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In this article, we’re going to be discussing the Top 9 best tuner pedals for bass guitar, that exist in 2021.
However, before we go into depth about these particular products, we’re first going to briefly touch on what exactly bass tuner does, and how it actually works, so we can have a better understanding as to what tuner specifications to look out for.
What is a Bass Tuner Pedal?
Bass Tuner Pedals are hardware units that provide real-time instructional direction for the tuning of your bass guitar.
These pedals are integrated within a bassist’s effects pedal setup, and more often provide ‘True Bypass’ so as to not interfere with the bass signal which passes through the setup, to be processed by other effects pedals such as bass synth pedals or bass EQ pedals, and eventually output.
Bass Tuner pedals are used both in a studio environment and a live environment, with it being highly important to maintain accurate tuning within both scenarios. If you are looking for a guitar tuner pedal then look at our best guitar tuner guide!
How Does A Bass Tuner Pedal Actually Work?
A bass tuner processor pedal will analyze the inputted signals frequency (Hz), which is then directly compared to the pre-programmed frequency ranges and co-relating frequency note name i.e A4, C5, etc.
However, a bass guitar which is tuned to ‘standard tuning’ will be tuned to the following frequency of notes:
5 String Bass: B0 – 30.87hz , E1 – 41.20hz, A1 – 55hz, D2 – 73.42hz , G2 – 98hz
4 String Bass: E1 – 41.20hz, A1 – 55hz, D2 – 73.42hz , G2 – 98hz
Once the bassist plucks each string, the bass tuner will detect the input signal and work out the nearest note to which the frequency of the string is oscillating.
Any deviation from the nearest semi-tone will be indicated on the pedal’s interface, which will instruct the user to either tighten or loosen the tuning pegs until the specific target frequency is detected.
It’s important to note, bass tuners provide instructions to get to the nearest semi-tone frequency based on the input, which may not be the desired frequency, although this should be easy to work out if you know your ABCs and have rough pitch awareness.
Ok, so that’s enough about the basics of these processors, let’s get to sharing the good stuff! What are the best bass tuner pedals of 2020?
Best Bass Tuner Pedals
Donner Dt-1 Chromatic Bass Tuner
Features
- Chromatic Tuner for Bass and Guitar
- Aluminum alloy casing making it sturdy
- Good visibility LED light and LCD screen
- Very inexpensive at less than $20
- Large tuning frequency range: A0 (27.50hZ) – C8 (4186hz)
- True Bypass
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.48lbs
- Dimensions : 4.8″ x 2.4″ x 2.6″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The Donner DT-1 is one of the most inexpensive tuners we’ve managed to find, whilst still having a great reputation…
Just take a look at some of the reviews on Amazon.
If you’re looking for a compact, very cheap tuner pedal, the Donner DT-1 is your answer.
Rowin High Precision Bass Chromatic Tuner Pedal
Features
- Chromatic Tuner for Bass and Guitar
- Is suitable for 5 string basses and 7 string guitars
- Aluminum alloy chassis
- Good visibility LED light and LCD screen
- Very inexpensive at less than $22
- Large tuning frequency range: 12.00hz – 4186hz
- True Bypass
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.25lbs
- Dimensions : 3.7″ x 1.8″ x 1.9″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The Rowin High Precision tuner is another very inexpensive solution for bassists.
Again, considering the reviews that this device gets on Amazon, it’s clear that it provides a good, highly visible interface, and accurate tuning.
If you’re looking for an even more compact pedal than the Donner DT-1 and not to mention the price again, the Rowin processor is definitely an attractive option.
Behringer TU300 Tuner
Features
- Guitar/Bass Tuner with 7 tuning modes (Regular, Chromatic, Flat, Double Flat, etc)
- Built to last, with solid stomp-box mechanism
- Features 7 LEDs and 11-point stream metered accurate guarantee tuning
- Very inexpensive at less than $25
- Runs on 9v battery or power supply
- Muted output whilst in operation
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.25lbs
- Dimensions : 3.7″ x 1.8″ x 1.9″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The Behringer TU300 is perfect for the bassist who wants a tuner built like the Boss TU-3 pedal, whilst maintaining a low price-point.
This device is highly versatile, being able to be used on Guitar and Bass, and can be operated via 9v battery power or a 9v power supply…
Ideal for live scenarios where plug sockets may not be available.
The only slight niggle we have is that there are some other pedals with slightly bigger, brighter LED displays.
However, don’t misinterpret this, you can see definitely see the screen when it’s on the floor, but it’s not as large as some of the other units.
XGuitarx X9 – Bass Tuner Pedal
Features
- Strong metal chassis and highly durable design – Suitable for touring musician
- Can be used for both Bass and Electric Guitar
- Functions for Flat/Drop tunings up to 2 whole tones below standard pitch
- When in use, it mutes the output signal, which is useful for live performances
- Large LED display for clear reading in dark environments i.e on-stage
- Fast functioning and highly accurate (being within 0.5% of perfect tuning
- Large tuning frequency range: A0 (27.50hZ) – C8 (4186hz)
- Includes 5-year Manufacturers Warranty
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v power supply is required for operation, AC adaptor is sold separately (9V Power Supply – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.26lbs
- Dimensions : 3.7″ x 1.2″ x 1.5″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The xGuitarx X9 unit is a small, compact tuner pedal for bass and guitar.
It has a very sturdy metal chassis and features high visibility LED display making it suitable for live use.
When in use, the output signal is muted, and hence the audience will not be able to hear you tuning your bass or electric guitar.
This little stomp-box has to be used with a 9v power supply as it does not have an internal battery.
