Menu
Carvin Audio
0
  • Audio
    • TRC Column Array Systems
    • Subwoofers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Power Amplifiers
    • In-Ear Monitor Systems
    • Wireless Guitar/Bass Systems
    • Wireless Microphone Systems
    • Power Conditioners
    • Microphones / Direct Box
    • Speaker Parts
  • Guitar
    • KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp
    • X1
    • Legacy Drive- VLD1
    • MACH100 100W Pedal Amplifier
    • WG5 Wireless Guitar System
    • V112E Extension Cab
  • Bass
  • Blog
    • Audio Info & Education
    • Guitar/Bass Amp Info & Education
    • News and Events
  • SALE
    • On Sale Now
    • Gift Cards
    • Newsletter
  • Rewards
  • Financing
  • Support
  • SINCE 1946
  • Sign in
  • Your Cart is Empty
Carvin Audio
Carvin Audio
  • Audio
    • TRC Column Array Systems
    • Subwoofers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Power Amplifiers
    • In-Ear Monitor Systems
    • Wireless Guitar/Bass Systems
    • Wireless Microphone Systems
    • Power Conditioners
    • Microphones / Direct Box
    • Speaker Parts
  • Guitar
    • KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp
    • X1
    • Legacy Drive- VLD1
    • MACH100 100W Pedal Amplifier
    • WG5 Wireless Guitar System
    • V112E Extension Cab
  • Bass
  • Blog
    • Audio Info & Education
    • Guitar/Bass Amp Info & Education
    • News and Events
  • SALE
    • On Sale Now
    • Gift Cards
    • Newsletter
  • Rewards
  • Financing
  • Support
  • SINCE 1946
  • 0 0

How to Choose the Right Guitar Tuner

July 07, 2016

No matter how good you are at your instrument, your playing will still sound bad if you're out of tune. It goes without saying that investing in a quality guitar tuner is essential to sounding your best.

First and foremost, it is recommended that you use a chromatic tuner over one that is designed specifically for guitar and bass. A chromatic tuner lets you tune to any pitch and is useful in adjusting intonation or setting your guitar for alternate tunings. While a guitar or bass tuner can still work fine, especially for beginners, a chromatic type is much more versatile.

When purchasing a tuner, it is important to find one that fits your needs. For practicing at home or the occasional jam with friends, a classic handheld chromatic tuner will suffice. Alternatively, many manufacturers make small versions that clip on to your instrument’s headstock and help tune by detecting string vibrations. However, clip on tuners may sometimes get confused by the sound from other instruments in the room, making them less reliable in certain situations. Most chromatic tuners allow you to plug directly into a quarter inch input, letting you tune based on your instrument signal.

If you have a smartphone, you have access to many tuning apps. These use your phone’s microphone to pick up the sound from your instrument and let you tune that way. However, this is not recommended for live use, as there are many things that can go wrong with your precious smartphone on a crowded stage!

If you live to play live, a tuner pedal is the way to go. These handy devices are built very robustly to withstand heavy onstage and touring use and have much bigger displays, allowing for easy visibility all over dark stages. Checking your tuning between songs is very quick and easy - all you have to do is hit the tuner’s footswitch and you’re good to go.  Pedal types also mute your signal as you tune, so your audience won’t have to listen to you adjust your tuning. Tuning aside, the pedal tuner’s mute feature also allow for easy switching of instruments and a quick way to cut your signal, like at the end of a song.

If you have an amplifier with a tuner out, like the Carvin Audio B2000 or MB15, you can connect the tuner of your choice and tune up without having it in your signal path. These models also come equipped with a mute switch, so you can tune silently, as you would with a pedal tuner.

Whichever option you choose, make sure it’s one that works for the long term! Instruments don’t stay tuned up forever- changes in temperature, humidity, and even playing style can affect tuning. As long as you find the right tuner for your needs, you’ll be fine!

  • Share:


Also in Guitar / Bass Amplifier Info & Education

Harnessing the Power of Feedback
Harnessing the Power of Feedback

September 15, 2023

Feedback may not be something FOH engineers want to deal with, but it’s a well of creative potential for guitarists. It’s not a new concept – guitarists have been tapping that well since the amp was invented, but it’s still a great way to transcend boundaries, evoke new textures, create atmospheres, and find new tone – without any new tools.

Read More

Advanced Guitar Effects for the Experimental Guitarist
Advanced Guitar Effects for the Experimental Guitarist

August 18, 2023

It’s not like the guitar is ever boring. But sometimes you just want to branch out and see what else you can accomplish. This is true if you’re in a noise band or hyper-experimental act, but it’s also true if you’re in a straight-ahead rock band looking to add a few crazy moments to your show or record. So, let’s look at a few advanced effects you can try for that experimental vibe.

Read More

5 Effects Every Guitarist Should Try
5 Effects Every Guitarist Should Try

July 31, 2023

We all know pedals are almost as much a part of a guitarist’s essentials as the guitar itself – even more so than amp cabinets, probably. And there are some pedals every guitarist should have in their arsenal as a default. Stuff like a tuner, overdrive, and chorus. But there’s also a world of creativity out there, and there are a few pedals we think every guitarist should try at least once. Here are the top five.

Read More

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…

Contact Us    858-751-4884
support@carvinaudio.com

International Sales

Warranty and Trial Period

Shipping

Manuals

NoFraud Frequently Asked Questions

Thiele/Small Parameters

Schematics

Firmware Download

Become a Dealer

About Us

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all of the earth; make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praises. Sing to the Lord with the harp and the voice of the psalm." - Psalm 98:4-5

© 2023 Carvin Audio. Carvin Corp.
POS and Ecommerce by Shopify

American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Venmo Visa