TC Electronic
PolyTune Clip Tuner – $49
PROS: Small, plenty of tuning options and modes, easy to use.
CONS: May harm certain finishes with prolonged use.
Originally, clip-on tuners were kind of cheesy, looking like they were created by a “as seen on TV” designer. But the concept was great, and soon major manufacturers started to make their own. With a sleek design, TC Electronic’s PolyTune Clip brings their revolutionary polytune method of tuning to a slim, unassuming package that fits easily in any gig bag.
It resembles an Apple product, with a thin white plastic body and a multi colored LED display. The mounting clip feels strong and has plenty of grip, and has a hinge to allow easy viewing from pretty much any angle on a headstock. There are only three buttons on the casing. The first button is a standard on/off button. On the adjacent side is the tuning mode button, and the display mode sit here. Even in bright sunlight the display is super easy to read.
TC has revolutionized tuning with their polytune function: just strum, and the tuner will display which strings are out of/in tune. It can also function as a standard needle tuner, as well as a strobe unit. Each mode works great, and delivers accuracy – the varying modes should satisfy any player’s preference in tuning.
Alternate tunings aren’t a problem, and are easily selectable via the tuning mode button. It can also handle tuning with a capo, from a capo at the 1st fret up to the 7th fret. This isn’t just for guitars either; it can be set into a bass mode as well. Even better, when selecting a new mode, it remembers which mode it’s in, meaning no having to reset it each time it’s turned on or off.
The only downside is the rubberized clamp ends may (or may not) harm the finish of an instrument, more than likely regarding fragile nitrocellulose vintage-ish finishes, and only over long-term use. Thankfully, TC points this out in the manual, and suggests not having it on an instrument in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Overall for a street price of about $50, TC has offered a headstock tuner that is slim, with plenty of functionality. The perfect accessory for any performing musician.
FEATURES
New strobe tuner with +/- 0.02 cent accuracy
Ultra-bright and easy to read display
Adaptive screen ensures a perfect readout
High quality stainless steel clip
Flat Tunings and Capo Mode
Chromatic Only Mode
Up to 18 hours of usage via a standard Lithium Coin Battery