8 Best Guitar Tuners

Are you a musician who wants to ensure that your instrument is always perfectly tuned? Look no further because in this article, we will be reviewing and comparing five different clip-on tuners: the Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner, the Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner, the Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome, the ROADIE 3 Smart Automatic Guitar Tuner, and the KLIQ UberTuner. Each of these products brings its own unique features and benefits to the table, making it easier than ever for musicians to tune their instruments accurately and effortlessly.

Clip-on tuners have become an essential tool for musicians of all levels. These types of tuners have been around for quite some time, evolving from the traditional tuner that required plugging in an instrument or having it close to a microphone. The main advantage of owning a clip-on tuner is the convenience it offers. With a simple clip-on attachment, you can easily secure the tuner onto your instrument and tune it anywhere, without the need for additional accessories or cables.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the five clip-on tuners mentioned earlier. We will explore their unique features, tuning modes, and compatibility with different instruments. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which tuner suits your needs and preferences best. So, let’s get started and find the perfect clip-on tuner for you!

Fender Clip-On Tuner

The Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is designed for musicians who want a reliable and accurate tuner for their guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, or any other stringed instrument. Whether you’re a professional musician performing on stage or a beginner learning to play, this tuner is a valuable tool to ensure your instrument is always in tune.

We are impressed by the Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner for several reasons. Firstly, its compact size and dual-hinged clip-on design make it easy to attach to the headstock of your instrument, allowing for convenient tuning during performances or practice sessions. The color LCD screen with a clear and easy-to-read tuning needle ensures that you can easily see the tuning status even in dimly lit environments.

Furthermore, the Fender FCT-2 offers versatile tuning options, including guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, and chromatic modes, making it suitable for a wide range of instruments. This means that whether you have multiple instruments or play different types of music, this tuner has got you covered. Additionally, the A440 calibration ensures accurate tuning to standard pitch.

The purpose of the Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is to provide musicians with a reliable and convenient way to keep their instruments in tune. Its key features include a compact size, dual-hinged clip-on design, color LCD screen, easy-to-read tuning needle, and multiple tuning modes.

The overall quality of the Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is exceptional. Fender, a renowned brand in the music industry, has designed this tuner to meet the needs of musicians seeking accuracy, convenience, and durability. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of frequent use, while the high-quality components provide consistent and reliable tuning results.

• Compact and portable design

• Dual-hinged clip-on for easy attachment

• Clear and easy-to-read color LCD screen

• Versatile tuning modes for various instruments

• Accurate tuning with A440 calibration

• Some users may find the tuner’s display size slightly small

The Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is a top-quality tuner that offers convenience, accuracy, and versatility. Its compact size and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for musicians of all levels, and its solid construction ensures long-term durability.

Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass, and Violin

The Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner is a versatile device designed for use with guitars, bass guitars, and violins. It offers musicians an easy way to tune their instruments accurately and quickly, both in the studio and on stage.

We love the Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for its ease of use and reliability. With its full-color display, it provides a clear visual representation of the tuning process, making it suitable for beginners and experienced musicians alike. This tuner can be used on both the front and back of the instrument’s headstock, giving users optimal flexibility. Additionally, its 360° rotation feature allows for comfortable viewing from any angle.

The purpose of the Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner is to provide an accurate and convenient tuning solution for guitarists, bassists, and violinists. Its key features include a customized frequency range tailored to guitars and bass guitars, ensuring precise tuning for these instruments. Furthermore, the tuner’s robust clip-on design securely attaches to the instrument’s headstock, providing stability during use.

The Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner is highly regarded for its exceptional quality. It is constructed with durability in mind, with its compact 1.8 x 1.8 x 3.5″ dimensions making it perfect for travel or storing in a gig bag. The device is made to withstand the demands of regular use and is built to last, making it a great investment for musicians of all levels.

• Easy to read full-color display

• Can be used on front or back of headstock

• 360° rotation feature for comfortable visibility

• Suitable for guitar, bass, and violin tuning

• Reliable and accurate tuning capabilities

• Display may be difficult to see in low-light conditions

With its user-friendly design, versatile functionality, and top-notch quality, the Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner is undoubtedly one of the best guitar tuners available in the market. Musicians can rely on its accuracy and convenience to ensure their instruments are perfectly tuned every time they play.

Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome (Black)

The Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome, Black is a versatile and essential tool for musicians of all levels. With its simultaneous use tuner and metronome capabilities, it helps musicians maintain accurate pitch and rhythm during practice sessions and performances.

One of the reasons why we like the Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome, Black is its high precision and instant pitch detection response. With Korg technology, this tuner provides accurate and reliable tuning for a wide range of instruments, from guitars to violins and more. The backlit LCD display makes it easy to read in any lighting environment, and the adjustable calibration ensures precise tuning.

