Polytune 2 Vs. Polytune 3 – The Best Tuner? (We Have a CLEAR Winner!)

	Polytune 2	Polytune 3
Precision	Each string’s tuning within about +/- 1 cent	Accuracy to within 0.1 cents and notable progress to guitar

Polytune 2

By pushing the boundaries of pedalboard-ready tuners, TC Electronics’ PolyTune 2 pedal gives customers a quicker and more precise method to tune their guitar or bass. Its operation is surprisingly straightforward. 

Simply strumming your guitar will cause PolyTune 2 to display how out of harmony each chord is, enabling you to change each string’s tuning by about +/- 1 cent.

When you are prepared to focus on certain strings, PolyTune 2 allows you to use either a conventional harmonic phase or a razor-sharp strobe mode. 

This TC Electronic PolyTune 2 pedal may be used anywhere because of its incredibly bright, auto-dimming screen.

In addition to presets for drop-D tuning, inverted chord progressions, and capo placements towards the fifth fret, the PolyTune 2 has a specific bass mode. 

The PolyTune 2 also has a strobe-tuning option that could be extremely helpful for guitar technicians who require an incredibly accurate tuner for installation procedures.

Polyphonic Tuning Reduces Tuning Time Significantly

Since people are careful and aware of the technology that makes guarantees to be as straightforward as PolyTune 2, here is a wonderful device you can be sure will not fail you down.

There were several tuners around Sweetwater, but our sales engineers absolutely loved the TC Electronic PolyTune range. 

The display in PolyTune 2 is very straightforward and enables rapid switching between chords. In only a few strumming and tuning-machine turns, people will be 99% of such a way.

Monopoly Makes Switching Between Tuning Modes Simple

The MonoPoly feature of the PolyTune 2 makes it simple to focus just on a single string.

MonoPoly identifies when you are strumming and plucking one string and then switches settings for you immediately so that you do not have to tap dance on the pedalboard to switch modes. 

Pick between a classic chromatic mode and an interesting stroboscopic option for single-string tuning. The chromatic mode has a magnetic needle with +/- 0.5-cent accuracy and a slowing motion as you approach pitch. 

However, if you want even more precision, the PolyTune 2’s flashing mode’s +/- 0.1-cent sensitivity should meet your requirements.

TC Electronic Polytune 2 Mini or Polytune 3

The TC Electronic Polytune 2 MINI is a tuning pedal made specifically for guitarists. It has polyphonic tuning, allowing customers to tune more quickly while simultaneously plucking all the chords at once while keeping an eye on the LCD while tuning each note individually. 

It does all of this while taking up the least amount of area on your pedalboard, allowing you to make place for more conventionally interesting stomp boxes.

The pedal’s 109 very bright LEDs enable accessibility even dimly lit, misty stages. 

These LEDs have two different operating modes: Needle Mode, which displays a sequence of five LEDs, and Strobe Mode, which produces a more traditional show.

You will receive a tuning precision of 0.1 cents, including the POLYTUNE2 MINI, which is rather good. 

There is no need to manually change modes since the pedal automatically detects whether the information is monophonic or polyphonic.

Alternate tunings can be used, and the pedal can be adjusted accordingly. There are several options available, including drop D and capo.

The pedal’s true bypass circuitry ensures that whether it is activated or bypassed, it has no impact on your tone. To function, a 9 VDC power adaptor must be bought individually.

Features

Let us look at some of the features of PolyTune 2 Mini immediately.

Multi-voiced tuning

PolyTune differs from other tuners because of this functionality. The main notion is that you are able to rapidly tell whether chords are in tune or out of tune by strumming all six of them.

Other polyphonic tuners are available now, but PolyTune was the first to get it correctly. Users can observe the polyphonic option in use on the screen in the picture to the right.

Strobe tuner accuracy +/- 0.1 cent

Due to their higher accuracy, guitarists frequently prefer strobe tuners to traditional needle-based tuners.

The precision of the strobe tuners inside this PolyTune 2 Mini is +/- 0.1 cents as opposed to +/- 0.5 cents for the chromatic mode. 

For comparison, 0.1 penny is equal to 1/1000 of a harmonic progression. Therefore, you might be capable of tuning your instrument to within a thousandth of such a semitone of the precise pitch if you utilize the strobe mode appropriately. For all intents and purposes, that is ideal for everyone.

Flat tuning of approximately 5 semitones plus capo mode

These PolyTune 2 Mini offers choices to fit various tunings if they are all predicated on standard tuning because not everyone uses it. 

As an illustration, if you tune your guitar to Eb benchmark (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb), then simply adjust the pedal one semitone lower, and when you pluck all six strings, it will detect Eb tuning. 

You may cycle among chord progressions one semitone at once by pressing the tuning button, which is located on the side opposite the power input.

As a result, you may program the tuner to detect tuning that is up to 5 semitones below normal. 

For guitarists utilizing seven threads to play the low B, this means that almost all six strings may be tuned down to the B criterion.

If you choose, the pedal may be configured to detect higher tunings, which is helpful when employing a capo.

You may configure the pedal to adjust your instrument with the capo on and install a capo wherever towards the seventh fret.

