Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I swear by this tuner.  It is cheap, durable, precise, reliable, and easy to use.  I have used mine for 5 years + without problem.  My efforts in finding a better tuner, at times 5 times the price of this one, has tuned up empty.

"Exogenic Tuning Q12E"

Here is only one place you might purchase this tuner online: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Qwik-Tune-Q … 1166673.gc

I like the Korg TM-40. Aside from the tuning meter it also has a metronome. Don't forget to try Ebay for almost anything, that's where I got mine. It was about $25 including shipping. There are plenty of sellers selling brand new in box electronic items at a decent discount from other online retailers.

I agree with Geni about any tuner is fine, but make sure it's a modern chromatic tuner. Up until very recently I was using a 1990's model tuner. They work great, but you have to set a dial to whatever note you're going to play, very inconvenient and needless to say it didn't get a whole lot of use. Also, the "chromatic" part is important too, there are a lot of guitar tuners out there. Generally those are not what you want.

"Exogenic Tuning Q12E"

I have this one as well.  It costs a little more, but it has an analogue needle, which seems better for an instument like the shakuhachi to me.  Digital tuners show in tune and off tune within a range of cents.  The Q12E has a red light/green light for quick reference, but also shows subtle variations with its needle that may not show up otherwise.  It is kind of nit picking, but if you are going to buy one tuner, it may as well be the most sensitive.  It is still under $40.  It also seems quite proficient in picking up very soft tones, which comes in handy for dai meri notes.

lowonthetotem wrote:

It costs a little more, but it has an analogue needle, which seems better for an instument like the shakuhachi to me.

Neat, the analog needle is probably the only thing I miss about the old meter I had. Isn't the caliberation a bit weak on the Exogenic though? It says it only goes down to A 438. I have a few shakuhachi that are A 435 and lower.  I guess its no biggie because you can just keep in mind that you're actually in tune if the meter says you're a bit flat, but I think I'd find it a bit frustrating that I couldn't get the red "flat" light to turn off and the meter centered even though I'm playing in tune. It's something to consider before purchasing, definitely not for period European classical instruments, fine for modern instruments though, including modern jiari shakuhachi.

I guess I'll be finding out as I placed my order for the tuner yesterday.  I play mostly a 1.8 jiari at this time. The instrument is about 30 years old so hopefully the tuner can relate to the flute's generation.  Then there's my 2.4 Earth flute and the 1.6 jinashi coming from Ken LaCoss.....oh well, I guess I'll have to report back, won't I?!