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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Peterson 490-St". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Presenting the Peterson 490-ST AutoStrobe Tuner, a musician's best friend when it comes to precise tuning. This tuner is not just a gadget, but a tool that brings music to life by ensuring each note hits the perfect pitch. Whether you're tuning a guitar, piano, or any stringed or percussive instrument, this tuner's got your back. What makes it stand out is its extraordinary speed and accuracy, responding at the speed of light and displaying relative tuning of your instrument to 0.1 of a cent (1/1000 of a semitone) precision.
The Peterson 490-ST doesn't just stop at tuning. It's also a great tool for improving your performance and listening skills. The automatic note selection feature allows for hands-free operation, making it perfect for musicians at all levels. Its stretch-tuning capabilities come handy for pianos, bass, guitars, and more.
One of the key highlights of this tuner is its preprogrammed stretch files. With tables that provide optimized tunings for all types of pianos, it takes the hassle out of piano tuning. Plus, it's customizable, enabling you to program up to 31 additional files.
Another noteworthy feature is the automatic image clarity and contrast control. The 490-ST internally compensates for optimal viewing over a wide range of source pitch and volume, improving clarity for both upper and lower register notes. And, thanks to the +2/-1 display feature, strobe patterns shift into more visible middle ranges.
Key Features:
- Exceptional tuning accuracy to 0.1 of a cent
- Automatic note selection for hands-free operation
- Preprogrammed stretch files for optimized tunings
- User-programmable with up to 31 additional files
- Automatic image clarity and contrast control
- +2/-1 display feature for improved visibility of strobe patterns
- External input and through output with mute for silent tuning during performances
- Easy transposition for Bb, F, and Eb instruments.
Product specs
| Type | Mechanical Strobe |
| Format | Desktop |
| Display Type | Analog Strobe Disc |
| Reference Pitch | A4 = 350-550Hz |
| Tuning Range | 32.70-7902.13Hz |
| Power Supply | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (through) |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 6.37" |
| Width | 13.4" |
| Weight | 7 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the primary function of the Peterson 490-St AutoStrobe Tuner?
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The Peterson 490-St AutoStrobe Tuner is designed for precise tuning of musical instruments using a mechanical strobe display, which provides high accuracy and visual feedback for pitch adjustments.
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How does the stretch tuning feature benefit musicians using the Peterson 490-St?
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The stretch tuning feature allows musicians to customize the tuning curve for specific instruments, ensuring optimal intonation and sound quality, particularly for pianos and other complex instruments.
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What type of power supply does the Peterson 490-St require?
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The Peterson 490-St uses a standard IEC AC cable for power, making it easy to integrate into a studio or live setup without the need for special adapters.
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Can the Peterson 490-St be used with both electric and acoustic instruments?
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Yes, the Peterson 490-St can be used with electric instruments via its 1/4" input and is also suitable for acoustic instruments when used with a microphone or contact pickup.
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How portable is the Peterson 490-St AutoStrobe Tuner?
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The Peterson 490-St is a desktop tuner with dimensions of 13.4" x 6.37" x 3.5" and weighs 7 lbs, making it more suitable for stationary use in studios or workshops rather than portable applications.
Videos
Sammy Bones
Peterson AutoStrobe 490 guitar tuner vs. Peterson AutoStrobe 590 guitar tuner
Reviews
PROS
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Highly sensitive and accurate, ideal for precise tuning tasks
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Great for visual learners with clear strobe patterns
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Excellent for both piano and guitar tuning
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Known for enhancing pitch recognition skills
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Remains effective for both personal and professional use
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Easy to transport despite its larger size
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Proven durability with long-lasting performance
CONS
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Expensive compared to other tuners
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Strobe patterns can be hard to read at high frequencies
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Noisy operation may disrupt quiet environments
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Dial may become erratic at extreme frequencies
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Takes time to master, especially for beginners
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Ineffective with external pickups like the Peterson TP-3
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Peterson 490-St.
Features and functionality
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The Peterson 490-St's display is praised for its size and brightness, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight or outdoor gigs.
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The Peterson 490-St includes a power routing feature, providing an extra 9V out, beneficial for users needing additional power outputs for their pedalboard setup.
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The Peterson 490-St's sensitivity to pick attack requires users to lightly pluck a string with the thumb for accurate tuning.
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User experience
Comparisons
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Compared to the Sonic Research tuner, the Peterson offers a larger, more detailed display and a longer warranty, but the Sonic Research is noted as more compact and slightly more accurate.
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Some users prefer high-quality chromatic tuners like the TC Electronic Unitune for everyday use, citing frustration with the strobe's pursuit of perfect tuning.
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Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Dave used Peterson 490 back in 2006.
According to this gear diagram by guitargeek.com https://web.archive.org/web/20130607193538/http://www.guitargeek.com/jeff-hanneman-slayer-guitar-rig-and-gear-setup-2002/
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Peterson 490-St, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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