A trained ear? (for relative tuning)

Strobe tuners....hands down. The only equivalent would be if you know how to properly use and read an oscilloscope, but strobe tuners are far more common in the music world.

I agree with ibzRG... lol, a good ear can tell the difference between different notes.

And don't be fooled by those LCD screen tuners they put the "strobe" label on. They're NOT strobe tuners!

I think I'd like to get a reliable, durable strobe tuner. Recommendations, please, from anybody who uses one and likes it.

Peterson makes good strobes but they're kind of expensive. Like Xark said...stay away from the digital-display "strobe" tuners if you want the best accuracy. The REAL strobe tuners are far superior.

That being said, for the price, the digital strobes aren't bad. Korg makes the DT series which is recommended by Buzz Feiten. It just depends on how much you're willing to spend.

Let's pretend cost does not matter. What does X use in the studio for guitar?

Can I assume the Peterson "virtual strobe" models are not real strobe tuners?

What do you thingk of this: http://cgi.ebay.com/PETERSON-STROBE-TUNER-MODEL-420-IN-GREAT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ190166167702QQihZ009QQcategoryZ64388QQcmdZViewItem

or this: http://www.planetwavestuners.com/index.php?option=com_tuner&task=tunerdetailpage&id=16

"Let's pretend cost does not matter. What does X use in the studio for guitar?"

when I'm doing Studio work it depends. IF I'm working with a keyboard player then tune to the keyboard.

Otherwise I have a couple .. A old Conn Strobe and a Korg Strobe Remember though that guitar is a "tempered Tuned" instrument so even with the BEST tuner you can get you have to learn how to use it. Not quite as simple as open e open a etc..

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I am not familiar with the term, "tempered Tuned". What does it mean?

Is the Conn good for guitar? (there's one on ebay)

Is tuning to an M-Audio Keystation 61es a good way to go?

In the studio? We're cheap. Yes, I fully realize that strobe tuners are the best and most accurate, however...

When you're talking 2 cents, is it really that far off? And if everyone is tuning to the same tuner, if it's off at all then everyone is off, so everyone is right on. I just don't see the need for the kind of anal exactness provided by a strobe.

Tuning to the keyboard is a bad idea. Have the keyboard player tune correctly and tune to a tuner like everyone else. (Most keyboards have a variable trim pot for tuning.) [Take the time to teach your drummer as well. A good drummer is going to tune his kit to the band. It can be done with a handheld tuner, but this particular task is the one that benefits most from a strobe tuner. It's just a LOT easier!]

I seriously considered a strobe tuner for the studio, but then most clients bring their own tuners. I have a rack model and a couple hand held models. Haven't had any issues with on-site or off-site tuning issues for any of our tracks. Unless, of course, you count the people who are completely tone deaf and can't sing to save their lives.

"Tuning to the keyboard is a bad idea. Have the keyboard player tune correctly and tune to a tuner like everyone else."

Ever try to get a piano or B3 to tune to a tuner? Good luck with that. :-) I've been in some great studios in my life and to be honest, the piano sitting in the corner is generally (but not always) off a few cents (or more). If you are speaking strictly of electronic keyboards then I agree with your point.

Drums.. Indeed.. get them tuned.. but you bring up a great point I had forgotten about.. Use ONE tuner between everyone (if at all possible) then even if the accuracy is off then no biggie. Everyone is off.

Maybe it's just me but, a "few cents" off between instruments drives me crazy. I can't hear 2 or 3 but past that.. Of course I'm also the one that is anal beyond belief about any hum or switch popping.

lol. just use any tuner. these days, technology has improved to the point where, even a low end tuner is not too far off a strobe tuner.

if you wanna be that anal about tuning, by all means get a top end strobe, and tune to A442. i know the world standard is A440. But in reality. If you tune sharp (A442), the strings will stretch and go flat. After two hours, you'll be at A438. That averages out to A440.

personally, i'll stick to a low end tuner thanks.