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Average Price: $66
Standard/Professional
$50
$101+
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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "TC Electronic PolyTune 3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the TC Electronic PolyTune 3, a pedal tuner that takes instrument tuning to a whole new level. This compact, intuitive, and reliable tuner boasts an impressive accuracy within 0.02 cents, making it an essential addition to your music gear. The PolyTune 3 simplifies your tuning process by allowing you to strum all strings simultaneously to identify the out-of-tune ones at a glance, or tune up one string at a time.
Designed with musicians in mind, the built-in BonaFide Buffer circuitry enhances your tone for long cable runs, providing a treble and transient response that is closer to plugging directly into an amp. This innovative feature is switchable to true bypass, giving you control over your signal path.
Enhance your creativity with the PolyTune 3's alternate tuning modes, allowing for fast and easy exploration of new tunings even in the middle of a set. Plus, the improved auto-dimming LED display makes tuning comfortable in any environment, indoors or out.
Key Features:
- The most advanced PolyTune yet
- Built-in BonaFide Buffer preserves your tone for long cable runs
- Switchable true bypass option puts you in charge of your signal path
- Alternate tuning modes make it fast and easy to explore open/slide tunings
- Always On option (Buffer mode only) provides continuous tuning feedback as you play
- Save time tuning all strings at once, or tune string by string — PolyTune 3 adjusts automatically
- Precise strobe tuner is accurate to within 0.02 cents — great for double-tracking
- Fast chromatic tuner (+/- 0.5 cents) automatically detects the note you're playing
- Auto-dimming LED display is easy to read on dark stages or in direct sunlight
- 3-year manufacturer warranty makes the PolyTune 3 a smart investment
- Designed and engineered in Denmark
- Requires a standard 9V power supply (not included)
Product specs
| Type | Polyphonic, Chromatic |
| Instrument | Guitar, Bass |
| Format | Pedal |
| Display Type | LED, Strobe |
| Reference Pitch | Selectable |
| Accuracy | ±0.5 cent (chromatic), ±0.02 cent (strobe) |
| Tuning Modes | Capo, Drop Tuning, PolyTune |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| USB | USB Mini-B (firmware updates only) |
| Bypass Switching | True Bypass, switchable to Buffered |
| Power Supply | 9V DC 100mA power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Height | 2.0" |
| Width | 2.8" |
| Depth | 4.8" |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs. |
FAQs
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What makes the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 different from other pedal tuners?
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The PolyTune 3 offers polyphonic tuning, allowing you to tune all strings simultaneously. It also features a built-in Bonafide Buffer to maintain your tone across long cable runs, making it a versatile choice for both live and studio settings.
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Can the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 be powered by a battery?
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Yes, the PolyTune 3 can be powered by a standard 9V battery. However, if you plan to use the power out jack to power additional pedals, a 9V DC power supply is recommended.
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Does the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 support alternate tunings?
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Yes, the PolyTune 3 supports alternate tunings, including capo and drop tuning modes, providing flexibility for various playing styles and musical genres.
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How accurate is the TC Electronic PolyTune 3?
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The PolyTune 3 is highly accurate, with a precision of ±0.5 cent in chromatic mode and ±0.02 cent in strobe mode, ensuring precise tuning for professional performance.
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Is the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 suitable for bass guitar?
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Yes, the PolyTune 3 is designed for both guitar and bass, offering reliable tuning capabilities for a wide range of instruments.
Equipboard's Expert Review
Equipboard tested this
Videos
TC Electronic
PolyTune 3 - Official Product Video
Reviews
PROS
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Ultra-accurate strobe tuning feature (+/- 0.1 cent) for precise tuning
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Offers both true bypass and buffer options, enhancing signal path flexibility
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Polyphonic tuning feature allows quick check of all strings' tuning simultaneously
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Built-in Bonafide signal buffer improves signal integrity through pedal chains
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Can power other pedals, reducing the need for multiple power supplies
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Bright, easy-to-see display ideal for various lighting conditions
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Quality construction and reliable performance
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Versatile tuning options and customizable settings
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Compact design easily fits on pedalboards
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Provides clear tuning for low tunings and extended range guitars
CONS
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Polyphonic tuning feature not as accurate as single-string tuning
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Screen resolution and flexibility not as high as some competitors
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Some users find the tuner overwhelming with too many options initially
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Limited color options available
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A few users reported manufacturing errors with internal dip switch access
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Customer support and service experiences vary, some negative reports
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TC Electronic PolyTune 3.
Features and functionality
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The Mini version lacks a battery option, which may be a deciding factor for players who need battery power.
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The always-on screen option helps players monitor pitch during practice, aiding in tasks like learning fretboard notes and perfecting string bends.
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The Polytune 3's polyphonic mode allows users to strum all strings and quickly identify which are out of tune, saving time during live performances.
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Using polyphonic mode to quickly check tuning followed by strobe mode for fine-tuning is a common practice among users.
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Dip switches are external on the Mini version, making it easier to access compared to the internal switches on the full-sized model.
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Setup and maintenance
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Users recommend checking all cables and power supplies when troubleshooting, as pedalboards can be affected by inconsistent power sources.
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User experience
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Some users find the polyphonic mode less accurate, preferring the traditional single-string tuning mode for precise tuning.
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Owners with extensive use report no issues with the Polytune Mini, suggesting it might be a more dependable choice for live settings.
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A recurring issue involves the Polytune 3 requiring a power cycle to resolve sound output failures during live performances.
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The full-sized Polytune 3 has a power connector that can be wobbly, while the Mini's power connector is reported as stable.
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Build quality
Comparisons
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Some owners suggest the Boss tuner pedals for their reliability in professional settings, citing the Polytune 3's failure rate under similar conditions.
