Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $101
High-end/Boutique
$50
$101+
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Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
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 ManualProduct 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
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Is the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner suitable for both guitar and bass?
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Yes, the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner is designed for both guitar and bass, offering specific modes for each instrument to ensure accurate tuning.
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Does the Boss TU-3S require a power supply to operate?
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Yes, the Boss TU-3S requires a 9V DC power supply to function, which is sold separately.
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How accurate is the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner?
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The Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner offers tuning accuracy within ±1 cent, ensuring precise tuning for your instrument.
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What is the tuning range of the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner?
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The Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner has a wide tuning range from C0 to C8, accommodating a variety of instruments and tuning preferences.
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Does the Boss TU-3S have a bypass switch?
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The Boss TU-3S features buffered bypass switching, which maintains signal integrity when the tuner is not in use.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Are All Guitar Tuners The Same?
Reviews
PROS
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True bypass inline tuner for clean signal path
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Functions as a 9V power distributor
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Easy to read in the dark with brightness adjustment
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Good sensitivity for accurate tuning
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Compact size fits easily into small cases for travel
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No need to switch on or off, simplifying use
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Works well with bass tuning by selecting bass mode
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Accurate and easy to use chromatic tuner
CONS
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No battery compartment, requires constant power supply
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Lacks footswitch; always on
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Only marginally smaller than original, limited space-saving
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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.
Source
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
Comparisons
Value and pricing
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.
Source
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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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 16 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistIn a Facebook post by Mesa Boogie, Ben Kenney of Incubus is shown using his pedalboard, which includes the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner.
In this photo of Bradley Simpson's pedalboard, the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner is clearly visible at the top right side, confirming his use of this equipment.
A picture on Guitar Magazine, January 2019 issue, shows Kita's pedalboard circa 2018.
In the "Rig Rundown: Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger [2021]" video by Premier Guitar, hosted by John Bohlinger, it is confirmed that Joe Hottinger's live pedalboard includes a Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner.
In this Substack video Colin Meloy shows his pedal board. Taken in Seattle on The Decemberist's 2023 tour.
In a user-uploaded screenshot, the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner is clearly visible on Josh Jenkinson's pedalboard, positioned on the top row.
In an Instagram post from 2023, Jacob Bugden's pedalboard is visible, clearly showing the use of the Boss TU-3S. This visual evidence, along with other live performance footage, confirms that Bugden employs the TU-3S both in studio recordings and live performances as his main tuner.
In an article on MusicRadar, a photo of Joe Gosney's pedalboard features the Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner, highlighting its role in his setup.
In this performance with Alvvays, Kerri MacLellan can be seen playing the keys with three pedals sitting on top of her Korg Poly-Ensemble P. The Boss TU-3S can clearly be seen at 0:53.
In this Raimund Marasigan's vlog of Eraserhead's practice, he showed Ely Buendia's pedal board. Timestamp: 7:32
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Album Usage
The Boss TU-3S Chromatic Tuner has been featured on the following albums:
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-3S Chromatic Tuner, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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