Photo of TC Electronic PolyTune and more gear in a pedalboard, guitar, and signal chain

Photo of TC Electronic PolyTune and more gear in a pedalboard, guitar, and amplifier

TC Electronic PolyTune

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$49.00 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (309)

3 Critic Reviews

37 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

TC Electronic PolyTune 3

$63.90 - $99.00

5.0 (122)

Find out who is using TC Electronic PolyTune

32 community setups

100 wishlisted

710 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (62)

$49.00 18 available Used

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Average Price: $49

Budget/Beginner

$50

$101+

Price Tier

In the Pedal Tuners category, TC Electronic PolyTune is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Meet the solution to your tuning troubles, the TC Electronic PolyTune. Say goodbye to the tedious process of tuning one string at a time. With PolyTune's unique technology, you can quickly and easily identify which strings need tuning with a single strum. This pedal tuner not only provides convenience but also precision, all tucked neatly within a sturdy, road-ready casing. Its clear and bright LED display offers an unrivaled, easy-to-read interface, designed for those quick on-stage tune-ups or studio sessions.

Key Features:

Polyphonic Tuning: Allows you to tune all strings simultaneously
Bright LED Display: Easy-to-read interface, perfect for dim stages or studios
Mute Function: Mutes your guitar during tuning for a noise-free setup
Durable Casing: Designed to withstand the rigors of touring and regular use
Precision Tuning: Ensures your instrument is perfectly in tune every time

Product specs

Brand	TC Electronic
Model	Polytune
Finish	White
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Tuner Pedals

FAQs

Can the TC Electronic PolyTune tune all strings at once?: Yes, the TC Electronic PolyTune features polyphonic tuning, allowing you to strum all strings simultaneously and see which ones are out of tune.
Does the TC Electronic PolyTune support both true bypass and buffered bypass?: Yes, the TC Electronic PolyTune offers both true bypass and buffered bypass modes, allowing you to choose based on your signal chain needs.
What type of display does the TC Electronic PolyTune use?: The TC Electronic PolyTune uses a bright LED display, providing clear visibility in various lighting conditions, making it easy to tune on dark stages.
Is the TC Electronic PolyTune suitable for both guitar and bass?: Yes, the TC Electronic PolyTune is designed to work with both guitars and basses, offering accurate tuning for a wide range of instruments.
What power supply does the TC Electronic PolyTune require?: The TC Electronic PolyTune requires a standard 9V power supply and has a current draw of approximately 45 to 50 mA.

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TC Electronic Polytune

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Reviews

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PROS

Crystal clear reading for low B on 5 string bass
PolyTune tech allows tuning all strings with one strum
Simple operation, excellent for live performances
Durable and attractive design
Features like polyphonic tuning and multiple visual modes for tuning
True bypass, doesn't color the tone when not in use
Bright LED, easy to read in various lighting conditions
Allows for different tunings and shows tuning based on selected mode
Power link feature saves power supply outputs
Accurate and quick response in tuning

CONS

Some units may experience screen issues, blinking or malfunctioning
Not the quickest tuner on the market
Display could be bolder and brighter for dark stages
Single output limits its use in dual amp setups
Lowest tuning frequency limited to A453, not suitable for A432 tuning preference
Build quality issues; power in socket may need re-soldering
A bit expensive compared to other tuners

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TC Electronic PolyTune.

Features and functionality

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The TC Electronic PolyTune includes a built-in Bonafide buffer, highly praised for maintaining signal quality, especially useful at the start of a pedal chain.
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The PolyTune 3 offers an "always on" mode that allows tuning without muting, aiding in real-time adjustments during live performances.
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The PolyTune 3 Mini's dip switches are located on the outside, unlike the full-sized model, which may offer easier access for quick adjustments.
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There is confusion over the accuracy in strobe mode between the PolyTune 3 and Mini, with some suggesting the Mini might be more accurate, though official specs often list both as 0.2 cent.
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The PolyTune 2 is confirmed to be true bypass only, lacking the Bonafide buffer found in the PolyTune 3, leading to user confusion about its capabilities.
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The PolyTune 2 has no internal or external dip switches for altering bypass modes, solidifying its design as strictly true bypass without buffering options.
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User experience

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Some users report the original PolyTune mini creates noise when used with distortion pedals, potentially due to buffering issues.
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Some owners report the PolyTune 3's smoothing algorithm prevents notes from jumping too much, though others prefer the more erratic, true pitch representation of the Boss TU-3W.
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Owners downloaded the PolyTune 2 manual, which does not reference a buffer, confirming that the buffer was intended as an upgrade for the PolyTune 3.
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Use cases and applications

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The polyphonic tuning feature is particularly useful for quick checks between songs during live gigs, allowing players to assess tuning across all strings at once.
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Comparisons

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The PolyTune is noted to have a 100 ohm output impedance, compared to Boss's typical 1k ohm, which may affect signal clarity in complex chains.
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The Boss TU-3W is noted for having blue/green LEDs that can be challenging for visibility when tuning close to the correct pitch, compared to the more visible red/green LEDs of the regular TU-3.
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The Turbo Tuner ST-300 is highlighted for its fast tracking and analog accuracy, though its precision makes it less practical for quick live tuning compared to the Boss TU-3W.
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Build quality

