The BOSS TU-3S is a chromatic tuner pedal from Boss, announced at Musikmesse in April 2016 alongside the Waza Craft TU-3W12. It is a space-saving version of the TU-3 with the onboard footswitch eliminated, which Boss says makes it ideal for always-on setups34. The tuning functions are identical to the TU-3; the only thing removed is the switch4.
A TU-3 without a footswitch
The TU-3S is basically a smaller version of the original TU-3, Boss's flagship pedal tuner1. Boss describes it as a space-saving version of the TU-3 that eliminates the onboard footswitch, making it ideal for always-on setups3. On That Pedal Show, Mick put it simply: it is "half a TU-2 with no switch"8.
Because there is no switch to stomp, the TU-3S is not meant to be muted and un-muted mid-song the way a standard pedal tuner is. Instead, Boss positions it for use with gear that includes an independent tuner send, such as ES loop switchers and FV-500H/FV-500L and FV-30H volume pedals93. Guitar Interactive Magazine noted it works well with pedal switching systems like the BOSS ES-8 and ES-54.
"Always on and ready to go, the TU-3S works well with pedal switching systems like the BOSS ES-8 and ES-5."
Where it came from
What it does for a player
The TU-3S offers the same tuning functions as the TU-3 in a scaled-down size for guitar and bass pedalboards4. The TU-3 it is based on lets you choose between Chromatic or Guitar/Bass tuning modes6, and Guitar World's beginner-pedal buying guide summed up the TU-3 as super accurate, built like a tank and easy to use10. It also features a power out for sharing power with other pedals on your board1.
The TU-3S has no footswitch, so it cannot be bypassed by stomping it. Players who want to mute their signal for silent tuning mid-show, or who tune by stepping on the pedal, are better served by the standard TU-3.
What reviewers said
Gearnews welcomed the TU-3S at launch but was lukewarm on whether it moved tuning forward, writing that the displays look pretty much the same as the original TU-3 overall1.
"I like the idea of both, just not sure they actually bring anything 'new' to the world of tuning. The displays look pret"
Videos
Sound Affects
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Questions
What is the difference between the Boss TU-3 and TU-3S?
The TU-3S is a smaller version of the TU-3 with the same tuning functions, but the pedal's footswitch is eliminated. It is designed for always-on setups and for use with switching systems and gear that has an independent tuner send, rather than being stomped on and off mid-show.
Can the Boss TU-3S be left always on?
Yes. Boss describes the TU-3S as ideal for always-on setups, since it has no onboard footswitch to bypass. It works well with pedal switching systems like the Boss ES-8 and ES-5, and with gear that includes an independent tuner send.
Can the TU-3S power other pedals?
Yes. The TU-3S features a power out for sharing power with other pedals on your board, so a single supply can feed the tuner and other effects.
Does the TU-3S have a bass tuning mode?
The TU-3S is based on the TU-3 and its tuning functions are identical to the TU-3. The TU-3 offers a choice between Chromatic and Guitar/Bass tuning modes, so the same tuning options carry over to the TU-3S.
Sources (10)
- Musikmesse 2016: Boss TU-3S and TU-3W Waza Craft new variations on their flagship tuner., gearnews.com, 2016-04-06
- Musikmesse 2016: Boss launches VE-8 Acoustic Singer multi-effects pedal plus TU-3W and TU-3S tuners, MusicRadar, 2016-04-06
- Why the BOSS TU-3 is the Go-To Tuner Pedal for Touring Pros, BOSS (articles.boss.info), 2023-12-21
- BOSS Announces Four New Tuners; Waza Craft TU-3W Chromatic T, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2016-06-17
- Get More From Your Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal Solo Boost, Harmonic Feedback & More!, That Pedal Show, 2024-05-03
- TU-3 Chromatic Tuner by BOSS, RockBoard (PedalPedia), 2026
- Boss Introduces Four New Guitar Tuners, Guitar World, 2016-06-12
- Mick's Vlog: New Pedalboard Q&A Plus Maxon OD9 & Tru-Fi Colordriver Additions, That Pedal Show (YouTube), 2018-11-06
- BOSS - Support - TU-3S - Owner's Manuals, Boss (boss.info)
- Best guitar pedals for beginners: kickstart your 'board, Guitar World, 2020-12-01
J Mascis
