Guitar Tuner Review - Peterson stroboCLIP HD Clip-On Strobe Tuner

What is it?

The Peterson stroboCLIP HD clip-on tuner is a low-cost introductory clip-on tuner competing in the world of Korg, D’addario, and TC Electronic clip-on tuners. Here are the specs:

Features

High-def backlist display
Wide viewing angle
Visible in direct sunlight
Adjustable frequency (Hz) calibration
Drop tuning, open-tuning, and other capo settings
More than 50 built-in “sweetened” tunings

This little tuner is packed with quite the punch in terms of features and specifications, and comes with a very detailed Owner’s Instruction Manual which details everything from installing the battery to customizing your concert settings. There’s even an intro for strobe newbies.

Specifications

Runs on one (1) CR2032 type battery
Real-time operation
Accuracy: 0.1 cent
Concert Pitch Range: 390 to 490Hz
Tuning Range: C0 to B6
Weight: 46g (1.6 oz)
Size: 2mm x 28mm x 46mm (62.4” x 1.1” x .8”)

Who’s it for?

While the professional player uses tuner pedals such as Boss’ TU-3 or other high-end Petersen pedal-type clip-on tuners, we’re seeing an increasing amount of performers using these types of tuners clipped-on the headstocks of their acoustics.

When I found out that Petersen had introduced a range of strobe tuners and clip-on at that, I though, wow, I’ve got to have one. I wouldn’t have run out to my corner music store to get one, but when Marshal at Peterson reached out to me to see if I wanted to review one, I jumped at the opportunity. Again, I would not have gone out of my way for this, but it makes the greatest Christmas stocking-stuffer, or a neat gift for your teenager who just merited a reward for that impressive music grade on his or hers latest report card.

How much does it cost?

The list price is $59.99USD. While other clip-ons like the Korg are available for $29.99, the Peterson is a strobe type tuner whereas others are chromatic tuners.

What do you think?

Given the ultra-wide clamp of 27mm (1 1/16”), I had no trouble attaching it to any of my guitars. For this review, I clipped the tuner onto my Parkwood M-525, Fender Stratocaster, and Fender Telecaster. While the Telecaster’s headstock design leaves little room for a clip-on, the little grip the Peterson got on the Tele, it held on tight.

Here’s a short-list of things this tuner DOES NOT offer: tone generator, rechargeable, headphone jack. While there is a micro-USB port, I’m not quite sure what it does.

Would you tell your friends about it?

Not only would I tell my friends about this tuner, I’ve got to hide it from them. Having all kinds of guitar gadgets in my mancave, some of which I wish would disappear.

I’ve come across other clip-ons with slightly better features in the past, but the stroboCLIP HD packs the most punch with its complete feature set.

4.5/5 stars

I’ve got to give this device a 4.5 out of 5. The only negative about this tuner is that it auto turns off too soon. This is probably due to its algorithm to preserve battery life. I would have liked that that this tuner stays on for many more minutes. I guess I just haven’t found the setting for this.

For more info, be sure to check out: https://petersontuners.com