Play in tune with a clean conscious, knowing that your "planet-friendly" Tascam TC-1S instrument tuner is powered by the sun, not by batteries. Just don't throw out your current tuner to buy the new TC-1S, because that certainly would not be an eco-friendly move.

According to Tascam, the new chromatic tuner is the world's first solar-powered instrument tuner. The TC-1S charges its battery from a bank of solar cells on the front panel, and it sports a USB input for quick-charging when you're completely in the dark. Available in six summery colors, the tuner is wrapped in a shock-proof silicon cover and comes equipped with a strap and clip, so that you can attach it to your gig bag or instrument case and charge the TC-1S all day long. Tascam's new solar-powered tuner will be available this month for under $40.

The TC-1S has a built-in microphone and a 1/4-inch input for guitar and bass tuning. Its pitch detection is displayed on a wide bar graph display for instant feedback, and four display modes are available (Bar, Fine, Strobe Animation, and Needle). The custom LCD display also shows note and sharp or flat indicators. In addition, the new tuner can be calibrated to an external source, such as a piano or other hard-to-tune instrument.

Check the Tascam TC-1S specs:

• Chromatic tuner
• Solar-powered battery charging
• USB input for battery charging
• 1/4" instrument / microphone input
• Built-in microphone
• Custom LCD display with note, sharp / flat indicators, and bar graph for pitch deviation
• Shock-resistant silicon case included
• Available in six colors: black, pink, orange, green, blue, white
• Includes strap and clip for attaching to instrument case
• Four display modes: Bar, Fine, Strobe Animation, and Needle
• 12-Note equal temperament scale
• Pitch displayed in 1 cent steps (in Fine mode)
• 3.77" (W) x 0.71" (H) x 1.57" (D)
• Weight: 1.8 oz (51 g)

For more on the TC-1S, visit Tascam's Web site at tascam.com.