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Welcome to GuitarHelper.net.

    The idea is to help and give the guitarist information, feedback and reviews on select products for guitar-- amps, music software(i.e. recording, plugins, notation), computers, audio gear for the guitar player, lessons, online lessons and guitars. Gear that I think will help the guitar player. Click on the links below.

   

Please contact me with ANY questions. 


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"Brian was a Gear God for me!

I was looking for the best and good value guitar I could hook up to my new Roland VG-99 guitar modeler, and I didn't want to break my bank. Brian steered me away from the less than stellar gear, and pointed me towards Godins, and then specific issues that I might face with piezo pickups, 13-pin issues, various wood finishes and how that might all play out, as well as software/firmware issues-----upgrades for the Roland, and why to look at the Godins---Freeway SA, XTSA, and the LGXT AA Maple, which I ended up getting. Brian Murphy gave me a wealth of knowledge and Web Links to help me make proper decisions on gear purchase and setups.

Brian is very generous with his time and assistance, much more than the stores in Hollywood and Santa Monica, and gratefully, without that pervasive salesman eye on my wallet which we all know too well. I highly recommend Brian.

Thanks Brian!"

-Tony Kellam
Hollywood CA


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Guitar Players - Why Not Guitar Synth?



Recording The Guitar to a Computer



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The Amazing Slow Downer
(for transcribing, learning solos,etc)






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News:

My reviews in EQ magazine:

Feb '08: Roland's Vg-99
April '08: Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3

Ni's Guitar Session
(shipping June)


New audio interface from NI, especially for the guitarist.

GUITAR RIG SESSION delivers powerhouse tone at a down to earth price. The versatile GUITAR RIG 3 XE software coupled with the portable yet robust SESSION I/O audio interface is a potent combination of components – specially designed to let you easily record and process your guitar, bass and vocals.

It may be small, but the USB-powered GUITAR RIG SESSION I/O packs big, studio-quality sound, thanks to crystal-clear 24-bit/192 kHz converters. Built with a tough aluminum chassis, this go-anywhere box is built to last.

The SESSION I/O features a superb phantom-powered mic preamp, Hi-Z Instrument and Line inputs, plus level-controlled Main and Headphone outputs – giving you maximum flexibility in virtually any recording situation.

Comprehensive software package with GUITAR RIG 3 XE, Steinberg Cubase® Le 4, KORE PLAYER and the KORE SOUNDPACK "POP DRUMS
Nice little package! In stores worldwide: June, 1st
List price: $249 / 229 €

Mac OS X 10.4 / 10.5, G4 1.4 GHz oder Intel® Core™ Duo 1.66 GHz, 512 MB RAM
 
 PC:Pentium III oder Athlon XP 1.4 GHz, 512 MB RAM
 USB 2.0 interface, DVD drive

Guitar Rig 3XE
(Shipping June)

This powerful and inspirational software is the direct route to your perfect custom tone. Equipped with the best amps and effects from the award-winning GUITAR RIG 3 software, GUITAR RIG 3 XE puts a world of studio-quality guitar and bass sounds at your fingertips.

GUITAR RIG 3 XE offers 5 amazing guitar and bass amps as well as 21 extraordinary effects, taken from the award-winning GUITAR RIG 3 and based on acclaimed Dynamic Tube Response Technology® for true studio quality. The new “Matched Cabinet” module provides perfectly harmonized speaker configurations per amp, providing instant tried-and-true classic tones. 12 matched cabinets.

Guitar Rig 3 update

The 3.1 version of GUITAR RIG adds many improvements to the award-winning guitar studio: Amplifiers and stompboxes are now completely noise-free thanks to optimized algorithms, for rich high-gain tones without the usual background hiss.
The new version also brings an optimized Live View, enhanced Rig Kontrol integration, better support for external foot pedals, and a revised user manual.


Improved algorithms for reduced amp and stompbox noise.
Added virtual Rig Kontrol view showing RK2 integration.
Improved response of RK3 foot pedal.
Multiple components can now be dragged and moved within the rack simultaneously.
Metronome, tuner, and loop machine can be hidden in live view.
Updated operation manuals are now available.
Loop machine dropout problem on Macs has been fixed.
The lag on metronome start after tap tempo has been corrected.
There have been several fixes and improvements for snapshots.

