Question A MIDI equipped EBMM guitar?

[Abraxas]

Hi all and best wishes for the New Year!

I am one of those geeks using a guitar synth interface.

Up until recently I used a Roland GR-20 system, and I had the GK-3 pickup installed on my Super Sport. The guitar tracked perfectly but there was an issue with body size, which eventually forced me to install the GK on another guitar: the "control panel" of the GK was very close to the bridge, forcing me to use spacers and generally making the guitar more difficult to carry and handle.

I was wondering if EBMM is planning on producing a guitar (or bass, for that matter) with a MIDI capable system factory installed. I am talking about something similar to the Fender Roland Ready Strats, some Godin or Brian Moore guitars, etc. A Roland, Ghost or RMC system could be used for this purpose.

Would you think there might be enough public interest to make something like that a reality? I'm guessing not, but I'd like to listen to both unofficial and official opinions on this.

Thanks

 

[Voo]

While I think this would be an awesome addition, I don't believe there is enough of a market for roland ready instruments, just my 2 cents

 

[roburado]

One thing that I think could be cool is MIDI switching for pickup selection. If The Game Changer switching is electronic, as I understand it, it would awesome to be able to hit a preset on your MIDI switcher thing, select pickups, amp sounds, and effects all by selecting your preset.

I'm not sure what I'd do with a synth pickup, but I think the idea would be really cool, though. Like Voo, I doubt the market is very big.

 

[Slingy]

I've never used any of these type things, but whats stopping anyone from plugging the piezo output into a synth module? Isn't that the same thing?

 

[Abraxas]

I've never used any of these type things, but whats stopping anyone from plugging the piezo output into a synth module? Isn't that the same thing?

I'm afraid not; an external MIDI device (like a guitar synth module, see Roland and Axon) need to get MIDI signals through a 13-pin connection. This means extra electronics inside the guitar (or on an external system like the Roland GK-3 pickup system).

 

[Slingy]

I see, thanks.

 

[beej]

I think if an artist wanted it, you might see a production model with one. Otherwise, it probably appeals to too small a segment of the market to warrant doing.

Steve Morse uses a MIDI rig with the Steve Morse band gigs, so he'd have been the closest to wanting one integrated. But he seems happy using an external pickup for it.

FYI, I've had a Ghost system in the Morse and it's got an optional MIDI output. Not too difficult to retrofit. In fact, I've seen a few guys go that route.

 

[roburado]

Didn't John Czajkowski do that?

 

[Colin]

normally I'd say never in a million years but with EBMM you just never know. Having said that I wouldn't hold your breath. One thing is Roland would have to be paid for every guitar installed with the mod and it's a tough time to be making/selling guitars at the moment...

 

[Abraxas]

I think if an artist wanted it, you might see a production model with one. Otherwise, it probably appeals to too small a segment of the market to warrant doing.

Steve Morse uses a MIDI rig with the Steve Morse band gigs, so he'd have been the closest to wanting one integrated. But he seems happy using an external pickup for it.

FYI, I've had a Ghost system in the Morse and it's got an optional MIDI output. Not too difficult to retrofit. In fact, I've seen a few guys go that route.

Thank you beej

The Ghost system is perhaps the best all-around retrofit; unfortunately you have to fork out close to 700 euros in Europe to have one installed (retail pricing for the system+bridge saddles+installation).

Also to have one installed in my Axis Super Sport it would mean a radical operation on the guitar itself (the Morse is a bit easier, since all body routing can be hidden by the pickguard).

I'd love to see a factory installed Ghost system (piezo+MIDI) in a, say, new Reflex . Until then, the only viable and reversible option is an external Roland GK system I suppose...

 

[metalmarty]

I would murder for one. The controller part of the GK-3 pickup doesn't fit my Silo either. And I really don't feel comfortable adding the entire kit myself or by a tech because it requires some routing. Would love to be able to buy a EBMM with a factory installed kit (being GK-pu or GHOST/RMC-saddles).

 

[beej]

Btw, I'm pretty sure you could fit the guts of the Ghost system in the ASS control cavity (the board is pretty small). I've seen it done before. The install isn't too difficult, either, though it can be a bit finicky.