WT405 and I don't run a return from the tuner so I haven't actually tested the output signal.
- Everyone says its accurate but I have yet to find a tuner that isn't. I haven't tested it against software or other hardware so I won't comment on just how accurate it is. My basses are in tune.
As its my only pedal, I agree.
Highly recommended.
