Peterson Strobe Tuner

JB872 · 25th October 2006

I've decided to go with the best... but I'm not sure which one. I'll need it for tuning electric and acoustic guitar, bass, and sometimes cello. The vintage ones on ebay seem to be going for a reasonable price but I'm not sure if they can be used for acoustic instruments as well? And the last time I used an old Peterson I couldn't set it up to tune half a step down (Eb). I know how to get around that...but I'd rather have a tuner that recognizes the key of the note being plucked (so maybe vintage is out of the question).

Any suggestions (model types)?

thx
Jason

Mattct · 25th October 2006

I have the digital tabletop one (not sure of the model # but it is not the stomp box) and it is my favorite. I have used both the analog versions and they are great, but they can be erratic, especially if they have ever fallen.

good luck.

dfarness · 25th October 2006

I have a peterson VS-1 that can do everything you've described. I have used it on acoustic and electric guitars and basses. Acoustics without pickups require a small clip on sensor that can be purchased from Peterson. I have not tried it with a Cello but I imagine the sensor would work fine with that as well. I love mine and could not live without one now.

orange · 25th October 2006

I've got a peterson VS-II - highly recomended.

Matt Grabe · 25th October 2006

I carry my Peterson Strobo Stomp (the cheapest they make!) to every guitar session I do and do a quick (or more involved) intonation on the guitars before tracking. It works great!

JB872 · 25th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Grabe

I carry my Peterson Strobo Stomp (the cheapest they make!) to every guitar session I do and do a quick (or more involved) intonation on the guitars before tracking. It works great!

Does the strobostomp have a sensor or mic for acoustic and cello as well?

idylldon · 25th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfarness

Acoustics without pickups require a small clip on sensor that can be purchased from Peterson.

I tune acoustic instruments all the time with my VS-1 using the internal microphone and never had a problem.

As Peterson says on their website, "Built-In Microphone For Acoustic Instruments."

Cheers,
--
Don

Sizzleboy · 25th October 2006

I believe Peterson has a bundle with the VS-II and a clip on mic for acoustic instruments. I have the original VS and use it to tune acoustic guitar with the built in mic. It's fine in a quiet enviornment, but I would go the clip on mic route in a live situation.

JB872 · 25th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by idylldon

I tune acoustic instruments all the time with my VS-1 using the internal microphone and never had a problem.

As Peterson says on their website, "Built-In Microphone For Acoustic Instruments."

Cheers,
--
Don

Ya I've been to the website and checked out their product line...I just wanted to hear from actual users what would be best...thx for the help.

Can anyone comment on the vintage units?

Fletcher · 25th October 2006

In case y'all have never been around one of these things... if you take a pair of headphones, spread the earcups, put them on the instrument and plug the headphones into the tuner it works remarkably well... its an 'old guy' trick so you might not have heard about it.

dfarness · 26th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

In case y'all have never been around one of these things... if you take a pair of headphones, spread the earcups, put them on the instrument and plug the headphones into the tuner it works remarkably well... its an 'old guy' trick so you might not have heard about it.

That's a cool idea! Thanks "Old Guy"!!

My VS-1 does work with the built in mike. It's just a lot easier and the signal is more stable with the clip on (or headphones!)

Matt Grabe · 26th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

In case y'all have never been around one of these things... if you take a pair of headphones, spread the earcups, put them on the instrument and plug the headphones into the tuner it works remarkably well... its an 'old guy' trick so you might not have heard about it.

That's brilliant

Great tip, thank you.

Haolemon · 26th October 2006

For many years I had a model 420, which worked great. A few years ago, I sold that and got the new 490 ST. While this model has a lot of great features, it is noisier than my older 420. I also have a VS-II which I bought for travel. It is what I use now, since my main application is tuning guitars and adjusting intonation. If I were to start doing some keyboard tuning, I would probably use the 490 ST more.

The Petersons are by far the best tuners I have used.

JB872 · 26th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haolemon

For many years I had a model 420, which worked great. A few years ago, I sold that and got the new 490 ST. While this model has a lot of great features, it is noisier than my older 420. I also have a VS-II which I bought for travel. It is what I use now, since my main application is tuning guitars and adjusting intonation. If I were to start doing some keyboard tuning, I would probably use the 490 ST more.

The Petersons are by far the best tuners I have used.

Is the VS-II the same as the VS-SAM?

mdsmith64 · 26th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

In case y'all have never been around one of these things... if you take a pair of headphones, spread the earcups, put them on the instrument and plug the headphones into the tuner it works remarkably well... its an 'old guy' trick so you might not have heard about it.

This kinda thing is why sometimes old guys rock. Just wrote this down on a Post It and will be trying it using my Strobo Stomp as soon as I walk in the door tonight....

Best Regards,

Mike.

dorisinger · 26th October 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

In case y'all have never been around one of these things... if you take a pair of headphones, spread the earcups, put them on the instrument and plug the headphones into the tuner it works remarkably well... its an 'old guy' trick so you might not have heard about it.

I bet next you're going to offer to take us on a snipe hunt.

