Chromatic Tuner Guide

Korg CA-40 Quick Review

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:16:12 +0000

Korg CA-40 Chromatic Tuner is the successor to the popular Korg CA-30. This little workhorse, about the size of a deck of playing cards, is an excellent basic electronic chromatic tuner. As a chromatic tuner, it can tune all the pitches in a chromatic scale. This makes it more useful than some dedicated guitar tuners. Korg CA-40 is all many musicians need, though it has some limitations.

Useful features are the ability to play the pitch through the integrated speaker, as well as a 1/4" output jack for an amplifier. The CA-40 also accommodates an external microphone with a 1/4" jack, for example the Korg CM-100L Contact Microphone. While the internal mic is OK for quiet environments, we strongly recommend an external mic, preferably a contact mic that will be less likely to be confused by ambient sounds. CA-40 can also be calibrated so that if, for example, the piano in the band is a few cents low and cannot be tuned, the Korg CA-40 Chromatic Tuner can be adjusted to match, then be used to tune the rest of the band. The display is large, and has colored lights that also indicate sharp, flat or in tune. The tuner also detects the closest pitch automatically and adjust the display so that the operator does not have to press buttons to tune a different pitch.

Korg CA-40 Chromatic Tuner lacks some features that users with more rigorous tuning needs may require. The LCD display needle lacks the fine resolution of a genuine analog needle. In most cases, it's fine, but those seeking precision may find the jumpiness of the needle as it flicks from one set of LCD crystals to the next frustrating. While the tuner will detect the closest pitch automatically, it does not display the numerical value of the actual pitch being played; the pitch number displayed is that to which the tuner is calibrated.

Korg CA-40 Chromatic Tuner specifications say the tuner will work with A0 through C8, the entire range of a piano. In practice, we find that it is not as effective with hearing the pitches of higher and lower octaves, especially when used with the built-in mic. Using the Korg CM-100L Contact Microphone to get as close as one can to the instrument helps with this, but once again as a basic tuner it is not going to be as effective in unusual circumstances as a better tuner.

Bottom Line: Korg CA-40 Chromatic Tuner is excellent for the majority of musicians' needs for gigs and practice. But for technicians or other situations where pitch values are critical, or deep bass or high soprano instruments are tuned, this value tuner may not be the best choice. For a chromatic tuner with more features and a wider range of uses we recommend the Korg OT-120 Orchestral Tuner.

Resources

Chromatic Tuner Software for Professionals

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:50:09 +0000

These full-featured tuning packages are the software equivalent of professional stand-alone hardware chromatic tuners. Their primary advantage is their large, information rich displays and are easily programmed using a computer interface rather than fields of buttons like the standalones. Those intended for piano tuning can also analyze a note and calculate a stretch for you or a pitch-raise rubric.

Peterson StroboSoft is a general purpose tuner featuring a strobe display; starting at $50.
TuneLab Pro for tuning pianos; runs about $350; it uses a waveform-based tuning display.
Reyburn CyberTuner for tuning pianos; is $1195; its tuning display is based on a circular strobe.

All of these companies offer versions for handheld computers as well.

Chromatic Tuner Software for Consumers

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:41:22 +0000

Shareware and freeware tuners for computers run the gamut from guitar tuners to piano tuners. Some can have many features, including alternate temperaments, but they will not have the analysis and calculation features of professional tuning software. Like any shareware, quality and support varies, but they are inexpensive, from free to $100 or so. All of them will require a microphone; a built-in mic is adequate, but not ideal. An external mic will serve much better.

For the ultimate in value, here is an online browser-based tuner using Java!
For Mac OS X, Katsura Shareware offers a basic tuner, a strobe tuner, and a piano tuner as seperate shareware programs from $10 to $100. There are other freeware and shareware tuners for Mac OS, but these Katsura titles are very polished, and Piano Tuner in particular is unique.
For Windows, there is a large selection. One free example is PitchPerfect Guitar Tuner. PitchPerfect also comes in Pocket PC and iPhone flavors.

