What is the Korg Pitchclip 2?

It is a compact, clip-on chromatic tuner manufactured by Korg. It is designed to attach to the headstock of an instrument and provide quick, accurate tuning via vibration sensing.

How does the Pitchclip 2 differ from the original version?

The Pitchclip 2 features an enlarged LED screen for better visibility and a redesigned clip with enhanced holding power. It also offers improved sensitivity for faster note detection.

Is the Pitchclip 2 suitable for bass guitars?

Yes, its improved sensitivity allows it to accurately track lower frequencies. This makes it a reliable choice for standard four-string basses and five-string models.

Can left-handed players use this tuner?

Yes, the Pitchclip 2 has a display reversal function. This allows the user to flip the orientation of the LEDs so the screen is readable regardless of which side of the headstock it is attached to.

How does the tuner attach to the instrument?

It uses a spring-loaded clip with rubber grips. These grips prevent the tuner from slipping and protect the finish of the instrument's headstock from scratches.

Is the display visible on a dark stage?

Yes, it uses a high-quality LED display rather than a non-backlit LCD. This ensures that the tuning indicators are clearly visible even in total darkness.

What is the price range for this model?

The Korg Pitchclip 2 typically retails for approximately £12. This positions it as an affordable entry-level to mid-range clip-on tuner.

Does it have a built-in microphone?

No, it primarily uses a piezo sensor to detect vibrations directly from the instrument. This is advantageous in loud environments where a microphone would pick up background noise.

How portable is the Pitchclip 2?

It is highly portable due to its sleek and compact design. It is small enough to be kept in a pocket or left attached to the headstock while the instrument is in a soft gig bag.

Does it come with a metronome?

No, the Pitchclip 2 is a dedicated tuner and does not include metronome functions. For metronome needs, users might look at products like the Wittner W801 or Gear4music mechanical models.

How does it compare to the Korg GripTune?

The Pitchclip 2 has a more traditional clip-on form factor with a larger screen. The GripTune is designed for an even more discreet, low-profile appearance on the headstock.

What kind of tuning precision does it offer?

Korg describes the device as offering high-quality tuning precision suitable for both studio and gigging environments. It is designed for quick, accurate adjustments rather than laboratory-grade strobe tuning.

Gear article

Korg Pitchclip 2 Tuner

The Korg Pitchclip 2 is a compact clip-on chromatic tuner designed for guitar and bass players. It represents an evolution of the original Pitchclip design, featuring a more robust clamp, an enlarged LED display, and improved detection sensitivity for faster tuning.

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Overview

The Korg Pitchclip 2 is a streamlined, clip-on electronic tuner intended for stringed instruments. It is designed to be unobtrusive and portable, fitting easily into a pocket or gig bag. As the successor to the original Pitchclip, the '2' model focuses on physical durability and display clarity, providing a simple interface that lacks unnecessary buttons to ensure ease of use during live performance or practice.

Design and Build

The device features a sleek and compact aesthetic with an emphasis on mechanical reliability. A significant update in this version is the enhanced holding power of the clip mechanism. It utilizes high-quality rubber grips that ensure the unit stays firmly attached to the instrument's headstock. This secure attachment is critical as the tuner operates by sensing the vibrations of the wood rather than using a microphone, which reduces interference from external noise.

Display and Interface

Korg has implemented an enlarged screen compared to the previous generation, utilizing a high-contrast LED display. This allows for clear visibility in various lighting conditions, from dimly lit stages to bright studios. The interface is designed to be intuitive; the LED indicators show the pitch deviation, allowing the player to tune up or down quickly. The display can also be reversed, making it accessible for both left-handed and right-handed players.

Performance and Precision

The Pitchclip 2 is engineered with improved sensitivity, particularly in the lower frequency ranges. This makes it more effective for bass guitars or guitars in dropped tunings. By increasing the precision of the sensor, Korg ensures that the note detection is both rapid and accurate, minimizing the time spent hunting for the correct pitch. The device remains a dedicated chromatic tuner, meaning it can detect all twelve notes of the chromatic scale.

Market Comparison

In the budget-friendly price bracket (approximately £12), the Pitchclip 2 competes with several other tuning solutions:

Boss TU-05: A rechargeable alternative, whereas the Korg typically uses standard coin-cell batteries.
Korg GripTune: A more minimalist, 'stealth' clip-on option from the same manufacturer.
Behringer TU300: A traditional pedal tuner that offers bypass options but lacks the portability and vibration-sensing of a clip-on.
Korg GA-2: A handheld unit that is less convenient for quick stage adjustments but offers a larger interface.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Korg Pitchclip 2?: It is a compact, clip-on chromatic tuner manufactured by Korg. It is designed to attach to the headstock of an instrument and provide quick, accurate tuning via vibration sensing.
How does the Pitchclip 2 differ from the original version?: The Pitchclip 2 features an enlarged LED screen for better visibility and a redesigned clip with enhanced holding power. It also offers improved sensitivity for faster note detection.
Is the Pitchclip 2 suitable for bass guitars?: Yes, its improved sensitivity allows it to accurately track lower frequencies. This makes it a reliable choice for standard four-string basses and five-string models.
Can left-handed players use this tuner?: Yes, the Pitchclip 2 has a display reversal function. This allows the user to flip the orientation of the LEDs so the screen is readable regardless of which side of the headstock it is attached to.
How does the tuner attach to the instrument?: It uses a spring-loaded clip with rubber grips. These grips prevent the tuner from slipping and protect the finish of the instrument's headstock from scratches.
Is the display visible on a dark stage?: Yes, it uses a high-quality LED display rather than a non-backlit LCD. This ensures that the tuning indicators are clearly visible even in total darkness.
What is the price range for this model?: The Korg Pitchclip 2 typically retails for approximately £12. This positions it as an affordable entry-level to mid-range clip-on tuner.
Does it have a built-in microphone?: No, it primarily uses a piezo sensor to detect vibrations directly from the instrument. This is advantageous in loud environments where a microphone would pick up background noise.
How portable is the Pitchclip 2?: It is highly portable due to its sleek and compact design. It is small enough to be kept in a pocket or left attached to the headstock while the instrument is in a soft gig bag.
Does it come with a metronome?: No, the Pitchclip 2 is a dedicated tuner and does not include metronome functions. For metronome needs, users might look at products like the Wittner W801 or Gear4music mechanical models.
How does it compare to the Korg GripTune?: The Pitchclip 2 has a more traditional clip-on form factor with a larger screen. The GripTune is designed for an even more discreet, low-profile appearance on the headstock.
What kind of tuning precision does it offer?: Korg describes the device as offering high-quality tuning precision suitable for both studio and gigging environments. It is designed for quick, accurate adjustments rather than laboratory-grade strobe tuning.