Problems with clip-on tuners

Subject: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: MandolinPaul
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 11:48 AM

I used to refer to myself as The Snark Slayer, because they'd only last a couple months and then stop picking up any notes. After going through that for a while, I bought a Boss tuner that lasted for years; it worked on my mandolin and banjos, and all was well.

When it finally died, I wasn't able to find a replacement, so thought I'd try some other brands. I tried a couple of no-names from Amazon. Neither one of them would read a note, so I paid a couple more bucks to get a Fishman - which I assumed would be better.

It picks up the high E string on my resonator and lap steel (both tuned to open E), but nothing else unless I pick it super hard - which makes the string's tuning jump all over, of course. It's not a funny setting, because the Fishman is a chromatic tuner and only has on/off, no other controls. I tried replacing the battery.

I'm finding it hard to believe that I've managed to find three tuners that were made at 4:45 on a Friday afternoon, but I can't imagine what else could be wrong. Any ideas?

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 12:10 PM

Some tuners work better on some instruments and not so well on others and which is which is largely amatter of trial and error. Apart from the pitch of the instrument, I suspect it’s down to the level of vibration transmitted to the end of an instrument’s neck and the sensitivity of the tuner.

If the tuner isn’t sensitive enough, it won’t work. If it’s too sensitive, it will respond to both the fundamental notes and to the harmonics.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 12:27 PM

Korg clip ons might be worth googling...???

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 12:45 PM

Yes, I have a Korg Sledgehammer tuner and it picks up on mandolin, octave mandolin, guitar and fiddle. Also, when clipped on my guitar, my wife can tune her whistle from it by playing near the sound hole. £35 in the UK.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 12:46 PM

The last post was from me.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: gillymor
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 12:47 PM

I used to use Snarks and then I discovered D'addario Micro tuners. They're inexpensive (2 for 22 bucks), low profile (I broke several Snarks because they stick out so far and I'm probably not as careful with them as I should be), have a nice big read out and the batteries seem to last a lot longer than Snarks. I have one on all of my instruments that I play frequently including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin family instruments and banjos and they work great on all of them. Plus they're so unobtrusive you can leave them on your instruments when you put them in their cases.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 01:49 PM

I have had my Boss TU-12H since 1997 and stil working perfectly. Not a clip on though.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: PHJim
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 01:52 PM

Don't leave clip-on tuners on your headstock after you've tuned yur guitar. The softeners in the rubber pads will ruin the finsh if they're left on for long periods. Tune it, then take it off.
I have a friend who lost part of his Martin decal to the pads on his Snark.
This also goes for leaving a vinyl backed strap on your guitar while it's not being played, and don't leave your guitar, mandolin . . . on a Naugahyde chair or couch.
Besides being a hazard to the finish, tuners, capos, cigarettes and unclipped strings sticking out from a headstock is just plain ugly.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: MandolinPaul
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 01:57 PM

That's good advice, Jim. I've never left my tuners on the instruments - even for the length of a song, so that's not my issue. Maybe I should try yet another brand.

I guess since I'm still not going near anyone, I can use the tuner on my phone for now.

Thanks,
Paul

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 02:29 PM

I've used the Intellituner for many years without a problem.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: gillymor
Date: 30 Nov 20 - 03:23 PM

Good point PHJim about leaving tuners on instruments but I've been doing that with these D'addarios for several years now without any problems. At the same time though, I'm not recommending it.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: GUEST,JHW
Date: 01 Dec 20 - 05:58 AM

Used mine in a singaround at Darlington Dolphin Centre. (yes of course pre covid)
It was a dolphin freindly tuner

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Dec 20 - 08:31 AM

I use my Petersen app on my mobile phone. Can't remember what it cost, but it's a cracking tuner, and useful for all sorts, including working out which key a tune is being played in.

https://www.petersontuners.com/products/istrobosoft/

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: MandolinPaul
Date: 01 Dec 20 - 11:30 AM

I was hoping there was something I was doing wrong - instead of having to buy yet another tuner - but it's really not a difficult piece of tech, so I can't imagine what "wrong" would have been. Thanks for the suggestions!

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: Gurney
Date: 01 Dec 20 - 02:37 PM

I have come to the opinion that NOTHING electronic lasts! If the thing lasts 10 years it is remarkable.
Even the liquid-crystal dashboard on my car is dying, and no-one wants to repair it.
Look at computers. You don't repair, you update. Replace parts, until so many things have failed that you've replaced everything. And now have an out-of-date box.

Sorry for the tirade, Paul, but I'm going to scrap a faithful reliable car because I can't read the speedo and fuel gauge.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: MandolinPaul
Date: 01 Dec 20 - 10:29 PM

That’s definitely tirade-worthy, Gurney. :)

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: leeneia
Date: 03 Dec 20 - 01:35 PM

I don't use clip-ons, but I have had good luck with Korg tuners.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: Long Firm Freddie
Date: 04 Dec 20 - 03:54 AM

Gurney: Have you tried Cartronix? They specialise in speedo repairs (including lcd)

LFF

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: Gurney
Date: 06 Dec 20 - 02:15 PM

Freddie, I looked them up, and they are 12,000 miles from here! Here in New Zealand, that is.
So, no. I have consulted the recommended local specialists, who express reluctance to get involved, and the cluster continues to deteriorate and become darker after ministrations.
I've also checked on a resource called Pick-a-Part, breakers of this parish, but they don't give guarantees either. Since the car is only worth scrap value due to age.....

So, scrap the old girl. Thanks for trying. Chris.

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 06 Dec 20 - 02:33 PM

.. are we now getting into discussing tech for tuning car engines...???

We will now drive in the key of Morris Minor.....

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 06 Dec 20 - 04:11 PM

I have Snarks, Planet Waves, Intellituners, and Korgs. They all work and they all find deadspots on the head stock. The right side of my Guild F-30 will not tune the bottom E string so I move it. I have a Boss T-1 floor tuner that works dandy in all environments. It just needs a cord.

Don

Subject: RE: Problems with clip-on tuners
From: GUEST,The Man from UNCOOL
Date: 06 Dec 20 - 07:41 PM

Have you tried tuning with harmonics? You may find less sensitive tuners of all makes pick up the sound (which is purer) better? When I've had an electronic device, I've always preferred to tune one note (for consistent pitch), then tune to rest by harmonics, anyway.