Another feature we appreciate is the built-in metronome, offering 15 rhythm variations and 3 types of tempo settings. This allows musicians to practice with different musical styles and improve their timing.

The Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome, Black is designed to be a daily practice partner for musicians, band directors, music teachers, and professional musicians. Its 2-in-1 tuner and metronome functionality saves space and offers convenience, while the wide tuner detection range (C1-C8) accommodates various instruments.

The TM60BK is versatile, offering 3 input types to fit different needs. It has a 1/4″ instrument cable input for guitars or other instruments, a 1/4″ contact mic input for use with the Korg CM300 contact mic, and a built-in microphone for detecting any instrument. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of musicians and instruments.

The Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome, Black is known for its exceptional quality. It is built to last, with durable construction and reliable performance. The Korg technology ensures accurate tuning and instant pitch detection. The large, backlit LCD display makes it easy to use in any setting, and the adjustable calibration adds to its versatility.

Pros:

• High precision tuning with instant pitch detection
• Simultaneous use tuner and metronome
• Large, backlit LCD display
• Versatile input options for different instruments
• Durable and reliable construction

Cons:

• Some users may find the interface slightly complicated initially

The Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome, Black is a reliable and versatile tool for musicians. With its accurate tuning, wide detection range, and built-in metronome, it is an excellent choice for musicians of all levels. The durable construction and user-friendly features make it a great investment for those looking to improve their musical skills.

ROADIE 3 | Automatic Guitar Tuner, Metronome & String Winder | For Various Instruments

The ROADIE 3 | Smart Automatic Guitar Tuner is designed for use with a wide variety of string instruments, including electric, acoustic, and classical guitars with nylon strings, 6, 7, and 12-string guitars, ukuleles, mandolins, banjos, lap steel guitars, bouzouki, mountain dulcimer, cigar box guitar, and violins with planetary pegs.

This innovative tuner stands out for its speed and ease of use. With a motor speed 2x faster than its predecessor, Roadie 2, it can automatically tune an instrument in under 30 seconds. Simply place the Roadie on the peg, pluck the string, and let it do the rest. This makes it incredibly convenient for musicians to quickly and accurately tune their instruments.

The ROADIE 3 is built with advanced vibration detection technology, allowing it to maintain tuning accuracy even in noisy environments. It boasts over 100 built-in alternate tunings, making it effortless to switch between tunings or create custom ones. Additionally, users have the flexibility to customize tuning settings, such as changing the A4 reference pitch, tuning with a capo on, and toggling between “Fast Tuning” and “High Accuracy” modes.

The tuner also includes a built-in vibration/beep metronome, enabling musicians to set the tempo and feel the beat while playing. Furthermore, the ROADIE 3 offers the convenience of restringing and tuning in one single step, making the process less tedious. Its compact design and ergonomic grip ensure a comfortable tuning experience, while the full-color, high-resolution display screen provides clear visibility.

The ROADIE 3 is a high-quality guitar tuner that combines speed, accuracy, and convenience. Its reliable vibration detection technology and extensive tuning options make it suitable for both professional musicians and beginners. The tuner’s durability and ergonomic design contribute to its overall quality, ensuring it can withstand frequent use.

Pros:

• 2x faster than its predecessor, the Roadie 2
• Extensive compatibility with various string instruments
• Enhanced tuning accuracy and noise immunity
• Over 100 built-in alternate tunings
• Customizable tuning settings
• Built-in vibration/beep metronome
• Convenient restringing and tuning process
• Long-lasting battery life

Cons:

• Not compatible with bass guitars

With its speed, accuracy, and versatile features, the ROADIE 3 | Smart Automatic Guitar Tuner proves to be a valuable tool for musicians seeking convenience and precision in their tuning process.

KLIQ UberTuner – Clip-On Tuner for All Instruments (multi-key modes) – Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Bass & Chromatic Tuning Modes (also for Mandolin and Banjo)

The KLIQ UberTuner is a professional clip-on tuner that is designed for all instruments but excels in tuning guitars, ukuleles, violins, basses, and mandolins. It also offers a chromatic mode, making it suitable for tuning other string, brass, or woodwind instruments as well.

One of the reasons we love the KLIQ UberTuner is its versatility. Its dedicated modes for various instruments make it a great tool for both beginners and professional musicians. Additionally, the chromatic mode allows for key changes, making it a reliable option for musicians who work with different tunings.

The KLIQ UberTuner is designed to provide fast, accurate, and easy tuning for a wide range of instruments. It features a highly sensitive piezo sensor that detects the instrument’s vibration, ensuring accurate tuning without interference from ambient noise.

