Tuner in the loop vs additional boost/mute in the loop

viz

Here’s a question: 

I currently have my TU2 at the end of my input chain. I have a Digitech Whammy early on in the input chain but I don’t use the dry out for the tuner because I need the TU2 predominantly as a mute (though occasionally as a tuner too). 

I also have a clean boost at the end of the loop chain for solo boosts. 

When I use the tuner to mute my signal I still get the hiss from the amp’s input stage as well as the chorus and delays in the loop. If I mute using my clean boost turned to zero at the end of the loop, the signal is utterly silent (and this also enables me to swap cables and pedals in the loop silently). 

So, what should I do: 

a) put the tuner in the loop at the very end so it can mute everything? 

b) get another boost also at the end of the loop, permanently set to zero and put my TU2 on a spur before the amp, using the Digitech Whammy’s dry out? 

flying_pie

I imagine your tuner would work better with a dry signal but there's nothing stopping you trying it at the end of the loop to see if works. If it doesn't then it would be a case of using a boost/EQ/volume attenuator as your mute

english_bob

Alternatively, put a little sticker or something on your clean boost where the knob should be set, so you can knock it down to zero when you need to. Just remember to set it back to "boost" before your solo.

If you use effects, particularly modulation or delay, you're likely to confuse the tuner if it's last in line.

guitarmangler

Would it need to be an actual boost set to zero? If you have any old true bypass pedal your not using , whack it in the end of the loop without plugging any power to it. When you switch it 'on' it'll cut the sound completely.

viz

Thanks guys, yes that’s what I thought. 

guitarmangler said:

Would it need to be an actual boost set to zero? If you have any old true bypass pedal your not using , whack it in the end of the loop without plugging any power to it. When you switch it 'on' it'll cut the sound completely.

That’s a good point! Wow. Do people do that? What a brilliant idea!

guitarmangler

Well, I'm tight with the money, so that's what I'd do! I'll keep the spendy stuff for something more fun .

viz

I managed to get a cheap boost anyway

http://i.imgur.com/uI5PSee.jpg


Guitar> comp> wah> whammy>(tuner)> phase90> OD> (loop)> short delay > long delay > chorus > boost > mute. 

So the tuner is on a spur out of the whammy dry out, and the mute is at the end of the complete chain.

This is officially the best pedal board ever and should become the default for all guitarists.