Snark SN-1 Guitar and Bass Tuner with Metronome Reviews

4.3/5.0 based on 37 customer reviews

Sweetwater Advice

Kenny Bergle

The Snark Clip-on Chromatic Guitar Tuner: What a great tuner! It's very bright, VERY accurate, and is easy to read. Also, the little rubber grips on the clamp make it easy to clip to anything - even an upright bass! It's a killer product and is priced right too (I personally sold about 150 of them at Sweetwater's 2011 GearFest!). At such a low cost, you really should have one of these in every guitar case you own!

Bart Good

The Snark Clip-On Chromatic Guitar Tuner is a dream to use! It clips on and stays put. It's extremely accurate with a detailed display that shows you exactly where you are tuning wise. It is so sensitive in fact that when I accidentally left it on, it accurately displayed all the notes I played up and down my fretboard! (That was also a great way to check my acoustic guitar's intonation!) I highly recommend this - it's definitely the best tuner at this price point by far.

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Customer Reviews

from
March 29, 2013

Snark

Good enough For Jimmy Capps, it is good enough for me.

david dean
from NW Missouri
February 17, 2013Music Background:
Hobbyist-songwriter

Great little tuner

I got this because sometimes I'm tuning up with a lot of other musicians and don't want to have to plug in to avoid the other musicians' instruments interfering if I use the mic instead of plugging in. Plus, this being a chromatic tuner means it can be used with other instruments [such as violin, mandolin, ukulele, and banjo] as well as guitar and bass.

steven
from plantersville,MS
October 25, 2012Music Background:
hobbyist

SNARK-SN1 AWESOME TUNER FOR THE PRICE!!!

I recently purchased a snark sn-1 guitar/bass tuner and when i first used it i was amazed, it is deadly accurate and its small size dosen't take up alot of space in my guitar case, which is a plus, I love it and would defenently reccomend it to anyone looking for a great tuner at an awsome price! also the sweetwater staff are top notch, with great customer service. I will be a sweetwater customer for life!!!!!!!!

Michael M
from Wilmington, DE
August 21, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Get Snarky!

This is a great affordable tuner that is extremely accurate. When I play archtops I plug directly into an amp and do not use any pedals. The Snark provides an easy way to stay in tune without the need to unplug my amp to go through an electronic tuner. Highly recommended!

'Only' Frank Pusateri
from Buffalo, NY
July 31, 2012Music Background:
Pro multi-instrumentalist, recording studio owner, working band, instructor

Yeah Snark!

This pint sized package is a real giant! Several of my students came in with one and I tried it at home and on stage with my guitars and my basses and it proved itself to the max! A real winner especially for the price.

Mike Smith
from Radcliff, Ky
July 20, 2012Music Background:
Guitarist

Love my Snark

I have nothing but good to say about my Snark. The color is perfect. It stays on good and tight. I love the light and color scheme on the tuner.

Thanks for the great price at the Gearfest. I had a blast.

Rhythm guitarist
from New York, NY
May 18, 2012Music Background:
In a consistent small time hard rock band

Awesome tuner!!!!

I have it for like 2 years I have dropped it multiple times and is still like new. I have had no problems at all, it keeps all my guitars, and basses in perfect tune, great for drop tuning as well!

Billy Jenkins
from Parkersburg, W.V.
February 29, 2012Music Background:
50 years in singing and playing in Country and Gospel groups.

the amazine Snark tuner

I HAVE TWO OF THESE WONDERFUL TUNERS, AND THEY ARE SO COMPACT AND EASY TO READ,
The fellow that I play with in the band, have all tried mine, and they couldn't belive the ability that this small compact tuner has. and everytrhing is on A440.
I have order soje for the fellows and they love it,
it's the best out there for the money and it does exactly what is supposed to do... Tune your instrument's.........

Magnolia Guitar
from Arlington, VA
January 19, 2012Music Background:
Guitar Teacher, Repair Tech

Best Tuner in Price Range

The Snark tuners are the best, most accurate tuners in it's price range. It's what I carry in my music studio and recommend to students. It's colorful, speedometer style display is easy to read and understand. The CR-2032 batteries (one is included) last me about 3-6 months depending on use (and I use them A LOT!). They are fairly sturdy, but I've had young students break them (at the flange point where it is weakest). There are several models differentiated by minor feature differences and color, so read the descriptions carefully. I think they should ALL do the exact same thing and be offered in different colors. Accurate to about 1-2 cents (same for all of its kind), it's more that adequate for tuning in noisy environments. Don't rely on your phone!

TJC
from Conway, MA
December 27, 2011Music Background:
Pro Musician

Snark!

This tuner is tremendous! It's also a conversation peice too! Well worth the $$.

Doug
from Portage, IN
December 16, 2011Music Background:
active musician

accurate & reliable tuner

This is a great little tuner. Very accurate & easy to read and use. I like the fact that you can clip it to be on the front of the headstock or the back. And the adjustable, rotating display is a huge plus !! I previously was using a planet waves headstock tuner and found it to be slow and not too accurate. Sometimes it would not even pick up the low E string.
If your looking for a great headstock tuner, this is it !! Don't waste your time or your money on the planet waves, this one beats it hands down !!

glenn
from Huntingdon PA
December 11, 2011Music Background:
Hobbyist

WOW!!!!!This is GREAT!!!!!!!!