The 3.1 update is now available.
If you don't have GR 3 yet , check it out here: http://www.guitarhelper.net/audio_plugins.html
_______________________________________________________________
The fastest Guitar-to-MIDI System now complete with a dedicated pickup

Axon's answer to the GK-3...?

Musikmesse Frankfurt/ AXON Technologies, Nettetal, March 12th, 2008 – At Frankfurt Musikmesse AXON Technologies, makers of the most comprehensive and fastest tracking Guitar to MIDI System are happy to announce the availability of the new PU100 Hex Pickup for AXON Systems, developed in cooperation with renowned guitar pickup manufacturer Seymour Duncan.

AXON Guitar to MIDI systems open up the great wild world of MIDI to Guitar Players. With its ultra fast tracking technology guitar players are able to play any synthesizer or virtual instrument with their favorite instrument, the guitar! Additionally AXON allows for programming music with sequencer software via MIDI as well. This means that guitar players can be the music producer they always wanted to be, without the need to work with (from a guitar players perspective) quirky keyboard controllers. The AXON series of guitar-to-MIDI-controllers ensure great sound, and the new AXON PU 100 hexaphonic pickup ensures accurate signal transmission.

The AXON PU 100 was the missing link. Before guitar players needed to reach for a hexaphonic pickup from a third party company or a hexaphonic equipped guitar. Now every guitar player can enter guitar-to-MIDI with his favorite guitar and no need not worry about compatibility – the adjustable curvature of the pickup’s magnets allows the pickup system to be installed easily on virtually any steel-string guitar, whether electric or acoustic. A clearance of nine millimeters (0.354") between the normal pickup and bridge and ten millimeters (0.394") between body and strings are entirely sufficient for installing the pickup. Of course AXON Technologies provides a comprehensive range of mounting hardware.

Using the PU 100 control unit makes it a breeze to change all the important settings for the connected guitar-to-MIDI-controller, even on stage in the middle of the rush of a live concert. PU 100 allows everything needed to do quickly and accurately: adjust the volume, switch presets or mix between the guitar's normal pickup and the AXON PU 100. Three color-coded LEDs indicate the operating status of the mix, no more fumbling about in the dark.

Even with all these useful features, the inner values have not been forgotten – the PU 100 was developed by pickup guru Seymour Duncan. Thus the AXON PU 100 is, in every respect, a valuable addition to any instrument:
  • Hexaphonic guitar pickup
  • Duncan designed pickup element
  • Adjustable pole piece curve
  • 3 LED status display
  • Optimized controller layout for easy access
  • Adjustable cable length
  • Compatible with all AXON models and other 13-pin devices

The AXON Technologies PU 100 pickup is compatible with all Guitar-to-MIDI systems on the market that require a hexaphonic pickup. AXON PU 100 is available in stores worldwide from May 2008 for a recommended retail price of Euro 149,- / USD 199,-.



My Roland VG-99 review in EQ magazine

"The VG-99 is a an astounding advance from the company that originated guitar modeling technology. New Age, Space Age, Traditional, Radical, Down-To-B Metal to Nashville Studio Pro are all possible, along with sounds no one can imagine for musical genre's yet to be invented. A truly musical 21st century guitar tool." -Vernon Reid

My inital(pre-edited) review here


Buy EQ magazine for the final version.


IK Multimedia Stomp IO USB Foot Controller and Audio Interface


IK Multimedia is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated StompIO is now shipping!
For Mac and Windows


StompIO is a revolutionary combination of an advanced USB floor controller, a high end audio interface and a suite of modeling software for guitar and bass.

StompIO gives you full control over all “Powered by AmpliTube” software/plug-ins with the same feeling of a traditional hardware floor processor - no need to even look at the computer or touch the mouse – making it one of the most powerful modeling systems ever made, live and in the studio.

StompIO comes fully stocked with 5 full software packages: AmpliTube 2, Ampeg® SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix™, AmpliTube Metal* (*download only for previously registered AmpliTube 2 users) and AmpliTube X-GEAR (over $1,200/€990 worth of software included!!!).