Chromatic Tuner Apps for Mobile Devices

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:38:42 +0000

These apps are designed for mobile platforms such as iOS (iPhone and iPod touch), Android and Pocket PC. These span from simple guitar tuners to full featured mini-versions of professional software tuners. The chief advantage of these is convenience of a handheld platform, though the smaller displays may not convey as much information as full computer counterparts. Prices range from free to several hundred dollars.

Consumer Grade Apps

Many consumer level chromatic tuning apps are available. Many are free or low cost. Several we can recommend:

Cleartune, a chromatic tuner for iOS and Android PitchPerfect, a guitar tuner for iOS or pocket PC. iStroboSoft HD Tuner from Peterson is a general purpose tuner for iPad, with an iPhone version as well.

Professional Grade Apps

The following titles are the three most popular apps designed for use by professional piano tuners. These are versions of the same companies' consoles or full software titles. All have a longstanding good reputation with professional tuners.

Verituner Pocket is Pocket PC platform, $895. UPDATE: Verituner is now available for iPad, iPhone and iPad at the introductory price of $599

Verituner at the iTunes App Store

TuneLab Piano Tuner offers versions for Pocket PC, Windows Mobile and iPhone and iPad; $300 to 350, depending on platform

TuneLab at the iTunes App Store

Pocket Reyburn CyberTuner is Pocket PC platform only; $995

Short Answer: Korg OT-120 Best Tuner

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:27:50 +0000

The best electronic chromatic tuner is the Korg OT-120 Wide 8 Octave Chromatic Orchestral Tuner. The Korg OT-120 uses a physical needle for precise, responsive feedback. It can be adjusted to pick up the range of any musical instrument. It's the most versatile handheld tuner.

Chromatic Tuner Software Basics

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:47:51 +0000

Software tuners are available for computers and handheld computers like iPhones and PDAs. A mic is necessary, either built in or external, depending on how and where the tuner will be used. Many titles in this category exist. Rather than list them all, we describe the most prominent titles or those with which we have personal experience or direct reports from others. If you have a recommendation, send your comments to us. Prices are approximate; the more expensive titles may have several different pricing packages. See the respective vendors for current price schedules.

Professional Chromatic Tuners

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:49:57 +0000

Professional electronic tuning devices have the richest feature set and most detailed displays. They are tabletop or rack-mounted. These high-end professional devices are used by instrument technicians, luthiers and piano tuners, or incorporated into a rack for studio use. Many models are designed specifically for piano tuning. Professional tuners refer to these as "Electronic Tuning Devices" or ETDs. They can be programmed with alternate temperaments; they can be used to sense a note, then calculate desired frequencies for stretch tuning; they may even provide assistance for pitch raises. Peterson AutoStrobe uses a strobe display using discs. Peterson offers a number of high end tuner models for other instruments as well as piano from $500 to $3200 Sanderson Accu Tuner IV for piano by Inventronics uses a series of LEDs in a circle for strobe tuning, and a text display with more information; $1500-1800. Veritune 100 for piano uses a high-resolution LCD needle and strobe for its primary display; $1800. Veritune also offers a software version for handheld computers.

Handheld Chromatic Tuners

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:53:45 +0000

"Pocket" tuner is not an official category, but rather our name for inexpensive electronic chromatic tuners designed for routine use by musicians. They are easy to use and generally small, though not all will fit in a pocket. They are low cost, from $10 to $150. For example, the Korg CA-40 Large Display Auto Chromatic Tuner pictured here has everything most musicians need for under $25. Higher priced units add features and detect more octaves. Most pocket tuners use the needle display or its variants; many add lights for more feedback; a few use strobes. Most low cost pocket tuners reliably detect octaves in the middle ranges. Most wind and string instruments tune within that range, but the higher and lower octaves in pianos and marimbas may need more robust models such as the Korg OT-120 described below. Inexpensive pocket tuner displays with only lights or low-resolution LCD needles may not provide enough precision for some uses. Useful features to look for are the ability to be calibrated, play tones through a built-in speaker, or add an external contact microphone such as the Korg CM-100L Clip On Contact Microphone For Tuners Advanced tuners may offer alternate temperaments or have transposition switches for instruments tuned to different keys. Special types of pocket tuners include:

Guitar Tuners

Electronic guitar tuners are often simple for maximum portability and ease of use. Note that some dedicated electronic guitar tuners may not be full chromatic tuners; they may only tune the notes that guitar players need. They may have features specific to guitars and bass, such as dropped semi-tones. More advanced models have the ability to select tunings other than the EADGBE standard or chord finders. Highly rated guitar tuners include the very compact Korg GA1 Guitar and Bass Tuner; but for a few dollars more, the Korg GA-40 Large Display Guitar and Bass Tuner adds a larger display and a sound-out jack. If you want to buy an electronic tuner labeled for guitars to tune other things, make sure you read the description carefully. The tuning features of most basic guitar tuners can be replicated by full chromatic tuners.

