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Korg DT-7 Tuner

Summary
Price New Korg DT-7 Tuner @ Musician's Friend
Manufacturer URL http://www.korg.com/
Ease of Use 7.6 (13 responses)
Sound Quality 6.2 (11 responses)
Reliability 6.5 (12 responses)
Customer Support 3.0 (2 responses)
Overall Rating 5.8 (13 responses)
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Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: USD 90
Submitted 04/22/2008 at 12:17am by southpaw

Ease of Use : 8
Really Easy to use. Step 1) plug in guitar Step 2) turn tuner on and switch to whatever setting you need, normally just chromatic Step 3) play and turn tuners to tune guitar.

there was a manual but i was a typical male and decided i was too cool for it, and i was, just tune. Haven't used the Buzz setting but have a friend with the same thing and it works perfectly for him- always in tune.

Occasionally it will jump around on me, not sure if this is the mic picking up stuff, even if the guitar is plugged in or it just has a hiccup every now and then. But usually if i wait a second and then begin to strum a string again it will go back to being normal. This happens maybe 1 in 50 tunings.

mute function is great for when i gotta leave the stage inbetween sets and dont want to power down the amp or any of my stuff, just mute and go.


On another point its great in the way it's shaped. I actually have my positioned vertically on the side of my pedal board so i get an even better correlation of when i'm Flat (LEDs lit towards the bottom of my pedal board) or Sharp (LEDs and 'upper' part of tuner are lit) and this way it takes up very little pedalboard real estate.

of course more LED for the closer cents would be better but for what it does it suits all of my needs

Sound Quality : 10
Never had a single noise issue with this thing. works great on battery and on power supply as it currently is. I have it as the first thing in my effect chain because i really like the buffer in it before going on to my true bypass pedals. I've noticed a loss in clarity and what i can basically just describe as "oomph" when its outta the chain.

no noise from switching between tuning types or loud pops going from off to on, or from muted to not.



Reliability : 8
its survived the beginning guitar effect gathering, where everything was kept in an old bowling bag and tossed in the back seat, to just being stuck in my pocket for acoustic practices and now its mounted to the pedal board. Plastic screen has some scuffs but over all its pretty resilient to what all it has facedd

Customer Support : No Opinion
never talked to em

Overall Rating : 9
Overall rating this thing is great. I can't really speak for the Buzz Feiten tuning but for normal tunings it is spot on every time, it tracks really fast too- since i keep it on during playing it usually recognizes most of the notes and chords going through it without missing too many, unless i'm playing fast as one would expect.

Again i wish that there were more LED located within the 10 cent to 1 cent range for more precise tuning but like other reviewers have mentioned you can discern this from having partially lit red LEDs with the Green "intune" LED

possibly a better housing, it has held up to a lot of abuse and can take a whole lot more by the look of it....its more a mental reassurance- plastic may 'make it possible' but it 'makes me nervous'


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: USD 99.99
Submitted 06/23/2007 at 08:17pm by greyfoxzero

Ease of Use : 9
I found it so easy to use I got my buzz feiten equipped washburn bass setup in less that 30 minutes. The switching between the open string button and the 12th fret button on the tuner is what many fail to realize is were the peterson tuners fail. This is nessecary so you can retune and reintonate properly. The Peterson just has the presets while the Korg has the open tuning and the presets. That is why I couldn't get my peterson to intonate properly and thus I took it back. I had the strobostomp which was a VERY accurate tuner but by design had many limitations. I wont get into that though. This is a better real world alternative

Sound Quality : 9
Great, doesnt color sound in effects loops.

Reliability : 9
Seems reliable, as reliable as any plastic pedal/device can be.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Never dealt with korg.

Overall Rating : 10
I play on a 5 string bass thats strung high C. I have been experimenting with chords and this is the best sound I have ever had with any bass. I dont like how so many consider the korg and peterson tuners as well as the Buzz Feiten tuning system smoke and mirrors BS. If you know how to uses these tuners to intonate a buzz guitar or bass the result is a better sound all over the fretboard. Think about it, guitars all have sweet spots right? Isnt that just saying it plays in tune at a certain point on the neck? Well chuck that idea out the window since we live in modern times and play in all keys and not just what your instrument can sweet spot. The difference to me is so much that I cant buy a regular bass off the shelf unless I know I can get it retrofitted with the system or it has it already. I tried the compensated nut idea on the new musicman stingrays and while its good to see someone trying something forward thinking it didnt quite match up with the buzz feiten system. Seriously it works. But if the majority dont care then let them. More intonation for me!


