TC Electronic Polytune 3 With Integrated Buffer Review

[@PicksPaints]

This is a great pedal. I have owned one for a couple of months now. Best tuner I've owned. For $100, you can't go wrong with this pedal. Thanks for the review! Plus you have pass through where the signal will be allowed to pass through to the amp while the tuner is still active and able to be used for tuning on the fly during songs.

[@jeffmartinaz]

Perfect review. Mine arrived today, and I couldn't find any good info about switching through the display options on the company website. Appreciate your effort here.

[@RPSartre01]

I have 9 pedals linked, and the buffer on my Polytune 3 mini works great.

[@gpower]

Every TC pedal I've tried has been awesome! Love that art arrangement you have on the wall.

[@kosmicwizard]

I own 3, some are MUCH better than others. Especially since Behringer bought them. The drip for example is completely unusable as a reverb, unless it is always on. There is such a severe volume drop it is crazy!

[@ShawnShipstad]

I just bought one. Thank you for the demo. This will make it easier when I get it. Great job.

[@kosmicwizard]

You should have mentioned that you can choose between true bypass and buffered.

[@addictedtogear]

Yes, that is correct. I must have forgotten. Thanks for watching.

[@MsAppassionata]

@@addictedtogear Does this pedal have other tunings besides standard and Drop D tuning?

[@kosmicwizard]

@@apostolicway2604 choose between, as in either always on, or always off. You set the switch, and never have to worry that it will ever change itself without you doing it. Cheers.

[@kosmicwizard]

@@apostolicway2604 enjoy!

[@jhonmarkcacho6777]

How to choose true bypass and buffered?

[@thevileirish6764]

Awesome demo. I watched this because I just bought the TC Electronics Polytune 3. Thanks for a great video on it.

[@Bcananzey]

he said stay tuned lololol

[@yony_music]

oh man😂

[@baloubear]

Great review. I was toiling between this one and the Boss and I’ll go for this one. Thank you.

[@chadsmalley]

Thanks! I was having a hard time settling on a tuner, but this review sold it for me. Polytune 3 it is!

[@noelsalvador8232]

Thanks for the review. It will be on my Christmas list. I have the Monoprice pedal tuner now, but this one is worth it.

[@bt6496]

I know this is an old video but I wanted to say thanks anyway , I had just bought one of these tuners but when I got it in the mail and opened the package the box the tuner was in had already been opened, made me think maybe they sent me a used or returned pedal instead of a new one like I paid for ,, I used your video to go thru all the steps to make sure my pedal was working correctly, so far it looks like it’s doing what it should I just hate the fact the box had already been opened for some reason… Thanks again !!

[@OrangeDrinkMusic]

I literally only want to take advice from someone who was out late partying 🤘 great review, going to get one of these, thanks

[@JannichHolmerIbsen]

Can it tune a seven string guitar?

[@ronniewilliford3449]

Good job. Finally got the info I needed. My new tuner should be arriving tomorrow. Mucho thank yous.

[@AimingWanderously]

This might be a silly question but I want to confirm; at 11:10 when you can adjust from E to say Eb, does this mean you can tune all strings to half step down (or 1 step, etc) and it then adjusts the poly mode from there?

[@lw1391]

This is a good question. Responding so i can see the answer as well (if there is one).

[@AimingWanderously]

Unfortunately I think we're both out of luck for getting a reply. @@lw1391

[@jaamman]

Im wondered how that works too? When you switch to the different notes it doesn’t seem do anything different.

[@dizleran9276]

I think I’m getting it . Not only does it sound great but I think the extra power connector is great since my board is already full .

[@micheltaillon5833]

just what i needed and didn't that kin a thing existed. thanks and happy new year

[@tanukibrahma]

Thanks for the thorough review! I wonder why I'd want to use a capo mode rather than just stying in chromatic. Won't those modes tune the same anyway?

[@smurphy28]

One thing I can't find out about this pedal is if I use a battery and then plug in via 9v does it bypass the battery like the Boss TU-2/3? I like that this pedal is true bypass or buffered. With the Polytune 2 I have to always remove the battery or it will drain even when connected via 9v. Any insight on that?

[@88drvr]

Thanks great video. Just bought a used one and this is a great explanation!

