photo from redditBoss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
by Boss
3 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Mar 2025
A pedal-format chromatic tuner with a buffered mute function, released in the late 1990s as a pedalboard-friendly successor to rack tuners like the TU-12H.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 5, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Owners report using the same unit for decades, calling it 'a total game changer' and 'definitely BIFL,' with poor daylight readout visibility the only common complaint.
What owners say
The original poster has used their TU-2 since shortly after its late-1990s release and calls the mute-on-tune feature 'a total game changer' over a rack tuner, noting the readout's poor visibility in direct sunlight as the only downside. A commenter separately calls it 'definitely BIFL' before eventually retiring it for a multi-effects unit, and another generalizes that Boss's compact chassis (rigid casing, easily serviced switches/jacks) is why units like this survive 40 years.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as March 2025
Coming from the tu-12h It was a total game changer being able to one have it on your pedal board and to be able to mute when you go to tune.
The chassis is very rigid and the switch does not put stress on the PCB... I have 40 year old bosses.
Lots of love for the TU2 - definitely BIFL tuner!