Input/output
Electric instruments can be tuned by using the 1/4" input jack located on the right side. A 1/4" output jack is also provided, allowing the TU-12H to be used in-line.

Acoustic instruments use the built-in condenser mic located in the lower left of the front panel. We tuned our Martin acoustic using the built-in mic and found that while the TU-12H was able to "hear" the Martin from nearly two feet away, the best results were obtained by placing the guitar in close proximity to the tuner.

You've got the power
A standard 9 volt alkaline battery will keep the TU-12H running for a long time. If you'd rather use an AC adapter, a power in jack is located on the right side of the unit.

Boss recommends the PSA-120 adapter, which is the power supply option for virtually all Boss pedals. We decided that if we were gigging with the TU-12H that we would definitely spring for the AC adapter so we could keep the tuner powered up all the time. That way we could sneak in a quick tune in between songs. We'd also use Velcro to affix the tuner to our amp or pedal board so that it wouldn't move around.

Metering makes the difference
Tuning with the TU-12H is extremely easy. The high-visibility analog meter offers a smooth swing, which really helps tell how sharp or flat a particular note is. We tested the unit with a USA Fender Stratocaster plugged into the 1/4" input jack of the tuner. When we plucked a low E, the TU-12H instantly let us know that we were slightly flat. We slowly turned the Strat tuning key and watch the needle on the meter get closer to the center position. When the arrow LEDs on either side of the analog meter were both lit, we knew that the low E was perfectly in tune.

We really got used to the metering, which is probably one reason the TU-12H is moderately priced (as compared to the glut of low priced units on the market). An actual analog meter circuit is not as "jumpy" as a virtual meter made up of LEDs or an LCD display. We've tried those twitchy, jerky tuners before and have been frustrated by their inability to latch onto the signal and show us the pitch. The Boss unit, on the other hand, is actually easier to use than that old industry standard, the Conn Strobotuner (left). And unlike a Strobotuner, the TU-12H (right) is small enough to fit in a guitar case, and is also priced hundreds of dollars less.

Final thoughts
Boss, a division of the Roland Corporation, is to be commended for producing such a quality unit and keeping it affordable. The included vinyl carry case is a thoughtful addition to help protect the TU-12H from bumps and bruises. Stage and studio musicians who are looking for an accurate, easy-to-use tuner need look no further: the TU-12H is here.

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