[@davidevecchi1054]

I hoped he could say smt more about the buffer and the true bypass options and of course of that dropD feature. I was wondering if you can choose other drop tunings (B, C, etc.)

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

Thank you man! Great review, replete with the right information. I'm convinced. I'm going to go buy this pedal, like the next 5 minutes.

[@jaamman]

Great review!! You really explained the pedal very well. The manual that is included does not explain in any detail!! Thank you so much!!

[@StratBurst92]

Great review, I have the TC Drip and works great for that surf sound.

[@davidsimm4649]

Great review thankyou for confirming my choice

[@antmax]

I have had a clip for ages and love it.When I tried the old pedal it was less responsive than the clip but your new one looks about the same. I don't play outside of my study so I don't really need a pedal. But it must be great for gigs and things where a clip can easily go missing, and of course no batteries to worry about :)

[@addictedtogear]

Adrian Tysoe it’s worth it for the buffer alone!

[@Rimorox]

That and live I find the clip on tuners pick up outside vibrations from your band mates, which interrupts your Tuning. I'll be getting myself one of these most likely if not another brand before we do live shows.

[@mellowfred8935]

Got one for Christmas… Didn’t know about the chromatic feature this rocks

[@gamian_skillard1333]

appreciated the info. selling my previous tuner!

[@joelonsdale]

Great review and detailed explanations - many thanks!

[@shawn4189]

Hate to be picky, but the dot-style lights drive me nuts. Wish they were just solid lights/letters.

[@jpwhites]

3:33 lmao

[@DADSGETNDOWN]

What is the difference between, needle and chromatic modes ?

[@hearpalhere]

Excellent breakdown of the features, thanks! Are you still using the same tuner? How has it held up for you?

[@addictedtogear]

I am! Its been fine.

[@hearpalhere]

@@addictedtogear Thanks for getting back to me. Nice to hear that you are still liking it and that it's held up well.

[@albertbigornia729]

Amazing Review, I'll buy now hehe!

[@semiografo]

Boss incorporate buffers in their pedals for about nearly 40 years. Why is it so innovative? At the 2000s, there was a big campaign against Boss and their buffers in favor of "true bypass", and now we are back to the "buffers are so cool" claim.

[@DarrenPrice333]

semiografo because with the boss pedal, you can't turn it off. This you can have buffered or true bypass. Now you know. Doh

[@kosmicwizard]

Trends are trends, but this has merit. Boss buffers suck your tone, 4 of them drop your overall volume by 2.5 dB. So the boutique market made their pedals true bypass. But now length of cable and number of true bypass pedals causes a loss of high frequencies. So the best answer has always been have a dedicated buffer at the beginning and end of your pedalboard, but this isn't always practical and it has taken a long time for the message to get out. Cheers.

[@guitartonetopia]

This buffer is top class, boss buffers are poor in comparison

[@DoomOfConviction]

Great review, thanks!

[@kaytrell]

Great review! One issue/question that seems to be overlooked... Does it POP? Unlike Peterson Strobe which doesn't POP when turned on/off, PolyTune2 did POP, a lot! Now, I would rather know (before buying this baby) did the guys @TC tackled that issue rather that adding a buffer... Yes, buffer is nice, even great but so is solving the pop that would blow peoples heads off on gigs... I would appreciate an answer if someone knows... Thank you!

[@diner415]

My question too

[@MetalAxxe89]

Good video, but does not explained about two switches under the cover.

[@elflakeador09]

Great review, very thorough 👍

[@addictedtogear]

Thanks! 👍

[@elflakeador09]

@@addictedtogear I went out and bought one then

[@502tony1]

is the Buffer always on even if the pedal is turned off?

[@NatriumSulfuricum]

Works on acoustic guitar good?

[@MrFleshcutter]

Great review!

[@dannyh7557]

Happy New Year's

[@dinispereira1202]

Does it works well with low tunnings like Drop B?

[@ddkiss65]

Can you use a daisy chain and power multiple pedals like the boss?

[@jazz4asahel]

Thanks. Bought this thing, and still learning it. After running the signal through from left to right, using it that way, I read the instructions and found out the signal goes from right to left. Hope I didn't harm anything. Does this thing drain 9-volt batteries pretty quickly? Mine has. I'm going to get an AC adapter. Newbie, so any comments appreciated.

