JPJ Posted March 20, 2017 Share Posted March 20, 2017 So I'm finding my reliable old Boss TU-2 is struggling with the KK Baby Bass, so what do you guys recommend. Will a clip-on type like the TC PolyTune cope better, or should I go for one of the newer Boss type pedals? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrkelly Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Tune the octave harmonic rather than the open string. Use a bow too if you've got one. IMO all tuners struggle with open strings on DB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRev Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 I have a Snark clip on bass tuner and a Korg Pitchblack pedal tuner. Both work fine with open strings. The Snark prefers to be clipped to the bridge, rather than the scroll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinyd Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 I have an Intellitouch PT-10 - I use it clipped on to the bridge. It works very well with the DB plus it has a really clear display that's also handy for quick intonation checks on dark stages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilp Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 I use Korg Pitchclip, clipped to the wing of the bridge. Works fine on open strings. I also have a Boss TU3 app on my phone which isn't so good, and another app called gStrings which has a DB setting. I never use a tuner when playing in orchestras, but I do use them to keep the bass in tune for practice. For orchestral playing I have a bee in my bonnet about always taking the A from the oboe. Probably makes no difference at all, but makes me feel better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Seems obvious, but don't leave a clip-on on the bridge while playing. It has a dampening effect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 I was going to say "+1 for the Snark" but Roger's point about the dampening effect is hard to argue with. In that case, the only answer that works for me is the Korg Pitchblack. That way I can keep an eye (literally) on my intonation even when playing badly-lit stages without adequate monitoring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRev Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 [quote name='bassace' timestamp='1490096443' post='3262092'] Seems obvious, but don't leave a clip-on on the bridge while playing. It has a dampening effect. [/quote] Maybe on your bass mate - on my East German plywood, it just makes not one iota of difference to the shininess of the turd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 [quote name='TheRev' timestamp='1490099118' post='3262126'] Maybe on your bass mate - on my East German plywood, it just makes not one iota of difference to the shininess of the turd. [/quote] Actually Dave, it was on my 'umble ply where I first noticed this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 I'm a biiiig fan of the peterson stroboclip, but I am also totally willing to accept that it's quite possibly overkill. I also have an A 440Hz tuning fork, which I try and use now and again. Just bash it on something, and then press then end to the bass (or clench between your teeth to get the note resonating through your skull if you'd rather). Good for the ear, which you'll need if you have to tune to a venue's (possibly out of tune) piano. It's worth saying that the most important tuner is the one you can't buy with anything other than lots of practice - you! Once your technique is developed and your expectation of pitch is developed through ear training, your intonation is far better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRev Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 [quote name='bassace' timestamp='1490100287' post='3262138'] Actually Dave, it was on my 'umble ply where I first noticed this. [/quote] Ah, then it's true that it's all in the fingers. 😉 I dont generally play (and never gig) with the Snark on the bridge, but more because it buzzes like crazy than any noticeable muting effect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maude Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 I use a Snark on the bridge, copes well apart from the E when the rest of the band can't shut up, harmonics work well then though. Would leaving it in place if amplified using bridge wing pickups still cause damping? Can't say I've noticed any difference, no rattling or buzzing either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPJ Posted March 26, 2017 Author Share Posted March 26, 2017 So a nice trip into GuitarGuitar in Newcastle after my contact lense check resulted in me being the proud owner of a Snark. Initial testing show the Snark is happy attached to either the bridge or the headstock 😎 I'm not sure the guys in GuitarGuitar were quite prepared from my arrival complete with dyed 'bloodshot' eyes 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted March 26, 2017 Share Posted March 26, 2017 (edited) [quote name='Maude' timestamp='1490129506' post='3262515'] Would leaving it in place if amplified using bridge wing pickups still cause damping? [/quote] Yes, that's what I noticed. The clip on was right next to the Underwood element. So close that it couldn't fail to have a dampening effect. Edited March 26, 2017 by bassace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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