The GFS Digital Tuner: Entirely Under-rated?

[jcthejester13]

Awhile back I was in the market for a tuner and I played with my friends' Korg Pitchblack tuner, TC polytune, Boss Chromatic tuners, and various other tuners. Someone on the forums mentioned the Guitar Fetish GFT-90. After looking at some reviews, demos, and other information on it I decided I would order one and if it didn't work as well as the Korgs or TCs I would only be out $35. When it arrived I was immediately blown away.

The construction of the pedal is well conceived, the display is as bright and easy-to-read as anyone could hope, and it tracks pretty well. It doesn't track chords or notes as quickly as the Pitchblack, but it is accurate and does it's job very well.

I am wondering why this tuner doesn't get as much attention as the Korg Pitchblack when it is a fraction of the price of the Korg and does everything the Pitchblack will do. The GFT-90 can be battery operated or hooked up to a 9v power supply, so you have always have your powering options available. If you are in the market for a tuner I suggest you at least take a look at the GFT-90 because for $35 dollars it really does a great job.

Take a look at it here and then tell me why I don't see it on more musicians' pedalboards

 

[CTN]

Re: The GFS Digital Tuner: Entirely Under-rated?

I have a Pitchblack. I got it because Korg has an excellent repuatation as a gear manufacturer first, and as a maker of high quality tuners second. I implicitly trust them.

GuitarFetish/GFS, on the other hand, I'm skeptical about. The trust isn't there. But it's nice to hear positive reviews on these guys. more and more of their products seem like they're at least worth the money - although whether they can put up a fight with the big boys (ie Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Boss, EHX etc) is another question altogether. So far, there has been a sentiment that they come close but no cigar. Which is fine. There is still a huge market for lower priced stuff that is adequate in quality. Not everyone needs the latest, super expensive, feature-packed, big name product. Sometimes all you want is something simple and cheap that gets the job done - and that's where GFS seems to be doing well.

good for them!

 

[jcthejester13]

Re: The GFS Digital Tuner: Entirely Under-rated?

I hope I didn't come across as slamming the Pitchblack because that isn't what I was doing. I was really just using it as a reference point since the two pedals are extremely similar. I almost got a Pitchblack before I heard of the GFT-90. Who can really say anything bad about Korg?

I also agree that GFS does generally produce a much lower quality product in a lot of arenas, but the GFT-90 seems to be a new level for GFS.

My GFT-90 sits on a board filled with EHX and MXR pedals and it seems to hold it's own. I was actually blown away with the GFT-90. It has really stood up and demonstrated to me that it can keep up with much more expensive pedals.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: The GFS Digital Tuner: Entirely Under-rated?

maybe its cos tuners are not sexy.

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: The GFS Digital Tuner: Entirely Under-rated?

I've been saying it for a while. A buddy of mine has one and it kicks ass. Great tuner for the money.

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: The GFS Digital Tuner: Entirely Under-rated?

I hope I didn't come across as slamming the Pitchblack because that isn't what I was doing. I was really just using it as a reference point since the two pedals are extremely similar. I almost got a Pitchblack before I heard of the GFT-90. Who can really say anything bad about Korg?

I also agree that GFS does generally produce a much lower quality product in a lot of arenas, but the GFT-90 seems to be a new level for GFS.

My GFT-90 sits on a board filled with EHX and MXR pedals and it seems to hold it's own. I was actually blown away with the GFT-90. It has really stood up and demonstrated to me that it can keep up with much more expensive pedals.

You're comparing a tuner to tone shaping pedals though. They might be of good build quality, but you can't judge the sonic impact of a tuner (outside of tone suck). Apples to oranges, man.