[@brayandoesstuff]

jazz4asahel get an isolated power supply because getting a cheap daisy chain will only give you unnecessary noise and the power supply will reduce the noise

[@2DaNub]

Just so you know, every pedal I have used or seen, has the input on the right and the output on the left. Even though it is not displayed on this pedal like it typically is on other pedals, the instructions included with the pedal illustrates it. I highly doubt anything was harmed, but you'll want to keep this in mind for any and all pedals you use in the future. Good luck!

[@rbrown2925]

@@2DaNub The signal direction is shown actually but it’s easy to miss. Check out the curved line beside the word Bonafide.

[@TheRealJanKafka]

I'm a basement guitarist with no need for fancy, expensive gear. Recently, I broke a clip on tuner so I decided to go for slightly more serious hardware. An online dealer had these on sale, so the choice was easy. I don't believe the clip ons I'd owned were very accurate of easy to use. They were merely cheap and handy. The Polytune is an entirely different story. all my electric guitars are easy and quick to get into tune (plus I'm convinced they sound better now). I don't know if the buffer is a bonus in my situation but it certainly seems to do no harm. I now own a TC Electronic Zeus Drive and Polytune and am thoroughly satisfied with both products. If I find myself in need of more toys, products from TC will certainly be under consideration.

[@coolvidguy08]

This is probably a dumb question but does it need to be plugged into amp to work ? Can i just have this plugged into the guitar to tune ?

[@sussy8970]

Props to the guy that thought that std was the utter most perfect thing it could say when switching to standard

[@owwillis]

Very informative video. Nice job.

[@Bognerman14]

What the heck is drop D mode? If I tune to drop C or D, I just tune away. Not sure why we need a special setting?

[@en.riquecastillo]

Where in your chain will this Polytune best fit? Since it now has a buffer integrated ?

[@Jaysteenn]

Carlos Castillo 1st or last works good.

[@skatterpro]

if you have the buffer engaged - after fuzz. With the buffer disengaged - first.

[@kosmicwizard]

@@skatterpro After Germanium transistor fuzz pedals, you can have this before Silicone fuzzes all day!

[@vincenttesla]

Outstanding review. I really needed an explanation on this pedal. Are you still using it? I just got mine and wanted to have that buffer addon. Thank you.

[@addictedtogear]

Yes still on my board. Thanks for watching.

[@TheBarnaway]

Hola, buen video, una duda: ¿Sabes si mientras tengas los jacks enchufados el pedal consume pila aunque no lo uses? muchas gracias, un saludo.

[@christianleetrager4605]

How to turn it on and off??? My footswitch does not turn it on and off.

[@addictedtogear]

You need to select the proper jumper setting on the inside of the unit.

[@popitn2nd]

How does a buffer work?

[@bruceh4524]

Great video! - Answered all my questions! - Thanks!

[@addictedtogear]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pro_muso]

Great review. Has anyone used an acoustic with this? Any good?

[@addictedtogear]

Just as good with an acoustic guitar

[@optipwr40]

Thank you for the info! I have a question as a newbie. If I want to do D-Standard do I even change a setting? Or do I just leave it in STD mode and start dropping the tension? You mentioned the foot pedal at the beginning for drop D but I was curious about Standard D when you drop all 6 strings down a note. Thanks!

[@katyungodly]

It is chromatic so it can tune every note. Only the polyphonic tuning feature is specific to standard and drop D tunings. And it's not as accurate as individual note tuning so it doesn't matter.

[@johnroberts838]

Excellent Demo, thank you.

[@simonguzman4521]

how does the buffer vs true bypass switch work? internal?

[@chicolopez8722]

I think u have to unscrew the back an active between the two switches that way.

[@christhembones8244]

Thanks for clarifying. I thought STD was the disease on the pedal. 😂

[@BigBoss1982]

I got this tuner and don't understand how drop D and right back lower tuning mode button work.

