I was excited to get my hands on the Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner. Known for its precision and durability, the Boss TU-3 is a popular choice among musicians. In fact, it’s probably one of the most common pedal tuners that I’ve seen among my friends, as it’s a relatively affordable, yet accurate pedal tuner.
Let me walk you through my experience, from unboxing to its performance on stage.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner: Unboxing
Unboxing the Boss TU-3 was straightforward. The package included a leaflet with safety instructions, important notes, and information, along with a standard carbon-zinc battery (9V, 6F22).
The tuner itself felt robust, with its compact dimensions (73mm x 129mm x 59mm) and a weight of 390g including the battery. The build quality immediately gave me a sense of reliability.
Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner: Available Modes
The TU-3 offers a range of modes, catering to different tuning needs. Modes include Chromatic, Chromatic flat, Guitar, Guitar flat, Bass, and Bass flat. These options are particularly useful for musicians who often switch between standard and alternate tunings.
- Chromatic mode —This is a standard tuning mode that’s suitable for a wide range of instruments. In my experience, the chromatic mode is incredibly responsive and accurate, making it ideal for quick, on-stage tunings.
- Chromatic flat modes — The TU-3 offers two chromatic flat modes. These are particularly useful for playing in genres like jazz and blues, where flat tunings are common. I’ve found these modes to be invaluable for experimenting with different sounds and for playing along with brass and woodwind instruments that are typically tuned flat.
- Guitar and guitar flat modes — With options for standard guitar tuning and two additional flat settings, these modes are perfect for guitarists. The guitar flat modes allow for drop tunings up to six semitones below standard pitch. As someone who frequently switches between standard and drop tunings, I appreciate the ease with which the TU-3 handles these transitions.
- Bass and bass flat modes — For bass players, the TU-3 offers standard bass tuning and flat tuning options. These modes are great for 4-string, 5-string, and even 6-string basses.
TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Tuning Accuracy
The tuner’s accuracy is within +/- 1 cent, which I found to be extremely precise during my tests. It covers a wide tuning range from C0 (16.35 Hz) to C8 (4,186 Hz), with a reference pitch from A4 = 436 to 445 Hz in 1 Hz steps. This range and accuracy make it suitable for a wide variety of instruments beyond just guitars.
Boss TU-3 Display and Power Options
One of the standout features of the TU-3 is its 21-segment LED meter, which includes a High-Brightness mode for better visibility outdoors – a feature I found incredibly useful during outdoor gigs. Still, I guess nothing beats Peterson StroboStomp Mini when it comes to outdoor playing.
The display also has a Cent mode and Stream mode, providing visual feedback that’s easy to interpret. Power options include a 9V battery or an AC adaptor, and it can also power up to seven BOSS compact effect pedals, which is a great add-on for pedalboard users.
Boss TU-3 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High tuning accuracy.
- Versatile tuning modes.
- Durable build quality.
- High-Brightness mode for outdoor visibility.
- Can power other pedals, reducing clutter on the pedalboard.
Cons:
- AC adaptor sold separately.
- Slightly heavier than some other tuners on the market.
Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Review Summary
Here’s a short overview of the things mentioned in this Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner review.
- High Accuracy: +/- 1 cent, suitable for professional use.
- Diverse Tuning Range: C0 (16.35 Hz) to C8 (4,186 Hz), with A4 reference pitch adjustable from 436 to 445 Hz.
- Versatile Tuning Modes: Includes Chromatic, Guitar, Bass, and various flat tuning modes, ideal for different musical genres and instruments.
- Robust Build Quality: Durable and reliable, designed for regular use.
- Advanced Display Features: 21-segment LED meter with High-Brightness mode for clear visibility, especially outdoors.
- Power Supply Options: Operable with a 9V battery or AC adaptor (sold separately); can also power up to seven BOSS compact effect pedals.
- Convenience and Usability: Automatic muting when the tuner is on, and Accu-Pitch Sign function for easy tuning verification.
- Additional Features: Buffered bypass, adjustable input and output levels, and compatibility with various instruments.
- Warranty: Backed by BOSS’s five-year warranty.
- Minor Drawback: AC adaptor not included in the package.
- Overall Assessment: An essential, top-tier tool for both live performance and studio settings, offering exceptional functionality and versatility for guitarists and bassists.