Which tuning system?

7stringbassist

Do I go with the $69 locking tuners or get this product for $900?



http://www.tronical.com/

Your Les Paul Standard will tune itself precisely and automatically in seconds.
Gibson Les Paul Standard PowerTune System™ Features:

Installs easily onto your Les Paul Standard
No guitar modification
No additional wiring
Many preset tunings
Create and store custom tunings
Helps set intonation
Automatic winding and unwinding for string changes
Reference tuning to other instruments
2 rechargeable batteries charged through the guitar jack
About 300 tunings per charge
With the PowerTune System™, Gibson brings a real innovation to the marketplace that promises to banish, once and for all, the tuning problems guitarists and bass players often have. The instrument tuning system consists of 3 components that can automatically tune all strings according to prescribed settings in less than 5 seconds. Major modification of the instrument is no longer required. A control knob that enables the tuning to be programmed replaces the volume control. The player can choose from normal tuning patterns right up to the most diverse range of open tunings. The programmed instructions are implemented by tuners equipped with tiny electric motors. As the motorized tuners adjust the tuning, the pitch of the string is monitored by means of the tune-control bridge. Electrical power for the tuning mechanism is supplied via the guitar strings. It stores personal tuning preferences and makes them available for easy implementation at the push of a button.

The PowerTune System is a modular system that can be also retrofitted to virtually any available guitar-make or model. As part of its agreement with Tronical, Gibson will also be the exclusive distributor of upgrade kits available for a range of Gibson models, as well as other guitar brands.

The product components of the PowerTune System include the TuneControl-MultiKnob. The multi-functional pot is available in various finishes and styles to complement any design. The TuneControl-MultiKnob has all operating and control functionality contained and adjusted with 11 different positions. The PowerHead-Locking Tuners are contained in standard housing and are a revolution in guitar technology. Each automatic tuner consists of motorized high-performance gears along with intelligent servo electronics. The \"learn\" capability on the motor control allows it to optimize different tuning requirements. The Tune-Control Bridge and TuneCore-Controller work as the command center of the entire PowerTune System, monitoring and controlling the guitar s tuning. The strings carry the control signal and the power supply for the PowerHead-Locking Tuner. By using highly compact electronics, the TuneCore-Controller requires a minimum of space for optimal placement.


Gibson Les Paul Standard PowerTune System™ Specifications:

Tunings:
Standard
Open E
Open G
DADGAD
Step-down
Single and double dropped-D tunings
Custom tunings
Reference tuning to other instruments

thehootman

I wouldnt waste $600 US (a lot more AU) on that.

Just get locking tuners. I can see that system failing in the middle of a gig and everything getting screwed up.

shredd

What he said. That's WAY too much moola for a pretty sketchy technology (if it worked, everyone would make it). Get the tuners. If this wacko system was about 1/4 the price, you could put it on a b/u ax just to see if it worked, but for now I'd stick with the nice tuners and make sure your nut is clean :shock: and graphited.

Tal Rules

Turn the tuners by hand..
(Great excersise)

Use the FREE tuner included in the GNX4..

chuck

Before I start on this reply, I want to say that I FULLY appreciate the arguments against this (currently) pricey new technology but since there hasnot been a positive thing said about this yet, I thought I'd drop my 2-cents in...

I remember when (yup, I'm THAT old!) the concept of having an entire computer on your desktop was poo-poo'd and the first PC's were indeed pricey.

...cell phones...portable personal phones (they were initially called \"car-phones\" - the battery and handset was too big and heavy at first to carry around in a pocket).

...mp3 players.. who needs (or wants badly enough to pay for) a little box that fits in your pocket that can house and play an entire (>1000 CD collection).

If all you ever do is play in standard tuning, maybe this thing thing is not for you although the concept of being instantly in tune ALL the time is a good one... AND like every other new technology, this will get more affordable.

As far as opening up a whole new world of playing (in alternate tunings) without havingto invest in yet another guitar just for this purpose, this is a pretty reaonable alternative. How many of you guys have thre or four or more guitars that you almost never play?

If I can push a button and turn a knob and get (virtually instantly) to an Eb tuning, or drop-D, or open G, or whatever... like tuning to a reference piano that isn't at A440. sheesh.