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: 4900
Submitted 03/11/2007 at 10:34pm by Eyedunno

Ease of Use : 7
It works, and most of the features are self-explanatory, even without the manual. The person who says it can only tune in 10 cent intervals was not paying attention. The LABELS on the tuner are: -50, -40, -30, -20, -10, 0, +10, +20, +30, +40, and +50. Count the labels. Wait, no time for that, the answer is eleven. How many LEDs are there? THIRTEEN. The LEDs do operate in ten-cent intervals until you get close to zero, but there are five LEDs covering the range closest to zero for more accuracy at that range. Furthermore, the LEDs light up jointly and at various brightness levels, just like on other tuners of this type, so you CAN do fairly fine tuning, as long as your goal is to center the reading (for deliberately tuning a few cents off, the Peterson tuners are likely a better bet). In other words, if the center green light is lit up, and none of the red lights are glowing/flickering, even very faintly, you're probably within 1/2-1 cent of being in tune. There are some calibration settings as well, and a preset with Buzz Feiten offsets for both open strings (for tuning) and the 12th fret (for intonation). I'd still prefer an LCD display or a needle, personally, but some of the accuracy criticisms are unfounded.

Sound Quality : No Opinion

Reliability : 7
It seems pretty durable (very thick plastic, with a good deal of weight to it), but based on some other reviews, it might have some weaknesses here. Time will tell for me.

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 8
I would naturally have preferred one of the Peterson tuners, but the huge price difference is what made me go for this one. It basically allowed me to do what I wanted to do, which is to properly tune and maintain the intonation on my Feiten-equipped guitar. The intonation was WAY off when I got the guitar (Playing scales around the 18th-22nd frets was what made it most obvious), but with the help of this tuner, things are all right now (though I think I can make it even better if I can get a more stable reading the next time I change strings). As a tuner, it's not the easiest I've ever used (I would give that award to Intellitouch tuners, although mine broke in my case for unknown reasons), but it's not bad either. I do wish this had a different kind of readout, as I have no intention of using it as a stage tuner or anything like that, but this is adequate.


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: 49 (euro) used
Submitted 04/22/2006 at 04:41am by Remco Becker
Email: remco at abaco<dot>nl

Ease of Use : 10
Very easy to use, didn't need the manual so far. fast response, acurate tuning with range of lights. I use a 7 string tuned to low A, no problem tuning it.

Sound Quality : 9
Setup: on boss footboard with 9v to all pedals + tuner (Ibanez 7 string (w. DiMarzios)->tuner->tubescreamer->morley wah->chorus->phaser->delay) into Soldano 100 w. top with marshall vitage 30 4x12 cabinet. didn't use it with battery, don't think you should ever want to use batteries on stage, for reasons of sound & battery life.
i doesn't seem to "eat" any of the sound. no audible difference with or without tuner in setup.

very accurate/fast tuning, used boss tuners before, would buy this Korg again if it had to be replaced.

Reliability : 8
quality seems like any other tunes this size with plastic cover. haven't had any trouble with it.

Customer Support : No Opinion
n/a

Overall Rating : 9
i play (stoner)rock/metal, use a 7-string tuned to low A. no problem with tuning the low A, smooth tuning.
seems to me like a nice/cheaper alternative to the "famous" 19" korg tuner. can't think of anything to be improved. works perfect, very quick response. (didn't use the BFTS tuning, none of my guitars are BF equiped)


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: US $45 used
Submitted 11/26/2005 at 03:00pm by Duke

Ease of Use : 9
Fairly plug-and-play.

Sound Quality : No Opinion
Haven't checked the sound quality out - I use it for home practices only.

Reliability : 5
Construction seems sound, but it's still plastic. Battery life is pathetic and the only indicator of a low battery is the unit having trouble identifying the right notes.

