As the name suggests, clip-on bass tuners are a great, portable way to quickly tune your bass guitar no matter where you are. If you don’t care about portability and are looking for the highest accuracy for bass guitar tuning, you would likely want to go with a bass tuner pedal. However, if you want to be able to tune your bass guitar quickly, without having to plug in your bass, whether you are at home, at a gig, or on the go, then a clip-on tuner is the way to go.
A tuner is one of the most essential accessories that you will buy for your bass guitar or electric guitar because, quite simply, if you are not in tune, you will not sound good.
The top clip-on bass tuners are those with the highest accuracy as well as a sharp, clear displays, and strong grip that keeps the tuner in place.
What Do Clip-On Bass Tuners Do?
A clip-on tuner is designed to be a simple tool to help you tune your bass guitar correctly, allowing you to get the proper tuning for each string of your instrument without having to plug in the instrument. A clip-on tuner gives you the opportunity for fast tuning of each string of your bass guitar on the fly.
If you’re a newbie and you just can’t seem to tune your bass properly, then fret no more (pun intended). Bass is a relatively easy instrument to tune. The pitch of a bass note can be identified by the length of the string. A bass tuner helps make it easier than ever to get the right notes from your bass guitar.
Growth of Guitar Tuners
Over the last decade, the popularity of guitar tuners has grown, which has resulted in more tuning products being available than ever before. In fact, a tuner is likely the first accessory (other than maybe a gig bag or case) that a bassist would get. Staying in tune is essential to playing, whether it’s during practice, during a lesson, or during a show.
The world of guitar tuners can be confusing to newcomers, so we’re here to help you find the best bass tuner for your needs, which range from basic clip-on tuners for bass players to fancy multi-function tuners for guitarists. Our guide will help you find the right tuner for whatever your requirements may be.
Playing a bass guitar may be simple. You just plug it in and you’re ready to go. But getting it to sound good is another thing altogether. Just like with guitars, most bass players discover they need a tuner to know when they’re in tune. Fortunately, there are lots of great bass tuners out there.
Let’s check them out.
Top 10 Clip On Bass Tuners
1. Snark Super Tight ST-2
FEATURES
- Fully Chromatic Tuner for Bass and Guitar
- High sensitivity vibration sensor and internal mic
- Built-in microphone
- Extended frequency range for all instruments
- New brighter display and 360 swivel head allow tuning at all angles.
- One of the cheapest bass tuners on our list – great for bassists on a budget
- Pitch Calibration (415Hz-466 Hz)
- Stay-put clip
- Tap tempo metronome
- Flat tuning/Transpose feature & rotate 360°
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Chromatic
- Format: Clip-On
- Display Type: High Definition 360 degree LCD display
- Reference Pitch: (415Hz-466 Hz)
- Tuning Mode: Flat/Transpose
- Manufacturer Part Number: ST-2
Summary
Snark Tuners are a trusted brand and have a reputation for reliable, long-lasting tuning. The ST-2 is a clip-on tuner that connects to your guitar and does an excellent job of maintaining accurate tuning. It is also a favorite among bass players. It is incredibly simple to use and the sheer convenience of having it on your belt is one of the reasons it is so popular. If you’re looking for a tuner that works well for all your musical needs, the Snark ST-fast is your best choice.
2. Peterson StroboClip HD
Features
- Supreme accuracy: True strobe 1 thousandth of a semitone (0.1 cent)
- Small clip-on format with soft rubber jaws — convenient and non-marring
- Comes with over 50 Sweetened Tunings for optimized offsets that enhance tonal richness.
- Tour-tough chassis protect the StroboClip from damage for worry-free performance
- HD high-visibility backlit LCD display is easy to read regardless of light levels
- Wider viewing angle – visible in direct sunlight
- Firmware updatable
- Creates an octave under the low B on bass
- Adjustable calibration from 390 Hz up to 490 Hz
- Drop Tuning and Capo Settings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Chromatic
- Format: Clip-On
- Display Type: Strobe, HD backlit LCD display
- Reference Pitch: Concert A = 390 Hz-490 Hz
- Tuning Range: C0-B6(16-1975Hz)
- Accuracy: 0.1Cent
- Tuning Mode: 50+ Tuning Modes
- Manufacturer Part Number: 403868
Summary
In this day and age, it’s hard for anyone to find a tuner that is reliable, accurate, and durable. The Peterson StroboClip HD Tuner is breaking all the rules. It’s a tuner that you can take anywhere, and use it without problems for hours on end (when you’re not changing the strings, that is). As the name implies, this tuner uses a strobe backlight to illuminate the display, and it works extremely well. The Peterson StroboClip HD is a tuner that not only looks sharp, but sounds great as well.