Descent mode

Since Drop D is a common tuning for musicians, this function is fantastic. You must push and maintain the welcome opportunity to contribute for three seconds in order to engage in Drop D mode.

The pedal remains within Drop D mode as soon as the word “DROP” appears on the LCD. 

A little “d” will always be visible just at the bottom of the screen whether we are in Drop D mode, accept or reject. Keeping the activity for three seconds allows you to alternate from Drop D to regular. 

Extremely beneficial for guitarists playing live who need to switch tunings between songs.

Different lighting sensors and a bright LED display

Compared to the original PolyTune, this is an upgrade. Because of a light sensor, the LED display easily adjusts to your surroundings.

Therefore, it will lower the brightness if you are in a poorly lit venue while increasing it if you are outside in broad sunshine. With other pedals, it is usual to have trouble seeing a display in direct sunshine.

Indeed an external power source

When you consider that the PolyTune 2 Mini actually is, this needs to be anticipated. There is undoubtedly insufficient space inside for a 9V battery. Thus you must use an external source of electricity.

If people might not like utilizing external power supply, the bigger PolyTune 2 does enable resource utilization, so take that into consideration.

Size of PolyTune 2 Mini

• Width: 2″ or 51mm
• Depth: 3.66″ or 93mm
• Height: 1.77″ or 45mm

Sound

At this time, it is critical to discuss True Bypass. The fact that a tuner should not change your tone should be obvious. However, because many tuners employ a buffered bypass, they might have an impact on your tone. 

There are several reasons why you would wish to utilize a converter by including a buffered bypass, although there are fewer now that there are better pedals and equipment available.

If you currently utilize a BOSS tuner to add a buffer to your signal chain, you should be aware that the reservoir is changing the way your tone sounds. 

If users switched to the PolyTune, the buffer would not be present, allowing the tone to travel through undisturbed.

Reliability and Quality

The pedal is small and well-designed. It is fantastic to see little tuners like this one since I have never liked the concept of having a big tuner occupy space on a pedalboard. It is dependable and well-designed. 

When your pedals are crowded together on a pedalboard, it might be difficult to reach the tuning button, which may have been on the front or the end instead of the side.

However, that is only a small concern because you will not often need to utilize that button.

What are the pros and cons of PolyTune 2 Mini

PROS	CONS
Instantly observe which strings need adjusting using polyphonic tuning.	The unusual placement of the tuning button on the side
Transitioning between monophonic and polyphonic modes automatically	No available battery
Strobe and chromatic modes
Incredibly bright display that adapts to ambient lighting immediately
Really precise and simple to use

TC Electronic Polytune 3

With accuracy to within 0.1 cents and notable progress in guitar and guitar tuning, the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 offers quicker, more trustworthy, and more user-friendly than ever.

Simply strum all strings* to quickly identify which strings are out of tune or tune up individual strings at a time. 

PolyTune 3 may now even enhance your tone for extended wire runs thanks to its included BonaFide Buffer technology (switchable to true bypass).

As a result, the high and rapid responses are much more similar to when you connect straight into an amp. 

However, the TC PolyTune 3 has other enhancements as well. Even in the midst of a hectic show, alternative adjustment modes allow you to quickly and simply experiment with new artistic techniques. 

Additionally, a new auto-dimming LED display improves the convenience of tuning in any setting, whether inside or outside.

Is it quicker and more logical than ever?

Tune each string individually

With its polyphonic setting mode*, this TC Electronic PolyTune 3 avoids your audience the “E, A, D, G…” which was before adjusting the routine. 

Here, you can strum every string simultaneously, and PolyTune 3 lets you quickly see which strings are off-limits and which are fine.

Focusing on the pitchy strings alone may avoid spending extra time tuning and maintaining uninterrupted performances.

For accuracy of up to 0.1 cents, use strobe mode.

The contrast between an open E as well as a fretted F is 1/1000th of a semitone. With PolyTune 3, you may tune nylon-stringed guitars toward the rest of the composition or the double instruments in the studio.

What are the features of the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Tuner Pedal?

Features:

• The latest PolyTune technology
• Long cable runs are preserved using the built-in BonaFide Buffer.
• Control over your signal route is given to you through a switchable true bypass option.
• Open/slide tunings may be quickly and easily explored, thanks to alternative tuning modes.
• The Always On setting offers constant tuning information as you play (only in buffer mode).
• Spend less time tuning strings individually or all at once with PolyTune 3’s automated adjustments.
• Perfect for double tracking, the precise flash tuner is precise to within 0.1 cents.
• The quick color tuner (+/- 0.5 cents) instantly detects the pitch you are playing.
• Auto-dimming LED displays are simple to read in bright sunshine or on dark stages.
• The PolyTune 3 is a wise purchase because of its 3-year manufacturer guarantee.
• Denmark-based designers and engineers.
• A typical 9V power source is necessary.

Difference Between Polytune 2 And 3

Fantastic LED Display Can Adjust Itself To Any Type Of Setting in Polytune 2

The incredible LED display on the PolyTune 2 is wider, clearer, and more responsive than ever before, making tuning up in any setting a breeze.