I love it!!!!!Works GREAT!!!!!!!Easy to see!!!!!!!

Mike Abercrombie
from United States
November 27, 2011Music Background:
semi-serious hobbyist

Stuck on this!

I really can't find anything to criticize negatively...Hmmm, maybe that the battery eventually gets used up. I have two of these and the act of tuning just couldn't be made any easier. The display is very visible under any lighting situations. I love the way it snaps onto the note when you do twist those little knobs on the headstock! Great for alternate tunings also. I've tried other brands and have decided that I'll not waste money on anything else.

RiverStone
from Downingtown, PA
October 23, 2011Music Background:
professional bassist and amature recording engineer

Bass guitar compatible.

I have had different vibration tuners and this is by far the most sensitive and consistent tuner I have had. It is so sensitive that I use it when adjusting the intonation of my bass. This tuner is easy to read, accurate and attractive.

James Pangborn
from Addy, WA
August 26, 2011Music Background:
Amateur musician. Have played for over 45 years.

I Call It Super Snark!

I can't believe how easy to use and accurate this little tuner is. I previously had a Sabine AX-2000 contact tuner and it worked fairly well for many years but started eating batteries even when turned off. Also the Sabine had difficulty locking onto the low E string on my electric bass. The Snark SN-1 is easier to attach and remove, works every time and battery life is excellent. It works great on my 6 and 12-string guitars and even performs flawlessly on my electric bass locking onto the low E string instantly. For the money, this tuner absolutely cannot be beat. I'll never use any other!

Jim
from FL
August 24, 2011Music Background:
Pro Musician, Recording Engineer

Snark

I like this it works great and is small enough to be left on my Taylor, now I can tune in between songs with the volume down. Good product and great price!

Rob S
from Central Oregon
August 3, 2011Music Background:
Musician for over half my life (and I'm only 22!)

Freed up a rack space in my bass rig!

Got it on special for $10. I used one of these at a jam session and it wowed me immediately. So I bought two and I'm so happy I did. Taking the antiquated tuner out of my rack today! It has a visual metronome in it too, but it's nearly useless as the heartbeat sign is too small. But it'll be nice to have around for finding tempos at practices. Awesome little tuner!

Joshua Day
from Wilmington, DE
August 2, 2011Music Background:
Musician, Recording Hobbyist

Not just for guitar!

I picked up one of these tuners for a hammered dulcimer, and it works wonders! Clip onto the bridge of the hammered dulcimer or any stringed instrument and it will pick up only the vibrations of the instrument even in the midst of a noisy crowd or band. The display is sharp, futuristic, colorful, and most importantly accurate. Definitely worth the money.

JR
from Columbia City, Indiana
July 22, 2011Music Background:
Hobbyist

Thought they were all the same!

I purchased a Korg clip on tuner and it was ok but had to replace battery 2nd day of use? Then gearfest offered a snark and I'll never buy anything else! Tune your guitar easier, faster and more percise and save money. Everyone I show says wow this is cool looking and works better than any tuner they have used ! I hope Snark builds another product, these guys get it !

Telequacker
from Texas
July 8, 2011Music Background:
Gigging guitar/bass/banjo

Best Stage Tuner for Most Situations

Can't beat the price, and the easiest tuner to use with the best display for tuning on the fly onstage. No need to stare down at a floor pedal or turn around to look at a rack-mount tuner. Just dial down your instrument volume and tune noise-free.

Justin Shelton
from Maysville, KY
January 2, 2013Music Background:
Music student, Recording artist

Pretty good tuner.

This tuner works great for my guitars, banjo, and even when I'm trying to learn vocal notes (I press it to my throat and sing, pull it away and it give me the pitch). However, with my bass, it's fine with A, D, and G, but it seems to have trouble picking up the E string. So, bassists, take caution. Everyone else, this may be the only tuner you'll ever need. Plus, it doesn't take up much space in my case when I travel with marching band or jazz band. So that's a great plus

James Cook
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
August 6, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist and use it alot in the home.

Snark SN 1

I have had other tuners, and this one goes way beyond expectations, and it puts other tuners down the list for function, accuracy, and ect.
Will never have any other kind. The price is pretty good, and for what it cost me I sure have gotten my usage out of it.
I left it on my guitar head all the time at home, and then the guitar fell on the floor and it broke the clip on the head on the tuner that holds on to the shaft part.

Mike
from Susanville, CA
January 7, 2012Music Background:
Acoustic guitar, strummer

Very Satisfied

Nice size and great display. I received my Snark SN-1 today and tuned mine and my kid's two guitars (all of differing makes and quality) and it tuned them easily and accurately. I like the way it fits to easily behind the headstock out of the way.

Paul Nye
from Walker, MN
August 24, 2011Music Background:
Pro Musician, Recording Engineer.

