Detail 01
Strobe display
Shows pitch drift as a moving band rather than a needle, so you see tiny errors a clip-on tuner rounds off.
Product detailSKU #1274115062187
Peterson490 8-Octave AutoStrobe Tuner
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Peterson rack strobe tuner covering eight octaves. For techs, studios, and shops that need reference-grade pitch accuracy on a bench.
Strong match
Who this is for
- A repair bench or shop doing daily intonation and setup work
- Studio racks where every instrument gets checked before tracking
- Tuning across bass, guitar, and high-register instruments on one unit
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Gigging players who just need a stage tuner
- Anyone tuning one guitar occasionally at home
- Players without rack space or a bench to leave it on
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
8-octave range
Covers low bass fundamentals up to high harmonics, so one unit handles bass, guitar, and higher-pitched instruments.
Detail 03
AutoStrobe note detection
Finds the note for you instead of you dialing it in, which speeds up string-by-string intonation passes.
Detail 04
No stretch tuning
Fine for fretted instruments. Piano work wants the 490-ST, which adds stretch curves.
Detail 05
Bench/rack format
Built to sit in one place and stay powered, not to ride in a gig bag or pedalboard.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Needs a stable bench or rack spot and a power source
- 02Reading a strobe display takes practice if you've only used needle tuners
- 03If you tune pianos, the 490-ST version is the one you want
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How is this different from the 490-ST?
The ST adds stretch tuning, which matters for pianos. For guitars, basses, and other fretted instruments, this 490 does the same job.
02Can I use it on a pedalboard?
No. This is a bench and rack unit, not a stompbox. Use a pedal tuner for stage work.
03Is a strobe really more accurate than my clip-on?
Yes. Strobe tuners resolve pitch far finer than typical LED or needle tuners, which is why they're used for intonation and setup work.
04Will it tune a bass low B?
Yes. The eight-octave range reaches well below standard bass tuning.
