SNARK SN-2 ALL INSTRUMENT TUNER
Gaining momentum and popularity in recent years, neck tuners are proving to be a reliable and economical tuning solution for the space-conscious guitarist on the go. Of particular benefit to players whose primary tuners are part of a larger pedalboard, a neck tuner serves as a great back-up choice when the full rig is not in use, or even just to minimize equipment transport for teachers and students.
The Snark SN-2 is touted as an all-instrument tuner. It features a full color display that rotates 360 degrees to enable users to set a perfect viewpoint regardless of the body and neck shape of the instrument being tuned. A strong ‘stay put’ clip guarantees exactly that.
The extended frequency range on this model aims to cater for a wide range of instruments and other tuning options include calibration from 415-466Hz, a transpose feature and a choice of using a vibration sensor or internal microphone with which to tune.
An additional really valuable feature is the included on board tap-tempo metronome which lifts this model to the top of its game for teachers, students, and practicing musicians.
The SN-2 is part of a series of neck tuners from Snark that also includes tuners designed specifically for guitar, bass, violin and ukulele. At the RRP of $39, there is a lot on offer here for very little outlay.
FENDER STANDARD TELECASTER GUITAR
Guitarists spanning genres and decades have relied on the Fender Telecaster guitar since its introduction in the early 1950s for its unmistakable tone and incredible playability. Made in Mexico and currently one of the most affordable Fender-branded models, the Standard Telecaster combines the best of old and new technologies to deliver a worthy instrument at an impressive price point.
The hotter single-coil pickups and shielded body cavities work together to deliver as much twang and spank that a tele player could ask for while assisting in the reduction of background noise. Medium jumbo frets on a C-shaped neck provide a fretboard that is a joy to play on and gloriously simple to navigate.
The six-saddle strings-through-body bridge combine with the cast/sealed tuners to provide rock solid tuning. The tinted neck, parchment pick-guard and control knobs along with ‘70s-style headstock logo serve to round out the classic look and feel that players will expect from such an iconic instrument.
To be fair, at the RRP of $1249, players may consider the jump to a US-made American Special for a few hundred dollars more, however it is very important to note that most of the time the ‘street price’ for the Standard series tends to sit around the $800 mark, making the Fender Standard Telecaster a formidable guitar of choice for the budget-conscious guitarist.
CHRIS GIBBS