The tuner is equipped with a bright high-contrast display that clearly indicates whether the instrument is flat, sharp, or in tune. The display’s large size and adjustable positions ensure optimal visibility from any angle.

In terms of quality, the KLIQ UberTuner is built to last. It comes with a comprehensive 3-year guarantee, and in the unlikely event that it malfunctions, customers are entitled to a replacement or a full refund. The tuner also has an automatic power-off function to save energy, and its memory backup feature retains all settings even when powered off.

The KLIQ UberTuner has garnered a reputation as one of the best clip-on tuners on the market. Its high sensitivity, fast response, and accuracy make it a reliable choice for musicians of all skill levels. The durable design and exceptional customer service provided by KLIQ add to its overall quality and reliability.

Pros:

• Versatile with dedicated modes for various instruments
• Chromatic mode for key changes
• Fast and accurate tuning
• Bright and easily visible display
• Reliable and durable with a comprehensive 3-year guarantee

Cons:

• Does not include a strap for easy attachment to instruments

The KLIQ UberTuner is a top-rated clip-on tuner that stands out for its versatility, accuracy, and reliability. Whether you are a beginner or a professional musician, this tuner is sure to meet your tuning needs.

Fender FT-1 Guitar Tuner

The Fender FT-1 Professional Guitar Tuner Clip On is a versatile tuner that can be used with various types of guitars, including electric, bass, and acoustic. It is designed to provide accurate tuning performance for musicians of all skill levels.

We like the Fender FT-1 Professional Guitar Tuner Clip On because of its compact size and dual-rotating hinges. These features make it easy to attach to the headstock of your guitar and allow for a flexible yet accurate tuning experience. Whether you are playing on stage or practicing at home, this tuner is convenient and reliable.

The purpose of the Fender FT-1 Professional Guitar Tuner Clip On is to help guitarists achieve precise tuning for their instruments. It features an easy-to-read tuning needle and an LCD backlight display that indicates how close your note is to pitch. When the note is in tune, the backlight turns green, providing a clear visual cue.

This tuner is powered by a CR2032 battery, which is included with the purchase. The battery ensures that you can enjoy the convenient and unobtrusive assistance of this Fender clip-on tuner. Additionally, the tuner comes with a one-year limited warranty, highlighting Fender’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

The Fender FT-1 Professional Guitar Tuner Clip On is built with unmatched quality and precision, reflecting Fender’s reputation as a trusted brand in the music industry. It is durably constructed and designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. This tuner delivers accurate tuning performance and is an excellent addition to any guitarist’s gear collection.

Pros:

• Compact and portable
• Dual-rotating hinges for flexibility
• Easy-to-read tuning needle and LCD backlight display
• Battery included
• One-year limited warranty

Cons:

• Some users may prefer a tuner with additional features or modes

The Fender FT-1 Professional Guitar Tuner Clip On is an outstanding choice for guitarists who value accuracy, convenience, and quality. Whether you are a beginner or a professional musician, this tuner will assist you in achieving optimal tuning for your instrument, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful music.

Snark ST-8 Guitar Tuner

The New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On is a highly versatile guitar tuner suitable for both beginners and professional musicians. Its primary use is to accurately tune guitars and various other stringed instruments.

What sets the New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On apart from other guitar tuners is its exceptional accuracy and fast response time. This tuner is designed to deliver precise tuning results, ensuring that your instrument always sounds pitch-perfect. Whether you’re an experienced musician or just beginning your musical journey, the reliable and efficient performance of this tuner will enhance your playing experience.

The New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On is built to satisfy the needs of guitarists who value accuracy and convenience. Its key features include a brightly colored display that can be easily seen in various lighting conditions, providing clear visual feedback for tuning adjustments. The clip-on design allows for quick and secure attachment to the headstock of the guitar, ensuring stability during tuning. Furthermore, this tuner supports both chromatic and guitar modes, making it suitable for a wide range of instruments.

The New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On is crafted with durability in mind, guaranteeing a long lifespan even with regular use. The compact and portable design of the tuner ensures easy transportation, allowing musicians to tune their instruments on the go. Additionally, its simplified operation makes it user-friendly for both beginners and professionals alike.

• Excellent accuracy and fast response time.

• Brightly colored display for clear visual feedback.

• Versatile support for various instruments.

• Durable and portable design.

• Some users may find the clip-on attachment slightly tight.

• Smaller display size compared to other tuners.

The New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On is a top-notch tuner that offers excellent accuracy, convenience, and durability. Whether you’re performing on stage, recording in the studio, or simply practicing at home, this tuner will ensure that your instrument is always perfectly in tune.

TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP Clip-On Tuner with Polyphonic, Strobe and Chromatic Modes and 108 LED Matrix Display

The TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP Clip-On Tuner is designed for guitar players who are looking for a convenient and accurate way to tune their instruments. With its clip-on design, this tuner can be easily attached to the headstock of a guitar or bass, allowing players to tune their instruments quickly and easily.

