Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal

I've used Boss tuners since I first picked up a guitar. I started with a TU-12, moved to a TU-2, then upgraded to a TU-3 when it was released back in 2010. They always did their job without fuss, so I never thought about them very much.Fast forward to 2016. Like many other guitarists, I decided it was time to simplify my setup and put together a mini-board, so I purchased a well-reviewed mini tuner to replace my trusty TU-3. Immediately, I noticed a difference in tone, and not a good one.I didn't put two and two together immediately and realize that taking the TU-3 out of my chain caused my tone trauma. In fact, I might never have figured it out if the mini-tuner that replaced it didn't happen to suddenly stop working. When I replaced it with the TU-3, my tone ... MoreI've used Boss tuners since I first picked up a guitar. I started with a TU-12, moved to a TU-2, then upgraded to a TU-3 when it was released back in 2010. They always did their job without fuss, so I never thought about them very much.Fast forward to 2016. Like many other guitarists, I decided it was time to simplify my setup and put together a mini-board, so I purchased a well-reviewed mini tuner to replace my trusty TU-3. Immediately, I noticed a difference in tone, and not a good one.I didn't put two and two together immediately and realize that taking the TU-3 out of my chain caused my tone trauma. In fact, I might never have figured it out if the mini-tuner that replaced it didn't happen to suddenly stop working. When I replaced it with the TU-3, my tone improved drastically. Everything was more open, highs returned, and my overall guitar sound was significantly better.Every board needs a tuner. Might as well make it the TU-3 since it will also enhance your guitar tone.

I love this tuner. Had it for 8 months or so. Gets me tuned up and ready to jam in seconds. However, I wish some of the tuning selectors were easier to use. You have to program by hand before you tune. The buttons are also difficult to see, especially in low light. If those buttons had some contrast, I would give a 5-star rating.

BIG BUT NICE

I have two mini tuners on my different boards so I didn't really need another tuner. But I could use something to power seven or so pedals. I had the old TU2 but gave it up years ago.I thought about getting the TU3-Small, but just plug in to the bypass on this and have the same idea which I will never use.I like the bright and brighter option on the LED's. I noticed how fast this registers the note and it is accurate to a fine degree. (As for the streaming option to tune I will never use it). I have been using a clip on tuner to adjust intonation on my electric guitars. I noticed on my test guitar the intonation could be finer tuned. I will use this tuner to setup my guitars from now on. As far as buffered or bypass my ears cant tell the difference if there is any ... MoreI have two mini tuners on my different boards so I didn't really need another tuner. But I could use something to power seven or so pedals. I had the old TU2 but gave it up years ago.I thought about getting the TU3-Small, but just plug in to the bypass on this and have the same idea which I will never use.I like the bright and brighter option on the LED's. I noticed how fast this registers the note and it is accurate to a fine degree. (As for the streaming option to tune I will never use it). I have been using a clip on tuner to adjust intonation on my electric guitars. I noticed on my test guitar the intonation could be finer tuned. I will use this tuner to setup my guitars from now on. As far as buffered or bypass my ears cant tell the difference if there is any in tone. It is bigger than my mini tuners but easier to hit bigger can't miss switch like on all Boss pedals. Over all I like it a lot.

Does everything required of it and a little bit more

I run quite a few pedals and had reached the point where it was clear I needed a buffer at the front and end of my pedal board.Didn’t want to use up too much space and another slot on my powered supply by just adding a buffer so after a bit of research decided I would try a buffered tuner for the front end.Having used the same Boss TU12 tuner for the best part of 30 years I decided to change it for the TU3.Happy that it has solved the problem at the front end and combined with a buffered ABY switch at the back end before my amps, it has done as intended.Tuner functionality is pretty standard and a good replacement for my trusty TU12. Accurate and stable enough for normal use plus setting intonation precisely, tho I use multiple tuners when doing that.I’d ... MoreI run quite a few pedals and had reached the point where it was clear I needed a buffer at the front and end of my pedal board.Didn’t want to use up too much space and another slot on my powered supply by just adding a buffer so after a bit of research decided I would try a buffered tuner for the front end.Having used the same Boss TU12 tuner for the best part of 30 years I decided to change it for the TU3.Happy that it has solved the problem at the front end and combined with a buffered ABY switch at the back end before my amps, it has done as intended.Tuner functionality is pretty standard and a good replacement for my trusty TU12. Accurate and stable enough for normal use plus setting intonation precisely, tho I use multiple tuners when doing that.I’d recommend the TU3. Good solid product, effective buffer.