[@2DaNub]

I know you haven't thought about it and this all sounds very difficult, but you should try referring to the manual included with the pedal or go to the manufacturers web page and read about the features and how to use them. If you do and still don't understand, try watching youtube videos, as there are MANY out there, demoing how to use the pedal. If at that point you still don't understand, it is probably best that you stop playing guitar (or whatever instrument you use it for) and sell the pedal, because if you are unable to understand how to use a tuning pedal, you won't be unable to figure out most everything else you need to know/understand to be able to play an instrument. Good luck!

[@BeantownToBigD]

@@2DaNub Did you really have to be so obnoxious? BiggBoss has a legitimate gripe. The tuner comes with 5.5" x 4.5" Quick Start Guide card that diagrams the pedal. That's it. There are no instructions and TC Electronic's website has no instructions for download. Huh? Can the pedal do open G? I don't know and couldn't find the answer so I'll be returning the pedal and try a Paterson Strobe tuner. Addicted to Gear did a great review and provided much more information than the manufacturer so shame on TC Electronic.

[@robbiemcelroy1645]

great review! just got mine today. any chance it does open tunings??

[@kosmicwizard]

I just got mine as well, and wondered the same thing. I don't think I can program it to do that. I have to look in the manual.

[@bassclef283]

excellent review

[@gigicau6955]

I have a question. When the pedal is switched to "buffered bypass" and If I disconnect the power cable, I have noticed that I can still hear my guitar. Isn't it supposed that in the buffered bypass the guitar should not be heard when the power is disconnected? I mean this is the standard test for true-bypass pedals, but if the pedal is not in that configuration anymore, maybe it is not a real buffer? or maybe I have a faulty pedal? Thank you.

[@fabienbourdier9847]

what cable would you use to power a pedal through the polytune ? sorry i dont know much about pedals

[@proteinprofeten]

Thank you for the review, I really like this concept because I need a good tuner and a buffer. I have one question though: should I be concerned that this buffer is not as good as a more expensive standalone buffer? This seems like a very very good price for a cool product. Have a great day.

[@addictedtogear]

Not at all

[@BinSoFar2]

With the "buffer on" and display "always on"...does the foot switch button still mute the guitar sound?

[@Itsjustwilson]

How do i have this pedal always on with a volume pedal? I have a mini dunlop volume

[@steveallen2105]

Candace tuner stay on while I am playing. Mine seems to only activate ready for tune when I push the button and guitar sound goes off.

[@Simplycoburn]

That’s how tuners generally work. When they are on they cut your signal to tune, then you turn off the tuner to go back to your regular signal to your amp

[@KlockoFett]

Inside the pedal, there's a dip switch to set it so it will be always on and only mute with the footswitch.

[@stevecole9599]

Great information. Thank you.

[@christianrodriguez4768]

the most i liked was the buffer option

[@2DaNub]

Agreed! The included buffer separates this tuner from just about every other tuner on the market, including their previous version of the Polytune. It is a high quality buffer and essential for preserving tone, IMO, and since most people place their tuner pedals 1st in their signal chain, it is one of the best pedals to have the buffer included. The reason no one mentions it tho, is likely because most people don't even know what a buffer is or what purpose it serves. You always hear people being concerned about pedals being "true bypass", and most are clueless as to how buffers work, and what happens to the tone of a guitar, after the signal runs out the guitar and through pedal boards and amps.

[@guitartonetopia]

@@2DaNub +1 to all this. Also not all buffers are created equal. The buffer in the Polytune is an amazing spec

[@alan6six6]

Good review!

[@STEP3131]

Hello, on a 10 pedals chain with the polytune3 (1st pedal) buffer switched on would you activate also the OCD buffer on (enhance bypass) or the bonafide is enough ?

[@chriscarrillo967]

I know this is an older video... but do you know if it is possible to set up this pedal for an alternate tuning? For example, instead of E Standard or Drop D, how about E flat Standard or Drop C#? Thanks

[@addictedtogear]

I don't think so.

[@chimchimcharoo56]

how do you turn it on?

[@addictedtogear]

Just step on the switch

[@chimchimcharoo56]

@@addictedtogear thanks! i appreciate the answer. i have since realized that i didnt put a 9v battery in it nor to a have a 9v power adapter to plug into it, all the adapters i was trying were 12 volt, thats why it wasnt working

[@michaelsoscia3002]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@addictedtogear]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DrUndoTattoo]

Does it have a setting to tune say open G ? If so how would i do that other than manually tuning down.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Love the pedal and the buffer, but its a shame they made it 30% dimmer ? Don't know Why ? No more Retna Scorching Display !