KLIQ TinyTune Tuner
Features
- Sturdy metal casing – built to last – suitable for gigging musicians
- Heavy-duty stomp on/off switch
- Can be used for Bass, Guitar, Violin, Ukulele, etc
- Operates for Flat/Drop tunings up to 2 whole tones below standard pitch
- When in use, the output signal is muted, very useful for live performances
- Large Bright LED display for clear reading in dark environments i.e on-stage
- Fast functioning and very accurate (being within 0.5% of perfect tuning)
- Large tuning frequency range: A0 (27.50hZ) – C8 (4186hz)
- Comes with a 3m hook and loop pedal board fastener
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v power supply is required for operation, AC adaptor is sold separately (9V Power Supply – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.26lbs
- Dimensions : 3.7″ x 1.2″ x 1.5″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The KLIQ TinyTune tuner processor is very similar to the xGuitarx x9 pedal in all of the technical and physical specifications.
For us, the KLIQ pedal looks a little better, but the xGuitarx x9 comes with a 5-year warranty that is simply not mentioned or insinuated by KLIQ.
This little stomp-box has to be used with a 9v power supply as it does not have an internal battery.
Joyo JT-305 Tuner
Features
- Guitar/Bass Chromatic Tuner in a die-cast metal casing
- Very large, bright LED display, perfect for dark environments
- Multiple display modes for visual customization
- A0 (27.5hz) – C8 (4186hz) frequency response range
- True Bypass switching
- Runs on a 9V battery can be run on 9V power supply
- Still quite inexpensive at $44
- Muted output whilst in operation
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight: 1.1lbs
- Dimensions : 1.9″ x 5.7″ x 3.1″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The Joyo JT-305 is another fairly inexpensive bass tuner pedal; with a great frequency response range and True Bypass, it’s a decent processor.
In direct comparison to other tuner pedals around this price-point, the Behringer TU-300 seems to be the more attractive option.
Snark SN-10S Pedal Tuner
Features
- Guitar/Bass Chromatic Tuner in a die-cast metal casing
- Very large, bright LED display, perfect for dark environments
- True Bypass switching
- Runs on a 9V battery can be run on 9V power supply also
- Still quite inexpensive at $44
- Muted output whilst in operation
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.25lbs
- Dimensions : 4.0″ x 2.0″ x 2.5″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The Snark SN-10S is a mid-range contender, it’s not particularly inexpensive, and has a range of functions.
The main advantage of this unit over others is that it has a HUGE LED display.
However, all of the other functions can equally be found in a less expensive option, i.e the Behringer TU-300.
None-the-less, the SN-10S is a fantastic option, and if you decide to get it, remember that you’ll need to purchase the 9V power supply separately.
Korg Pitchblack Chromatic Tuner
Features
- Compact Chromatic tuner for bass & Guitar, made by KORG
- Sleek design, with tough aluminum die-cast chassis
- Large LED display for dark environments, including different display modes (Meter, Full Strobe, Half Strobe & Mirror)
- Large tuning frequency range: E0 (20.60hZ) – C8 (4186hz)
- When in operation, the tuner automatically mutes the signal output, making sure the audience doesn’t hear anything.
- True Bypass
- Can be powered by 9V battery or 9v power supply
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v powered, AC adaptor is not included (Planet Waves 9V Power Adaptor – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.61lbs
- Dimensions : 7.3″ x 3.3″ x 2.5″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The KORG PitchBlack pedal is suitable for any bassist who is looking for a compact tuner but is concerned by a potential lack of visibility.
The large LED display, including the multitude of display modes that can be pre-programmed by the user, will surely relieve those worries…
You’ll definitely see this little thing on the floor!
The Korg Pitchblack is also suitable for those looking for a processor that can run on battery power alone, ideal for the gigging musician who doesn’t want to be bound near plug sockets.
Boss TU-3 Tuner Pedal (Comes With Power Supply)
Features
- Bass & Guitar chromatic tuning pedal by Boss
- Incredibly strong metal casing, with durable foot pedal
- Accurate pitch tuning with less than 1% deviation
- Supports 6-String Bass & 7-String Guitar Tuning
- 21-segment high visibility LED display for dark environments
- Supports flat/drop tunings up to 3 whole tones below standard tuning
- Large tuning frequency range: C0 (16.35hZ) – C8 (4186hz)
- When in operation, the tuner automatically mutes the signal output, making sure the audience doesn’t hear
- Includes 9v power supply + can run off 9v battery alone (perfect for those without a plug socket)
- Includes 5-year Manufacturers Warranty
- Buffered Bypass
Technical Specifications
- 1/4″ jack input
- 9v powered, AC adaptor is included
- Weight: 1.8lbs
- Dimensions : 5.1″ x 2.9″ x 2.3″ inches
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Summary
The Boss TU-3 is truly the gold standard tuning pedal within the industry.
This thing was built to last, and last it will…
Suitable for musicians who’re looking for a tuner that they can potentially take on the road, which can take a beating night after night, whilst still delivering that accurate tuning functionality without fail.
This pedal can run on battery power alone (having a 9v battery) or via the 9v power supply (which is included).
With a 5-year manufacturer warranty, you simply cannot go wrong with picking the Boss TU-3 as your trusty go-to bass tuner.
Conclusion – The Winner is?
Best Low-Cost tuner pedal – Behringer TU-300 (Buy on Amazon)
Best Premium Quality tuner pedal – Boss TU-3 (Buy on Amazon)
Best Compact tuner pedal – KLIQ Tinytune (Buy on Amazon)
Best Pedal for gigging – Behringer TU-300 (Buy on Amazon)
Therefore, in conclusion, our overall pedal recommendation would be the Behringer TU-300. Considering the build quality, sound quality, price, and company reputation, it’s the best bass tuner around!
