Looking for a Guitar Synth

Started by PeterPan8, October 30, 2016, 02:06:20 PM

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PeterPan8

Quotesuggest spend time reading before opening the checkbook
And that's why I'm here on this forum asking my newbie questions, so "experts" like yourself and others can shed some light (and sound) on what I'm planning to buy for Xmas  ;)

And, no, I won't go with the Windows RT system ;)
I'll probably go with a laptop... Mac or PC, I still don't know, hence my persisting confusion.

Elantric

#51
QuoteI'll probably go with a laptop... Mac or PC, I still don't know, hence my persisting confusion.
locate one of these as an investment (the last great 2011 Macbook Pro 17"
http://lowendmac.com/2011/17-macbook-pro-late-2011/


Read my computer blog
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6104.0


Or if you hate computers and as a classical guitarist you just want to play guitar synth asap

go with my 1st recommendation
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=19429.msg139531#msg139531

get a gently used Roland GR-33,


find a gently used Godin Nylon string with GK 13 pin jack



Buying "gently used" means you can re-sell what you outgrow, and not take a big financial loss   

Cheaper than renting.

and remember that the Fishman Tripleplay with its included software bundle is considered "Software" by most online retailers, which means there are NO returns 

but it also assumes you are computer literate and understand ASIO/Core Audio / USB Drivers, VST Plugins

It can either change your world, or leave you very frustrated and out lots of money.

http://www.fishman.com/products/series/tripleplay/tripleplay-wireless-guitar-controller/
QuoteComplete Software Suite Included (WIN/MAC)
The TriplePlay Wireless MIDI Guitar Controller comes complete with all the software you'll need for recording, editing and playing back your music. Take full advantage of powerful MIDI features with your guitar. With the easy and blazingly fast note encoding, preset editor and mixing console, you'll be mixing your own music in no time. Includes full versions of:
Native Instruments – KOMPLETE Elements and GuitarRig LE
Notion Music – PROGRESSION 2
IK Multimedia – SampleTank 2 XT and AmpliTube Custom Shop
PreSonus – Studio One Artist TriplePlay Edition

gumtown

the iPad/Mac thing can be confusing.

iPad/iPhone runs IOS operating system
Mac runs OSX operating system


Windows has a similar thing
Windows Mobile devices and low end Surface touch run on Windows Rt (a lightweight version of windows that does not support traditional executable programs *.exe)
Windows Laptop/PC/Surface touch Pro run on Windows ( the regular full version of NT windows)
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

whippinpost91850

Elantric, I have located a late 2011 15" MacBook Pro. Intel Core i7 processor
16GB RAM
525 SSD
What would you say was a good price in clean condition. I know know nothing about MacBooks, so look to you for help and thoughts. Thanks Paul

PeterPan8

Hmmm... I'd be a buyer of that thing.
Any idea of the Website.... or is it for yourself?  ;)

Elantric

#55
odd size for SSD -

512GB are around $130 these days
http://www.adorama.com/DailyDeals?emailprice=t&utm_source=slgt&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Sale&utm_content=Body&utm_campaign=EmailDealOfTheDay112316

16 GB of ram for that model is $90

and it depends if its early 2011
http://lowendmac.com/2011/15-macbook-pro-early-2011/

or late 2011
http://lowendmac.com/2011/15-macbook-pro-late-2011/


QuoteElantric, I have located a late 2011 15" MacBook Pro. Intel Core i7 processor
16GB RAM
525 SSD
What would you say was a good price in clean condition.

I figure around $850-$1000

most 15" Macbook pro that year have 1440 x 900 display, some have 1680 x 1050 screen.

myself - the late 2011 17" Macbook Pro with 2.4GHz Intel I7 Quad Core CPU is superior and worth finding - more screen real estate with 1920 x 1080 screen

QuoteLate 2011

* The Late 2011 17″ MacBook Pro was essentially the same as the early 2011 models it replaced with a minor speed boost to a 2.4 GHz quad core, Core i7 processor on the base model and a quad core, Core i7 2.5 GHz processor on the build-to-order configuration. RAM is still the same PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz used in the early 2011 models and still maxes out at 16 GB. Always look for verified Mac compatible RAM when upgrading.

