Peterson StroboStomp Mini

I compared these 5 tuners:
* Peterson StroboStomp Mini
* TC Electronic Polytune 3
* TC Electronic Polytune 3 mini / noir
* Korg Pitchblack X
* Korg Pitchblack X Mini

My goal is to judge rationally and in a practical manner to see which tuner works overall best in all situations. I am not sensitive, prices, myths and online sale stories...

# Peterson StroboStomp MINI #
++ The brushed aluminum case is beautiful
++ The display color selection is nice.
++ Always on mode.

--- It has an LCD display and a design feature of that is a slow response time... and the blurry moving lines while tuning confuse me.
--- The Jacks and USB C is on the top, but 9V is on the side. Why? I do not understand why the 9V connector is not on the top.
--- The viewing angle of the LCD display is just terrible, you really have to look almost straight above the pedal to see the screen well..
--- Display is OKAY to read in full sunlight, not great.
-- Overall: because of the piece and heavenly online sale pitches, i expected a flawless tuner. But it has a few design flaws.

# Korg Pitchblack + Pitchblack MINI #
++ Nice screens, good viewing angle, fast response time,
++ Easy to use, no option paralysis. (only options are: 2 brightness levels, strobo or needle tuning and reference pitch selection)
++ Mini version experience is the same as the big one. (one difference: mini is always Buffered and big version has a true-bypass / buffer switch, but buffering is almost always better.. )

--- Korg Pitchblack(s) have glossy paint, they are probably sensitive to scratches
--- Always on mode not possible
--- The tuning letters can be a bit blurry, the screen is bleeding light from other sections.
--- Display is hard to read in full sunlight.

# PolyTune 3 + PolyTune 3 MINI / Noir #
++ Automatic brightness control, The PolyTUNE's are the ones in this review that are easily readable in full sunlight.
++ Superb viewing angle.
++ The using experience is very similar to the Korg Pitchblacks, besides the Automatic Brightness control.
++ Always on Mode possible
++ Matte finish on the body, no reflections in the paint.

// Difference between PolyTUNE 3 big and mini size is:
/ With the mini you can not choose between guitar and bass mode, (it works fine on bass.. )
/ You can not change the 440hz reference pitch
/ The Mini has 9V connector on the side, the Big one has 9V on the top AND an 9V out.

--- The display is always readable, but the LEDS are a bit small / thin.
--- The MINI / Noir version has the 9V connector on the side, Little bit annoying. I looked inside: It is really packed, the 9V connector does not fit on the top.

Conclusion:

* I have to pop the bubble: The Peterson is ok for home use, not a stage, the screen is glaring too much and a bad viewing angle.
* Korg Pitchblacks are nice to use on stage, but not easy to read if you will play outdoors in full sunlight. (possibly a rare situation; not everyone does that)
* PolyTUNE 3 is best overall.

My dream would be PolyTune 3, Korg Pitchblack and Peterson MINI having a baby:
* long and thick lines in the display and tuning letter also a bit bigger and thicker.
* Display color selection in 2 ways separately, the needle lines AND the off-needle lines.

TC ELECTRONIC, if you read this, please make the PolyTUNE 4 version like this ;-)

I'm now in my 30th year playing guitar, and this is my first ever pedal tuner, so bear that in mind.

Pros:
Super accurate strobe tuning.
Easy to see HD screen, with option to change colours.
Easy to operate, and has an easy to understand manual.
Can be set Buffered or True Bypass.
Soft switch with no popping.
Really well packaged, and even comes with choice of velcro or rubber pad to stick on base if you so choose.
Loads of useful options and modes for use and tunings (Monitor Mode, tunings for different instruments, etc.).
Seems really high quality in build and in use.

Cons:
I could nitpick/moan and mention the current price while I write this Review is £14 cheaper than I bought mine for a few weeks ago (What The Actual!). But I won't.
Nothing else, if I'm honest.

---

I just use the Peterson StroboStomp Mini in True Bypass for standard tuning.
Every doubt I had about price or that it might be more than I needed option wise was gone within about 2 minutes of first use.
I even used it to check/set the intonation on my T Style parts guitar with ABM 3 compensated saddle bridge, and I am now in tune (Strobe not rotating flat or sharp) on every fret on every string. I didn't think this was even possible, and it REALLY notices when playing.

I love the Peterson Mini to be honest. It's an easy 5 Stars Rating.
If your budget allows, I recommend it highly.

The first impression is the surprisingly premium product packaging. It reminds of the feeling when buying a new iPhone, and I like it. Inside the box the same as outside - premium.
The tuner itself provides exactly what is advertised. It tunes my guitars and basses without a problem.
I still have to get used to the strobe mode after many years of using the TC tuner with the needle mode.
Also, the tuner has too many options for my taste, but I guess these days you have to have everything to be competitive.
Anyway, I like it so far - no flaws.

If there is any disappointment in the future, I will write.