 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: xarkon
Date: 2008-10-10 15:18
I currently use a Peterson Stroboflip. Amazingly accurate tuner, with a variety of options for changing key, temperament, etc. ad nauseam. Originally bought to properly intonate guitars, but I'm finding it harder to use for clarinet. You see, the device doesn't display how many CENTS you are out of tune - you just see the strobe scrolling up or down.
I have seen some recommendations for other tuners, e.g. Korg CA-20. I used to have a Korg needle tuner, but I've lost it. My only concern with things like the CA-20 is whether the needle is very precise. (I.e. 3 cents sharp, 7 cents flat, etc.)
Any recommendations? Thanks,
Dave
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Author: mrn
Date: 2008-10-10 15:43
I like the mechanical needle tuners, myself. I have an old Seiko with a large needle display. I looked to see if they still make my old model. I don't think they do, but I did notice that they make an LCD-display tuner that apparently gives you a numerical readout of how many cents sharp or flat you are. Maybe that is more what you're looking for:
http://www.seiko-sl.co.jp/english/music/products/tuner/sat500.html
Post Edited (2008-10-10 15:49)
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Author: William
Date: 2008-10-10 16:28
I, too, have an older Seiko with a real needle display which I much prefer to the LCD "fake" needle. I'm surprised that they discontinued it but the newer ones sans real needle are probably cheaper to manufacture and, therefore, more profitable to sell. Personally, I don't care for the blinking lights and "how far am I off" cents-wise readouts. What is important to me is when that needle moves off-center, how far which way and how soon. Knowing only that, I can immediately make the necessary embouchure adjustment to keep my needle straight up and down on most notes and learn which ones need the most attention so I can make those adjustments when I am playing a rehearsal or gig. These new fangled LCD readouts--y'all can hav'um--I'll keep my old Sekio or any other tuner with a real needle.
However, the best tuning device is the human ear. It is much better to play in tune than "be" in tune.
[end am rant]
Post Edited (2008-10-10 16:29)
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2008-10-17 00:39
If you're playing in a larger ensemble, I'd suggest getting the clip on microphone that fits the jack of your tuner. In rehearsals, I'll often clip the mike to my bell and check out my intonation in passages that are particularly exposed.
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2008-10-17 14:34
I really like Korg's products the CA30 is a good cheap (US20) tuner with an lcd display, but not sure you will see the 3 cents range.
The next step up the OT-120 has an analog needle and will cost you around US100.
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: Bubalooy
Date: 2008-10-17 22:33
checking out your pitch on exposed passages with a clip on mic has some merits, and I don't wish to completely degrade this idea. However, the tuner will make no compensation for the position of the note in the chord. An f sharp as the third of a D major chord is not the same as the F sharp as the 5th of a B major chord or the major 7th of a G major chord. The ear needs to make these adjustments or you will play as out of tune as the piano (not all bad but not ideal)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-10-17 23:01
William wrote:
> I'm surprised that they discontinued it but the newer ones sans real
> needle are probably cheaper to manufacture and, therefore, more
> profitable to sell.
A needle that isn't locked when not in use is a rather sensitive thing - LCDs are so much sturdier and rather immune to mechanical faults.
My vote goes to the Korg CA30/40 or the TM40 (if you need a metronome as well)
--
Ben
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-10-18 04:28
I have the Korg CA-30 and until a couple of days ago I would easily recommend it. Unless if you have a psychological problem against "technology" and prefer a neelde, or have some problem with the lights, I can't see any reason to use a needle. A few days ago I checked the intonation of a new clarinet and the entire clarinet seemed very flat. 20+ cents flatter than 440 throughout. So I compared with my not so well tuned piano, and it seems ok. So I checked another clarinet which I know is relatively sharp in the throat notes, and the tuner still showed it as flat at 440. Something happened to the tuner. I played with the frequency a little, turned it on and off a few times, and suddenly it seemed right again. A day later it shows flat again. It's only a year old and I don't remember dropping it (which doesn't mean I haven't).
Nitai
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-10-18 10:36
Nitai,
dumb question, I know, but maybe the batteries are getting bad?
--
Ben
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2008-10-18 11:38
I have a Korg CA-30 too. I've dropped like... a lot and I don't think anything has been messed up yet.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-10-18 11:56
Ben, actually I didn't check. I just had to do some stuff and then forgot about it, but I will check that later maybe that's the problem.
Post Edited (2008-10-18 12:01)
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2008-10-20 13:51
I have several tuners including the smaller Petersons VS-1 and (no longer have) stroboflip and the Korg CA-30 and Sabine MT9000
The Korg is the fastest and visually most appealing (and smallest) of the tuners I have.
I also use a remote clipon mic for all of the above (except the Sabine as it accepts a different plug if i recall correctly)
The Korg TM-40 (Tuner Metronome) might be a good option too as it adds the metronome functionality, though it looks to be quite a bit larger for a compact.
I've also dropped the ca30 alot - where it break apart and the battery comes spilling out. and it always just snaps back together. To replace the battery you have to separate from two pieces - there's no access door/flap on it.
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
Post Edited (2008-10-20 13:53)
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