* The graphics were slightly updated to the AMD Radeon 6770, still with a dedicated 1 GB of GDDR5 VRAM
OS X Lion came pre-installed on all of these machines, but as with the case of models that shipped midway through production on the early 2011 version, installing Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.6 is possible by obtaining a machine specific 10.6.6 install disc or disk image from the 10.6.6. install media that came with the original run of 15″ or 17″ early 2011 MacBook Pros.

* This was the final 17″ MacBook Pro, closing out a long line of Apple greatness that began approximately 8 years prior.

2011-2012 were the last Macbook pros that provided user expandable RAM and Hardrives. the Expresscard34 slot - and I use a Expresscard34 to USB 3.0 adapter for USB 3.0 high speed drives or expresscard34 to SDXD card adapter to move pics / videos from my camera 
I can install two hard drives in my 17" Macbook Pro and it has SPDIF IN / Out, 24 bit audio Line in  / Line Out  - the last good mac IMHO, designed when Steve Jobs was still alive
http://www.cheatsheet.com/technology/5-ways-apple-has-broken-steve-jobss-product-design-rules.html/?ref=YF&yptr=yahoo


I detail mine here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6104.msg123734#msg123734


PeterPan8

@Elantric:  I've decided awhile back not to go with the GR-55 (or GR-33), since from what I heard the FTP is exactly what I'm looking for.

Now, if only I can figure out the best computer to work it with. Yeah, the MacBook Pro seems to be the right choice, but the price is way too steep for me. Hence, I'm trying to find a good compromise.... so...

I keep readin'    ;D


whippinpost91850

It's late 2011 according to screenshot . Like I said I don't know anything about the MacBook Pros

whippinpost91850

I'm going to be using it pretty much just for live recording my band using Presonus Capture.

Elantric


whippinpost91850

 I just found a late 2011 MacBook Pro...2.66- i7, 8gb ram, 120gb ssd, 500 gb sata drive, 1920x1200 display. This sounds like what you are talking about. Good price?

PeterPan8

After reading the article's link at Audiomentor, I'm really reconsidering the idea of going with a MacBook (or Pro). As a matter of fact, I just received our local flyers (from Staples) advertising Black Friday sales. The 'simple' MacBook Air 13-inch iCore 5 is "on sale" for $1049 CAN ($1349 for the MacBook Pro). And a Windows Lenovo 16-inch, 8Gb RAM 1Tb HD on sale at $599. Quite a difference!  (Subtract about 35-40% for $US.)

Are any synth guitarists on this forum using FTP (Fishman TriplePlay) with a PC Laptop computer? What would be the main drawback (beside $$) of using a PC vs. MAC with FTP?
Are there "really" any advantages of moving to MAC while using FTP?

I am asking since my home computer has always been a PC, and moving to a MAC would change so many things that I'm even wondering if I should buy a synth guitar.

I read so many things recently that my mind is jamming with too much info  :-\

gumtown

You could get the FTP anyway, try it on your home PC, then gauge from there what to do.

The PC/Mac is mostly personal preference,
although it has been reported that Mac has a very slight latency advantage over the PC on the midi side of things.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

Elantric

#64
Problem is most new Windows PC's come with USB 3.0 ports - and most USB Audio interface vendors report problems using those ports on Windows PCs

its rare to find a "new" Windows PC that still has USB 2.0 ports
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8562.0


for ANY specific make / model computer you are interested in - I suggest:

*  avoid the very latest model, you pay a high premium

* Google Search on that specific make / model Windows PC +  DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) ,  Problems, audio crackles 

* Typically the Reaper Forum has good info of working Windows PCs
http://forum.cockos.com/forumdisplay.php?f=25