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 8
This tuner does a jam-up job as a home tuner. Yes, I read the other reviews below that everyone seems to think that it's a piece of junk. I have only compared it to tuners built-in to effects pedals and the Danelectro and Fender stomp box tuners. In this regard the tuner shines like crazy. Comparatively, it is much more accurate. However, it is worthless as a gig tuner because of its lack of floor switch. This is sad, condsidering its quickness, accurracy, and readability in a gig environment is ideal.


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: US $60
Submitted 12/30/2004 at 06:24pm by scott

Ease of Use : 4
This tuner has lots of options. The manual is a little hard to understand as far as the buzz fieten system is concerned. But once you get used to it, the tuner works O.K. This tuner is just not accurate. IF you research it and do the math the peterson tuner is 10 times more accurate. Yet the peterson tuner only cost a little more than twice the cost of this tuner. That pretty sad.

Sound Quality : 7
I use this in my looper, this is wear I put effects that color my tone. I cant really comment on how it sounds because I have it in a true bypass loop. I would not trust its sound quality if I put it through my normal sound chain.

Reliability : 2
Ive used this tuner for 6 months and it now does not work. When I turn it on all it does is glow red in the center. It does not except any signals! IF you have a any suggestion email me. Ive owned lots of other tuners and they have all taken abuse but still work! Even my Radio shack tuner still works after 10 years.

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 2
This tuner is not accurate, the first time I used it I could tell that my $10 korg tuner works better than this one. When I get the money I will get a peterson stomp tuner. Save yourself a headache and do not buy this tuner!


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: US $60.00
Submitted 04/12/2004 at 11:26am by Anonymous

Ease of Use : 9
Very easy to use. O.K. manual.

Sound Quality : 1
Setup is easy. But beware. As far as standard tuning and the BF tuning, it's a piece of crap. I can't beleive Korg sells this tuner. I've seen tuners for $10.00 that are better than this. This tuner should be illegal. What a rip off. As far as I'm concerned, this tuner is false ad. There is too much of a gap for pin point accuracy as far as cent(s). Guitar and Bass players, please save your money and get the Peterson tuners. You will not regret the investment. If you like pinpoint accuracy such as intonation, tuning etc., this is the way to go. Peterson is coming out with their new stomp tuner. Check it out. If you have a DT-7, sell it or keep as an absolute emergency backup only. But I'll repeat, it's a piece of crap. It's such a rip off. I'm sorry I purchased it.

Reliability : No Opinion
Mine has been reliable only because I don't even use it. I use the Peterson VS-1.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Never needed them.

Overall Rating : 2
DO NOT BUY THIS. SAVE YOUR MONEY.


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: US $70
Submitted 04/01/2004 at 01:03am by Jason
Email: luthierjason at yahoo<dot>com

Ease of Use : 2
As a normal tuner, it's not bad. It has no provisions for tuning flat (E flat, D, etc). The manual is a tiny one sheet deal. It needs more explaining for the Buzz Feiten setting. If we're to believe that it can tune to the 1/2 cent accuracy, then why is the smallest increment of measure +/- 10 (yes ten) cents? If the Buzz system is so accurate, shouldn't there be a rating that's broken down into at least +/- 1/2 cent increments?

Sound Quality : 2
Don't use this inline with effects. It does leech tone from the signal.

Reliability : 5
Plastic with plastic buttons & switches. It feels a little sturdy. I dropped it once and it seems ok.

Customer Support : No Opinion
N/A

Overall Rating : 1
I needed something for the Buzz Feiten system on my guitars. This is the ONLY game in town. But I put together information on my web site how to tune using any tuner. I recommend the Peterson VS tuners and using the tuning offsets on my web site. I hope this can help you guys. Just in case my web address isn't printed here, I'm luthierjason@yahoo.com and I can answer questions about setting up the Buzz System. http://www.geocities.com/luthierjason


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: US $80, i think
Submitted 12/12/2003 at 09:48pm by RG
Email: none

