A Smart Guitar Tuner is Like a Pocket-sized Guitar Tech

Over ten years ago, a startup debuted on Kickstarter to crowdfund its automated guitar tuner, the Roadie. Now, the company is back on the platform with the more advanced, faster, and refined fourth-generation model.

While crowdfunding projects often come with risks, the Roadie guitar tuner defied the odds. Launched in 2013 as the first app-controlled tuner and peg turner combo, it successfully completed its Kickstarter campaign and hit the market roughly a year later.

Roadie Simplifies Tuning with Compact, Automated Design

Sure, you could plug into a traditional tuner or use an app while manually turning the tuning pegs—or even use a crank-style tool. But the Roadie simplified the process, automating much of the work in a compact design that fit easily in a gig bag. I was impressed with the review unit Band Industries provided, though it initially depended on the microphone of a paired device to function.

The second version removed that limitation by detecting string vibrations directly, eliminating the need for a connected app. The app became optional, and the Roadie indicated when a string was in tune by changing the color of the power button’s light before moving on to the next string. It was fast, user-friendly, and quickly became an essential tool for any gigging musician.

In 2020, the third-generation Roadie moved its visual interface to the side, upgraded its vibration-sensing technology, and featured a faster motor for quicker string winding and unwinding. Impressively, it could bring a newly installed string to tension and tune it in a single step—making string changes significantly easier.

Band Industries Returns with Smarter, Faster Roadie 4 on Kickstarter

Now, after a brief hiatus, Band Industries is returning to Kickstarter to secure production funding and connect with users for the latest model. “Roadie 4 is the smartest and most reliable Roadie we’ve ever built,” said CEO and co-founder Hassane Slaibi. “It’s faster, more intuitive, and a pleasure to use. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Roadie 4 ensures you always sound your best.”

Both the tuning algorithm and audio circuitry have been redesigned to enhance accuracy and perform more reliably in loud environments. The navigation pad has been swapped out for a scroll wheel and buttons, while the full-color LCD screen has been enlarged to 1.9 inches.

Previously, users had to tune strings in a set order—typically from low to high—or manually select each string. With the new Roadie, the device now automatically detects which string you’re tuning and adjusts it to the correct pitch. It confirms with a vibration and a beep when the tuning is complete—a genuinely handy upgrade.

The redesigned peg connector fits more tuning pegs, and the shape is now more ergonomic. Like earlier models, it supports most stringed instruments with paddle-style geared pegs, including guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, banjos, bouzoukis, and pedal steel guitars.

Wide Tuning Range, Long Battery Life, and Built-In Metronome

The tuning detection range spans from 27.5 Hz to 668.84 Hz, and it’s compatible with string gauges up to .075. However, it’s not designed for bass guitars—you’ll still need the Roadie Bass for that. Band Industries also claims the built-in 500-mAh battery can last for months on a single charge with regular use. Plus, it features a built-in metronome with a vibration option so you can feel the beat as well as hear it.

Band Industries is launching another Kickstarter campaign today for the Roadie 4. Super Early Bird backers can pledge just US$89—$50 less than the anticipated retail price.

While all crowdfunding efforts carry some level of risk, Band Industries has a solid track record of delivering and also runs a direct online store. If everything stays on schedule, shipping is expected to begin in October.

Read the original article on:New Atlas

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