Topic: Guitar Tuner Software? (Read 2167 times)

Bonk · « **on:** August 14, 2009, 03:22:00 pm »

Does anybody here use an application on their computer to tune their guitar? (acoustic)

There seems to be quite a selection of free ones:
http://www.google.com/search?q=guitar+tuner+application

Are any of them better than the others?

Capt. Mike · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2009, 03:48:54 pm »

Well, Bonk, to be honest, I have a variety of electonic tuners that I've collected over the years, but my favorite is my Korg TM-40, for two reasons.

1. It let's recalibrate the tuner from 440 Hz (middle C) to a higher or lower frequency, which can be helpful when playing in a different place than normal, with say piano accompaniment, and the piano's middl C is at 436 Hz. It may not sound like much, but I can hear the difference.

2. It has a built in metronome, so when I'm learning a new song or riff, I can learn it a bit slower than the way the music's written, to get the memory in the fingers, then speed it up gradually until it's at speed. At my age, this can be helpful.

I hope this helps.

Mike

jualdeaux · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2009, 11:06:07 pm »

if you have an iPhone, there are a few apps for that. LOL

Or, you could just get one of these.
http://www.tronical.com/tronical/home.html

marstone · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2009, 12:57:08 am »

Quote from: Capt. Mike on August 14, 2009, 03:48:54 pm

Well, Bonk, to be honest, I have a variety of electonic tuners that I've collected over the years, but my favorite is my Korg TM-40, for two reasons.

1. It let's recalibrate the tuner from 440 Hz (middle C) to a higher or lower frequency, which can be helpful when playing in a different place than normal, with say piano accompaniment, and the piano's middl C is at 436 Hz. It may not sound like much, but I can hear the difference.

2. It has a built in metronome, so when I'm learning a new song or riff, I can learn it a bit slower than the way the music's written, to get the memory in the fingers, then speed it up gradually until it's at speed. At my age, this can be helpful.

I hope this helps.

Mike

I will agree, not only do you need to tune each instrument, but make sure they are tuned to each other also. Those little differences show up when you play together.

But for a single guitar it wouldn't matter if you are a few hertz off either side.

I have only ear tuned my guitar so can't help you with a choice of electronic devices.

Bonk · « **Reply #4 on:** August 15, 2009, 02:15:19 am »

Thanks for the input guys.

My traditional tuning method of choice is an A440 tuning fork in air and on the guitar body, and then tune the strings relative to each other, confirming with harmonics. However, currently I have a guitar on hand but no tuning fork.

I was just curious if anyone had any experience with any of these tuning apps. Perhaps I'll give a few of them a try then get off my butt and go get a tuning fork and compare.

Capt. Mike · « **Reply #5 on:** August 15, 2009, 06:42:20 am »

It's funny you mention using a tuning fork...I have one, and have used it in the past, but now a days, I use it to entertain the grandkids (making water in a bowl ripple, moving ping pong balls, etc)

On a side note, we calibrate the cops tuning forks that they use to calibrate thier radar speed guns..basically, we ensure that the tuning fork is within 0.1% of it's nominal frequency..they usually come in pairs..one for 30 mph, and one for 60 mph, which calibrates thier gun for a span that is normally all that is needed on a military base..

We are gearing up for the laser guns, and since I'm the fiber optics/laser guy for Air Combat Command, am looking forward to it.

So Bonk, what kind of guitar do you have? You can tell I have G.A.S. (guitar acquisition syndrome). My weekend project (other than keeping Joshua out of my work area) has been to replace the tuners and reset the neck on a Horugel double cutaway hollow body electric. I'll post some pics in Ten Forward when I'm done.

TTFN

Mike

Bonk · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2009, 09:18:48 pm »

It's a Kaman Music Corporation Montana. Yeah,I know wtf is that? It belongs to my sister-in-law. My Yamaha SJ-180 is currently in her father's possession. This one is not bad though. I'll report on any tuner apps I try out.

Capt. Mike · « **Reply #7 on:** August 16, 2009, 10:54:30 pm »

Now..funny you should say a Montana...

I've bought three Montana travel guitars for some of my grandkids (the ones old enough to appreciate them)..

They are sturdy, and stay in tume quite well, and I would have no problem playing them in public.

Have a great week..I've been tracing down a 60 Hz filter problem in a synthesized sig gen we use as a calibration standard..usually wouldn't be a problem, but I'm calibrating a selective level voltmeter, and the 60 Hz interferes at the lower end..I've got a better generator, but it's not "certified" at -120 dB..

I just shake my head

TTFN

Mike

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