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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
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What makes the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 tuner different from digital tuners?
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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.
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Is the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 suitable for tuning all instruments?
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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.
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What power supply does the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 require?
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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.
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Can the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 be used for live performances?
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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.
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How does the built-in microphone of the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 work?
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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.
Videos
Sweetwater
Peterson Strobe Tuners Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional accuracy, measuring pitch to one thousandth of a semitone
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Highly reliable for professional applications like piano tuning and instrument repair
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Durable, rugged case with a spill-resistant face surface and locking stand
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Automatic octave display simplifies complex tuning tasks like piano tuning
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Versatile for various instruments, including woodwinds, strings, and accordions
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Easy to use with a quick startup, reducing setup time
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Ideal for studio use, ensuring precise intonation during recording sessions
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Shows the decay of notes, useful for detailed instrument crafting
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Impressively accurate and easy to use for both shops and studios
CONS
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Expensive, potentially overkill for non-professional or average musicians
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Buttons can be insensitive, risking incorrect note selection
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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
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The Peterson AutoStrobe 490 offers 'sweetened' temperaments tailored for specific instruments, adjusting how much the B-string is altered based on scale length.
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Setup and maintenance
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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Comparisons
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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.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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According to Gilmourish's gear photos, Gilmour uses the Peterson AutoStrobe 490 tuner rack unit.
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!
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
According to this Guitar Geek rig diagram, Dave uses a Peterson Autostrobe 490.
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.
Jeff used a Peterson Autostrobe 490 rack tuner in 2002, according to Guitar Geek.
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.
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
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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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