Durable and reliable in your effects chain

I bought this because I wanted a more durable tuner that I can rely on in my effects chain so I won't have to unplug to tune. I have a Sabine STX-1100 which cost about 40-50 bucks but that is plastic and doesn't have a footswitch. Plus, if it got accidentally stepped on it would break. So I bought a Beringer TU-300 which is also plastic but is a stompbox configuration for about $25. It worked pretty well for a while in my chain but eventually after about a year the wall outlet power adapter socket wore and would intermittently lose contact which would cause popping and unreliable operation of my whole effects chain. So, I used it for a while out of the loop and now it seems to have a hard time even picking up the guitar signal. That said, I then needed a higher end ... MoreI bought this because I wanted a more durable tuner that I can rely on in my effects chain so I won't have to unplug to tune. I have a Sabine STX-1100 which cost about 40-50 bucks but that is plastic and doesn't have a footswitch. Plus, if it got accidentally stepped on it would break. So I bought a Beringer TU-300 which is also plastic but is a stompbox configuration for about $25. It worked pretty well for a while in my chain but eventually after about a year the wall outlet power adapter socket wore and would intermittently lose contact which would cause popping and unreliable operation of my whole effects chain. So, I used it for a while out of the loop and now it seems to have a hard time even picking up the guitar signal. That said, I then needed a higher end more durable tuner and I have several Boss pedals, so this was an obvious choice. Digitech Hardwire was another consideration, but I went with Boss since the Boss TU series has been a benchmark for quite some time. The Accutune feature is a nice touch to give you a little more confidence that you are tuned properly and your note will ring true for more than just a small fraction of a second. It is very bright and easy to read. I also think it looks better than the Digitech, although Digitech pedals, which I also have several of, do feel more beefy and heavy compared to Boss pedals. I really don't use a lot of the different modes that this has, so I can't comment on that. I only use the wall adapter as I've found batteries drain fast in most pedals. The pedal is also very quiet when engaging and disengaging the foot switch for muted tuning. Although $100 bucks is a good chunk of change, it is worth it to have accurate, reliable tuning ready at the push of a footswitch. I wish I added it to my setup earlier to be honest.

Review of Boss TU-3 Compact Chromatic Tuner Pedal

This pedal is well built and does exactly what it promises; it helps you tune your instrument (in my case a bass guitar.)This pedal will also allow for a power through feature, meaning that you can power other pedals through it.The pedal will tune to specific instruments; guitar (including 7 strings) and bass guitar (including 6 strings,) and will also allow for down tuning steps. There is also a chromatic mode.When engaged, the pedal can act as a mute.I am very pleased with my purchase.

Serious Decline in Quality

These tuners used to be the best. I had one for over 10 years that was totally dependable. Unfortunately, the old one got lost and I had to buy a new one. I was surprised at how fast the new one drained the battery (the same kind of 9 volt battery I always used with the old one). I had to change the battery all the time, compared to the old one that I think I changed the battery on 3 times in the entire 10+ years I used it. One day it simply died, even with a brand new battery. I did not have the receipt so I just went and purchased a new one. THIS ONE IS BRAND NEW and it already died, even with a new battery. They are clearly making these things like junk now. I did save the receipt and purchased the guarantee from Guitar Center so I'll be returning it and never ... MoreThese tuners used to be the best. I had one for over 10 years that was totally dependable. Unfortunately, the old one got lost and I had to buy a new one. I was surprised at how fast the new one drained the battery (the same kind of 9 volt battery I always used with the old one). I had to change the battery all the time, compared to the old one that I think I changed the battery on 3 times in the entire 10+ years I used it. One day it simply died, even with a brand new battery. I did not have the receipt so I just went and purchased a new one. THIS ONE IS BRAND NEW and it already died, even with a new battery. They are clearly making these things like junk now. I did save the receipt and purchased the guarantee from Guitar Center so I'll be returning it and never buying another one again. It sucks, this is really the tuner I like best. I just wish they hadn't started making them like garbage.

Serious toy for people who play seriously

I bought this to replace a TU-2 which broke. I was annoyed about that, because it was practically brand new, I'd only had it for... 18 years? My bad, I wore it out, I play several times a week, it earned its keep. R.I.P. TU-2, long live TU-3. It's the same robust case as the rest of the Boss pedals, and it is the all-important mute pedal onstage; but it's much better as a tuner than its predecessor. I play guitar, bass guitar, acoustic bass guitar and double bass; and for the acoustic instruments it is sometimes difficult to pick out the signal from the noise in a loud stage environment. The TU-3 is far superior to its predecessor, and can give you a consistent central tone for all your strings. I tune guitars using the centred scale (as most people do), but the ... MoreI bought this to replace a TU-2 which broke. I was annoyed about that, because it was practically brand new, I'd only had it for... 18 years? My bad, I wore it out, I play several times a week, it earned its keep. R.I.P. TU-2, long live TU-3. It's the same robust case as the rest of the Boss pedals, and it is the all-important mute pedal onstage; but it's much better as a tuner than its predecessor. I play guitar, bass guitar, acoustic bass guitar and double bass; and for the acoustic instruments it is sometimes difficult to pick out the signal from the noise in a loud stage environment. The TU-3 is far superior to its predecessor, and can give you a consistent central tone for all your strings. I tune guitars using the centred scale (as most people do), but the acoustic bass and double bass really benefit from the 'stream' setting, especially tuning the double bass with the bow. I have used other tuners, but truth be told I feel more confident un-muting the Boss TU-3 and starting to play on stage than I do with any other tuner in my 30 years as a performer. If you want to buy both accuracy and confidence, buy one of these.

Solid Tuner Pedal

Here's another solid Boss product that has become an industry standard. It's sturdy, effective, and simple. It does just what it advertises, without too many bells and whistles. If you're a Boss lover, then this is your pedal. I knocked off one star, because it's not quite as accurate as my TC Electronic Polytune 3, but it's still a great product, and is used by almost every pro artist out there.

Very happy!

Had been using a snark headstock tuner, but have found that there can be quite a variance between that and my pedal tuner on my board. Purchased another so I'm keeping the same tune at my practice locations. Extremely happy with how this product works and it's accuracy!