Pedal Tuners

Pedal tuners are used on stage by guitarists and other stringed instrumentalists. The electronic tuner rests on the floor and is used with a "pick-up" mic wired directly the instrument; this eliminates ambient sound. The player has the option of muting or turning off amplification so that he or she can tune without disturbing the audience or other band members. Other features are geared to stage settings, such as extra-bright displays visible outdoors and "bypass" mode which takes the tuner out of the amplification circuit during normal playing. See the Korg Pitchblack True Bypass Chromatic Tuner Pedal as an example.

Clip-on Tuners

This modification of the basic pocket electronic tuner clips directly to the neck or bell of the instrument. It "hears" by using direct contact to sense the vibrations of the instrument itself. All tuners function better the closer to the source; this is about as close as one can get. This reduces the interference of ambient sounds, and like a pedal tuner can be used silently on a noisy stage. Feature sets vary, but these tuners tend to be simple to keep the size down. Most models emphasize string and guitar, and can be left attached while playing. Many wind instuments can use them, though the positioning can get tricky. The Intelli IMT500 Clip-on Chromatic Digital Tuner for Strings is a popular example; Korg's entry is the AW2G Clip-on Chromatic Guitar Tuner.

If you need the accuracy of a contact mic, but want or already have a standard handheld unit, many tuner brands offer contact mic as an add-on, such as the Korg CM-100L Clip On Contact Microphone that works with tuner with an audio input jack.

Pocket Strobe Tuner

Pocket strobe electronic tuners use a strobe display instead of a needle, yet are otherwise comparable to other pocket electronic tuners. These use lights that move a circular pattern rather than spinning discs. The Planet Waves Tru-Strobe Tuner has very solid reviews.

Advanced Compact Tuners

The features than can be packed into small tuners is amazing. Orchestral electronic tuners like the Korg OT-120 have the most features among pocket tuners under $100. The OT-120, for example, has several advantages over lesser models. The best feature of general interest is the analog needle, which can provide more accuracy than a "jumpy" LCD needle. The OT-120 can also can detect, and play, a full eight octaves. Designed for orchestra and band instruments, it has a transposition switch for quick adaptation to different tuning keys. Finally, the OT-120 is also able to tune several temperaments other than equal temperament. It will tune about anything, and even assist a piano tuner who does want a professional piano ETD. If a strobe display is preferred, consider the Peterson VS-F StroboFlip Virtual Strobe Tuner which has even more features than the OT-120, including some special ones for guitars, albeit for $200.

Combination Tuner and Metronome

One feature many find handy is to have a metronome built into the electronic tuner. This variation can be found among the many styles of pocket tuners. The Korg TM-40 Large Display Digital Tuner and Metronome is an excellent tuner as well as metronome.

Tuner Hardware Basics

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:51:21 +0000

These stand-alone electronic devices are dedicated to one thing: tuning (and maybe a metronome). Electronic tuning devices come in variety of size, styles, feature sets and price ranges, from $10 to $2000. We have organized them into two broad categories, Handheld Tuners and Professional Tuners.

What is a Chromatic Tuner?

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:10:03 +0000

Chromatic tuners are electronic hardware or software used to detect and display the pitch of notes played on musical instruments. Chromatic tuners detect all twelve notes of the chromatic scale (i.e., C, C#, D, D#, etc.) Guitar tuners are specialized for the notes and tuning schemes important to guitars; these are not full chromatic tuners though the underlying technology is the same. Chromatic tuners can be standalone electronic devices or software programs for computer or smartphone. Whatever your need, Chromatic Tuner Guide is here to teach you what is available what features are important.