Tuners or Tuner Software for Setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter thevirgin
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thevirgin

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Hi Home Recers,

I need to redo the setup on several guitars - action and string changes, maybe even replace a nut in one case. Problem is that I don't feel that my digital tuner is accurate enough, hell my ears are more accurate AFA relative pitch goes but I have a poor sense of absolute pitch.

I have read much in the past about setting intonation, the compromises and various factors involved but feel that I need a better tuner to come close to the results I want. I am unemployed and really do not want to spend a lot - unless I have to - free is best if there is software that will do the job. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
S
 
thevirgin said:
Hi Home Recers,

I need to redo the setup on several guitars - action and string changes, maybe even replace a nut in one case. Problem is that I don't feel that my digital tuner is accurate enough, hell my ears are more accurate AFA relative pitch goes but I have a poor sense of absolute pitch.

I have read much in the past about setting intonation, the compromises and various factors involved but feel that I need a better tuner to come close to the results I want. I am unemployed and really do not want to spend a lot - unless I have to - free is best if there is software that will do the job. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
S
Click to expand...

A tuning fork is like $5.
 
Come to think of it

Not only do I have a tuning fork around here somewhere, if the room is quiet my ears ring at A440 all on their own...
 
Doesn't it bite to have perfect pitch? I use a tuner on stage (Boss TU-2)because I can mute it and even fix a tuning problem mid song without anyone knowing. But I can still hear subtle intonation problems that drive me nuts, but are un-heard by the majority of listeners. Any decent tuner will get you close. What you are hearing is probably un-repairable due to the nature of the guitar which would include finger pressure, fret height, fret top condition etc. etc. Any stringed instrument is prone to intonation problems. A good repair guy should be able to observe your playing style and adjust your action/intonation accordingly...within reason of course ;)
 
If you're looking for a more accurate tuner, you might want to check out the Peterson Virtual Strobe tuners. I'm seeing more and more shops using these things, and I have the stomp-box version for my bass rig. Gotta say, dang that thing is accurate! I have never heard a guitar sound so good and in-tune as when I tuned my Taylor 614 with the Peterson.
 
There have been lots of threads about tuners and intonation. I wont recomend any certain tuner (I use a Korg for playing) but I just wanted to remind you to check the intonation at various places on the fingerboard. If you play mostly open chords check not only at the 12th fret but also at the 5th and 7th. If you play a lot above the 12th check at the 17th. Set the intonation accurate for where you play the most, sad to say but if it's a little off someplace else you will likely just have to live with it. For set ups I have a device made from an osciliscope and a siginal generator. I just set the frequency (puts the first wave pattern on the scope) then hook up the guitar and hit the corresponding note (second wave) then adjust untill the two waves align. A friend made this thing for me, I wish someone would design a digital one and make it affordable so we could all have one, I can see it, little lcd screen, keypad like a cell phone to set the frequency and an input for the guitar, all in a palm size unit, well I think it would be a good idea anyway.
 
most of the best intonators set up by ear. I decide to check my intonation only when it sounds out of tune high up after a string change.

still, a good accurate chromatic tuner can really help in some ways.
 
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