Official Luthiers Forum!

My strobe crapped out today and I'm looking for a new one. I would like to get a digital that can read taps well.
Any suggestions?

If you have a computer in your shop, or a laptop to take there I recommend strobosoft. It's got a tap tuning feature than eliminated the need for a compressor(in the deluxe version). I've used and old Conn strobe tuner for years, with an external compressor, but recently tried a trial version of Strobosoft, and kept it.
http://www.strobosoft.com/

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

I second the recommendation for StroboSoft. You don't need a really fast, up-to-date
laptop. One 3-5 years old will do fine. Very powerful for tuning, and for tap tuning.

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Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

Problem is I have a Mac (heard it doesn't work on Macs), and I don't like a computer in the shop. Looking for something self-contained and more or less dustproof...

Haans, I'm in the same boat I've been thinking about the Planet Waves strobe tuner primarily for it's cost, about $70. Although I don't know if it'll help you with taps. I'll be interested in what others have to say also, anyone experienced with the Planet Waves unit?

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Haans, I have the Sonic Research ST-122a strobe, which is the newer all aluminum case version. It does everything I need it to do and more. It does a nice job of picking up the main top and back resonant mode when tapped and used in manual mode. There was a waiting list to get one last year,,,but was worth the wait.

Chuck

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You can run strobosoft on an IPod touch, you don't need an IPhone?

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Haans,

I've had an old Mac iBook G3 in the shop going on 6 years. I vacuum the keyboard off now and then. No problems, knock on wood.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

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OK, so this iPod touch thingie is exactly what (please help a Luddite)? Looks to be a mini computer/video/audio do-dah that runs $229. retail and the Peterson app is 10 bucks? Then I need a mic too at 10-20 bucks and that's it? Any monthly fees or other hidden catches?
Chuck, I looked at the youtoob vid on that unit, but they are out again when I look at ordering...

I have a Peterson VS-1 that is a precursor to their $210 V-SAM but without the metronome or tone generator. It has a nice rugged rubber case and is great in the shop. I'd like to sell it and upgrade to the VSAM. Mine is in perfect condition and I'd be willing to part with it for $125 if you're interested

Don't forget, Wi-Fi too.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Thanks Filippo...
Uh, Pat, don't forget Wi-Fi too, what? Something that comes with it or something I have to buy?

Haans,

iPod Touch comes with Wi-Fi, which gives you wireless internet access, if you have a Wi-Fi equipped router between your home computer and your internet/cable TV line. Not essential, but convenient sometimes. It's a little cumbersome reading web pages on such a small screen, but the Touch allows you to zoom in, and some sites (this one included) have accommodations for mobile access such as from iPods.

With the Wi-Fi in the iPod Touch (or any Wi-Fi-equipped gadget), you can get web and email access in airports, some hotels and motels, some truckstops. It was handy for us on a long road trip a few years ago, keeping up on summer storm info going through Kansas.

Here's how I use web access for the shop laptop; it would be about the same for an iPod. I have a Wi-Fii router in the house, next to the Comcast line, which enables me to get internet access from my old laptop out in the garage/shop. It's like being plugged in, only slower, since I'm not up on the latest stuff. I can also print to the printer in the house. It's mostly handy to get to reference material on the web, like pitch-to-frequency mappings, dimensions on spec guitars (usually Martins), check email if I'm out in the shop for long periods, stuff like that.

Not that you NEED access to all this stuff, just to give you an idea what it provides.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Thank you Pat (please pardon the ignorance)! I have done some further reading and found out that I have it. So, if I get the iPod, I'll be already wired in the house.

Haans,

No need for a pardon! I've been working with computers in various capacities since 1970, and I still can't keep up!

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com