D'Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Headstock Tuner Review: A Compact and Reliable Tuning Solution

The D'Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Headstock Tuner offers a compelling solution for guitarists seeking a compact and reliable tuning tool. This small but mighty tuner boasts a durable, all-plastic construction that has proven its resilience through extended daily use. Available in eye-catching green, red, and yellow, it adds a pop of color to your instrument while providing accurate and efficient tuning. Its intuitive four-button interface makes navigation effortless, even for beginners.Beyond its basic tuning function, this micro tuner packs surprising versatility. It features an automatic chromatic tuner, eliminating the need for manual string selection, and a built-in metronome with adjustable tempo for rhythm practice. The 360-degree tilting display ensures optimal visibility regardless of mounting position, and its convenient clip makes attachment to various instruments a breeze. Powered by a readily available CR2032 battery, this tuner provides exceptional value for its price, making it an ideal accessory for any guitarist.

Pros And Cons

ONS S Top Tuna Clip-on Tuner
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Reliable performance (used for almost a month without issues)
  • Automatic tuning (chromatic style)
  • Metronome function with visual signal
  • Multiple mounting options
  • 360-degree tilting display
  • Easy to read display
  • Fast tuning
  • Uses standard CR2032 battery
  • Good value for the price ($15)
  • Metronome is visual only (no audio)
  • May not pick up signal equally well on all strings

Read more: Top 4 Red Guitar Tuners

Build Quality and Design

The D'Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Headstock Tuner boasts a compact and durable design. Its all-plastic construction is surprisingly sturdy, having withstood daily use for over a month without any issues. The tuner comes in three vibrant colors: green, red, and yellow, adding a touch of personality to your instrument.

Close-up of the tuner showing its plastic construction and color options.
Close-up of the tuner showing its plastic construction and color options.

A small clip allows for easy attachment to your guitar headstock, bass, or even other instruments. The four-button interface is intuitive and straightforward, making operation a breeze.

The tuner clipped onto a guitar headstock.
The tuner clipped onto a guitar headstock.

Features and Functionality

This tiny tuner packs a punch in terms of features. It includes an automatic chromatic tuner, eliminating the need for manual string selection. The tuner provides clear visual feedback, though it lacks an audible tone. A built-in metronome function with visual cues is also available, aiding in rhythm practice.

Screen showing the chromatic tuner in action.
Screen showing the chromatic tuner in action.

Navigation through the tuner's different modes and settings is handled easily using the arrow buttons. The user can adjust the metronome's tempo from a slow 20 to a rapid 270 bpm.

Screen displaying the metronome function and its adjustable tempo.
Screen displaying the metronome function and its adjustable tempo.

Mounting Options and Ease of Use

The versatile mounting options of this tuner are a significant advantage. You can position it on the headstock in a variety of ways, ensuring optimal readability from any angle, thanks to its 360-degree tilting capability.

Tuner mounted on the headstock of a Yamaha guitar.
Tuner mounted on the headstock of a Yamaha guitar.

Regardless of the mounting position, the display remains easily visible. The reviewer found the placement on the side of the headstock most convenient for their particular guitar.

Tuner mounted on the side of the headstock.
Tuner mounted on the side of the headstock.

Battery and Additional Features

Powering the tuner is simple, using a standard CR2032 battery. These batteries are widely available, ensuring you’ll rarely be left without a functioning tuner.

Close-up of the battery compartment.
Close-up of the battery compartment.

The 360-degree tilting feature makes the display always visible, regardless of how you mount the device. This adds to its overall convenience and ease of use.

The tuner showing its 360-degree tilting capability.
The tuner showing its 360-degree tilting capability.

Final Verdict

The D'Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Headstock Tuner is a worthwhile purchase for its price point. At around $15, it offers impressive value for its compact size, durable build, multiple mounting options, and useful features.

The reviewer holding the tuner and giving a thumbs-up.
The reviewer holding the tuner and giving a thumbs-up.

The tuner's accuracy, ease of use, and versatile design make it a highly practical tool for any guitarist. The reviewer's consistent use without any issues further underscores its reliability and performance.