We love the TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP because it offers exceptional tuning performance in a compact and easy-to-use design. One of the standout features of this tuner is its polyphonic tuning mode, which allows users to strum all the strings at once and see which ones are out of tune. This saves a significant amount of time when compared to traditional tuners that require individual string tuning.

Another reason we love this tuner is its 108 LED matrix display, which provides a clear and bright readout of each string’s tuning status. The display is easy to read even in low-light settings, making it perfect for both professional musicians and beginners.

The TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP is designed to offer ultimate tuning performance for guitar and bass players. Its key features include polyphonic, strobe, and chromatic tuning modes, a 108 LED matrix display, and a durable clip-on design. The polyphonic mode allows players to tune all strings at once, while the strobe and chromatic modes offer precise and accurate tuning for individual strings.

The overall quality of the TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP is exceptional. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the rigors of regular use. The tuner’s clip-on design is sturdy and reliable, ensuring that it stays securely attached to the instrument during tuning sessions. The bright and clear LED matrix display provides accurate and easy-to-read tuning information, making it a valuable tool for musicians of all skill levels.

Pros of the TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP include its polyphonic tuning mode, bright LED matrix display, and durable clip-on design. It is also compatible with both guitar and bass instruments. The only potential con of this tuner is that it may be slightly more expensive compared to some other clip-on tuners on the market. However, the added features and superior performance of the POLYTUNE CLIP make it well worth the investment for serious musicians.

Comparison of Specifications

Specification	Fender FCT-2	Snark SN5X	Korg TM60BK	ROADIE 3	KLIQ UberTuner	Fender FT-1	New Snark St-8	TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP
Modes Supported	Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin, Chromatic	Guitar, Bass, Violin, Chromatic	C1-C8, 15 rhythm variations	Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, 100+ Alternate Tunings	Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele, Chromatic	Guitar, Acoustic, Electric, More	Guitar, Chromatic
Display	Color LCD Screen	Full Color Display	Backlit LCD	N/A	Large Color LCD Display	LCD Display	High Contrast Display
Rotation	360°	Rotates 360°	N/A	N/A	360° Swivel Mechanism	Dual-Rotating Hinges	N/A
Power Source	CR2032 battery	CR2032 battery	AAA Battery	Built-in Rechargeable Battery	CR2032 battery	CR2032 battery	CR2032 Battery
Additional Features				2x Faster Tuning, Built-in Vibration/Beeper Metronome	3-Year Guarantee, Memory Back-Up	LCD Backlight, Batteries Included	Automatic Power-Off, Memory Back-Up
Warranty	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	1 Year Limited Warranty	N/A

Conclusion

After reviewing all 8 products, it is clear that each tuner offers unique features and benefits for musicians. It is important to consider the specific needs and preferences of the user when selecting a tuner.

Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner

The Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner provides accurate tuning and ease of use. However, some users may find the display screen to be small and difficult to read.

Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin (Current Model)

The Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner is compact and versatile, compatible with various instruments. Its drawbacks include a fragile clip and difficulty in tuning low frequencies.

Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome

The Korg TM60BK Tuner Metronome offers a combination of tuning and metronome functions. While it provides accurate tuning, some users may find the buttons and controls to be too sensitive.

ROADIE 3 | Smart Automatic Guitar Tuner, Metronome & String Winder

The ROADIE 3 provides a multitude of functions, including automatic tuning, metronome, and string winding. However, its higher price may not be suitable for all musicians.

KLIQ UberTuner – Professional Clip-On Tuner

The KLIQ UberTuner stands out for its multi-key modes and versatility across instruments. Some users may find the display screen to be too bright and overwhelming.

Fender FT-1 Professional Guitar Tuner Clip On

The Fender FT-1 Professional Guitar Tuner Clip On offers a full-range chromatic tuner with dual-rotating hinges for easy visibility. However, some users may find it to be less accurate compared to other options.

New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner Chromatic Clip On

The New Snark St-8 Improved Super Tight Guitar Instrument Tuner is known for its accuracy and sturdy clip design. However, it might be more suitable for experienced musicians who require precise tuning.

TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP Clip-On Tuner

The TC Electronic POLYTUNE CLIP offers polyphonic, strobe, and chromatic modes for advanced tuning performance. Its 108 LED display provides excellent visibility. However, its higher price may not be suitable for budget-conscious musicians.

Based on the review of all 8 products, it is recommended that musicians who prioritize accuracy and reliability choose the KLIQ UberTuner. With its multi-key modes and compatibility across a range of instruments, it offers the flexibility and precision that many musicians seek.