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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 Trey Anastasio uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Trey Anastasio

Guitarist

Phish

...
Verified via Analogman

According to Analogman's webiste, Anastastio used the Boss TU-12H tuner pedal back in 2002.

See how Vivian Campbell uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Vivian Campbell

Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via Photo

Vivian uses a Boss TU-12 tuner according to this Guitar Geek diagram.

See how Michael Landau uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Michael Landau

Guitarist

Steve Gadd Band

...
Verified via Flickr

In this pedalboard photo, which comes from Landau's 2008 Koln concert, one of the pedals that can be seen is the Boss TU-12H chromatic tuner.

See how Daniel Lanois uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Daniel Lanois

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Flickr

In this image posted to Lanois' Flickr account we see a pair of TU-12H tuners perched atop one of his Fender amplifiers.

See how Bruce Kulick uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Bruce Kulick

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo (source), the Boss TU-12H tuner pedal can be seen.

See how Alejandro Marcovich uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Alejandro Marcovich

Singer, Guitarist

Caifanes

...
Verified via Equipboard

Alejandro Marcovich uses a Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner, as noted alongside his other gear on Equipboard.

See how Steve von Till uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Steve von Till

Guitarist

Neurosis

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In a MusicRadar interview, Steve von Till of Neurosis discusses his guitar setup and mentions using the Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner as part of his "Chain Of Death" rig.

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

David Lynch

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this article from BOSS Users Group magazine (Vol. 5, No. 1 Summer 2001), David details his guitar rig at the time, which included "half a dozen TU-12Hs," according to his engineer, John Neff.

See how Blake Schwarzenbach uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Blake Schwarzenbach

Singer, Guitarist

Jawbreaker

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen on top of the Marshall stack.

See how Charlie Burchill uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Charlie Burchill

Guitarist

Simple Minds

...
Verified via Fulltone

According to Fulltone's pedalboard photo, Burchill's rig contained the white Boss TU-12H tuner.

See how Ian Anderson uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

Ian Anderson

Guitarist, Singer

Jethro Tull

...
Verified via Photo

The official Jethro Tull site states that Anderson uses a Boss TU-12 Tuner.

See how John Linnell uses Boss TU-12H Chromatic Tuner

John Linnell

Singer, Keyboardist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via Tumblr

The heart of Linnell’s system is an Apple Macintosh IIci (1) running MOTU’s Performer sequencer and Mosaic notator (for horn arrangements), connected to an Opcode Studio Plus Two MIDI interface (2) and Timecode Machine sync box (3). A Cutting Edge hard disk (4) alongside Linnell’s Music Mart accordion (5) doubles as a pedestal for a Bundy bass clarinet (6) — which is not to ignore his prized Buescher bass sax (7). A Yamaha MJC8 (8) distributes MIDI to his E-mu Proteus FX (9) (“this is what I’m using live now”) and Vintage Keys (10), Roland R-8M percussion module (11) and U-220 (12), plus a Casio VZ-10M (13) bought in a closeout sale. “It’s the end of the legendary CZ line,” he laments. “It’s got some weird, cheap sounds you can’t get any other way.” An Akai S1000KB sampler (14) also serves as a master MIDI keyboard. When he’s in a picking mood, Linnell picks up a Gibson SG from the early ‘60s (15). A Boss TU-12H (16) helps keep it in tune.

The instruments, plus a Sennheiser 421 mike (17), feed a Tascam 688 eight-track cassette deck (18). “It has all these line inputs,” Linnell points out. “I can mix all my sequenced tracks and still have seven tape tracks for bass clarinet.” For effects, he uses a Urei 7110 compressor/limiter, Lexicon PCM42 delay (19). Yamaha SPX90II multieffect unit (20) and Korg DRV-1000 reverb (21). He mixes to a Sony TC-WR690 cassette deck (22) and Panasonic SV-3700 DAT (23), amplified by a Hafler PRO2400 (24) and Design Acoustics PS-10 speakers (25).

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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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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