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Darin
Lokahi
USA
294 Posts |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
 Posted - 08/24/2007 : 2:43:04 PM
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quote:
My theory would be that it has to be power related.
Umm, yeah, Wanda. That?s what I said; there?s a power issue-- when the batteries are low it gives false readings. It is not a display issue. But thanks anyway.
My reason for posting was to alert folks to what is actually a very well documented bit of weird behavior. These tuners are notorious for working great for a while, and then developing tuning inconsistancies. I?m not the only one who has noticed this:
F?rinstance, on the forum quoted earlier by Reid:
quote:
I found the Intelligent tuner pretty good - IF - the batteries are new to newish.
The shame is that, when they work, they are great: big, easy to read... and you can hot rod ?em to play the CNN news feed after you?ve tuned up.
quote:
How do you know that the battery on the Intellitouch is low?
By the fact that it gives false readings? 
Actually, I do know my way around a volt meter. I even had a slide rule once. But the give away is the fact that the problem goes away with fresh batteries.
But I?m still curious about the mechanics -- most tuners either dim the display as the batteries run down, or alert you to the fact with annoying flashing lights, or they just get real picky.
The Intellitouch just starts blissfully lying at you. Da bastid. So Reid, Lawrence, Absolute??? Any other white coat types??? Enlighten me.
I should mention here that I currently own something on the order of a dozen different tuners, not counting the tuning fork in my dulcimer case. My fav is a lovely koa wood job build by Dr. Q, the guy that invented the Sabine.
Happy tuning! |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2007 : 3:53:38 PM
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| I have a couple tuners, have changed the batt'ries and STILL keep an "A" fork in the guitar case. A true "just in case!" |
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Darin
Lokahi
USA
294 Posts |
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Darin
Lokahi
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2007 : 09:30:42 AM
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So I received the Intelli-500 in the mail and did a comparison with the Intellitouch. I put new batteries in both tuners and put them both on the headstock of my guitar. I also switched the positions of the two tuners on the headstock, to make sure that the area where each tuner was placed on the headstock was not a factor.
The buttons on the Intelli-500 buzzed when I played the guitar. This was a little annoying. I put some scotch tape over the buttons, which cured the buzz.
The backlight on the Intelli-500 is much brighter than the Intellitouch. Also, the display is more useful. While the Intellitouch has 3 markers on each side of the display to show whether a note is sharp or flat, the Intelli-500 has more markers, making the display more precise.
Here's the kicker. In Taropatch, I tuned the G bass (5th string) and the G string (3rd) string so that they were in tune with each other (no beating patterns). The Intelli-500 registered both notes in perfect tune. However, the Intellitouch registered the G string in tune, but showed the G bass as being flat! This inaccuracy was very discouraging.
So, after five years with an Intellitouch, it looks like I'm switching to the Intelli-500, which cost about $21 after tax and shipping. Go figure. |
Darin
http://www.hawaiiguitar.com/ |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2007 : 10:50:10 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Darin
So, after five years with an Intellitouch, it looks like I'm switching to the Intelli-500, which cost about $21 after tax and shipping. Go figure.
In an effort to imitate everything you do, I had to order the Intelli last night. Thankfully, this one will only cost me $21. |
Andy |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2007 : 12:02:37 PM
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I got one too just last week and it does seem more acurate. I only wish that the readings were quicker. There is a significant delay.
Because of the lag, I have to pluck repeatedly so I can make an adjustment to the tuning key before the marker starts reatreating. That is one thing that the intellitouch does better. |
Bob |
Edited by - RWD on 09/11/2007 4:27:25 PM |
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