Snark Tuner

I own a lot of tuners, including the headstock type. This one blows the others out of the water. My problem with headstock tuners is they seem to have a slow response time from when you strike the string you're attempting to tune. And then, they don't seem to be too stable and wavier all over. The Snark tuners are sensitive and very responsive. The other issue with almost all tuners is that they are hard to read in bright sunlight in outdoor situations. I don't have that problem with the Snark. My only complaint is that while it is very stylish, it doesn't pack away neatly into a guitar case like the flat or square tuners. Awesome tuner! Highly recommend. Price is very reasonable too.

saryhany
from Egypt
July 1, 2011Music Background:
Recording engineer, Pro musician, Composer & Arranger

the best

very accurate, easy 2 use, the best for live situations, where you can lower down your guitar's volume knob, and tune very fast. very versatile.

Michael Faught
from North Dakota
July 20, 2012Music Background:
Live sound,accoustic engineering,bass player

Works Great

nifty way to keep on top of your tuning. Seems quite accurate.

from
June 8, 2012Music Background:
hobbyist

great little tuner

very nice clip on tuner. metronome is just visual but no big deal to me. would recomend

Ajene Watts
from Hyattsville, MD
April 30, 2012Music Background:
hobbyist

Great item, but.....

I would give the Snark tuner a 5 out of 5, but when i pluck one string i get a few different notes on the tuner, so it takes me some time to tune, but all in all its a great little item.

Bill
from Southern California
April 24, 2012

Great tuner!!

Best $15 I ever spent!!

Philip John Brooks
from Georgia
August 21, 2011Music Background:
Pro Musician

Snark SN-2

This a really nice and easy to use tuner. The only problem I have encountered is one of the small pieces of plastic that hold the display and allow it to swivel broke off. I will find the ideal position and superglue it back. Apart from that it is great. Buy one, or two. You won't be disappointed.

Tim
from North AL
August 16, 2011Music Background:
Church Praise Band, hobbyist +30yrs

A Great Tuner

It really picks up immediately from string to string. I also have another well know name brand and there is a delay between changing strings. Easy to see while playing on stage. I told our other guitar players about the Snark/Sweetwater and noticed that on stage, there were 3 of us with identical tuners attached to the head stock and our bass player ask to borrow mine. Picks up bass and syncs right on the B string. On some guitars have had some problem picking up the E string. Great buy for the $.

Dave Armstrong
from Bel Air, MD USA
January 2, 2012Music Background:
long time hobbyist, former gigging semi-pro

Simple, fast, cheap, and effective

Probably the best of the low-end clip-on tuners, and so inexpensive that you can buy several of them to keep in your guitar cases. It's not as accurate as the Peterson StroboClip, but you can buy several of these for the price of one Peterson. If you've never used a clip-on tuner, this is probably the one to start with for casual use.

john
from porterfield, wisconsin
July 24, 2011Music Background:
doing all of the below in practice

tuner

I like the in the dark light feature. and portability

Paul
from CT
June 2, 2012Music Background:
Singer/songwriter

Have to say I agree with the critics

It works, and the built in metronome is a nice gimmick, but it really is too jumpy and slow to use on stage. I found that I would think I was in tune, start a song, and, uh oh. Since I use capos and open tunings quite a bit, I have to tune fast and trust my tuner without having to test each string too much. This one did not do it for me. I want back to my old Planet Waves.

Cody
from Rocky Mount. Va
July 27, 2011Music Background:
Grunge/Alt. one man band

Snark Tuner is....well.. :/

i was very happy with the preformance of this thing. it is really jumpy and its hard to get an accurate tuning from it. i payed 20 for it now its ten dollars, a much more fitting price for it. cosmetics wise its awsome and doesnt feel cheap but id take a cheap feelin tuner that worked great over a crappy one that felt expensive...

so all in all, its a decent tuner. not much better than the old first act tuner i was using tho...

Andy
from San Francisco, CA
October 7, 2012Music Background:
Pro Musician

Fragile

The Snark will tune your guitar well enough and is very easy to use but the three prongs on the back that allow for swivel adjustment of the tuner break very easily. I used this tuner twice a week for about eight months before one of the prongs broke. Other members of my ensemble had similar problems. After the prong broke, the tuning mechanism fell about 3 feet onto the floor and broke apart... The Snark will not withstand minimal use for very long, even if you take good care of it. Needs a redesign.

David Todd
from Hollywood California
July 9, 2011Music Background:
Pro Musician

Dont Beleive the Hype....not that accurate and keeps falling apart

After reading the many reviews, I had to try one one these out for myself
and Quite Frankly ...Not impressed. The meters were always shaky and especially on the lower notes. The other down side was viewing the screen in bright situations and the view angles were limited...there are many times the screen creates an optical illusion of displaying all the features at the same time.

The positive is that it's shiny and colorful...would make a great money clip

Snark SN-1 Guitar and Bass Tuner with Metronome

Headstock Guitar Tuner with Rotating Display, Metronome, Flat Tuning/Transposition Functions, and Pitch Calibration