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The Polytune 3 is noted for better bass string detection compared to the Boss TU-2, making it favorable for bass players.
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The TU-3W's blue/green LEDs might be hard to see for some users, whereas the Polytune 3 displays are generally more user-friendly.
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The Mini's strobe mode is perceived as accurate, but some users report the full-sized version has a lag issue in buffered mode.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 25 Reviews and 121 Ratings
Best of all time
In my opinion this is the best tuner pedal you can get for its price, very accurate tuning tool specially when you use strobe mode
Chromatic and Strobe Tuner
Highly recommended, I got it second-hand and it is one of the purchases I have made the most use of, the tuner is the most important pedal of all.
It can tune in different tunings other than 440 Hz and power more pedals thanks to its second 9v input, which can be used as a daisy chain.
True bypass, it performs its function perfectly, mutes the rest of the signal to tune.
This review has been translated automatically into English. See originalPreferred Settings + Usage:
yo no uso mucho la función de afinar todas las cuerdas a la vez, pero sin duda es una función única; la afinación cromática no da ningún problema, la estroboscópica es un poco más compleja de entender pero es muy intuitiva
623
Versatile, very easy to use, solid and consistent.
The strum feature is really cool for those of us who can’t tune by ear. It displays how all your strings are tuned relative to one another simultaneously. If you’re flat or sharp somewhere, the strum feature finds it for you immediately without having to go one by one.
It has more features than I use, but they’re easy to access should I ever need to.
2498
My preferred tuner over the Boss TU-3
I know there are other accurate alternatives out there (eg Peterson) but between the big two — Boss TU-3 and Polytune 3 — I prefer the latter.
For one, the display is just easier to read, particularly on a darkened stage. I don’t use the strobe tuning feature but even that is more visible than the Boss. Where it’s really at for me are the big letters for the string/note you’re tuning to. And it auto detects, so for someone like me that uses a capo a lot, you don’t need to pick a different mode (although you can program tuning up/down or alternate tunings).
Oh and it has a good buffer to start your board with.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
I use the single string tuning. I’ve never tested/compared to the multi string tuner, I just find it easier and quicker as a personal preference.
457
Great for an always-on tuner!
This is the first thing on my board, not only as a buffer, but I have it set to always-on, so I don't have to stomp it to tune up, and I can always hear my playing (I am not performing live or anything, but if I were, I'd reverse that setting). On the flip side, I can hit the switch if I want to mute my signal at any point, and still have access to the tuner functionality. I like that it can also daisy chain power to another pedal. The only negative, really, is the namesake poly tuning mode is not nearly as useful as I once thought it might be. It could be improved greatly if the screen was used better in that mode, but the reality is, maybe it's just not that accurate to do so. Oh well, I can only turn one tuning peg at a time, anyhow.
5358
Quick and Accurate
The Polyphonic tuning is perfect for quick tuning in-between songs or recordings, works quickly and is accurate with a choice of 10 cents up or down from standard 440Hz, with support for drop D tuning. nice and bright display for darker environments.
163
Everything you need, and a little bit more
Tuners are very easy to get right, but it's always nice when one goes above and beyond for those who crave efficiency. Not only is the PolyTune 3 an exceptional tuner with great accuracy, a good range of tunings and a nice, bright screen that's impossible to miss, but the buffer is a very welcome addition, and the ability to daisy chain & power other pedals through it is a lifesaver for my busy board with far too many wires.
Like I say, there's normally not much in it with tuners (for most players at least), but if your needs are straightforward and you like to get the most utility out of your limited board space, it's hard to beat this one
37
Wonderful unit, but the company will ghost you.
Just be prepared to throw it away should it need any service or repair. The company is a complete sham when it comes to customer support.
Artist usage
Add artist
John’s pedalboard for the 2019 Dead & Company summer tour. You can see the pedal on the bottom right with “electric” taped on it, but the “bonafide” logo clearly visible.
In the video "My Chemical Romance Rig Rundown with Frank Iero, Ray Toro & Mikey Way" by Premier Guitar, at 37:56, Ray Toro's pedalboard is shown with a TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Guitar Tuner Pedal visible in the bottom right corner.
In a video by Premier Guitar, during a segment where Patrick Stump is speaking, a TC Electronic PolyTune 3 can be clearly seen mounted in the background, confirming its use by the artist.
In a Rig Rundown feature by Premier Guitar, Yvette Young of Covet is shown using the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 pedal tuner.
WestCoastPedalBoard made Board for the Slayer & Exodus tour and posted pictures of it. You can see it is A PT3 as opposed to a PT1 or 2, since in one of the pictures you can see "Bonafide" in the lower right corner of the pedal, which only the 3 has.
Emma Proulx uses the TC Electronic PolyTune 3, as evidenced by a photograph taken by a fan at a Men I Trust gig in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 2, 2022. The image clearly shows the pedal on her pedalboard, positioned on the lower far right, next to the Universal Audio OX Stomp Dynamic Speaker Emulator Stereo Pedal and below the Xotic Effects EP Booster.
At 18:19 in the "Bryan Adams Rig Rundown with Keith Scott" video by Premier Guitar, a TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Polyphonic Tuner Pedal is visibly present on Bryan Adams' pedalboard.
Starr’s pedalboard features a Cry Baby Wah, a PCE-FX Aluminum Falcon Klon clone, an Analog Man Sun Face, Chase Tone Secret Preamp—“a preamp that accidentally made everyone’s signal a little sweeter,”—Wampler Faux Tape Echo, Fulltone Supa-Trem, DryBell Vibe Machine, Analog Man-modded MXR Phase 45, and a Polytune 3.
Album Usage
The TC Electronic PolyTune 3 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 TC Electronic PolyTune 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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