I saw earlier this year a post about tuner with good reviews - but it needed a better mount for a banjo.
The tuner is the "TC Electronic UniTune Clip-on Chromatic Tuner" which is available at many online music stores. I bought one and really liked the tuner - but didn't like the clamp on mount. I also saw a post on BHO about someone who was making a 3d mount to fit the tuner which allows it to be magnetically connected to the metal tension hooks on a standard resonator banjo. I thought I would try to make a 3d model myself. I successfully made a mount that I like and wanted to share it on here in case anyone is interested in this particular tuner. I have all info you need to print a 3d tuner base and the parts list to complete it. Here it is with some pics.
Parts:
4 Small Rare Earth Magnets, 10mm x 5mm x 2mm, Rectangular Bars ( I bought 100 on Amazon for less than $10)
1 TC Electronic UniTune Clip Clip-on Chromatic Tuner (I know Sweetwater has them)
3D printer loaded with with PETG filament (I like white)
Gorilla glue (or equivalent)
Steps:
Get the parts and access to a 3D printer. - Many libraries have them and charge very little to use them.
Print the tuner base using the STL file attached
Glue the magnets in the 2 channels on the mount and let it dry- see photos.
Remove the clip mount (screw) and use the same screw to attach the new mount.
STL file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L8F58XzEYGPqJ3BpymKO-zomiJ6KRJVp/view?usp=drive_link
Advanced - If you want to modify the design - use openscad at (https://openscad.org/) to modify the .scad file also attached.
Openscad file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SlKV1Om7T7TiCFgOnzTtllDIZRI08Lao/view?usp=drive_link
Enjoy!
Rick
I bought a Unituner from Robert Smith of Van Wyck, South Carolina, the man that advertised them with the magnetic clips. I really like it. I had a Snark Super Tight (ha) tuner on and something caught on it, pulling it off the banjo and bending one of its legs so it would not hold back on. Anyway, I really like the Unituner with the magnet system that Mr Smith sold me. It holds very tight and solid. I was afraid it would not hold solid and he sold it to me money back if I did not like it, but it was very secure. He sells them at a reasonable price. In most places the Unituner is back ordered. they are hard to get. Rober Smith's telephone number is 704-634-5776 if you want to get one ready made.
ken
I bought one from Robert too. It works on two of my banjos, but my 29 TB4 conversion has chrome plated hardware and it won’t stick. Just an FYI in case someone has the same situation.
Good to know Mr English. Obliged
I also got one from Robert Smith and highly recommend it.
Yes, that is one caveat to work, the hooks must be a magnetic metal (i.e. contain iron). Just check with a magnet.
Rick
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