I bought a Peterson VS-1 digital tuner, and finally have had a chance to use the it in action. I love it so far. The backlit screen works well in the dark of a stage. Plucking the strings 'very lightly' make the 'floating bar' display stable. This works better than picking normally. I sit the unit down, either on the floor (using the kick-out stand) just above my pedalboard, or lay it on the pedalboard. Since I use an A/B box, I can hook the tuner to the B channel and leave it connected and 'ON' during a performance. I just quickly tap the switch on the A/B box and can instantly tune quickly between songs. I've experimented with the different uses and settings of the VS-1, and am very happy with it. But, being a guitar player, I would normally just use it by turning it on, and that's it. No adjusting necessary. I always play live with at least 3 guitars, so this new VS-1 is helping tremendously to keep me in tune without bothering the audience or the rest of the band. For me this unit was a worthwhile investment.

I had been using a Boss TU-12H, and had trouble seeing it in the dark on different stages. Lately it had been acting-up a bit, like my cables weren't connecting properly, or something, so I went ahead and splurged for the Peterson VS-1.

The VS-1 is the best tuner I've used. For adjusting a guitar's intonation I wouldn't use any of my other tuners. The VS-1 is easy to use, and VERY accurate.
Regarding the "plucking the strings lightly" I think it's better to pick as you would normally do. Pick attack has an impact on pitch, and if you have a strong attack you may end up playing a bit sharp if you only tune to a gentle pluck. You can actually compare both attacks with the VS-1, and you'll see that a strong attack will be sharper.

I like the VS1 a lot, it's really accurate but I have a problem with it not finding the note once in awhile. More than once and awhile. Like if I'm tuning the low E then switch to the A string it will stil say "E" but there'll be no strobing, just a blank screen. I'll have to hit A a few more time then it finally gets it. Must be a glitch.

I just ordered one yesterday and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.

I have used a Conn Strobe for years, but I play alot of cruise ship gigs and the generated AC plays havoc with the Conn's calibration.I have a Furman line power regulator, so I know it gets a steady 120v, but the Furman can't compensate for frequency fluctuations.

So, I went for the VS-1, as I have heard it doesn't require a steady 60Hz signal to "hone in" on A-440.

and you can use AAs!

Question...when the stobe is not totally stable...keeps fluctuating...sometimes fast..sometimes slower...could this be a sign that my pickup height is too close to the strings?

I'm playng a tele and don't notice any lack of sustain or intonation problems...just the flucuating stobe. I have my 52 RI set at the recommended factory heights.

Chow,
Seegs

Thanks MD!!

Chow,
Seegs