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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Peterson AutoStrobe 490". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Peterson AutoStrobe 490, the ultimate tuner for musicians who demand nothing less than pinpoint accuracy. Designed to cater to a wide array of instruments, this stroboscopic tuner is a game-changer for studios, music schools, and serious instrument technicians. With its ability to display both fundamentals and overtones with astounding clarity, the AutoStrobe 490 stands out as a precision tool in the tuning arsenal.

This tuner excels in adaptability, featuring automatic image clarity and contrast adjustments ensuring optimal visibility across different environments. Whether you're tuning in a dimly lit venue or under the bright stage lights, the AutoStrobe 490 delivers clear and precise tuning information. Furthermore, its innovative +2/-1 display shifts strobe patterns into more visible ranges, making tuning easier for both bass and treble notes. Silent tuning on stage is made possible with its external input and through output with mute functionality, allowing for seamless performance transitions.

Compact yet robust, the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 is an indispensable companion for musicians seeking reliable and accurate tuning, no matter the instrument or setting. Its built-in presets and the ability to store custom tunings make it a versatile tool tailored to the unique needs of every musician.

Key Features:

  • Automatic hands-free note selection with the ability to manually select notes if preferred
  • Vivid and precise display that is easily visible from a distance
  • Advanced +2/-1 display feature for enhanced tuning of high- and low-register notes
  • Mute function for silent onstage tuning
  • Accurate to 0.1 cent, ensuring your instrument is perfectly in tune
  • Can be transposed for keys of C, Bb, F, and Eb, catering to a wide range of instruments
  • Built-in microphone for tuning acoustic instruments
  • Includes eight built-in tuning presets, such as historical temperaments and sweetened tunings, plus 64 user preset locations for storing custom tunings

Product specs

Type Mechanical Strobe
Format Desktop
Display Type LCD, Single Analog Strobe Disc
Reference Pitch Concert A = 350-550Hz
Tuning Range C1-B8 (32.7-7902.1Hz)
Accuracy 0.1 cents
Power Supply Standard IEC AC cable
Inputs 1 x 1/4" (instrument), built-in mic
Outputs 1 x 1/4" (thru)
Height 3.5"
Depth 6.37"
Width 13.4"
Weight 7 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 tuner different from digital tuners?

The Peterson AutoStrobe 490 is a mechanical strobe tuner, providing unmatched accuracy of 0.1 cents, which is ideal for professional tuning applications. Unlike digital tuners, it uses a rotating strobe disc for precise visual feedback.

Is the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 suitable for tuning all instruments?

Yes, the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 covers a wide tuning range from C1 to B8, making it suitable for virtually any instrument, including pianos, guitars, and orchestral instruments.

What power supply does the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 require?

The Peterson AutoStrobe 490 operates using a standard IEC AC cable, making it easy to integrate into professional setups without the need for special adapters.

Can the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 be used for live performances?

While primarily designed for professional and studio use, the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 can be used in live settings where precise tuning is critical, thanks to its accurate and reliable strobe display.

How does the built-in microphone of the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 work?

The built-in microphone allows the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 to pick up acoustic instrument sounds directly, making it versatile for tuning without needing an external input.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Peterson Strobe Tuners Demo

Video thumbnail for Peterson Strobe Tuners Demo by Sweetwater

Peterson Strobe Tuners Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Peterson 490 Guitar Tuner by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Peterson 490 Guitar Tuner

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for Guitar Tuner reveiw for Peterson 490 Strobe Planet Waves Boss TU2 TU3 by Sammy Bones

Guitar Tuner reveiw for Peterson 490 Strobe Planet Waves Boss TU2 TU3

Sammy Bones

Sammy Bones

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional accuracy, measuring pitch to one thousandth of a semitone

  • Highly reliable for professional applications like piano tuning and instrument repair

  • Durable, rugged case with a spill-resistant face surface and locking stand

  • Automatic octave display simplifies complex tuning tasks like piano tuning

  • Versatile for various instruments, including woodwinds, strings, and accordions

  • Easy to use with a quick startup, reducing setup time

  • Ideal for studio use, ensuring precise intonation during recording sessions

  • Shows the decay of notes, useful for detailed instrument crafting

  • Impressively accurate and easy to use for both shops and studios

CONS

  • Expensive, potentially overkill for non-professional or average musicians

  • Buttons can be insensitive, risking incorrect note selection

  • Some users find the strobe feature challenging without prior experience

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Peterson AutoStrobe 490.

Features and functionality

  • The Peterson AutoStrobe 490 offers 'sweetened' temperaments tailored for specific instruments, adjusting how much the B-string is altered based on scale length.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners emphasize tuning up to the note, not down, due to potential slippage in tuners, and recommend using dry graphite lube for smoother nut operation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Peterson strobe tuners are praised for their ability to tune the attack of the note quickly, essential for both studio recording and live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users often compare the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 to Sonic Research's Turbo Tuner ST-300, noting similar accuracy but preferring Peterson for its display and sweetened settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners report that understanding and effectively using the Peterson's sweetened tunings can be complex without initial guidance or practice.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses Peterson AutoStrobe 490

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Gilmourish

According to Gilmourish's gear photos, Gilmour uses the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 tuner rack unit.

See how Dave Mustaine uses Peterson AutoStrobe 490

Dave Mustaine

Guitarist, Singer

Metallica

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Peterson Auto Strobe 490 Tuner is Owned by Dave Mustaine, frontman for the legendary metal band Megadeth.

Here is a funky stroboscopic tuner from Dave's private collection. Don't limit this tool to just guitar. The Peterson can tune just about any instrument you have sitting around. Tune up!

See how Carlos Santana uses Peterson AutoStrobe 490

Carlos Santana

Guitarist

Santana

...
Verified via YouTube

Peterson AutoStrobe 490 tuner is shown in Carlos Santana's rack by his guitar tech Ed Adair in youtube link above (visible throughout, it is confirmed at 1 min 5 secs into the video). Video was uploaded in September 2016

See how Dave Murray uses Peterson AutoStrobe 490

Dave Murray

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Guitar Geek rig diagram, Dave uses a Peterson Autostrobe 490.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Peterson AutoStrobe 490

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Photo

Foto que se encuentra en la página oficial de Cerati. Utilizado en el estudio y también en la gira de Fuerza Natural como parte del kiosquito de Barakus.

See how Jeff Hanneman uses Peterson AutoStrobe 490

Jeff Hanneman

Guitarist, Composer

Slayer

...
Verified via Photo

Jeff used a Peterson Autostrobe 490 rack tuner in 2002, according to Guitar Geek.

See how Nita Strauss uses Peterson AutoStrobe 490

Nita Strauss

Guitarist

As Blood Runs Black

...
Verified via YouTube

As the camera zooms in on the still frame at 33:33, on the top of Nita's rack unit sits a Peterson AutoStrobe 490.

See how Andreas Kisser uses Peterson AutoStrobe 490

Andreas Kisser

Guitarist

Sepultura

...
Verified via Photo

The detailed gear diagram of Andreas Kisser's Sepultura stage setup, on this page of Guitar Geek, includes a Peterson AutoStrobe 490.

Album Usage

The Peterson AutoStrobe 490 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 Peterson AutoStrobe 490, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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