The Peterson StroboPlus HD tuner, a seasoned veteran at around eight years old, receives a thorough examination in this review. We delve into its build quality, exploring its surprisingly robust plastic casing and convenient features like the integrated kickstand. Beyond the physical aspects, we explore the tuner's functionality, examining its three main modes: Auto, Tone, and Metronome (requiring a separate purchase). Its user-friendly interface and exceptionally bright strobe display are highlighted, along with the practical addition of true bypass functionality.This in-depth review meticulously tests the StroboPlus HD's accuracy, focusing on its impressive performance with both acoustic and electric guitars. The "Sweetener" function, offering instrument-specific tuning presets, is given particular attention for its ability to significantly enhance tuning precision and resonance. We ultimately assess whether the tuner's high accuracy, versatile features, and overall value justify its price, especially when considering the option of purchasing a used unit. The ultimate question answered is: does the Peterson StroboPlus HD live up to the claims of professional-grade tuning?
Pros And Cons
- Strobe tuner, claimed to be 20-50 times more accurate than other tuners.
- Easy to use.
- Rechargeable via micro USB.
- Headphone jack for tuning and metronome.
- Vibe Jack for optional vibrating metronome accessory.
- True bypass for pedalboards without affecting signal.
- Bright display.
- Multiple modes: Auto, Tone, Metronome.
- Sweetener function with presets for various instruments and user-created options.
- Accurate tuning, resulting in better-sounding notes.
- Made of plastic, not as sturdy as metal stompboxes.
- Metronome feature is sold separately as a paid add-on (approx. $40 CAD).
- Metronome is quiet, requiring headphones for louder environments.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Peterson StroboPlus HD arrived in a slightly worn cardboard box, a testament to its age (around eight years old). Inside, I found the tuner itself, a micro USB cable, a user's manual, and a quick start guide. The tuner's casing is made of plastic, but it feels surprisingly sturdy, likely a high-density plastic designed for durability. It includes a convenient kickstand for desktop use.
The build quality is not quite as robust as a metal stompbox, but it’s significantly more resilient than you might expect from a plastic device. The inclusion of a fitted foam insert suggests a focus on protecting the tuner during shipping. While the packaging showed some wear, the tuner itself appears well-preserved.
The pedal's connections include a micro USB port for charging, a headphone jack for private tuning, and what initially appeared to be a standard jack but upon further research, a Vibe Jack for connecting an optional vibrating metronome accessory.
Features and Functionality
The Peterson StroboPlus HD boasts three main modes: Auto, Tone, and Metronome. Auto mode is the primary tuning mode, utilizing either the built-in microphone or an input jack for connection. The strobe tuner display is exceptionally bright and easy to read. The circular strobe display rotates to show tuning accuracy; a stationary wheel indicates perfect pitch.
Tone mode allows for tuning based on a reference tone, perfect for instruments like violins. The metronome functionality, however, requires a separate purchase and firmware update, adding $40 (Canadian) to the cost. This is a notable drawback, as this feature feels like it should be standard.
The tuner features true bypass, ensuring that the signal path is unaffected when the tuner is included in a pedal chain. The built-in tap tempo is a convenient addition that adds some flexibility to the metronome feature.
Tuning Performance and Sweetener Function
The tuner’s accuracy is impressive, particularly when using the ‘Sweetener’ function, which offers specific tuning presets tailored to various instruments (guitar, 12-string, bass, etc.). These presets account for the nuances of different instruments, ensuring a more accurate and resonant tuning. User-created presets are also available for download from Peterson's website.
Testing the tuner on both an acoustic and an electric guitar highlighted its effectiveness. The strobe display provided extremely precise feedback, leading to notably clear and resonant tones, especially when compared to standard tuners. The acoustic and electric ‘Sweetener’ functions enhanced the tuning process and delivered superior results.
The tuner's accuracy makes intonation significantly easier. By ensuring your E string is perfectly in tune and then checking the 12th fret harmonic, you can easily identify and correct any intonation issues.
Conclusion and Overall Assessment
The Peterson StroboPlus HD is a highly accurate tuner, offering significantly more precision than standard tuners. Its strobe display and various tuning modes (auto, tone, metronome) provide a versatile solution for musicians and guitar technicians alike. The 'Sweetener' function further refines tuning accuracy for different instrument types.
While the added cost of the metronome function is a drawback, the overall tuning accuracy and functionality make this a worthwhile purchase for those who demand precision. If you can find a used model at a lower price point, the value proposition becomes even stronger. The tuner’s superior accuracy significantly simplifies guitar setup and intonation.
Whether you are a professional musician or a serious hobbyist, the Peterson StroboPlus HD offers a noticeable upgrade over standard tuners, resulting in superior intonation and overall sound. The accuracy is particularly beneficial for guitar setup and repairs.