Ease of Use : 3
The tuner is very easy to use. Plug-n-tune. It has the 'buzz' tuning offsets as well as standard chromatic tuning. Electric, acoustic, and bass guitar. Also, a bypass, which is not true bypass, hence it will dramatically affect your guitar signal. The problem with the tuner is that it is not nearly as accurate as some would have you believe. It really is no better than less expensive tuners. It is virtually impossible to zero in on the tuning percisely. Some may scoff, but before you do, I have been playing for over 25 yrs and have many good guitars. PRS,Gibson LP classic, Jet Earlewood, Anderson Drop top and Cobra S. Three of those guitars have the 'buzz F' tuning system. This tuner gets you close but no perfection. It really is totally over-hyped. This is my 3rd Korg tuner in 25 years, I liked the others much better. I have used other less expensive tuners from other manufactures as well, and this one is no better. A buzz equiped guitar will still sound better with normal chromatic tuning and if you really want to use the buzz F tuning just tune, using any tuner, the way he explains on his website. As for the other review saying the Buzz Feiten setting on the DT-7 is for set-up only...I have no idea where that comes from. The Korg manual says it is for tuning the guitar, so does the buzz website...set-up of course can be done with any tuner but this DT-7 was designed for normal tuning with the Buzz F system, not just set-up. Logically, why would you set-up your guitar for buzz feiten then tune chromatically...it defeats the purpose. It is true that a Buzz equipped guitar will sound better tuned chromatically than a non-buzz guitar but the whole purpose of Buzz's system is based on you being able to tune the guitar to his offsets made possible by his unique proprietary neck/nut alterations. In any case, the chromatic tuning also blows on this tuner with my non-buzz guitars. Me and my guitars are not the problem, certainly not my $5K Jet! and certainly not all of them, they tune just fine thru other tuners I have.

Sound Quality : 1
This tuner dramatically alters your tone. No doubt about it, anyone that says different either works for Korg, Buzz, or are just tone deaf. If you play it 'in line' it will immediately degenerate your guitar signal, making it darker and muddier...period. But all of these tuners do that not just the Korg DT-7. What you have to do is use a a/b box and dedicate either a or b channel to the tuner, which also will serve as a mute function for silent tuning when playing clubs. Never used it in an f/x loop, so no comment on how that sounds, but generally, if an effect box or tuner is not TRUE BYPASS it will degenerate your tone, whether it is on or off.

Reliability : 5
Cheaply made, seems like one drop and it will be busted. Also, the tuning is not percise, that's part of the reliability, right? Anyway, it does work, just not as good as it is claimed to.

Customer Support : 1
sent email over a year ago still waiting for a response.

Overall Rating : 2
Save your money and buy a peterson tuner. The DT-7 is much hype and little performance. The pre-programmed Buzz Feiten tuning offsets was the only reason I bought it...and it just doesn't do a good job of it. It doesn't even give you accurate normal chromatic tuning. Using the built-in mic for acoustic guitar tuning is a joke. Unfortunately, the joke was on me cause I paid $80 bucks for this thing.


Product: Korg DT-7 Tuner
Price Paid: US $80
Submitted 10/15/2003 at 10:01am by ned crismus
Email: The 815 at hotmail<dot>com

Ease of Use : 8
What most people apparently understand is that the Feiten setting on this unit is for set-up only , not for normal tuning. If used as such, assuming one know how to make standard guitar adjustments, it's exceedingly simple to use.

Sound Quality : 10
Doesn't appear to load the signal or otherwise degrade the signal. I use it in the effects loop BEFORE any effects with a foot switch for the mute function. I'm currently using either two Classic 50/ 410 tube amps , 2 Beasly ( class A custom built 30 watt amps ) or a combination of the two.

Reliability : 10
Never had a problem with either my DT-3's ( have 4) or my DT-7s .( have 2). However, who in thier right mind would gig w/o a back-up??????

Customer Support : No Opinion
N/A

Overall Rating : 8
Excellent tuner, no complaint's at all. The reason for the '8' rating is simply that I'm just used to my DT-3s. Have been playing for a living for 14 years and would not use anything other than a Korg tuner...... ( well if I could carry a peterson strobe center I would, but $80.00 as opposed to $1600.oo .....go figure)

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