Small Pedal Tuner That Works in Direct Sunlight?

[lbpesq]

I'm redesigning my pedal board - trying to get smaller and lighter.  Among other things, I'm looking for a tuner with the smallest footprint that is visible in direct sunlight.  I currently have a Sonic Research ST-200 Turbo Tuner and a Peterson StroboStomp.  The Sonic Research is incredibly accurate, but useless in direct sunlight.  The Peterson works in direct sunlight, but has a footprint large enough for its own zip code!  After a bunch of research, I'm starting to think what I want doesn't exist.  I've read claims that the newer Sonic Research ST-300 is much brighter than the ST-200, but I haven't found any review about use in direct sunlight.  Anyone around here tried one?  Any other suggestions?  Is the Peterson really the only tuner out there that is visible in direct sunlight?


Bill, tgo

[rv_bass]

Bill,

If your preamp has an effects out, why not have a small tuner sitting on top of your amp?  That's what i do with my small Korg Pitch Black.  So far it's been OK, but then I'm usually under a canopy of some kind if playing outdoors, so not really direct sunlight.

Rob

[cozmik_cowboy]

Don't ask me; I'm still a devotee of the Conn ST-11 on top of the amp........

Peter

[lbpesq]

I have a Peterson VS-II on my bench that I can easily use on top of my amp, though my F-2B doesn't have an effects out. Heck, I could even hook up my old Conn ST-8!  Or even just use a clip-on tuner.  I understand the other options - and will resort to one of them if I have to, but if there is a pedal solution out there, I'd prefer to just have it on the board and not have to think about it.

Bill, tgo

[jacko]

Bill

I have a Korg Pitchblack mini that probably has the smallest footprint of all the pedal tuners around. Also has quite a large display (certainly bigger than the Boss TU-3) that is visible in our less than perfect Scottish 'daylight'. In fact, I doubt if many footpedal displays would be that bright in direct sunlight so if the size works then you could always construct a sunshade around the top half of the pedal.

Graeme

[Glynn]

I also use a Korg Pitchblack on top of the amp.  Glynn

[paulman]

Bill, I finally gave up on everything except my Korg Rack Mount because of this issue.    However I haven't used a rack in a few years so have switched to one of the Snark clip on tuners.  The head stock makes a great sun shield and the Snarks are super cheap as I'm sure you know. 


I also disliked the leaning over, my *cough* "guitar" to see the tuner. 


Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.  Ya could just use a tuning fork, hee hee

[lbpesq]

I've come to the conclusion that the Peterson is the only one that stands up to direct sunlight.  It is a bit large but, in its favor, it does include a DI.  But for the sunlight issue, I LOVE my Sonic Research Turbo Tuner (accurate to .02 cents!).  Seeing as I am currently assembling some new pedals, I think I'll wait until I have everything together and can lay out a potential board to judge 1. which size and shape Temple Audio board to get, and then 2. how much room I'll have for the tuner.  If it fits, I'll go with the Peterson.  If it's too crowded, I'll stick with the Sonic Research and try to remember to bring along a clip or my VS-II for outdoor gigs.

Bill

[LMiwa]

What about a TC Electronic PolyTune Clip? Love mine and have used it outside.

[lbpesq]

I have one of those.  My second favorite clip after the Peterson StoboClip.  However, it isn't a pedal that can reside permanently on my board.  As I've written above, I understand the alternatives - clip on tuner or a stand alone on my amp.  I'd prefer a pedal that is small and works in sunlight.  But, as Mick has told me for many years, you can't always get what you want.

Bill, tgo

[dtothec]

I use a TC Electronics Polytune pedal which has a small footprint. I can't say that I've ever used it in direct sunlight because I use my rack with a rack tuner for most outdoor gigs. The polytune does have a bright display so I think it would be OK.

[cozmik_cowboy]

Of course the obvious answer is to hire a roadie to tune for you....

Peter

[lbpesq]

Or I could get one of these:

http://www.guitarworld.com/gear-news-accessories/new-roadie-2-automatic-guitar-tuner-works-without-smartphone/30933

The Polytune II pedal does look intriguing.  I've read conflicting reviews about visibility in sunlight.  I'm going to give it a shot - I made an offer on a Polytune II mini pedal on reverb.  We'll see.

Bill, tgo

[lbpesq]

Well, I got the Polytune II mini.  Though faint and a bit washed out looking, it is actually readable in direct sunlight!  I'll likely be selling my Sonic Research Turbo Tuner, as well as my Peterson Strobostomp and a bunch of other pedals when I finish my new pedalboard which will feature mostly mini-size pedals.  A lot of the new mini pedals are actually just as good as the larger versions.

Bill, tgo

[rv_bass]

What are the mini pedals that you will be using?