Fender FCT-2

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Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner User Manual

Model: FCT-2

Brand: Fender

1. Introduction

The Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner is a compact and versatile device designed to help musicians accurately tune their instruments. Its unobtrusive design and built-in vibration sensor make it suitable for use in various environments, including noisy stages. The color LCD display provides clear visual feedback, indicating pitch accuracy with an easy-to-read needle.

Key Features:

  • Compact, dual-hinged clip-on design for flexible positioning.
  • Multiple tuning modes: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin, and Chromatic.
  • Bright color LCD screen with a responsive tuning needle for precise indication.
  • Wide tuning range from B0 to B7.
  • Standard A440 calibration.
  • Includes one CR2032 battery for immediate use.

2. Package Contents

Please ensure all items are present in the package:

  • Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner
  • CR2032 Battery (pre-installed or included separately)
Fender FCT-2 Tuner in retail packaging

Image: The Fender FCT-2 Professional Clip-On Tuner shown in its retail packaging, highlighting the product and its features.

3. Setup

3.1. Battery Installation

The FCT-2 tuner operates on a single CR2032 lithium battery. If the battery is not pre-installed, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the tuner unit.
  2. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to open the battery compartment cover.
  3. Insert the CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side facing upwards.
  4. Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it with the screw.

3.2. Attaching the Tuner to Your Instrument

The FCT-2 features a dual-hinge design and a padded clip for secure attachment without damaging your instrument's finish.

  1. Open the clip by gently pressing the two ends together.
  2. Attach the tuner to the headstock of your guitar, bass, ukulele, or violin. Ensure the clip is firmly seated and the tuner display is visible to you.
  3. Adjust the angle of the display using the dual-hinge mechanism for optimal viewing.
Fender FCT-2 Tuner clipped to a guitar headstock, front view

Image: The Fender FCT-2 Tuner securely clipped to the headstock of a guitar, demonstrating its compact and unobtrusive placement.

Fender FCT-2 Tuner clipped to a guitar headstock, back view

Image: A rear view of the Fender FCT-2 Tuner attached to a guitar headstock, showing the dual-hinge design that allows for flexible positioning.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. Powering On/Off

Press and hold the power button (located below the display) for approximately 2 seconds to turn the tuner on or off. The display will illuminate when powered on.

Front view of Fender FCT-2 Tuner display

Image: A clear front view of the Fender FCT-2 Tuner, showing its LCD display and the single power/mode button.

4.2. Mode Selection

The FCT-2 offers five tuning modes: Chromatic (C), Guitar (G), Bass (B), Ukulele (U), and Violin (V). To cycle through these modes, short press the power button while the tuner is on. The selected mode will be indicated on the display.

  • Chromatic (C): Tunes all 12 notes of the chromatic scale. Recommended for instruments not covered by specific modes or for precise tuning of individual notes.
  • Guitar (G): Optimized for standard guitar tuning.
  • Bass (B): Optimized for standard bass guitar tuning.
  • Ukulele (U): Optimized for standard ukulele tuning.
  • Violin (V): Optimized for standard violin tuning.

4.3. Tuning Your Instrument

Once the tuner is attached and the correct mode is selected:

  1. Pluck a single string on your instrument. The tuner will detect the vibration and display the note name.
  2. Observe the color LCD display:
    • If the needle points to the left and the display is red/orange, the note is flat. Tighten the string.
    • If the needle points to the right and the display is red/orange, the note is sharp. Loosen the string.
    • When the note is in tune, the needle will be centered, and the display will turn green.
  3. Repeat this process for all strings until your instrument is fully in tune.
Fender FCT-2 Tuner display showing a flat 'E' note

Image: The FCT-2 Tuner display indicating a flat 'E' note, with the needle to the left and the screen showing red/orange, prompting the user to tighten the string.

Fender FCT-2 Tuner display showing an in-tune 'A' note

Image: The FCT-2 Tuner display showing an in-tune 'A' note, with the needle centered and the screen illuminated green, indicating perfect pitch.

Fender FCT-2 Tuner display showing a sharp 'B' note

Image: The FCT-2 Tuner display indicating a sharp 'B' note, with the needle to the right and the screen showing red/orange, prompting the user to loosen the string.

4.4. A440 Calibration

The FCT-2 tuner is factory-calibrated to A440 (A=440Hz), which is the standard concert pitch. This setting is fixed and cannot be adjusted by the user, ensuring consistent and accurate tuning.

5. Maintenance

5.1. Cleaning

To clean the tuner, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or immerse the unit in water.

5.2. Battery Replacement

When the display dims or the tuner becomes unresponsive, it is time to replace the CR2032 battery. Refer to Section 3.1 for battery installation instructions.

5.3. Storage

Store the tuner in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If storing for an extended period, it is recommended to remove the battery to prevent leakage.

6. Troubleshooting

  • Tuner does not power on:

    Ensure the CR2032 battery is correctly installed with the positive (+) side up. Replace the battery if it is depleted.

  • Tuner is not detecting notes or is inaccurate:

    Ensure the tuner is securely clipped to the instrument's headstock. The vibration sensor requires good contact. Verify that the correct tuning mode (Chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, or Violin) is selected for your instrument. For acoustic guitars, sometimes the Chromatic (C) mode provides more accurate results than the Guitar (G) mode due to variations in instrument construction and vibration transfer.

  • Display is dim or flickering:

    This indicates a low battery. Replace the CR2032 battery.

  • Tuner displays incorrect notes:

    Ensure only one string is plucked at a time. Ambient noise or sympathetic vibrations from other strings can interfere with accurate detection. Double-check that the correct tuning mode is selected.

7. Specifications

Feature Detail
Model Number 239979000
Tuning Modes Chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin
Tuning Range B0 - B7
A440 Calibration Fixed at 440Hz
Power Supply 1 x CR2032 Lithium Battery (included)
Display Type Color LCD
Item Weight 1.44 ounces (40.8 grams)
Product Dimensions 0.2 x 0.51 x 0.31 inches (approx. 5 x 13 x 8 mm)
Color Black

8. Warranty Information

Fender products are manufactured to high quality standards. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Fender website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

9. Support

For further assistance, technical support, or product inquiries, please visit the official Fender support website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can typically be found on the Fender website or on the product packaging.

Fender Official Website: www.fender.com

© 2025 Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Fender is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

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