What makes the Korg GA Custom display unique?

The tuner features a large 3D visual meter that provides revolutionary visual effects. This design creates a sense of depth that makes it easier to identify pitch discrepancies quickly compared to flat screens.

Can the Korg GA Custom be used for acoustic guitar?

Yes, it includes a high-sensitivity internal microphone. This allows users to tune acoustic instruments that do not have a built-in pickup or electronic output.

Is the Korg GA Custom suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, it is designed for both electric guitar and bass. The high sensitivity ensures it can accurately detect the lower frequencies produced by bass instruments.

How many display modes does the GA Custom have?

The device offers three different meter display modes. This allows the user to choose the visual style that best suits their tuning habits or environmental conditions.

Can I use this tuner with orchestral instruments?

Absolutely. Thanks to the internal microphone and chromatic detection, it is suitable for a wide variety of orchestral instruments beyond just guitars.

What are the connectivity options on the GA Custom?

The tuner features standard 1/4-inch input and output jacks. This enables it to be used in a signal chain or as a standalone device with a cable.

How does it compare to the Korg GA-2?

The GA Custom is a more advanced model featuring the 'Custom Shop' 3D display technology and higher sensitivity. The GA-2 is a more basic, standard handheld tuner.

Is this tuner a clip-on or handheld model?

The GA Custom is a compact handheld tuner. Unlike the Korg GripTune or Boss TU-05, it does not clip onto the instrument headstock.

Can I use this tuner for keyboards?

Yes, the GA Custom is rated for keyboard instruments. Its chromatic nature allows it to detect all semitones across the musical scale.

Is the screen easy to see on a dark stage?

Yes, the large 3D display is specifically designed for high visibility. The glowing visual effects make it easier to read in low-light environments than traditional LCDs.

What is the typical price for a Korg GA Custom?

The typical retail price for the Korg GA Custom is approximately £34.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Does the GA Custom include a metronome?

The GA Custom is primarily a dedicated chromatic tuner. Users looking for mechanical timing should consider a separate device like the Wittner W801 or the Gear4Music Mechanical Metronome.

Gear article

Korg GA Custom Chromatic Tuner

The Korg GA Custom is a high-sensitivity chromatic tuner designed for a wide range of instruments, including guitar, bass, orchestral, and keyboard. It features a unique 3D visual display and a compact form factor suitable for both stage and studio use.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Korg GA Custom represents a premium evolution of the standard handheld tuner. It is defined by its '3D' visual meter, which utilizes a large screen to provide revolutionary visual effects for pitch detection. This aesthetic approach is intended to enhance visibility and provide a more intuitive tuning experience compared to traditional flat LCD displays. Despite its advanced display technology, the unit remains compact and portable, fitting easily into instrument cases or pockets.

Instrument Compatibility

While many compact tuners are limited to specific instrument frequencies, the GA Custom is a versatile chromatic device. It is suitable for:

Electric Guitar and Bass: Utilizing the standard input and output jacks.
Acoustic Instruments: Using the high-sensitivity internal microphone.
Orchestral and Keyboard Instruments: Accommodated by the wide detection range and sensitive microphone for instruments without electronic outputs.

Key Features and Operation

The device offers three distinct meter display modes, allowing the user to customise the visual feedback according to their preference or the lighting conditions of their environment. The high-sensitivity internal microphone is a significant inclusion, ensuring that acoustic players can achieve the same level of precision as those using the 1/4-inch line inputs. The presence of both an input and output jack allows the tuner to be placed in-line within a signal chain.

Market Position and Alternatives

Priced at approximately £34, the GA Custom sits as a mid-tier professional option. It offers more visual sophistication than basic models like the Korg GA-2. When compared to clip-on alternatives such as the Korg GripTune or the rechargeable Boss TU-05, the GA Custom provides a larger, more legible interface at the cost of being a handheld unit rather than a permanent headstock fixture. It serves a different function than utility items like Tuner Fish Lug Locks or mechanical timing devices such as the Wittner W801.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Korg GA Custom display unique?: The tuner features a large 3D visual meter that provides revolutionary visual effects. This design creates a sense of depth that makes it easier to identify pitch discrepancies quickly compared to flat screens.
Can the Korg GA Custom be used for acoustic guitar?: Yes, it includes a high-sensitivity internal microphone. This allows users to tune acoustic instruments that do not have a built-in pickup or electronic output.
Is the Korg GA Custom suitable for bass guitar?: Yes, it is designed for both electric guitar and bass. The high sensitivity ensures it can accurately detect the lower frequencies produced by bass instruments.
How many display modes does the GA Custom have?: The device offers three different meter display modes. This allows the user to choose the visual style that best suits their tuning habits or environmental conditions.
Can I use this tuner with orchestral instruments?: Absolutely. Thanks to the internal microphone and chromatic detection, it is suitable for a wide variety of orchestral instruments beyond just guitars.
What are the connectivity options on the GA Custom?: The tuner features standard 1/4-inch input and output jacks. This enables it to be used in a signal chain or as a standalone device with a cable.
How does it compare to the Korg GA-2?: The GA Custom is a more advanced model featuring the 'Custom Shop' 3D display technology and higher sensitivity. The GA-2 is a more basic, standard handheld tuner.
Is this tuner a clip-on or handheld model?: The GA Custom is a compact handheld tuner. Unlike the Korg GripTune or Boss TU-05, it does not clip onto the instrument headstock.
Can I use this tuner for keyboards?: Yes, the GA Custom is rated for keyboard instruments. Its chromatic nature allows it to detect all semitones across the musical scale.
Is the screen easy to see on a dark stage?: Yes, the large 3D display is specifically designed for high visibility. The glowing visual effects make it easier to read in low-light environments than traditional LCDs.
What is the typical price for a Korg GA Custom?: The typical retail price for the Korg GA Custom is approximately £34.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Does the GA Custom include a metronome?: The GA Custom is primarily a dedicated chromatic tuner. Users looking for mechanical timing should consider a separate device like the Wittner W801 or the Gear4Music Mechanical Metronome.