Do you have any suggestions for which cans would work best, let's say for a 1930's parlor guitar, or a 70's ovation 12 string? Maybe someone should do a shoot out.

But I have to admit it, I'm going to try this as soon as I can. And I'm an old guy, how on earth did I miss this? It makes me fear what else I don't know.

Steffmo · 27th October 2006

I'll be an even older guy....I still use my Conn Strobotuner.

Guitar players look at the Strobotuner like a vampire looks at a garlic clove......

vernier · 6th January 2009

+1

Peterson VS-1
'

klaukholm · 6th January 2009

I have several of the petersons of both the digital range as well as the huge actual strobe versions and lI ove them all.
I think for your purpose you would be best served with the stroboflip or possibly the VSAM.
If you are tuning cello which requires perfect fifths you are best served with the stroboflip as it has presets for all the string instruments. If you tune string instruments (meaning vln,vla,cello) with a regular tuner you can only do the open a strings and would have to tune the rest "manually" the old fashioned way.

t-hiho · 6th January 2009

I have both, an analogue one and the digital one (don't remember exact names). Since I bought the analogue one, the digital is rotting in my cupboard! The 490ST is much more precise and with it every instrument is much faster in tune (EG, BA, Pno, Minimoog,...). But it sadly generates that annoying motor noise...

klaukholm · 6th January 2009

We have the 590 and it is a remarkably good tuner. The digital ones are far cheaper and not as fast and accurate, but they are still better than any competing tuner.
The stroboflip is still preferable for strings IMO as the analogue ones do not have presets for the open strings.

Fletcher · 6th January 2009

The cool thing about strobe tuners is that if you pay attention to which octave band you're reading they'll give you a 'tempered' tuning which I've found none of the "digital tuners" to do nearly as well.

I have 3x Conn Strobotuners [two of them are tube!!] One from the Record Plant NYC, one from Capricorn Studios in Macon, GA... and the real one which is an absolute gem [the tube ones work but they're more like props than tools].

I should mention that if you decide to go the strobe tuner route and have any plans on using a 'real piano' it's usually a good idea to record a "tuning note" from the piano before you start recording the song... and then calibrate the tuner to that tuning note [vs. the internal calibration].

Peace

CompEq · 6th January 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

and the real one which is an absolute gem [the tube ones work but they're more like props than tools

Which is the "real one"? So far I've found pictures of the ST-6, ST-8, ST-11, ST-12 and the 12-wheel 6T5 online. I've been thinking of treating myself to a nice tuner lately. Do you prefer it to a Peterson 490, 590 or the newer StroboRack?

Edit:
Okay, revisiting this. The ST-6 is tube, the ST-8 is tube, the ST-11 is solid state.

drundall · 6th January 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB872

The vintage ones on ebay seem to be going for a reasonable price but I'm not sure if they can be used for acoustic instruments as well?

They totally work on acoustic instruments.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB872

And the last time I used an old Peterson I couldn't set it up to tune half a step down (Eb).
thx
Jason

They are chromatic.

Just turn the wheel to Eb, Ab, Db, etc.

kosmokrator · 7th January 2009

+1 on stroboflip

TornadoTed · 7th January 2009

I've got a Stroborack and love it. I got sick of cheap tuners breaking or getting lost. It is one of the best things I have ever brought, it does get some funny looks from guitar players too which is good entertainment!

Demonslave · 7th January 2009

Peterson is the best Co. as far as tuners go.... Slayer and countless many other acts/techs use these.... In fact the plant is about a mile away from my place,,, many good things have come from this general area as well.......... STYX' DISTURBED the keyboard player from THE DOORS and Van Halen aunt lives a block away!!!!!!!!!!! Swear by their tuners....Rock the world!!!

Barish · 7th January 2009

What has Van Halen's aunt got to swear by the Peterson tuners anyway?

B.

Lumin One · 8th January 2009

are any of these tuners mentioned fender rhodes friendly?
im in the market for a tuner for my piano but havent really come across any good information pointing me in the right direction.

Bending_Bus · 18th December 2010

Looking to pick up a Peterson for tuning MiniMoog oscillators.

...secondary use perhaps drum pitch shifting/tuning, suggestions?

25th October 2006	#1
JB872 Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,097 Thread Starter	Peterson Strobe Tuner I've decided to go with the best... but I'm not sure which one. I'll need it for tuning electric and acoustic guitar, bass, and sometimes cello. The vintage ones on ebay seem to be going for a reasonable price but I'm not sure if they can be used for acoustic instruments as well? And the last time I used an old Peterson I couldn't set it up to tune half a step down (Eb). I know how to get around that...but I'd rather have a tuner that recognizes the key of the note being plucked (so maybe vintage is out of the question). Any suggestions (model types)? thx Jason

25th October 2006	#3
dfarness Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 269	Peterson VS-1 I have a peterson VS-1 that can do everything you've described. I have used it on acoustic and electric guitars and basses. Acoustics without pickups require a small clip on sensor that can be purchased from Peterson. I have not tried it with a Cello but I imagine the sensor would work fine with that as well. I love mine and could not live without one now.

