Re: Has anyone installed a Min-ETune system?
The deal breaker for me comes with the loss of the ability to tune your own guitar when they are installed. The keys don't work anymore when you have it in: it feels like you're winding up a toy and the post doesn't turn, then it just locks. If I could STILL tune the thing myself then sure, with open arms, but if I'm on stage and I need to tune up and I can't because the battery for the auto tuner happened to die? Can't handle the thought of that.
I don't know if this is how ALL the auto tuners work but the ones I have experienced all do, even the ones in the new 2015 Gibsons. What if I lost the charger? Broke it? Forgot it somewhere? Too bad, dead battery means I can't tune the guitar.
Kind of the same reason I have an issue with active pickups, just OCD I guess.
Hello, You say you can't tune manually with the Min-eTune installed? Both of mine do and the manual tells you that you can, as well. However, you must first tap the battery so it disconnects (won't fall out). It's definitely bad to be manually tuning while the system is active. When you finish manually tuning, just tap the battery back in. Only takes 1 second to tap it out and another to tap it back it.
The battery lasts for over 300 tunings and gives lighted reminders well-ahead of any problem. This really isn't a problem. As far as losing it, either don't, or keep an extra one charged up and in your pocket. But since the battery clicks in place, it won't fall out. Besides, you've got the head of the guitar elevated higher than the body so even if got tapped, gravity works. This really isn't a likelihood and I know I'm more paranoid than you are and I've been that way for a lot more years, so take it from a guy who uses these things, it ain't no big deal, dude.
The charger you won't need when you're playing out, so it's at home or in your car. Tronical gives you a box to keep all the charger crap, if that's your thing. I never give it a second thought. Works great, man!
Now, for the kicker: If you break a string on stage, you're toast. Keep a second one tuned up on a stage for that situ and you're gold. Or, keep a manual tuning one, if that floats your boat.
Got any more Qs? Shoot me one back and I'll help you out. I love the things in spite of these little challenges. Still, remember when you first bought a guitar. Didn't it seem overwhelming just to tune the damned thing? Fast-forward to today. If you dig alternate keys like I do, get one. If all you do is keep your axe in standard tuning and occasionally in drop-D, save your money. This is for alternate-tuning lovers, like me, Neal Young, and Joni Mitchell.