Need help with BOSS Harmonizer

[PekkaM]

Actually not with the stompbox, but the effect in GT-6. What can this thing do? Can I use it to double guitar parts like in Thin Lizzy's Whiskey in the Jar?

I have some understanding of music theory (like I can eventually figure out, what key I'm playin in), but I just couldn't get it sound right. I tried setting it to A minor and playing some pentatonic licks, but it didn't sound good. What does the key setting affect and what does the pitch setting (- or + , up to two octaves)? They seem to contradict each other in my opinion.

Any help much appreciated.

[mike777]

It's my ASSUMPTION that the standard pitch-shifter and the harmonizer are grouped together in one display rather than separate. Not sure as I on't know this model too well. The octave control, though is a span. IT's the interval apart from the original note that you are to select with that control (within a SPAN of +/- 2 octaves). My pitch shifter pedals have various intervals within +/- one octave and then shoot over two the second octaves. If it were a knob-up the middle would be unison.

To date, the technology doesn't seem to let the effect track your actual playing as it does just the notes so, if your guitar's intonation is out some or if you are bending quite a bit, it won't track well since your guitar would be spitting out notes that don't exist in the key you've selected and the processor can't figure out what harmonizing note to assign to it.

I've also found that tucking the Effect LEvel or Balance back (but enough to still tell that there is a harmony) helps make it a bit more natural sounding.

Mike 777 HAug

[Two hands31]

If it's just a straight octaver, or pitch shifter (no intelligent harmonizer) it will track all your notes no problem. And from the sounds of it, you don't need an intelligent harmonizer for the patch you're looking for. To make it sound like doubled up guitar just set the pitch shift (not harmonizer) to "0", or whatever the setting on it is for unison. Mine also has an option called "D" which detunes the double part a very very very tiny (inaudible) amount so it makes it sound even more convincing as a doubled part.

[PekkaM]

Originally Posted by Two hands31

If it's just a straight octaver, or pitch shifter (no intelligent harmonizer) it will track all your notes no problem. And from the sounds of it, you don't need an intelligent harmonizer for the patch you're looking for. To make it sound like doubled up guitar just set the pitch shift (not harmonizer) to "0", or whatever the setting on it is for unison. Mine also has an option called "D" which detunes the double part a very very very tiny (inaudible) amount so it makes it sound even more convincing as a doubled part.

Well it's supposed to be intelligent. And I was mistaken when I said doubled, they are actually two guitar harmonies. It also has option to define every note to be played separately but that seems like quite a lot of work (well maybe not)...