I’m working on setting up my dusted-off guitar and bass and for intonation I need a better quality tuner then the Korg GT-3 I have. Which ones will help with the intonation? One that shows how much any note is off, not just the one of the open string.
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If you get yourself a computer instrument interface (I like the Scarlett 2i2) you can use a multitude of software tools which provide precision tuning views. I often use the really nice free version of Guitar Rig.
Highly recommend Peterson StroboStomp. Precise, easy to read and responsive.
Can’t go back to using anything else after getting it.
Can confirm StroboStomp is responsive and accurate. I also have the clip on version. This is probably as accurate but is more prone to spin out, but can easily be used with acoustics.
Only thing I’d say against the StroboStomp is that the jack socket is tight and wouldn’t accept my Boss jack plugs.
I’m not sure how helpful this is or what you’ve tried already, but I usually find it’s not that bad to do intonation by ear. Hit a 12th fret harmonic and then actually pluck a note on the 12th fret, and it’s usually easy for me to tell what direction things need to move. If your ear can’t tell the two pitches apart when they’re played one right after the other, you’re probably fine in terms of intonation unless something is really wrong with your instrument.
I’ve found that most modeling units with decently high-res screens have really good tuners built into them that would be perfect for things like setting intonation. My Pod Go specifically shows me exactly how in tune my strings are and the tuner reacts in real time to any changes in pitch I make. If you already have a pedalboard you like though, it wouldn’t really be worth it.
Cheapest thing to try is probably apps for your phone or tablet. If you find a usable one, you’ll always have a free backup tuner to use.
I like Peterson strobe type tuners myself and either use mine or, more likely, just the high frets (tune a note on a lower string or even an external sound to a harmonic and then compare to same fretted note and adjust until both pairs match) to set intonation. Neither quantifies the error, but I don’t really care about the numbers.