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-computers/1083431-new-daw-build-reaper.html



In my arsenal I know these Windows PCs work very well running Win 8.1

(I refuse to use Windows 10)

Acer R7 laptop
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6104.msg106511#msg106511

Lenovo B50-30 All in one
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6104.msg116373#msg116373


Asus Q551LN laptop
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6104.msg120076#msg120076




At minimum find a computer with 512GB drive 1TB is better

On my 2011 Macbok Pro I upgraded to a Samsung 2TB SSD ( $750 for the drive alone) as my typical Boot drive installation with my apps and sound libraries runs around 600GB

whippinpost91850

what's real life difference between 3.06 GHz and 2.66Ghz speeds

admin

Depends on the specific make/model computer i5/i7 , Dual Core/QuadCore and what Intel south bridge controller.


whippinpost91850

it's a quad-core i7 , don't know what Intel controller it is though. Is there a way to find out

admin

#68
Is this Mac or PC?

On Apple always click the Apple icon and explore the System report , provides a "roll call " of all components and model number
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203001

On Windows at the Command prompt (Start box pre Window10 Summer 2016 release)

Type "msinfo32" will get you the equivalent hardware report

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/system-information-tool-msinfo32


whippinpost91850

it's a MacBook Pro i'm lookin at... I don't have access to it yet. Not sure if it's worth waiting for the faster speed and higher price

admin

#70
If it's for recording live , you need SSD drive

Easy /affordable on 2011 MacBook
512GB SSD are around $130 these days
http://www.adorama.com/DailyDeals?emailprice=t&utm_source=slgt&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Sale&utm_content=Body&utm_campaign=EmailDealOfTheDay112316



Royal pain and $$$ to upgrade the SSD on MacBook Retina 2013-2015

Impossible to upgrade RAM or SSD on the current model late 2016 MacBook Pro

whippinpost91850

Yes that's like I'm taking your advise and looking at 2011 17"

admin

#72
For a windows PC , this one look very well equippped

But I would swap the drive for an SSD

https://slickdeals.net/f/9403171-asus-gaming-laptop-15-6-fhd-fx53vw-gh71-quad-core-intel-core-i7-6700hq-geforce-960m-8gb-ram-1tb-hdd-683-w-promo-code

Newegg has Asus 15.6" Gaming Laptop (FX53VW-GH71) on sale for $719 - $25 American Express Statement Credit (details) = $694. Shipping is free. Thanks hoorah & plasticblade

Note, you may save an additional 5% when you use the Newegg Mobile App and apply promo code MBLNOV2316 during checkout.

Specs
Intel Core i7-6700HQ 2.6 GHz CPU
15.6" 1920x1080 Display
8GB DDR4 Memory
1TB Hard Drive
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M
1 x USB 3.1 Type C (gen 1)
2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
1 x HDMI
1 x Mini DisplayPort
802.11ac WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0
4-cell Battery
Windows 10 Home 64-Bit


Caveat , I have no experience with this specific model, but Asus is a very good brand and builds laptops for many famous brands

whippinpost91850

Well I won the bid on the, late 2011,  MacBook pro I was looking at . It should work for my needs . I will probably go ahead and order a 500 Gb SSD for it later when I get home       

It has 10.11.6    EL Capitan installed hope that is compatible with my software                                                                                                                             

Rhcole

PeterPan8,

I have an HP i7 3.2 laptop running Windows 7 with 8G of RAM, about 1 1/2 years old. It runs the FTP fine, although I invested in a high-end external soundcard for it (RME Babyface). Heck, the soundcard cost about as much as the computer did new.

It's a really fast system for synths and audio, and I'll bet my model computer could be had for a few hundred bucks now. But, you need a good soundcard for Win machines due to the lack of a high speed interface on most systems.

I run Omnisphere on my Win box, it is very demanding but runs with very low latency.
Outside of that, though I prefer the iPad for its simple connectivity and inexpensive synths.