I think my trusty TU-2 is dying!

[kstrat62]

After 11 years of use(gigged regularly for 8 of those) I think I'm going to have to pull it off the board! I noticed a very noticable drop in output going through my pedalboard the other day and traced it to th TU-2. When I take it out of the circuit, no lose in output. I'm very happy with getting 11 years out of this tuner, but I think I might want to go with True Bypass for the next one. Looking at Polytune, Pitchblack and Hardwire HT. Opinions of these?

[chrisross]

In before Turbo Tuner suggestion!

[tdk8709]

Why change a good thing, just pick one up used in the emporium for $50 and get another 6-8 years out of it.

[chrisross]

Turbo Tuner!

[Jack DeVille]

Check that all the jacks are tightly fastened to the chassis.
I have a number of TU-2s across my bench for various reasons, the most common being true-bypass modifications and intermittent signal loss.
9/10 times, the retaining nuts have loosened over time causing poor/weak/missing ground connections. Pulling the jacks, cleaning any corrosion from the mating surfaces and securely reattaching the jacks eliminates the concern.

Mechanical connections/interfaces are generally a common source of failure in effects pedals (jacks, plugs, pots, switches etc).

I've beat the damned hell out of my TU-2 and its never let me down. Solid, robust design with excellent performance.

[Ryan Trevisol]

If you're going to replace it with a Boss, at least give the TU-3 a whirl. It responds a bit quicker and its got more/smoother LEDs. However, I personally find the pitchblack much easier to read. I picked it up in December for $59 by combining a GC coupon with a mail in rebate.

[cheameup]

yeah mine died last year after 7 or so years .pretty much like yours my levels were going up and down by themselves. it was fine for 15 mins then sound like crap ,then go good again . spent weeks working out it was the tuner .

I went for the turbo tuner and have been very happy with it . it wont change your life but its a great tuner .

[SeicheNZ]

Originally Posted by Jack DeVille

Check that all the jacks are tightly fastened to the chassis.
I have a number of TU-2s across my bench for various reasons, the most common being true-bypass modifications and intermittent signal loss.
9/10 times, the retaining nuts have loosened over time causing poor/weak/missing ground connections. Pulling the jacks, cleaning any corrosion from the mating surfaces and securely reattaching the jacks eliminates the concern.

Mechanical connections/interfaces are generally a common source of failure in effects pedals (jacks, plugs, pots, switches etc).

I've beat the damned hell out of my TU-2 and its never let me down. Solid, robust design with excellent performance.

^this is a good point. Although after 11 years let the man check out some of the other tuners for a change (gotta give yourself a reason to buy pedals, right?)

[Benjam226]

My TU-2 was my main gigging tuner for almost 10 years (got it in 2002.) Last year I started having problems with it not powering up when using a battery. Usually it had been on my board powered by a wall wart or my PP2+, but a couple of times a year I'd take it off the board and use it for acoustic gigs, and liked having it run of off the 9v.

Ended up getting a PitchBlack and I really like it. Still have the TU-2, but it sits in a drawer right now.

[mcdes]

just in time for the polytune mini!!

[oxtone]

I used the TU-2 for many years - then it died.

Then I got a Korg Pitchblack, which is very good.

Then got a TC Polytune - OK, but not very accurate.

Finally got a: Sonic Research Turbo Tuner! BEST tuner I have ever used
in over 40 years of playing guitar. It's fast, and very accurate to .02 cents.

Get a Turbo Tuner!

[jkokura]

I knew a guy who once had his TU-2 literally fall apart on him in the middle of a gig, Looked like it had been run over my a mac truck. Still worked. Just saying.

I agree with Jack. I have a TU-2 that's been going for 13 years (I think) and it's still in fantastic shape. True workhorse. I bet there isn't a single pedal out there on more 'pro' or 'touring' bands boards.

Jacob

[HP Hovercraft]

I would go for a TU-3. The Polytune Mini looks cool, though.

Originally Posted by jkokura

I bet there isn't a single pedal out there on more 'pro' or 'touring' bands boards.

Most likely. It's the best selling pedal of all time.

[iama]

My TU-2 is dying. The needle is pinned to the side and the lights stay on. I've changed the power source as well as trying a 9v.

Anyone experience this? If it's a goner, I'm inclined to try the Polytone. I like the function, size and look of it, but a few seem to find fault with it. I wonder if maybe it's user error but I can always return it.

[kstrat62]

Thanks guys!