I’ll be honest — I use clip-ons more often than pedals. While pedals work perfectly for gigs, there’s something about clip-ons that makes them super convenient for everyday use. Probably the simplicity, and — as you’ll see in this Snark Air Tuner review — Snark likes to keep it simple.
Snark is a leading name in clip-on tuners and has released the innovative SNARK AIR®, a rechargeable tuner boasting exciting new features and a sleek design.
The goal of this clip-on is to make it as inconspicuous as possible on an instrument so that basically nobody can see that you have it.
Let’s dive in and see if the SNARK AIR® lives up to the Snark reputation.
Unboxing Snark AIr
Cracking open the box of the SNARK AIR®, I was greeted by the tuner itself nestled snugly in a protective foam insert. The first thing that struck me was its compact size – it easily fit in the palm of my hand. Despite its lightweight feel, the tuner had a reassuring solidity, and the smooth, matte finish felt comfortable to hold.
The minimalist design sported a sleek, modern look that wouldn’t clash with any of my instruments.
Beyond the tuner itself, the box included a couple of thoughtful extras. A small travel pouch offered a convenient way to store and protect the SNARK AIR® while on the go, and a USB charging cable ensured I could power up the tuner right away, without needing to search for additional accessories. The unboxing experience left a positive impression – everything felt well-considered and ready for immediate use.
Tuning Accuracy of the Snark Air Tuner
As for tuning modes, the SNARK AIR® features a chromatic tuner. This means I can tune any note across the musical spectrum, making it versatile for a wide range of instruments, including my guitars (electric, acoustic, and bass), ukulele, and even my friend’s mandolin.
While the tuner boasts excellent precision in chromatic mode, it doesn’t have a dedicated strobe mode.
Strobe tuners are known for their exceptional visual accuracy, which can be helpful for professional musicians who need the absolute highest level of tuning precision. For my everyday playing needs, the chromatic mode seems more than sufficient, but if you’re a professional musician seeking the utmost accuracy, you might consider a tuner with a dedicated strobe mode.
Display and Power Options
The SNARK AIR®’s display is definitely a highlight. It’s bright and clear, making it easy to see the tuning information even under stage lights. What I found particularly clever is that the display automatically adjusts its orientation depending on how I clip it onto my instrument. This means no more craning my neck to see the tuning while the tuner is behind the headstock, a common struggle with some clip-on tuners.
Another neat feature is the lack of traditional buttons. Instead, a single tap on the airplane logo on the tuner itself flips the display orientation. This makes it a truly one-handed operation, perfect for quick adjustments mid-performance without having to fumble with tiny buttons.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rechargeable battery (no more buying batteries!)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Rotatable display for easy viewing on any headstock
- One-handed operation with touch functionality
- Includes travel pouch and USB cable
Cons:
- As many other clip-ons, it might lack accuracy of pedal tuners, especially in loud environments
Snark Air Tuner Review Summary
After putting the SNARK AIR® through its paces, I’m impressed with its overall performance. The tuning is fast, registering even the slightest adjustments quickly and reliably. Additionally, the rechargeable battery is a game-changer, eliminating the need to constantly purchase and replace disposable batteries.
Overall, the SNARK AIR® is a well-designed and user-friendly clip-on tuner that offers a good value for the price. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry around, while the intuitive one-handed operation and auto-rotating display are convenient features that any musician will appreciate. It’s important to remember that clip-on tuners, by their nature, have limitations compared to some other tuning methods.
However, for quick and convenient tuning on the go, the SNARK AIR® is a great choice for guitarists of all levels.