Product Review: KORG GA-30 Guitar and Bass Tuner
Features on the KORG GA-30 tuner include a high-precision LCD needle-type meter that is crystal clear and easy to view. The KORG GA-30 tuner also allows you tune up to 5 semitones flat. So if you have a 4 string bass, a 5 string, a 6 string or a 6 or 7 string guitar, the KORG GA-30 tuner will work just fine.
Now if you prefer to tune your instrument by ear, you’re in luck. The KORG GA-30 tuner produces a tuning reference tone. The unit includes a high-sensitivity internal microphone and is very handy for tuning acoustic guitars. The power button can be almost TOO easily turned on but have no fear. The KORK GA-30 tuner has an auto power off and very low power draw.
My experience with the KORG GA-30 tuner is as follows. The KORG GA-30 tuner is equipped with an input so you can plug your electric guitar directly into the KORG GA-30 tuner. I’m able to fine tune my guitar very easily. The LCD needle-type meter displays a clear and vibrant needle and the position increments are very close together so even if you’re a little bit off, the KORG GA-30 tuner will let you know. I also like the three lights above the screen.
Your goal when using these lights is to achieve a GREEN light. If the RED light appears to the LEFT of the green, your string is “sharp” or too high. If the RED light to the LEFT of the green light appears, your string is “flat” or too low. It used to be that most tuners had a switch that you needed to use to select the string that you were tuning. Not on the KORG GA-30 tuner.
Unless the string is VERY out of tune, the KORG GA-30 tuner will automatically select the string you’re tuning. When using the KORG GA-30 tuner after changing the strings, I recommend using the KORG GA-30 tuner’s reference tone to get a close version of the correct tuning of your guitar. After that, plug your guitar in or use the microphone on the KORG GA-30 tuner to fine tune your guitar.
Now with just about everything there are pros and there are cons. The KORG GA-30 tuner is not exempt. The following outlines what I feel are the pros and cons of the KORG GA-30 tuner.
Pros:
Low Cost. The KORG GA-30 tuner has a street price of about $15 US making it easily affordable for all. Size. The KORG GA-30 tuner is small. Size. The KORG GA-30 tuner measures 4 inches horizontal and 2.5 inches vertical and is 1/2 inch thick. The KORG GA-30 tuner is also very light and won’t really add any measurable weight to your gig bag. It can easily fit inside your guitar case compartment. This tuner also has a “flat” button.
This button enables you to be able to tune just about ANY guitar including a baritone guitar without having to re-calibrate it. I’ve owned the KORG GA-30 tuner and have used it regulary for over a year and it still has the two original, cheap, non alkaline, dry cell AAA batteries that came with it. That is tangible proof that the KORG GA-30 tuner has a very low battery draw.
Cons:
Yep. I said pros AND cons and the KORG GA-30 tuner has a few cons as well. First, most tuners have an input AND an output that allows the user to patch it within their guitar or bass rig. It’s a handy feature. But the KORG GA-30 tuner has ONLY an Input with NO Output. One thing that may make the tuner a bit difficult to use on stage in the middle of a gig is the lack of a LIGHTED screen. Tuning your guitar or bass on a dark stage, the musician would have to rely on the lights and that would make it a bit more difficult but not impossible.
That being said. Despite the cons of the KORG GA-30 tuner, I’m not sorry for my purchase. Sure, there are better and even FAR better tuners out there but for $15, I think the KORG GA-30 Guitar and Bass tuner does pretty well.