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Some users report issues with the switch durability in older Polytune models, affecting reliability in live settings.
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Some users experienced power connector issues with the full-sized PolyTune 3, noting wobbly connections, while the Mini version reportedly has a more stable build.
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Critic Reviews

PolyTune – A Practical Review – DrKevGuitar.com

drkevguitar.com

TC Electronic's PolyTune impresses with its innovative polyphonic tuning, though its precision in this mode is lacking compared to single-note tuning. While the polyphonic feature is visually appealing, it falls short in practical accuracy, detecting tuning differences only over 3 cents. However, the classic needle mode offers reliable performance, surpassing the Boss TU-2 and matching the TU-3. The standout feature is the streaming mode, delivering exceptional accuracy to 0.5 cents, making it the top choice for musicians demanding precision. Despite a vulnerable screen prone to scratches, easily remedied with screen protectors, PolyTune remains a stellar choice for electric instruments. Its versatility and accuracy make it a winner in its price range, especially in the studio.

positive

Full Review

TC Electronic Polytune Review

jamplay.com

The TC Electronic Polytune impresses with its innovative polyphonic tuning feature, allowing guitarists to tune all strings with a single strum—perfect for live performances. Its true bypass design ensures no signal loss, and the automatic brightness adjustment of its LED display is a thoughtful touch. However, the poly mode struggles with alternate tunings and drop-D, and there are minor inconsistencies, like the high "e" string misreading on some guitars. Despite these quirks, its robust build, reliable chromatic tuning, and competitive pricing make it a standout choice for those seeking versatility in a pedal tuner.

positive

Full Review

TC Electronic PolyTune Poly-Chromatic Tuner Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The TC Electronic PolyTune impresses as a groundbreaking polyphonic tuner, offering the ability to tune all strings simultaneously, a boon for live guitarists. Its accuracy in standard tuning is commendable, even amidst distortion, and the ambient light sensor for LED brightness is a nice touch. However, it falters with alternate tunings like drop-D, limiting its polyphonic mode. Despite this, its compact design, power-sharing capability, and affordable price make it a top choice for tuner pedals. If standard tuning is your go-to, the PolyTune is a stellar bet, though alternate tuning enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 37 Reviews and 309 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

uc_jordan

303

over 1 year ago

Simple, Effective Tuner

Does the tuning job well enough. Also like to use it as a mute switch whenever I'm setting down my guitar or whatnot.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Experimental rock

From Gear Setup

fahq

270

over 1 year ago

Very good

I don’t really know how to review a tuner pedal. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do. Simple, easy to use and bright clear display

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Alternative rock Psychedelic rock

fabrizio_barbisan

166

about 10 years ago

Tun em all

I considered the tuner the most important piece of gear of any musician and the tc eleftronic polytune is the best tuner,hands down! It does the job properly, super birght led display with four different tuning visual. You can also set your tuning and it will show you the tuning of the instrument based on the one selected. And the. is polyphonic, strum all the strings and it will show you with maniacal accuracy the tuning of each string. Last but not least it has a link of the power so that we don't "waste" a power supply output for just a pedal that needs almost no power to work.Perfect.

jimmarchi1

41029

about 11 years ago

A quick way to tune up.

Strum your guitar and the polytune will tell you what strings are sharp or flat so you don't waste time tuning strings that are in. Pluck a single string and it automatically goes into classic tuner mode. Its pretty acurate and responds quickly. My one gripe is that the display could be bolder and brighter for dark stages. I think the brightness was addressed in v2. And this tuner is true bypass. Sweet.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

luxiu

44626

11 years ago about 11 years ago

Yes! The v2 works flawlessly indeed! :-)

xaqary

5455

9 years ago over 9 years ago

I must not have V2, because I basically second everything Jim offered. Not a bad tuner & I'm damn hard on my guitar gear & this has survived many tours of the States & Europe as well as countless local shows.

eddy_pena_arano

160

almost 5 years ago

Problematic stuff... sometimes

I mean, probably im the first person who complain about this tuner, but honestly this is not what i tough it was. Very delicated stuff, sometimes get crazy and the screen start to blink and not to show what are you really doing with the damn tune. So, maybe is just my pedal, but im gonna change it for sure

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Alternative rock Psychedelic rock

ppoolboy

1931

over 9 years ago

Does it's job well

this is a tuner pedal, and that's about it. It tunes very accurately and the led display is very easy to see in the dark. My only complaints are that it only has one output , making a dual amp setup impossible if you want to have this at the end of your pedalboard (like i do), and that the lowest tuning frequency you can use is A453, as i prefer to use A432. the difference is so miniscule most people won't even hear it, but it still bothers me as the TU-3 can tune to A432. Overall, this is a great tuner for the price and will do it's job until the nuclear bombs go off.

grishamtj

1251

about 6 years ago

Most Reliable Tuner

Not much to say about this guy. Keeps my guitars in tune, and is easy to see on any stage, dark or bright.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Alternative rock Indie rock Country rock

maxthebassplayer

almost 7 years ago

Solid tuner,

A little hard to read on bright stages and outdoor gigs. I've heard the newer models have a brighter, easier to read screen, but this is the one I have. I'm not getting rid of it or rushing to replace it, so that says something, I guess.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Folk, World, & Country Blues