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Average Price: $61
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$50
$101+
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Description
Introducing the Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner, the emblem of precision and durability in the world of music. Renowned for its accuracy, it's an essential tool for musicians on all scales. As efficient as it is simple, this small, yet potent gadget enables smooth and accurate tuning, with an easy-to-read display making it a favorite among both professional and novice musicians. Whether on stage or in the comfort of your own room, kick-start your musical journey with this robust and reliable tuner at the heart of your signal chain.
Key Features: - Industry standard Chromatic Tuner - High precision, ensuring accurate tuning - Bulletproof durability for long-lasting use - Simplistic and easy to read display - Ideal for musicians of all levels and scales
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | TU-2 Chromatic Tuner (Dark Gray Label) |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 1998 - 2009 |
| Made In | Taiwan |
| Categories | Tuner Pedals |
FAQs
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Is the Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner suitable for both guitar and bass?
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Yes, the Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner is designed for both guitar and bass, allowing musicians to tune their instruments with precision and ease.
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How does the Boss TU-2 display tuning information?
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The Boss TU-2 features a bright LED display with a note indicator and a tuning guide, making it easy to see your tuning status even on dark stages.
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Can the Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner handle alternate tunings?
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Yes, the Boss TU-2 is a chromatic tuner, which means it can detect any pitch, making it suitable for alternate and drop tunings.
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Does the Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner have a bypass mode?
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Yes, the Boss TU-2 has a buffered bypass, which maintains your signal integrity when the tuner is not in use.
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What power supply does the Boss TU-2 require?
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The Boss TU-2 can be powered by a 9V battery or an optional AC adapter for extended use.
Videos
Reverb
Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner | Reverb Demo Video
Reviews
PROS
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Accurate tuning for various instruments and tunings
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Durable, housed in a robust metal frame
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Mute option allows for silent tuning
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Can power other pedals, efficient for pedalboards
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Easy to read display in different lighting conditions
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Compatible with multiple instruments and tunings
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Popular and widely used, a trusted industry standard
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Can serve as a signal mute for instrument swaps
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Long-lasting reliability, works well over many years
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Affordable option with high functionality
CONS
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LED display could be brighter for better visibility
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Buffer can interfere with certain fuzz pedals' sound
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Not true bypass; may affect signal chain purity
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Occasional glitches reported during live performance
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Some users prefer more modern tuners with additional features
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Visibility issues on brightly lit stages
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A few users experienced tuning inaccuracies over time
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner.
Features and functionality
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The TU-2 can mute when tuning and power other pedals, providing more utility than some smaller tuners.
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The TU-2 is considered more accurate than clip-on tuners, particularly in noisy environments.
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It's noted that the TU-3 has finer divisions on the meter compared to the TU-2, improving visual tuning accuracy.
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Use cases and applications
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It’s beneficial to have a battery-powered TU-2 for portable or random tuning needs.
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The Boss TU-2 is seen as sufficient for live performances where ultra-precision is less critical.
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Users note the TU-2 is cumbersome for workstation setups, leading them to prefer smaller, portable tuners like the Korg GA that can remain at the workbench.
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Comparisons
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Owners suggest replacing the TU-2 with a Polytune Mini for a smaller footprint while maintaining tuning accuracy.
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Many users have switched from the Boss TU-2 to the Korg Pitchblack Mini, noting a faster response and better note detection.
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The Korg GA Custom tuner, at around $25, offers higher accuracy (+/-0.1 cents) than the TU-2 and is favored for setup work due to its portability and convenience.
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User experience
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Some users value retaining the TU-2 for its buffer and tuning precision over clip-ons.
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Some users report that the TU-2 can waver when detecting notes, while the TU-3 offers steadier readings.
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Even after decades of use, some owners find the TU-2 perfectly adequate for live settings despite new options available, highlighting its lasting reliability.
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Value and pricing
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Used TU-2 pedals can be found for around $50, but these are often in rough condition compared to the slightly more expensive TU-3.
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Users highlight a transition to Korg's card style tuners as a cost-effective alternative for precise setups without investing in more expensive pedal tuners.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 60 Reviews and 372 Ratings
304
Boss toughness and reliability
Can't go wrong with Boss pedals and this tuner is the heart and brain of my pedal board
176
Classic Tuna
Bought second hand for a measly $50. Worth every dollar!! No need to fork out a coupla hundred for a TU3 or polytune, this thing does the trick :)
352
Rock solid tuner
I've had this tuner for almost 20 years. Always been rock solid. Probably never sell it.
293
Good tuner, does what it has to do and accurate.
Good tuner, does what it has to do and accurate.
Artist usage
Add artist
The Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner has been used in all of Jack White's pedalboards for the White Stripes, the Raconteurs, and the Dead Weather.
A second Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner can be seen added to his much more slimmed down pedalboard during the Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino tour.
Right next to his 'Wine Red' Gibson Les Paul Studio you can see a Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuning Pedal.
We spotted a Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner in Dan Auderbach's simple pedalboard during this rig rundown video.
This photo from an everyday guitar gear article, displays a Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner on one of the pedal boards for Kevin Shields from My Bloody Valentine.
"He runs two pedalboards, one for acoustic and one for electric. The acoustic board consists of an Ernie Ball volume pedal, Boss FRV-1 reverb, TU-2 tuner and a Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre acoustic preamp. Electric-wise, there’s a Menatone King of the Britains, Electro-Harmonix HOG, Digitech Jamman, Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man and MXR 10-Band Graphic EQ, all powered by a Dunlop DC Brick. It’s an impressive selection and one that ensures Cornell’s acoustic shows are so much more than just, well, acoustic."
Album Usage
The Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner has been featured on the following albums:
Hard Cold Fire
Therapy? (2023)
Leveler Live
August Burns Red (2022)
A History of Nomadic Behavior
EyeHateGod (2021)
You / Uta Wo Utaeba
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs (2020)
Age Of Unreason
Bad Religion (2019)
The Canyon
The Used (2017)
Billion Year Contract
Aiming For Enrike (2016)
Isla
Bandalos Chinos (2016)
Dije Tu Nombre
Bandalos Chinos (2016)
Coma Ecliptic
Between the Buried and Me (2015)
Hollow Meadows
Richard Hawley (2015)
Nunca Estuve Acá
Bandalos Chinos (2014)
AM
Arctic Monkeys (2013)
AMOK
Atoms for Peace (2013)
Tantantan
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs (2012)
Beautiful Tragedy
In This Moment (2012)
Collide With The Sky
Pierce the Veil (2012)
Colour Of The Trap
Miles Kane (2011)
Leveler (Deluxe Edition)
August Burns Red (2011)
Postcards From A Young Man
Manic Street Preachers (2010)
Farm
Dinosaur Jr (2009)
Bone Palace Ballet: Grand Coda
Chiodos (2008)
His Last Walk
Blessthefall (2007)
Is This It
The Strokes (2001)
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-2 Chromatic Tuner, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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