Looking for a Guitar Synth

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

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Headless68

I haven't tried this yet but another forum member (Smash) has - JO does know what note on what string & outputs that as midi - if you run through another program to split the midi output (such as midiflow) you can trigger different synths / sounds on different strings or even parts of strings

PeterPan8

@Elantric:  I didn't know that about GP-10. Guitar synths are totally new research fields for me. As I said earlier, I come from an "all-acoustic" background. So, I'm sorry for my newbie questions  :-\

If I understood correctly, I could use GP-10 to "trigger" soft synths + sample sounds on a laptop computer. Is that correct?

For instance, if I want to play different sounds on different strings (separate channel per string), then I could use GP-10 to do that. Then the GP-10 unit "calls" a software program (e.g. FTP, or any other sampling synth) and output the sound to the amp.

Is that correct?

Sorry, but in my mind it's not quite clear. Would any of you have a YouTube link where I could see (and hear) someone that does exactly what I need?

Thanks again....

PS: Sorry for my bad English.... I'm French Canadian ::)

Elantric

#27
QuoteElantric:  I didn't know that about GP-10

It was mentioned last week here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=19429.msg139140#msg139140
I say try a GP-10

QuoteIf I understood correctly, I could use GP-10 to "trigger" soft synths + sample sounds on a laptop computer. Is that correct?

For instance, if I want to play different sounds on different strings (separate channel per string), then I could use GP-10 to do that. Then the GP-10 unit "calls" a software program (e.g. FTP, or any other sampling synth) and output the sound to the amp.

Is that correct?

Yes
GP-10 FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11796.msg85343#msg85343[/i]

Elantric

#28
Quote. Would any of you have a YouTube link where I could see (and hear) someone that does exactly what I need?


GP-10 triggering synths



Brak(E)man

#29
With Gp you can emulate for example bass with (almost) zero latency and no need for midi and soft synths , same with sitar and a lot of other things . Gr300 synth emulation, detuned guitar , bass on 2 strings etc etc
and you can use GP10 midi to soft synth for whatever else you might need at the same time.
swimming with a hole in my body

I play Country music too, I'm just not sure which country it's from...

"The only thing worse than a guitar is a guitarist!"
- Lydia Lunch

BobbyD

Hey PeterPan.....I am probably the least qualified technically qualified to answer your question,  but feel the most qualified spiritually to answer so here is my thought. I have been playing guitar 40 years. Blues, rock, funk , metal but I always have loved classical guitar.I finally learned Bouree in full after starting this song 30 years ago. I am half way through Bach's" Air on a G string". I say this so you know I love classical ( and Bach). 

Go with the Fishman Tripleplay. I own two Godin equipped FTP guitars. The Godin Session and the Godin Hollowbody Montreal. The Session is a good guitar but would not use it if not for the built in FTP.  The Godin Montreal blows away the Session but is also $1k more $$$$.  That guitar is amazing and would play it as quickly as an ES 335. It's that good. I also just purchased a stand alone FTP pickup which can be mounted on any guitar. I plan on mounting on my Taylor T5Z acoustic/electric.

All I can say once you start using your FTP guitar to trigger soft synths like Omnisphere 2, Trillian, Serum, Komplete Ultimate, and other killer VSTs,  you may find it hard to justify a stand alone Guitar synth.  I may have just pissed off a lot of more knowledgable people, but I made it clear this was from a spiritual recommendation, not one based ones  and zeros.   Go with FTP and return it after 30 days if not satisfied.  But that will not happen.

God Bless and enjoy the journey.

PeterPan8

@BobbyD: Thanks for your input. Indeed, the Godin Montreal seems to show some superiority to the Godin Session, but my wallet may limit me to stick with the Session.

Some of the soft synth names you included are absolutely fantastic! Though, I would have to shed some 'dough' :) $600 for some of them is a bit steep!  But, who knows, after learning from FTP, I may win a lottery ticket to get the other ones!  ;D

I have a question about the GP-10. Would it synch with FTP? If so, would I still need a laptop to make them work together?

PS: Keep up the Bach guitar... I do love him too!

Elantric

#32
QuoteWould (Boss GP-01) synch with FTP? If so, would I still need a laptop to make them work together?

They are separate systems mutually redundant as Guitar to MIDI controllers. the FTP has an edge with lower latency on the lower strings

FWIW- my own favorite of the  OEM guitars with built in Tripleplay" was the

2014-2015 Fender Tripleplay Strat
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15509.msg123654#msg123654
I like that specific model because it also includes a very high quality 24 bit USB audio interface that works with PC/Mac/IOS 

I can be productive with less gear to lug

I observe the price has shot up since these were discontinued Dec 2015

gumtown

Quote from: PeterPan8 on November 15, 2016, 02:37:04 PM
I have a question about the GP-10. Would it synch with FTP? If so, would I still need a laptop to make them work together?
The GP-10 requires a GK-3 pickup, or a GK ready guitar (with 13 pin cable).
If you are looking at the Godin Session and FTP, I assume you are looking at this with the FTP built into the guitar
http://www.godinguitars.com/godinsession_tripleplay_38121_38138.html

If you want to use a GP-10 with it, a GK-3 pickup is usually required, unless there is some sort of custom modification of the FTP pickup and a GK 13 pin connector installed.

Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/


PeterPan8

Now, between a computer (laptop) vs. a tablet?  A tablet would certainly be easier to move around.

I already have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet (old one from 2014) with 16 Gb of RAM. Could FTP be installed on it, with other sampling modules? Or can I run everything from an external micro card (up to 128 Gb)?

If not, what kind of tablet should I use?

I'm trying to avoid a iPad, since all my home system is on a PC or Android.

Thanks again...  :)

Elantric

#36
QuoteI already have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet (old one from 2014) with 16 Gb of RAM. Could FTP be installed on it, with other sampling modules? Or can I run everything from an external micro card (up to 128 Gb)?

Android remains useless for pro audio work  - very high audio latency and only 0.001% of the music community compared to iPad

More info on Android is here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=211.0


and read the FTP FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8427.0
When using my Tripleplay to trigger  iPad synths  - I'm not using any of the FTP applications  (none of them run on ipad anyway )

QuoteI already have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet (old one from 2014) with 16 Gb of RAM. Could FTP be installed on it, with other sampling modules? Or can I run everything from an external micro card (up to 128 Gb)?

If not, what kind of tablet should I use?

My advice for Musicians interested in Windows computers for live performance to run real time triggering of soft synths with low latency should seek the fastest computer with the most ram they can afford  - traits not conducive to small low cost windows  tablet PC's  or low cost   


search on "Windows Touch" in our search tool

Acer Hopes Music Making Will Propel Touch Tablets, Ultrabooks.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8917.msg102232#msg102232


http://www.triobest.com/best-laptops-for-music-production-mixing-recording/


and remember to discount the typical hype of articles titled "one-of-the-best-tablets-you can buy" - they are NOT talking about a device for our needs   

https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/a134ca0d-c1d2-31cd-b1a6-33da3366db9d/one-of-the-best-tablets-you.html

PeterPan8

@BobbyD: I just read a post by Elantric about using a hollowbody with synth:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13376.msg102400#msg102400

(...) When using any large box hollowbody guitar (like the Montreal) know that the non amplified sound of the strings will always be apparent (...)

That's probably one major reason why I would go for the Godin Session. I would not like to hear two different sounds coming from the instrument, like an untuned guitar.

I'm almost ready to make the move for the Godin session. But my only drawback concerns the kind of computer needed to run the FTP synth.  And according to Elantric, I would have to go for some sort of iPad... Don't know what to do yet.... hmmm...

Elantric

#38
Quote'm almost ready to make the move for the Godin session. But my only drawback concerns the kind of computer needed to run the FTP synth.  And according to Elantric, I would have to go for some sort of iPad... Don't know what to do yet.... hmmm...

For the best Tripleplay experience

* Read all Tripleplay play docs  - * The Tripleplay includes a large suite of software that runs on either Windows PC or Apple Mac OSX (but NOT IOS or Android)

http://www.fishman.com/support/tripleplay-support-materials/

FTP FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8427.0

*  Pick your computer platform ( Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OSX)
( I prefer a Mac due to its ability to multitask and lower audio latency ( i currently use a 2011 17" Macbook Pro running OSX 10.10.5 Yosemite with 16GB RAM 2TB SSD )
But many do use a Windows PC



You must own  a Mac or PC to run the FTP Control Application to setup the FTP String Sensitivity, and get the most from the  FTP ownership experience

* You must also budget a quality 24 bit  Audio Interface !
The Focusrite Scarlett Gen2  are on sale
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3207.msg139935#msg139935

The iPad is mentioned as I find that useful for live . But know at my live gigs  I only use Guitar Synths for horn stabs and occasional backing synth string  / organ pads.  But its not that big a deal to leave the Synth stuff  home and just play guitar

They are Listening with their eyes
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4900.0


But I DO recommend using either a Mac or PC FIRST.


PeterPan8

I read whatever I  could about the Focusrite Scarlett Gen2, but still can't figure out why I would need that device.

???

Elantric

Because Fishman tripleplay requires an audio interface
As spelled out in the FTP docs

http://www.fishman.com/support/tripleplay-support-materials/

PeterPan8

Thanks for your reply. As you see from my questions, I'm really a newbie!

I tried reading documentation from Fishman, but most is made for people who know what they are doing.  I don't.
So, is there a forum somewhere that would explain what's required to use FTP or play guitar using FTP?
Like all steps (and basic equipment) needed to start, or some sort of "instructions for dummies" (myself)!

