• True strobe tuning, not a simulation, accurate
to +/- 0.1 of a cent
• Heavy-duty die-cast construction with true
bypass wiring
• Buzz Feiten Tuning System
®
mode, drop tuning
modes, and backlit screen
How it Works
The Tru-Strobe Pedal Tuner works by displaying the
interference between a reference frequency (or pitch) and
the instrument’s signal input. Electronics in the tuner detect
the pitch of the instrument’s signal and spin the rotary
interface at the recognized pitch, “E” for example. The
instrument’s signal then turns the rotary interface on and off
as the string vibrates, and the optical interference creates
the strobe effect. When the string’s frequency matches the
lights’ spin rate, the image appears to stand still, indicating
the string is perfectly in tune.
Battery Installation
The Tru-Strobe pedal tuner comes complete with a 9v
battery. To access the battery compartment, press down
on the footswitch with one hand and loosen the battery
compartment locking screw to release the battery door.
Connect high quality 9v battery to terminals and place
in battery compartment. Close battery door and tighten
battery door locking screw. Repeat this process each time
a new battery is needed. This is indicated by a flashing “B”
upon powering-up the tuner. The pedal can also be powered
by the optional PW-CT-9V adapter.
Tuner Set-Up
The Tru-Strobe Pedal tuner has one input jack and two
output jacks (Out and Bypass). Plug the instrument to
be tuned into the tuner’s IN jack. The OUT jack is then
connected to the amplifier. In this configuration, the signal
from the instrument will be muted while in tuning mode.
This is usually preferred as you can tune in silence. If
you prefer the signal from your instrument to be audible
while tuning, use the BYPASS OUT to connect the tuner
to the amplifier. In this configuration the signal from the
instrument bypasses the mute function and will always be
sent to the amplifier whether in tuning or play mode. The
Bypass out is also 100% isolated from the tuning circuitry
to leave your instruments tone untouched. What this means
is that while in play mode the input signal does not travel
through the tuning circuit, so it will not degrade or change
your instrument tone. For best battery life, unplug the
instrument cable from tuner input when not in use.
Display
The backlit display illuminates automatically upon entering
tuning mode. This makes the display easy to read in dimly
lit environments. The tuner is equipped with a back-light
disable feature. This comes in handy when playing outdoors
in direct sunlight (it also saves battery life). To disable the
backlight, simply press both the up and down arrow keys
at the same time while in tuning mode. To reactivate the
backlight function, simply repeat this process.
Using the Tru-Strobe Tuner
The Tru-Strobe Pedal becomes activated once a cable is
plugged into the tuner’s input. (Again, to save the battery
life of the tuner, unplug the cable from the input when
the tuner will not be used for a period of time.) To enter
tuning mode press down on the pedal and the backlit
display will become active. (Note: The backlight will shut
off after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve battery
life.) Pluck a string on the instrument to be tuned, and the
tuner will recognize the pitch and display the note in the
center interface. At this time you will notice that the rotary
interface will be spinning clockwise or counter-clockwise.
If the rotary interface is spinning clockwise, the input
frequency is sharp. If the rotary interface spins counter-
clockwise, the input frequency is flat. The speed at
which the interface spins depends on how far the input
frequency is from the ideal or correct frequency. Tune
the instrument so that the speed of rotation slows down
and eventually stops. (If the rotation speeds up, you are
tuning in the wrong direction.) When the interface displays
no movement, you are perfectly in tune. Repeat this
step for additional strings to be tuned. The tuner is fully
chromatic, so there is no need to change any settings for
tuning different notes or pitches.
Note: At first, it may take some time to adjust to this type
of interface. Don’t worry—you’ll get the hang of it. Due to
the supreme accuracy of the tuner, the reaction of the
interface may be different from what you are used to with
other tuners. With a little time this interface will become
second nature allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of
ultra-accurate tuning and experience the amazing sounds
of strings resonating in perfect tune.
Buzz Feiten Tuning System
®
Mode
The Buzz Feiten Tuning System
®
is a system for setting up
guitars and basses (or any fretted stringed instrument) so
that the instrument plays in tune over the entire range of
the fingerboard. A patented formula is used to position
the nut, and tune and intonate the bridge so that you can
play any interval or any chord shape anywhere on the
fingerboard and be in tune. The BFTS comes equipped on
new instruments from a wide range of manufacturers and
builders, and can be retrofitted to any existing instrument
by a Buzz Feiten Tuning System Authorized Retrofitter. The
BFTS is used by all players regardless of experience level
(from beginning students to professionals), to enjoy the
benefits of playing in tune. For further information, please
visit www.buzzfeiten.com
Pressing the Mode button once enters the tuner into Buzz
Feiten edit mode (display shows “B”). Use this mode if your
instrument is Buzz Feiten equipped. Pressing either of the
up or down arrows will cycle you through the five Buzz
Feiten Tuning modes which include Bypassed (- -), Electric
Tru-Strobe Pedal Tuner
