Guitar ----> Midi ?

Guitarmattms · #1 03-21-2010, 04:56 PM

Hey, folks.

I've been watching some videos on guitar to midi sounds and I really like the concept of this. There's been times where I wanna lay down a synth patch but can't because I don't own a keyboard nor do I know how to play one. Plus I don't know many people who play piano good enough.

Anyway,

I'm wondering what's the best way of setting up your guitar for this? I'm aware of the Roland GR-20, AXON, and Graphtech's Ghost.

These seem to be the best and most expensive way to get into it.

Is there any cheaper way of doing this but still have a good sound?

Thanks,

Matt

MarkE · #2 03-21-2010, 05:35 PM

The Sonuus G2M seems to be getting half decent reviews and it's very cheap compared to a "proper" system. Because of the way it works, it's monophonic only, though.

Manticore · #3 03-21-2010, 07:11 PM

there is basically 2 parts to the system the guitar or sending unit
and the converter module
the axon is the best in my opinion allows very accurate control over the guitar
and the ghost pickups are very good transducers

Guitarmattms · #4 03-21-2010, 07:54 PM

Wow, that's a nice guitar. Is that a LB63 trem? I found out that I can retrofit my edge pro with lr baggs piezos then run that through graphtech's preamps. How much do the Axon's run?

Which one do you recommend?

Anyone used the GK-3?

Manticore · #5 03-21-2010, 08:18 PM

yea thats the floyd drop in, it will work with anything that a regular floyd will replace
i had a GK 3 but sold it, won't work on an ibanez not enough room between the body and string height unless you want pretty high action

Manticore · #6 03-21-2010, 08:20 PM

I took the pickups out to increase sustain
so it's a dedicated midi axe now
i forget what i paid for the axon 50
i think 450.00
but I run a Moog arturia V so I didn't want all those canned sounds that come with the Roland and axon 100

DEADTUNES666 · #7 03-21-2010, 08:29 PM

Brian Moore i series...

I have an i8 and I love it!!

Manticore · #8 03-21-2010, 09:05 PM

I wasn't aware of Brian Moore when I was putting this together, there was another midi ready ax on the market but I was afraid of an untried design. I knew the rg would be a great platform, it is a hardy and reliable guitar and the mods were pretty simple an hr or two and it was ready to play.
looks like a nice piece though.
I would surely do that or what I did before i went with the gk-3 strap on

DEADTUNES666 · #9 03-21-2010, 09:59 PM

Well, Brian Moore apparently went out of business but still has a large internet business...and still continues to make guitars but as an off shoot of Brian Moore. I think they're called i-guitars...It's even too confusing for me to google and find out about. I used to manage a store that was a Brian Moore dealer...very good stuff!!

racerevlon · #10 03-22-2010, 08:56 PM

I put my GK-3 divided pickup on an Epiphone Les Paul using the provided bracket and get the best results. It's more about setting up the patch correctly for the type of playing (legato, strumming, hammer/pulls, etc.) to get the right/correct sound.

My 2 cents.

Cheers,

Race

Manticore · #11 03-22-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racerevlon

I put my GK-3 divided pickup on an Epiphone Les Paul using the provided bracket and get the best results. It's more about setting up the patch correctly for the type of playing (legato, strumming, hammer/pulls, etc.) to get the right/correct sound.

My 2 cents.

Cheers,

Race

your right about patch/program= good performance
and I probably would have stayed with the GK-3 but you couldn't set it up properly on an rg guitar not enough space between the strings and the pick guard.

HeavyMetal4Ever · #12 03-23-2010, 05:29 AM

I know it's over the top expensive, but have you checked out the Adrian Belew sig Parker Fly? It's got midi capability, a custom dimarzio bridge pickup, a Sustaniac in the neck position, some sort of piezo bridge and the guts of a Line 6 Variax in it. Probably the most versatile guitar ever built

Rock on!

DEADTUNES666 · #13 03-23-2010, 09:40 AM

Personally, I didn't want to go with the GK-3...I wanted it all pre done in one ready to go unit. that way there would be less chance for screw ups!

Manticore · #14 03-23-2010, 11:57 AM

well the rg cost me 700.00
the ghost bridge 250.00, midi interface 175.00 vol and switch 50.0
so about $1200.00
Forget what I paid for the custom pick guard i think 90.00 but that was an after thought most people would prob keep their pickups in though
I would put it up against any you can buy ready made
+ I have a fully floating trem that stays in tune for days at a time under full shred use.
had to alter the trem arm holder though. but that was no real problem.

if you really shop for a mid 90's rg you can probably do it cheaper nowadays with the same results.

Ghiddra · #15 03-24-2010, 11:49 AM

I just installed the gk3 on an rg321. It's true they aren't that great for wizard or wizard II necks. The pickup is way too radiused and you have to raise your action to make it fit, then adjust each string height individually so it will track properly. I don't know how the gk3 would work if you tried to cram it in ahead of a floyd style bridge. Probably track crappy and you'd still have to raise your action quite a bit. Plus you'd be lucky to get it in there, not much room.

I'm building a custom van halen Jem with an OFR Pro, do they make mods (saddles or crystals or whatever they call 'em) that allow you to just add the tiny piezo pickups to your existing floyd and then use the ghost stuff? I am aware they sell a complete bridge, but I just bought this one, and I'd hate to go through all the rigmarole sending it back and whatnot.