Remember, I start from scratch in the guitar synth field. So, I need to be spoon-fed to start with!

admin

QuoteI tried reading documentation from Fishman, but most is made for people who know what they are doing.  I don't.
So, is there a forum somewhere that would explain what's required to use FTP or play guitar using FTP?
Like all steps (and basic equipment) needed to start, or some sort of "instructions for dummies" (myself)!

Remember, I start from scratch in the guitar synth field. So, I need to be spoon-fed to start with!

AFAIK - you found it here


FTP General Discussion
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=134.0

FTP Top Things to Know
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=135.0

FTP Examples
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=213.0

PeterPan8

About the computer, from many posts I read here, I think an iPad may be the choice to go. And I'm planning to buy it on eBay to save a bit of $$.

What should I aim for to run FTP (and the many sampling banks I plan to add along the road!)?
iPad mini, iPad Air, another one?  How much RAM and onboard memory?

I know about PC but I'm totally new with iPad.  Geez, I'm a newbie everywhere here :)


Rhcole

Hey PeterPan8,

I'm an old hand here but bought my first Apple product ever in May with an iPad Pro 9.7. Up to that point it was all Windows/Android for me.
I bought a book to learn the iPad, which I haven't used once... it was not necessary. I had to search a few concepts and do research for some in-depth music concerns, but those weren't in my book anyway.

The iPad KILLS Android for music applications, no comparison.

Set up the FTP with a Win box (string levels), get an adapter for the iPad and plug it right in. You will be in synth and sampler heaven after that.

PeterPan8

@Elantric: Thanks for the link!  Don't worry, I read it, and that's why I wrote "...I think an iPad may be the choice to go..."  Apple may be the choice I choose over PC/Android. My last post was mainly about WHAT to choose as a musical computer tool. iPad Pro, iPad mini, MacBook, or others.

@RHcole: What do you  mean by, "Set up the FTP with a Win box (string levels)"?

What is a "Win box"?  Never heard that before!

gumtown

QuoteWhat is a "Win box"?  Never heard that before!

A Windows computer.
The iPad will not run the bundled software that comes for the FTP, it is windows/Mac only, you will need to setup the FTP with the bundled software.

Here are quotes from this thread:
QuoteMy advice for Musicians interested in Windows computers for live performance to run real time triggering of soft synths with low latency should seek the fastest computer with the most ram they can afford  - traits not conducive to small low cost windows  tablet PC's  or low cost   


search on "Windows Touch" in our search tool

Acer Hopes Music Making Will Propel Touch Tablets, Ultrabooks.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8917.msg102232#msg102232


http://www.triobest.com/best-laptops-for-music-production-mixing-recording/

QuoteFTP FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8427.0

*  Pick your computer platform ( Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OSX)
( I prefer a Mac due to its ability to multitask and lower audio latency ( i currently use a 2011 17" Macbook Pro running OSX 10.10.5 Yosemite with 16GB RAM 2TB SSD )
But many do use a Windows PC



You must own  a Mac or PC to run the FTP Control Application to setup the FTP String Sensitivity, and get the most from the  FTP ownership experience

* You must also budget a quality 24 bit  Audio Interface !
The Focusrite Scarlett Gen2  are on sale
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3207.msg139935#msg139935

The iPad is mentioned as I find that useful for live . But know at my live gigs  I only use Guitar Synths for horn stabs and occasional backing synth string  / organ pads.  But its not that big a deal to leave the Synth stuff  home and just play guitar

They are Listening with their eyes
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4900.0


But I DO recommend using either a Mac or PC FIRST.


Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

PeterPan8

#48
You wrote: "The iPad will not run the bundled software that comes for the FTP".
Weird, I thought that it could be run on the iPad. Because for me an iPad "is" an Apple product, so it's the same as a Mac computer, but I guess I was wrong.  So it's back to square one for me.

Now, reading from the Quote about "FTP FAQ", where is says, "You must own a Mac or PC to run the FTP", then it should only be a matter of choosing the right computer, no?!

The FAQ says, "I prefer a Mac due to its ability to multitask and lower audio latency..."
does that mean that a Intel iCore 7, with 8 Gb of RAM will show "audio latency" over a Mac computer?  Is it that obvious to the ears?

I have to ask because those are major budget items for me, and it's a one-way issue, no coming back. I have to spend carefully!

PS: I more confused than before. RHcole wrote that he is using an iPad Pro 9.7. And you wrote that the iPad will not run FTP.

Totally confused here...  ???

Elantric

#49
With options comes confusion (and profit for sellers)

suggest spend time reading before opening the checkbook

QuoteWeird, I thought that it could be run on the iPad. Because for me an iPad "is" an Apple product, so it's the same as a Mac computer, but I guess I was wrong.  So it's back to square one for me.


QuoteWhat is a "Win box"?  Never heard that before

slang for Microsoft Windows Computer  - typically running Windows 7 64bit OS



Be glad you arent considering a Windows RT Touchscreen PC
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-32GB-RT/dp/B009XNBFJK
(hint - those are NOT compatible with FTP)