25th October 2006	#10
Fletcher member no 666 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 9,464	In case y'all have never been around one of these things... if you take a pair of headphones, spread the earcups, put them on the instrument and plug the headphones into the tuner it works remarkably well... its an 'old guy' trick so you might not have heard about it. __________________ CN Fletcher Professional Affiliations: R/E/P Professional Recording Engineer and Producer forums - serious hobbyists welcome TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik SoundPure.com mwagener wrote on Sat, 11 September 2004 14:33 We are selling emotions, there are no emotions in a grid Roscoe Ambel once said: Pro-Tools is to audio what fluorescent is to light

6th January 2009	#19
klaukholm Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Posts: 2,408	I have several of the petersons of both the digital range as well as the huge actual strobe versions and lI ove them all. I think for your purpose you would be best served with the stroboflip or possibly the VSAM. If you are tuning cello which requires perfect fifths you are best served with the stroboflip as it has presets for all the string instruments. If you tune string instruments (meaning vln,vla,cello) with a regular tuner you can only do the open a strings and would have to tune the rest "manually" the old fashioned way. __________________ CK Recording incomplete IMDB credits

7th January 2009	#26
TornadoTed Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wales Posts: 1,408	I've got a Stroborack and love it. I got sick of cheap tuners breaking or getting lost. It is one of the best things I have ever brought, it does get some funny looks from guitar players too which is good entertainment! __________________ Ed Lewis Giant Wafer Studios, UK www.giantwafer.com

25th October 2006	#2
Mattct Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 196	I have the digital tabletop one (not sure of the model # but it is not the stomp box) and it is my favorite. I have used both the analog versions and they are great, but they can be erratic, especially if they have ever fallen. good luck.

25th October 2006	#4
orange Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: London Posts: 1,688	I've got a peterson VS-II - highly recomended.

25th October 2006	#5
Matt Grabe Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 217	I carry my Peterson Strobo Stomp (the cheapest they make!) to every guitar session I do and do a quick (or more involved) intonation on the guitars before tracking. It works great!

25th October 2006	#8
Sizzleboy Lives for gear Join Date: May 2006 Location: Washington D.C. Posts: 918	I believe Peterson has a bundle with the VS-II and a clip on mic for acoustic instruments. I have the original VS and use it to tune acoustic guitar with the built in mic. It's fine in a quiet enviornment, but I would go the clip on mic route in a live situation.

26th October 2006	#13
Haolemon Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 86	For many years I had a model 420, which worked great. A few years ago, I sold that and got the new 490 ST. While this model has a lot of great features, it is noisier than my older 420. I also have a VS-II which I bought for travel. It is what I use now, since my main application is tuning guitars and adjusting intonation. If I were to start doing some keyboard tuning, I would probably use the 490 ST more. The Petersons are by far the best tuners I have used.

27th October 2006	#17
Steffmo Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: West Haven, CT Posts: 3,012	I'll be an even older guy....I still use my Conn Strobotuner. Guitar players look at the Strobotuner like a vampire looks at a garlic clove......

6th January 2009	#18
vernier Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 6,074	+1 Peterson VS-1 '

6th January 2009	#20
t-hiho Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Nurember Posts: 195	I have both, an analogue one and the digital one (don't remember exact names). Since I bought the analogue one, the digital is rotting in my cupboard! The 490ST is much more precise and with it every instrument is much faster in tune (EG, BA, Pno, Minimoog,...). But it sadly generates that annoying motor noise...

7th January 2009	#25
kosmokrator mymixisbetterthanyours! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Berlin Posts: 1,665	+1 on stroboflip

7th January 2009	#27
Demonslave Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chicago Southside Posts: 354	I Have to say Peterson is the best Co. as far as tuners go.... Slayer and countless many other acts/techs use these.... In fact the plant is about a mile away from my place,,, many good things have come from this general area as well.......... STYX' DISTURBED the keyboard player from THE DOORS and Van Halen aunt lives a block away!!!!!!!!!!! Swear by their tuners....Rock the world!!! __________________ Inside a Dream........................ Dungeon of Noise Recording Studio Alsip, IL Located in the Former ARS studios location. One of Chicago's oldest recording rooms in operation. 708-629-0599 312-933-0113 Protools HD 24 Track Analog Www.DungeonOfNoise.com www.myspace.com/Dungeonofnoisestudio Contact: DungeonOfNoiseStudio@gmail.com 312.933.0113

7th January 2009	#28
Barish Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Istanbul, Turkey Posts: 1,703	What has Van Halen's aunt got to swear by the Peterson tuners anyway? B.

8th January 2009	#29
Lumin One Gear addict Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 307	are any of these tuners mentioned fender rhodes friendly? im in the market for a tuner for my piano but havent really come across any good information pointing me in the right direction.

18th December 2010	#30
Bending_Bus Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 156	Which one for minimoog? Looking to pick up a Peterson for tuning MiniMoog oscillators. ...secondary use perhaps drum pitch shifting/tuning, suggestions? __________________ bending bus sound painter

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