I see a lot more PolyTune pedals on the boards of bonehead guitarists these days. There is no higher compliment I could pay to TC Electronic, and I mention it because it speaks volumes about how easy the PolyTune is to use. Now that it has been shrunk to fit in one of TC’s new mini enclosures, the unit is even more practical—which is saying a lot.
The beauty of the PolyTune 2 Mini is, of course, its polyphonic tuning capacity, which lets you simultaneously strum all your strings open and identify any of them that has gone sharp or flat. It’s enormously helpful in the heat of a performance. Even better, this tuner is smart enough to know when you’re plucking a single string or six. Hit a single string, and the PolyTune will switch into its very fast and accurate chromatic mode.
If you’re looking to save space with the Mini, you’ll sacrifice little in terms of functionality. There’s no DC out for powering other pedals. And while bright, the readout is a little more squished together and harder to read from a few feet back than the one on its bigger, older brother. Also, like any micro pedal, the PolyTune can be less stable—no matter how much Velcro you use. So if you’re an aggressive stomper, mind your boots and prepare to be a little more finessed. Those small issues aside, the PolyTune 2 Mini is a winner.
Test Gear: Fender Stratocaster, Martin 00-15.
Ratings
Pros:
Bright, fast, accurate, small, and inexpensive.
Cons:
Small footprint means you have to really lock it down.
Street:
$89
TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Mini
tcelectronic.com
Ease of Use:
Build/Design:
Value:
