Stroboflip in line or the newer Peterson tuner?

[Eric Philippsen]

I have used a StoboFlip for years now and I have no complaints about it. However, I can't keep it in line because it distorts the signal. So, I tune and then unplug it until the next break. Then I'll unplug my steel, plug in the tuner, etc, and go through the process once again.

Now, that's really no big deal doing that. I mean, there are worse hassles in playing live...like having a ride cymbal 3 inches from my ear.

Anyway, what about the Newer Peterson tuner that replaced the StroboFlip? Any hassles with keeping it in the signal chain while playing?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

[Lane Gray]

Why not put an isolating resistor in a dedicated cable to the tuner, and run it as a spur rather than in series? I don't recommend looking at it as you're playing, you end up playing to the tuner rather than to your ears.

[Ken Metcalf]

No probs for me ... I think it is an much improved unit in several ways.

[Richard Sinkler]

I have used a StoboFlip for years now and I have no complaints about it. However, I can't keep it in line because it distorts the signal. So, I tune and then unplug it until the next break. Then I'll unplug my steel, plug in the tuner, etc, and go through the process once again.

Now, that's really no big deal doing that. I mean, there are worse hassles in playing live...like having a ride cymbal 3 inches from my ear. Or gigging with a guitar player whose approach is "It's all about me."

Anyway, what about the Newer Peterson tuner that replaced the StroboFlip? Any hassles with keeping it in the signal chain while playing?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Same for me. But I don't feel I need the tuner on all the time. I tune up once before I play, and if I here something that really out of tune, I might use it again, but I can usually take care of it by ear. My Carter stays in tune real good, even when the strings are old.

I don't recommend looking at it as you're playing, you end up playing to the tuner rather than to your ears.

This is a very good statement and great advice. Exactly the reason I don't have it hooked up when I play. You will spend time in between songs (or during) tuning when you really don't need to.

[Jack Stoner]

I've never kept a tuner in line. I tune up and many times can go the entire show without any retuning.

[Alex Cattaneo]

Most tuners will suck the life of your tone. The newer TC Electronic polytune tuners are buffered, but they are the exception, not the rule. I find the most effective solution is a dedicated tuner out on a volume pedal (or a rack preamp). Short of that, a quality A/b box, which will also serve as a mute switch. As a basic rule, I never put anything in the chain unless it's absolutely necessary.

[Richard Sinkler]

I've never kept a tuner in line. I tune up and many times can go the entire show without any retuning.

Same here. I can almost always play a gig with only tuning up at the beginning. Having the tuner inline and always on, tends to make you think you are out of tune. If the string goes out a cent or two, I doubt you will hear it, and because you see it on the tuner you think everyone can hear the difference. I think many SEE the note slightly out of tune, but in reality, they can't hear it, but imagine that they can hear it.

[Jack Stoner]

Richard, I never knew there was "cabinet drop" until I read about it on the forum and then saw it on a tuner. But, I don't let it bother me and its not an issue when playing. I see lots of posts here about cabinet drop and adding compensators to certain strings, because it can be seen on a tuner.

[Lane Gray]

Jack, are comps really for cabinet drop? I always assumed they're for temperament purposes, because the F# relative to A and D is a different note than the F# relative to B

[Jack Stoner]

I've seen posts about compensators, referring to cabinet drop.

Bruce Bouton made a comment on one of his video tapes about tuning and that you will never get every change in tune. I've heard comments from some steel builders that everything is a compromise. I agree with both.

[Richard Sinkler]

Richard, I never knew there was "cabinet drop" until I read about it on the forum and then saw it on a tuner. But, I don't let it bother me and its not an issue when playing. I see lots of posts here about cabinet drop and adding compensators to certain strings, because it can be seen on a tuner.

Same here. But I agree with Lane that some put compensators on to make some note sound in tune with many chords. I have seen many posts on here over he years that some say the compensators they have are for cabinet drop. I think we have both types of users. But I agree with jack too. My guitar has a little cabinet drop too. I can't hear it, so I don't worry about it.

[chris ivey]

when it comes to tuning, especially with a tuner, you'll go crazy asking for perfection.

i've never had (and i don't believe one exists) a steel that will consistently read 'precisely' the same note 5 times in a row, plucking it each time. especially a pedal change note.
which leaves two choices: tune all night or play all night.

[Greg Johnson]

I laugh at us all a little. I remember tuning with a pitch pipe and playing all nite. I think that technology is great, but I believe it's so advanced now that we all worry about the wrong things and cabinet drop and a this and that is some of it. I just can't be a perfectionist. So back to the original question, Does it really matter? JMHO. Happy Thanksgiving

[Joe Clymer]

Hello my friend Eric, I bought one of the new StrobeHDs or whatever it's called and it works great for me. I use the Newman presets and it's easy to see and use. I went from a boss tu12 and this is a vast improvement. Take care,