3. Korg Sledgehammer Pro
FEATURES
- High-performance chromatic easy to use clips to headstock tuner for guitar and bass
- High-contrast, 3-dimensional display
- Extreme tuning accuracy of +/- 0.1 Cents
- Reference Pitch: A4 = 436–445 Hz (1 Hz steps)
- Tuning Range: A0 (27.50 Hz)–C8 (4186 Hz)
- It includes calibration, auto power-off, and memory backup functions
- Three Meter-Display Modes
- 3D Tubular LED Visual Meter
- Calibrate to Different Reference Pitches
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Chromatic
- Format: Clip-On
- Display Type: LED, strobe, Half-Strobe
- Reference Pitch: A4= 436-445Hz
- Tuning Range: A0-C8 (27.5-4186 Hz)
- Accuracy: ±0.1 cent
- Manufacturer Part Number: SHPRO
Summary
When it comes to tuning your guitar or bass, you want the easiest and most accurate tuner around, and that is the Korg Sledgehammer Pro headstock tuner. All you have to do is tune up your instrument, then pick up the Sledgehammer Pro and the 3-dimensional display will show you your pitch and you can tune your guitar to any note or chord, or just any tuning you want! The display has a high visibility display so you can see it in the daylight, and the shuttle switch on the body makes it easy to tune one-handed, even when you’re playing.
4. D’Addario Micro Headstock Tuner
FEATURES
- Low-profile design lets you tune inconspicuously
- Super-bright, backlit LCD display is easy to see in dim or bright environments
- Multicolor reversible screen fits on top or back of headstock
- Suitable for instruments with nitro lacquer and headstocks of guitars and basses.
- Amazing accuracy and note recognition
- Wide calibration Range 410 to 480 Hz
- Comes with CR2032 3-volt battery
- Very sensitive piezo pickup
- Bright display
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Chromatic
- Format: Clip-On
- Display Type: Multi color LCD
- Reference Pitch: 410-480Hz calibration range
- Batteries: 410-480Hz Calibration Range
- Manufacturer Part Number: PW-CT-12
Summary
The new Micro Headstock Tuner is on of the smallest headstock tuners on the market, yet still packs all of the features of full size D’Addario tuners. The new reversible screen is a great selling point for guitarists looking for a tuner that looks cool and works great. The display lights up with a multicolor array of lights that gives the user a more visually appealing way to tune. The new tuner features a super-sensitive piezo sensor that gives the user more accuracy and tuning versatility.
5. Fender Bullet Chromatic Tuner
FEATURES
- Aircraft grade aluminium, compact chromatic tuner
- Power supply: 1.5V (LR44) alkaline batteries (2)(included)
- 360° Rotatable
- Tuning range: A (27.5Hz)–C (4186.0Hz)
- Accuracy: /- 1 cent
- A4 range: 440Hz
- Waterproof
- No power consumption in standby mode
- Automatic shutdown
- Strong clamp
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Chromatic
- Format: Clip-On
- Display Type: LED
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 13.5kg
- Power Source: 1.5V alkaline batteries(LR44) (2) Included.
Summary
For musicians who want to tune their instruments in real time, the Bullet Tuner is the perfect tool. The device features a powerful engine with a noise-proof vibration sensor that allows for precise chromatic tuning for electric, acoustic and bass guitar players alike. The stylish, bullet-shaped tuner is easy to carry and hide in the palm of your hand, yet provides high visibility during rehearsals and performances. A bright, color LED screen shows easy-to-see readings in any environment.
6. TC Electronic PolyTune
Features
- Chromatic (+/-0.5 cent) and extra accurate strobe tuner (+/-0.02 cent) modes
- Big, ultra bright adaptive display makes tuning easy with any orientation.
- Tune all of your strings at once, quickly and accurately
- Elegant and bright 105 LEDs display lets you see the tuning for each string anywhere.
- Durable design with high quality stainless steel clip
- Save and recall default tuning and a reference pitch
- TC Electronic’s brightest PolyTune model to date
- Perfect for full sunlight and dark stages alike
- Display automatically adapts to stay right-side up
- State of the art clip-on tuner
Technical Specifications
- Type: Chromatic strobe tuner, clip-on
- Tuning Range: A0 (27.5 Hz) to C8 (4186 Hz)
- Tuning Accuracy: Chromatic tuning mode: ±0.5 cent
- Strobe tuning mode: ±0.02 cent
- Reference Pitch: A4=435 to 445 Hz, Adjustable in 1 Hz steps
Summary
TC Electronic’s PolyTune Clip is a clip-style tuner that is designed to replace your traditional tuner and clip-style tuner. The PolyTune Clip is a clip-style tuner that uses a bright, multi-colored LED display with non-slip rubber for enhanced grip and is designed to clip onto any guitar or bass and is designed to work with most types of bass guitars and electric and acoustic guitars.
