MIDI guitar - I have no idea what I'm doing

aja

Right, I am getting a MIDI guitar soon, an old one at that (1980's).

What do I need to churn out helicopter sounds for hours on end to my heart's delight?

I have a soundcard on my PC with a mini-MIDI port if that means anything. I have no software for that kind of stuff though. Do I need a roland synth? Or a keyboard?

If you could point me to a place where I can read up about this stuff I would be very glad!

aja

Damnit I see there is like a whole article right here

http://articles.guitarforum.co.za/articles/midiguitar-1-fleshing-out-your-sound

Stupid me

Part 2? hint hint...
hmmm ?

infernox

Bought my wife a Casio keyboard to learn on a whilst back... the helicopter and gunshot soundbanks are the coolest!

Im looking at getting myself a Korg Monotron soon! (its cheap so I can buy it without the wife finding out ? )

AlanRatcliffe

Which MIDIguitar do you have?

http://ratcliffe.co.za/articles/midiguitar.shtml

Basically you need any MIDI compatible synth - could be: a computer with a MIDI interface and a softsynth (hundreds available - some freeware); a keyboard with MIDI; or it could be a sound module.

aja

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Which MIDIguitar do you have?

http://ratcliffe.co.za/articles/midiguitar.shtml

Basically you need any MIDI compatible synth - could be: a computer with a MIDI interface and a softsynth (hundreds available - some freeware); a keyboard with MIDI; or it could be a sound module.

Is there anything you haven't written articles about? ?

Thanks very much, I will give it a good read. +1 karma

The guitar I am getting is the rather rare Casio MG-500 with built in guitar to MIDI thingy

More info:

http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Casio-Midi-Guitar-Model-MG-510
http://crayonclub.com/guitars/casio.htm
http://jpsongs.com/troubadortech/casmgtr.htm

Requirements for MIDI Guitar?

* Guitar - This should be self-explanatory, but you never know...
* A Hex Pickup - A pickup with 6 pickups in one package. There is a separate pickup for each string (we'll see why just now)
* A Guitar Synthesizer OR
* Guitar to MIDI converter and separate sound source.

HAHA! :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

aja

Some MIDI usage tips:

Configuring MIDI:
http://jpsongs.com/troubadortech/usmgtr.htm

MIDI tricks
http://jpsongs.com/troubadortech/mgtrsolo.htm

List of MIDI guitars:
http://jpsongs.com/troubadortech/mgtr.htm

MikeM

Looks a lot like Sean's Casio Strat..

AlanRatcliffe

Hmm... The 500 is quite rare - the 510s pop up all over the place (IIRC, that's what Sean has).

With the Casios just make sure it works before you buy - most need recapping by now and if it hasn't been done already, it will likely give problems.

Is there anything you haven't written articles about? ?

Helps being interested in most aspects of music, especially gear and technology. ? I haven't written about actually playing the guitar, because that's probably what I know the least about...

aja

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: With the Casios just make sure it works before you buy - most need recapping by now and if it hasn't been done already, it will likely give problems.

Um... What? ooops....

Yeah lets just say that in the photos it looks like everything is just dandy! ?

If the MIDI stuff doesn't work, so be it. I just liked the look of it.

And I am pretty sure you know quite a bit about playing the guitar!

AlanRatcliffe

Not a biggie - it's a well-documented problem and easy enough to get an electronic tech to recap for you if it's needed.

Gearhead

It is well documented (join the Yahoo Midi Guitar group) but I tell you, it is a pain for anyone (electronic tech or not) to manually solder those SMD caps... Better do it right away and get it over with.