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Description

When precision is paramount, the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner is your reliable companion. Designed for versatility, it caters to a spectrum of instruments beyond just guitars and basses, extending its capabilities to woodwind, brass, and even ethnic instruments. This tuner stands out with its high-frequency tuning range, ensuring even the most unique instruments find their perfect pitch.

The TU-12H offers hands-free operation, allowing musicians to seamlessly focus on their performance while the tuner does the heavy lifting. Simply play a note, and the intuitive LED and sweep meter provide clear feedback on your tuning status, showing exactly how many cents sharp or flat you are. This eliminates guesswork and fine-tunes your sound with precision.

For those demanding accuracy, the adjustable standard pitch ranges from 440 to 445 Hz in 1 Hz increments. Whether you’re in a quiet practice room or a bustling stage environment, the built-in condenser mic and 1/4" input/output jacks ensure you can tune effortlessly, capturing the nuance of each note.

The Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner is more than a tool; it's a bridge between you and your music, ensuring that every performance resonates with clarity and confidence.

Key Features:

  • Wide tuning range for guitars, basses, woodwind, brass, and ethnic instruments
  • High-frequency mode for enhanced versatility
  • Hands-free operation with intuitive LED and sweep meter for precise tuning
  • Adjustable standard pitch from 440 to 445 Hz
  • Built-in condenser mic for acoustic instrument tuning
  • 1/4" input and output jacks for in-line tuning

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model TU-12H Chromatic Tuner
Finish White
Year 2000s
Made In Philippines
Categories Tuners

FAQs

What type of instruments can the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner be used with?

The Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner is versatile and can be used with a wide range of instruments, including guitars, basses, and other stringed instruments. Its chromatic functionality allows it to tune any note, making it suitable for various tuning setups.

How accurate is the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner?

The Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner is known for its high accuracy, providing tuning precision within +/- 1 cent. This level of accuracy ensures reliable tuning for both live performances and studio settings.

Does the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner support alternate tunings?

Yes, the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner supports alternate tunings. Its chromatic mode allows you to tune to any pitch, making it ideal for non-standard tunings and various musical styles.

Is the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner suitable for use on stage?

The Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner is well-suited for stage use, offering a clear display and quick response time. Its durable construction and reliable performance make it a dependable choice for live musicians.

What power options are available for the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner?

The Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner can be powered using a 9V battery or an optional AC adapter, providing flexibility for both portable and stationary use.

Mano Guitar Oficial

Mano Guitar Oficial

Tuner Series BOSS - Chromatic Tuner - TU 12 - By Valdecir Emanoel

Video thumbnail for Tuner Series BOSS - Chromatic Tuner - TU 12 - By Valdecir Emanoel by Mano Guitar Oficial

Tuner Series BOSS - Chromatic Tuner - TU 12 - By Valdecir Emanoel

Mano Guitar Oficial

Mano Guitar Oficial

Video thumbnail for Retrospective Reviews #1 : Boss TU12 Tuner by Spencer Bruce

Retrospective Reviews #1 : Boss TU12 Tuner

Spencer Bruce

Spencer Bruce

Reviews

PROS

  • Precise tuning with analog needle for unmatched accuracy

  • Reliable and durable, withstands years of use

  • Excellent for bench use and setup tasks

  • Can be powered by 9-volt battery or integrated power supply

  • Long-standing industry standard, appreciated by professionals

  • Easy to read and responsive to each note

  • Preferred over strobe tuners for consistency by many techs

  • Continues to be sought after despite being out of production

CONS

  • Bulky design not ideal for pedalboards

  • Considered outdated by some users in favor of modern digital tuners

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner.

Features and functionality

  • The TU-12H is accurate to within ±1 cent, suitable for precise tuning needs.

    Source
  • The TU-12 includes a built-in mic, which enhances its utility for tuning acoustic instruments and testing audio equipment without direct input.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The TU-3 is noted for superior performance with bass and low tunings, suggesting the TU-12H may share similar qualities.

    Source
  • While the TU-12 is accurate, some users prefer the Polytune 2 for its higher accuracy (0.01 cent) and compact size, making it more pedalboard-friendly.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The TU-12 is versatile, used for tuning electric guitars, bass, pianos, and open tuning acoustic guitars. It's also applied in car audio and home theatre system testing.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report long-term reliability, with some using the TU-12 for over a decade without issues, highlighting its durability and consistency.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

good needle tuner

this is my intonation tuner when I'm doing set ups.... always ahs been. I prefer it to strobe tuners unlike a lot of techs. Worth seeking out.

noah_quiles

Precise and legible

At first, I was skeptical about using the Boss TU-12H because every other guitarist I knew was using more modern-looking tuners like the Polytune, or other, newer Boss tuners. Fortunately, the TU-12H, despite its awkward fit on my pedalboard, has been extremely reliable, very responsive to every note played, and is never hard to read.

callsign_wonton

Best non-strobe tuner ever

Besides a costly and bulky strobe tuner, this is the most accurate and consistent tuner I've ever used.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

In this gear diagram, of Jonny Greenwood's 1997 Radiohead stage setup, a Boss TU-12H is listed.

See how Paul McCartney uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video you can see boss tuner on Paul's Ashdown apm

See how The Edge uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this artist page on the Custom Audio website dedicated to Edge's older Bradshaw-built rig, a TU-12 can be seen along the bottom center of this image.

See how Robert Smith uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from a studio session, Smith is adjusting the parameters of a pedal. On his Boss effects board, in the center-bottom of the photo, we can see his TU-12 tuner.

See how David Bowie uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

David Bowie

Singer, Guitarist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

In this 1991 Brian Aris photograph, Bowie's TU-12H can be seen resting atop his Mesa Boogie amplifier head.

See how Dave Murray uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Dave Murray

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via Photo

Dave uses a Boss TU-12 tuner, according to this Guitar Geek rig diagram.

See how Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo) uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo)

Singer, Guitarist

Melvins

...
Verified via Photo

Buzz Osborne uses the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner, as evidenced by the image showing the tuner on his fuzzy 4x12 setup.

See how Johnny Ramone uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Johnny Ramone

Guitarist

Ramones

...
Verified via Imgur

In his 1990 rig, Johnny used a Boss Tu-12H, according to this Guitar Geek rig diagram.

See how George Lynch uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

George Lynch

Guitarist

Dokken

...
Verified via Photo

In a diagram from Boss, George Lynch's rig features the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner.

See how Andreas Kisser uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Andreas Kisser

Guitarist

Sepultura

...
Verified via Photo

This gear diagram, found on this page of Guitar Geek, shows Andreas Kisser's Sepultura stage setup, which includes a Boss TU-12H tuner.

See how Steve Morse uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Steve Morse

Guitarist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via Photo

"I used those for a lot of years. They’re good tuners. That’s all I used up until just a few years ago." - Steve Morse from this Boss US interview.

See how Kirk Windstein uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Kirk Windstein

Guitarist

Down

...
Verified via Photo

Alison Richter writes in this Guitar World article some effects pedals that Kirk uses, including the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner. Source.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
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2
Boss LM-2 Limiter
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2

Community setups

Show yours
miroslav_matuska

miroslav_matuska

Gear IQ 171

1 alternative for Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner, curated by the Equipboard community.

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See also: Tuners, Boss, Boss Tuners

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