7. Roadie Bass Tuner and Winder
Features
- Its white and black display screen is located on the side, not visible for left-handed players or while tuning pegs on the bottom of the neck
- Scroll wheel and button navigation system
- Comes with 40+ built-in tunings
- Limited space for custom tuning
- Winds/unwinds strings at 40 RPM
- No metronome function
- “Tune up” setting available
- USB-C rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Change A4 reference pitch in 1Hz increments
- Tune with a capo on
Technical Specifications
- Type: Chromatic
- Display Type: LED
- Tunes string up to 140 gauge
- Frequency Direction: 27.5Hz and 880Hz
- Rotation Speed: Up to 40RPM
- Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required.
- Manufacturer Part Number: RD250
Summary
Roadie Bass is the new automatic string tuner that combines headstock detection, vibration detection, a simple interface and integrated calibration right into a compact bass-shaped design. It can also wind strings at up to 40 RPM to help you change and tune strings quickly. Roadie Bass is one of the small number of tuners that are made specifically for the bass guitar. Roadie Bass can effectively tune bass guitars in a mere 20 seconds to save you time and ensure your instrument stays in tune. The Roadie Bass tuner is small in size, lightweight, and convenient to carry.
8. D’Addario Eclipse Cello/Bass Tuner
Features
- Clip-on headstock tuner for a great deal
- Vertical full color display is easy to read
- Extremely accurate quick tuning
- Limitless viewing angles
- Dual-swivel mount makes positioning easy
- Low-profile design fits compactly behind your bass guitar’s headstock
- Full-color display
Technical Specifications
- Type: Chromatic
- Instrument: Bass, Cello
- Format: Clip-on
- Display Type: Full color
- Reference Pitch: 435-450Hz calibration range
Summary
The Eclipse clip-on tuner delivers high precision and accuracy and is a great solution at a great price. Unlike many other tuners, this tuner is designed to work with lower-stringed instruments. It has a multi-swivel action, providing you with a great viewing angle no matter what your viewpoint it. With the clip-on design, it connects firmly to your headstock, giving you fast, dependable tuning anywhere.
9. KLIQ UberTuner
Features
- Full color Excellent Large LCD display
- Easy to use
- Fully adjustable angles
- Good battery life
Technical Specifications
- Tuning Accuracy: ±1 cent
- Tuning Range: A0 (27.50 Hz) – C8 (4,186 Hz)
- Reference Pitch: 430-450 Hz (in 1 Hz steps)
- Tuning Modes: Guitar, bass, violin, ukulele and chromatic
- Transpose Range: C, F, B-flat, E-flat
- Display: Full color LED backlit LCD display
Summary
The UberTuner by KLIQ is an all-around guitar tuner that has proven to be a huge hit with both beginners and more advanced players, offering easy tuning along with some nice add-on features like a metronome, chord generator and pitch pipe.
10. Martisan Clip On Tuner
Features
- Fully Chromatic helping to achieve the perfect tuning fast and easy
- Large & rotational Full color LCD display.
- Easy to Read from Any Angle
- With Five Tuning Modes: C, G, B, V, U (chromatic, guitar, bass, violin, ukulele) to cover a wide range of instruments.
- Perfect Tuning On Nearly Any Acoustic or Electric Stringed Instrument.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Chromatic
- Format: Clip-on
- Display: Full color high resolution LCD display
- Measurement Range: A4: 430-450 Hz
- Battery: CR2032 lithium
Summary
Martisan Tuner is a chromatic instrument tuner that uses vibration technology. It will handle all string instruments including guitar, violin, banjo, ukulele and many more. Martisan Tuner is very lightweight and small and you can take it anywhere. The tuner has a CR2032 lithium battery included when you order this amazing little device. It has a very high precision with a sensitivity of 0.5 cent to 500Hz and 1 cent to 5000 Hz. It makes any stringed instrument in the whole world sound like a complete orchestra.
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of clip on bass tuners available in the market today, and having so many options is certainly a good thing for you aspiring bassists who are looking for a quick, easy, and portable way to tune your bass guitars.
Although we still recommend bass tuner pedals for the most accurate tuning, the portability and convenience of a clip on tuner are hard to match.
So which ones are our favorite? It’s a tough call, as so many different ones have so many different strengths. With that being said, here are our picks based on budget:
- Budget Clip On Tuner ($) – Snark Super Tight ST-2 Chromatic Tuner. With its incredibly low price point and a few thousand reviews with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon, the Snark ST-2 is our top choice for a budget clip on bass tuner.
- Moderately Priced Clip On Tuner ($$) – Fender Bullet Chromatic Tuner. Fender’s reputation for quality extends to its guitar accessories, as well. The Fender Bullet Chromatic Tuner has thousands of reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon. And, although it’s in our moderately priced category, it’s still at quite an affordable price point for a tuner of this quality.
- High Priced Clip On Tuner( $$$) – Peterson StroboClip HD Clip-On Tuner. The StroboClip HD has a lot of great features, including a high-definition, real-time tuning display, 1/10th cent (1/1000th of a semitone or fret) tuning accuracy, and a wide variety of preset tunings. With so many features to tinker with, the StroboClip is the way to go if you have a higher budget to begin with.