[@mitchellturnbull3988]

Michael Caz just buy a tinted phone screen cover. Cuts down on the brightness

[@justindarden5998]

Mine just arrived today

[@ЙорданУшев-в5э]

In which part of the circuit is this tuner placed so that the built-in buffer can be used most rationally?

[@KlockoFett]

Always put your tuner first. The buffer doesn't really matter where, but earlier in the chain is probably better for that as well.

[@barankaypakoglu7643]

By default, when I turn of the tuner will the buffer still work?

[@addictedtogear]

yes

[@freddycoutreel5355]

Good informations !!!

[@stseraf]

does this thing support only standart E and Drop D for polytune feature? will it work for Drop C?

[@stseraf]

ok, found that answer on 11:07

[@fakestreamedia5309]

I like TC electronics products but the minute you have a problem, I've found they are nowhere to be found

[@addictedtogear]

That’s true…

[@MixingGBP]

Nice review. Curious..where did you get that artwork on the wall behind you?

[@addictedtogear]

You can find it online. I forget where I got it exactly but just do a google search and you should find it.

[@MixingGBP]

@@addictedtogear Thanks. I was hoping to find a similar print for bass.

[@vovokidx9691]

i have crybaby mini. and im planning to buy polytune 3. my question is wah to polytune or polytune to wah?

[@addictedtogear]

Polytune to Wah

[@vovokidx9691]

but the polytune 3 has buffer. is it fine?

[@miltonbarton3610]

If using buffer then put it after the wah

[@garysbraccia4980]

great review. can you use this ti check intonation at 12th fret? If so , how?

[@nautilusmagellan7263]

Yes, the strobe mode is excellent for setting intonation. If the note on the 12th fret is sharp, lengthen the string from the saddle.

[@2DaNub]

Pluck the string you want to check and use both (if you have 2) of your eyes to look at the display and see if it says the note is flat, in tune, or sharp. I know that sounds difficult, but it's the same way you'd tune the guitar or check the intonation at the 0 fret. Since this is the first time you've used a guitar tuner and don't know how to use it, you may want to go to your local music store or find a friend or someone you know who plays guitar, to help you out. Good luck!

[@mapave123]

hello.... the bonafide is always on? or just in the buffered mode?

[@Jaysteenn]

mapave123 just in buffered mode

[@lorentz333]

thanks for the video.... because TC forgot to explain it well

[@joelonsdale]

Yes, their own video is hopeless and is mainly marketing waffle

[@user-zn4qy7tw9t]

Im a beginner and i want to know how to connect a guitar to a tuner pedal to an amp. Im using the ssnnake IPPI030 but i dont know if i can use it to connect a tuner pedal to an amp. But if not then am i supposed to use an angled jack to connect the pedal to a amp?

[@addictedtogear]

Just plug the jack from your guitar into the input of the tuner, and the output into the input of your amp.

[@carlostriana7557]

Great vid, thank you!

[@addictedtogear]

Glad you liked it!

[@lowercase3635]

So we’re just not going to go in depth about the only thing that’s different about this tuner? The buffer??

[@briandowdall5328]

jlfigster 3991 literally the only reason I clicked the vid... lol I had two gigs over the weekend and I just bought one of these and I didn’t want to test it out in a live situation

[@Stoogie]

amazing thanks for vid

[@rubenvaldiviaescalante8339]

Tiene pitch el polytune 3 ?

[@garyclements6946]

If I use this as a buffer pedal will I be able to mute my entire board while using the polytune function? also do I have to hold it down the entire time I'm tuning or can I just press a button turn the pedalboard off tune and then turn it back on when I'm finished?

[@briandowdall5328]

Gary Clements just press it

[@Pedro72740]

Can you run a daisy chain off the power out slot if you stay under 100 mA?

[@addictedtogear]

yes

[@1badsteed]

How do you change reference to 432 hz?

[@addictedtogear]

Use the buttons on the back of the unit to do this.