Over 100 extremely bright LEDs make up this wonderfully flexible display, which makes it easy to see even in broad daylight. 

Additionally, the PolyTune 2 automatically lower this screen on darker theater surfaces with the help of an inbuilt ambient light sensor so that your retinas will not be burned every time you glance down at your structural-functional. 

That is simply one more method the PolyTune 2 infuses your guitar rig with the innovative spirit of TC Electronics.

At any stage, a machine LED display is simple to read on Polytune 3

The PolyTune 3’s stunning LED display, which is wider, lighter, and more responsive than ever, makes warming up any scenario a snap.

Over 100 extremely bright LEDs make up this flexible display, which offers crystal-clear sight even in direct sunlight. 

And the PolyTune 3 goes dark on its screen on dark stage floors owing to the integrated ambient light sensor, so your eyes won’t get burned every time you glance over at your pedalboard.

This is just one more method the PolyTune 3 infuses the instrument equipped with the innovative spirit of TC Electronics.

What Is The Difference Between Polytune 3 And Polytune 3 Mini?

What has changed in PolyTune 3?

BonaFide Buffer is indeed a built-in value addition. The prize Bona Fide Buffer electronics from TC were able to fit inside the PolyTune 3’s small enclosure.

The most recent version of this popular pedal really makes your tone sound better across extended wire lines today. 

By positioning this TC Electronic Polytune 3 toward the front of your board, which is its ideal location, your tone is almost unaffected again for the next 50′ of cable, in contrast to genuine bypass pedals that can begin to steal the high end of your signal. Hard to top previous PolyTunes.  

The PolyTune 3 makes worth the expense because of its included BonaFide analog buffer.

Polytune 3 Mini

The PolyTune 3 Mini condenses the complete pedal tuning and inflection strength as TC’s full-sized PolyTune 3 into a smaller, more portable form factor.

With a precision of 0.02 cents and a straightforward method for tuning guitars and other instruments, this TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini seems to be as quick, dependable, and user-friendly as ever. 

You may tune up a string at a time or strum every string to instantly identify which sections are out of tune. Depending on the input signal, the PolyTune 3 Mini includes converting among mono and poly modes. 

In addition, the PolyTune 3 Mini may even boost your tone across long cable runs owing to its included high-quality analog BonaFide Buffer (switchable to true bypass).

The bite, immediacy, and dynamic response you receive as a result are far more similar to those of connecting straight into an amp. 

However, the TC PolyTune 3 Mini has other intriguing features as well. Even in the midst of a hectic show, alternative tuning settings make it quick and simple to experiment with new artistic techniques.

Additionally, a new 109-LED auto-dimming display improves the ease of tuning in any setting, whether indoors or outside.

Bonafide Buffer Is A Feature That Is Already Included

The award-winning BonaFide Buffer electronics from TC was able to fit inside the PolyTune 3 Mini’s small, pedalboard-friendly design.

The most recent version of this popular pedal really makes your tone sound better across extended wire lines today. 

By positioning the TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini toward the front of your board, which is its ideal location, your tone will remain mostly unaffected for another 50 feet or so of cable, unlike genuine bypass pedals, which can begin to steal the high-end of your signal. Difficult to top previous PolyTunes.

Various Tuning Settings To Encourage Your Creativity

Another performance-improving characteristic of the PolyTune 3 Mini is alternate tunings.

Now you can smoothly include your open-tuned slide tunes into a performance or explore innovative new acoustic harmonic progressions while recording in the studio.

Tune Each String Individually

With its polyphonic tuning mode, the TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini avoids the audience the “E, A, D, G…” which was before the tuning routine.

With PolyTune 3 Mini, you can pluck every string at once and see instantly which ones are out of tune, such as which ones are in tune. 

Focusing on the pitchy strings alone may avoid spending extra time tuning and maintaining uninterrupted performances.

On Any Stage, A Dynamically LED Display Is Simple To Read

The PolyTune 3 Mini’s stunning LED display, which is brighter and more vibrant than ever, enables adjusting in any setting simply.

Over 100 extremely bright LEDs make up this flexible display, which offers crystal-clear sight even in direct sunlight. 

Additionally, the PolyTune 3 Mini goes dark on its screen on dark theater floors owing to an inbuilt ambient light sensor so that your retinas won’t get burned every time you glance down at your board.

This is just one more method the PolyTune 3 Mini infuses your instrument rig with the innovative spirit of TC Electronics.

Polytune Not Very Accurate? Are any Others Having This Issue?

The PolyTune’s screen is its lone flaw, in my opinion. Indeed, it is sufficiently large and bright; however, it is vulnerable to scratches.

Everyone else’s will not be an issue if you install it on a pedal board, but mine is always going through and out of boxes and concert luggage. 

Fortunately, screen protectors for my new smartphone offered a low-cost and reliable solution. 

These are the ones I use, and they are dirt cheap. However, they are not quite the right size and are near enough and simple to lengthen.

They not only shield the display from harm, but they also perform a wonderful job of covering up any existing imperfections.

Frequently Asked Questions