And the \"reliability\" argument? Come on... A GNX4 or an amp is just as likely (if not more so) to \"fail in the field\".

I have absolutely no affiliation with this \"thing\" and I certainly will not soon be buying one but this is one amazing tool that I predict will become commonplace at some point in the not too distant future.

There is merit to resisting the technophilic urge to buy \"bleeding edge\" technology at exhorbitant prices, and waiting until a product matures, becomes more reliable, stable and affordable, but this \"auto-tuner\" gizmo is one amazing tool.

What about all of us GNX4 \"converts\" who have sold or shelved our amps? Personally, I take pleasure in listening to the traditional purists denigrate new technology and then watching them embrace it as it becomes \"mainstream\".

chuck

...I just noticed that this thread was starteed by \"7stringbassist\" so in the interest of humor, I'll show my \"traditional purist\" side and throw my 'nads out there for a whacking by saying that I could never understand why a bass has to have more than four strings (grin).

No offense, \"7string\", I'm just hoping to deflect any flame wars in advance (smirk).

...I guess Nathan East won't now be soon calling me for a gig.

thehootman

I disagree whole-heartedly with you, chuck (not personal :P ). Being a mechanical system, the chance of failure is far more likely and catastrophic than the electronics in the gnx4. If you keep readjusting the tension of your strings on such a violent basis (changing tunings each song) you will mess with the structural integrity of the string - it will stretch etc and make it more likely to break. It also wouldnt be good for your guitar - the changing tension will mess with your neck and thus each time you change your tuning your action will change with it unless you adjust the truss rod at the same time.

Its not that i dont like the idea of it, its simply that it has a way to go before it becomes less \"geeky\" and more practical and less expensive.

My bass player has a 7 string bass - bloody ridiculous. :roll:

iliace

I like locks on guitars with whammy bars. Beyond that, well... I'd consider it if it helped keep the guitar in tune, but I don't like those little things you put at the nut on Floyd Rose equipped guitars, and have to unclamp it to retune or use limited-range fine tuners. Playing by myself, I tune by ear - no tuners, no locking anything, no reference pitch. I usually get within a few cents of the correct pitch, unless it was really in tune a half-step up or down (perfect pitch is a curse, I swear). Playing along to a recording, I'll play it and tune each string on a note that harmonizes with a chord that's playing. Playing with bands, I use the GNX onboard tuner. For changing strings (intonating, etc), I have a one-cent precision tuner/metronome unit I got for 20 USD years back.

chuck

yeah , hootman... you are right. I was so caught up in making my point (up there on my soapbox) about those who are resistant to change (even if for the better, as for cases of technological innovation), I forgot to consider the obvious fact that anything \"mechanical\" (like this tune-o-magic thing) is indeed more likely to fail than something electronic (like an amp or GNX, etc.). And as for the stress and strain on strings (and the guitar itself) being streched around.. also something I had not considered. Thanks for setting me straight... and not yelling at me (sheepish-grin)!!! Who knows, maybe a nice little innovation like this will drive further improvements in strings and guitars/truss rods, etc.

I still think it is a nice idea and may one day become \"mainstream\".
I still admire and respect those who have the motivation to drive a \"cool\" idea to fruition, and i so doing motivate others to innovate spin-off technologies and innovations .
If I had lived in an earlier era, I would still have enjoyed listening to the guy who nay-sayed and criticized the first guy who installed indoor plumbing, making the argument that is wacky and too expensive (grin).

I imagine there were those who laughed at Les Paul when he was working on his \"new-fangled\" electric guitar and later on, his multi-track recording device.

7stringbassist

Well,

If it is going to cost me more to tune my guitar than it is to own my guitar, then I will settle for the Locking tuners.

http://www.gtrheaven.com/accessories/parts.asp?ven=144&m=none&t=Sperzel Locking Tuners

I think the technology is fantastic but wayyyyy over priced.

thehootman

Chuck - I am a supporter of new technologies - I certainly agree with you on the point that it would be nice to have this technology working and mainstream! Dont worry, I dont yell at anyone on forums - i enjoy nice mature debates like this one :P 8) 8)