Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner

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$100.73 to $109.99 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (16)

1 Critic Review

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11 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

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Reviews

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4.5 (28)

$109.99

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5.0 (2)

$109.99

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4.7 (218)

$105.50 New

$99.98 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (38)

$100.73 40 available New

$65.00 16 available Used

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5.0 (2)

$109.99

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$109.99

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$109.99

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4.8 (50)

$104.00 $103.00 $1.00 · All time low

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£89.00

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Average Price: $103

High-end/Boutique

$50

$101+

Price Tier

In the Pedal Tuners category, Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Renowned as the industry's go-to stompbox tuner, the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner delivers reliable operation and indestructible durability, paired down to an ultra-compact size. Crafted to save your precious pedalboard space, this tiny powerhouse doesn't compromise on performance. It offers the identical display and tuning functions as the beloved TU-3, only eliminating the pedal switch.

Perfect for use with pedal switching systems like the BOSS ES-8 and ES-5, the TU-3S is an ideal companion for any setup where space is at a premium. With its always-on, ready-to-go feature, you won't have to worry about fumbling for a switch when you need to tune in a hurry.

Whether you're tuning by note name in Chromatic mode, by string number in Guitar/Bass mode, or diving into Drop tunings with Guitar Flat mode, the TU-3S has you covered. This tuner is a pedalboard necessity that ensures your performance is always pitch perfect.

Key Features:

Compact version of the TU-3 chromatic tuner pedal
21-segment LED meter with brightness control
High-brightness mode enhances meter visibility outdoors
Accu-Pitch sign function provides visual verification when tuning is complete
Chromatic and Guitar/Bass modes (tune by string number, with support for 7-string guitars and 6-string basses)
Guitar Flat mode allows for Drop tunings up to 6 semitones below standard pitch
Always on and ready to go
Can supply power for up to 7 BOSS compact effect pedals
BOSS five-year warranty

Owner's manual

Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner User Manual

Product specs

Type	Chromatic
Format	Pedal
Display Type	LED, Cent, Stream
Reference Pitch	A4 = 436-445Hz
Tuning Range	C0-C8 (16.3-4186Hz)
Accuracy	±1 cent
Tuning Modes	Flat, Guitar, Bass
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching	Buffered
Power Supply	9V DC power supply required (sold separately)
Power Usage	35-95mA (in High Brightness mode)
Height	2.25"
Width	2.88"
Depth	3.31"
Weight	8 oz.

FAQs

Is the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner suitable for both guitar and bass?: Yes, the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner is designed for both guitar and bass, offering specific modes for each instrument to ensure accurate tuning.
Does the Boss TU-3S require a power supply to operate?: Yes, the Boss TU-3S requires a 9V DC power supply to function, which is sold separately.
How accurate is the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner?: The Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner offers tuning accuracy within ±1 cent, ensuring precise tuning for your instrument.
What is the tuning range of the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner?: The Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner has a wide tuning range from C0 to C8, accommodating a variety of instruments and tuning preferences.
Does the Boss TU-3S have a bypass switch?: The Boss TU-3S features buffered bypass switching, which maintains signal integrity when the tuner is not in use.

Videos

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Andertons Music Co

Are All Guitar Tuners The Same?

Andertons Music Co

Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner Pedal Demo with Tom Quayle

Sound Affects

BOSS TU-3S Chromatic Tuner

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

True bypass inline tuner for clean signal path
Functions as a 9V power distributor
Easy to read in the dark with brightness adjustment
Good sensitivity for accurate tuning
Compact size fits easily into small cases for travel
No need to switch on or off, simplifying use
Works well with bass tuning by selecting bass mode
Accurate and easy to use chromatic tuner

CONS

No battery compartment, requires constant power supply
Lacks footswitch; always on
Only marginally smaller than original, limited space-saving
No bypass feature, must remain powered

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner.

Build quality

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The TU-3 is known for its durability, with some units lasting over 20 years, even through extensive touring and gigging.
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Features and functionality

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The TU-3 can be used as a power supply for other pedals, adding versatility to its core tuning function.
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The TU-3S is an always-on tuner, lacking a footswitch, making it ideal for setups where continuous tuning is required without muting the signal.
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The TU-3S can be mistakenly set to "flat tuning" mode, causing it to consistently display notes a half-step flat, which can lead to tuning discrepancies.
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Use cases and applications

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Acts as both a tuner and a kill switch, allowing for silent tuning on stage, which is crucial for live performances.
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Perfect for integrating with a volume pedal via tuner out jack, offering a space-saving solution on pedalboards using loop switchers.
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Comparisons

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Owners often compare it to the Polytune, noting the Polytune's polyphonic tuning capability as an advantage for quick tuning checks.
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Users note the TU-3S's compact size is a main selling point, unlike the larger TU-3, and it's particularly beneficial for flat board setups.
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Value and pricing

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$50 is considered a bargain for a used TU-3 in excellent condition, with new ones often priced significantly higher.
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Concerns were raised about potential price increases for the TU-3S compared to the standard TU-3, questioning the value of the upgrade.
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Other

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It's noted that the TU-3 has a buffered bypass, which can affect tone when used with certain fuzz pedals, requiring careful pedalboard placement.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners can resolve tuning mode issues by consulting the pedal’s manual, ensuring the tuner is in "Chromatic" mode for standard tuning accuracy.
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User experience

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Users appreciate the ease of correcting tuning discrepancies once aware of the mode settings, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pedal's functionalities.
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Critic Reviews

Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner Review: Compact and Reliable

charlestonclassicalguitar.org

The Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner is praised for its exceptional accuracy and compact, pedalboard-friendly design, making it a top choice for guitarists and bassists. Its user-friendly operation and versatile features cater to various musical styles, ensuring reliable tuning across performances. However, the smaller display due to its compact size might be less visible, and the absence of a footswitch requires manual activation, which could be inconvenient during live shows. Overall, it combines reliability, accuracy, and compactness, making it a valuable tool for musicians seeking perfect pitch.

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