The first truly stage-ready software-based amp and FX modeling solution. Two large displays and an intuitive editing system let you see and control every parameter of the software directly from your feet, with no need to connect a monitor, mouse or keyboard!

Superior tone and pro-quality design. StompIO’s integrated USB interface includes a Class-A preamp, console-grade analog design, and high-end digital converters with optimized drivers. No other interface in this price range sounds this good!

Advanced, configurable floor controller. StompIO gives you 4,000 patches and 5 play modes, with 10 switches and 6 assignable knobs for the same feel as traditional floor multiFX. Plus, add up to 6 additional expression pedals or stomp switches (1 comes included in the box)!

The biggest modeling bundle ever.

StompIO ships with AmpliTube 2, Ampeg® SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix™, AmpliTube Metal* (*download only for previously registered AmpliTube 2 users) and AmpliTube X-GEAR for over 150 ultra-realistic gear models and 180,000 amp combinations! Finally, mix and match 51 stomps, 26 amps, 33 cabinets, 11 mics and 23 rack effects on 2 rigs, in a single interface using X-GEAR. Plus you also get Traktion 2.1, T-RackS EQ, SampleTank 2 SE and 500 MB of Sonic Reality loops as extra bonus software.

The most realistic modeling in the industry.

IK’s DSM™ technology is the culmination of over 10 years of research & development in amp modeling, and the software included in StompIO have won over 30 major industry awards. Only AmpliTube uses trademarked names like THD™, Ampeg® and Jimi Hendrix™.

An open, expandable software system.

Thanks to AmpliTube X-GEAR’s open architecture, the collection of gear in StompIO can be expanded with all future “Powered by AmpliTube” products, for an ever-expanding mega-rig of some of the most sought-after gear of all time.




New Axon software release 1/17

Even the best products still have room for improvements! That’s why the AXON specialists at Nettetal are now supplying a new version of the firmware and the editor, offering significant advantages to the user. Information here.....

1394 Trade Association Announces 3.2 Gigabit per Second Speed for FireWire

New S3200 specification delivers higher speed than competing technologies - and much sooner - with no changes to connectors or cables

Dallas, Dec. 12, 2007 -- The 1394 Trade Association today announced a new specification to quadruple the speed of FireWire to reach 3.2 gigabits per second.

More here



Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard features a stunning new look across the entire system including a sleek new Dock with Stacks, a simple way to quickly organize and access your files. You can use Cover Flow to see your files in the Finder and browse through them like you browse through album art in iTunes. Quick Look gives you instant, full size previews of your documents, images and movies without opening an application. And Time Machine provides an effortless way to automatically backup everything on your Mac. These innovations plus Spaces, Boot Camp and major enhancements to Mail and iChat, make Leopard and its more than 300 new features the richest release of Mac OS X yet.


Now available!!


You would need the GK3a pickup or a guitar with a 13 pin piezo system built in to use this, but I think this with Guitar Rig is a great combo. Use the VG-99 for guitars and tunings and use GR for amps and effects.
The Line 6 Variax guitar and Guitar Rig would be something similiar- guitar-- front end and GR or another amp effect plugin.
The icing on the cake is USB Midi.
Yes, audio and Midi down one USB cable for the guitarist!

My question is how good is the audio interface. Well, the spec sheet says: A/D Conversion is 24 bit(+AF method), DA Conversion is 24 bit also.
Sampling Frequency is 44.1kHz. Looks good. One thing -- it's USB--not as stable as Firewire. Firewire transfers audio at a steady stream, USB fluctuates. I have use the Vg-88 for recording for a long time. The thing I love about it is the front end portion-- the guitars!
You can use Native instruments Guitar Rig for amps and effects but no one really has done the guitars as well as the VG.
The tuning module is unique.

If you want a 12 string, a classical, Gretsch, Les Paul,etc they are in there. You might have to tweak the presets.
I like to record the "guitar" then process the software amps and effects later. Why? During the mix or when you record other tracks a song might take a different direction or need a different sound so you still can change the amps and effects before you mix to stereo. Editing software is included.

*Dual modeling engines allow guitar and amp models to be dynamically switched, layered and combined
**Two guitar and rig setups at once**
*New COSM® electric, acoustic and even bass guitar models, and new synth waves such as the famous GR-300
*Guitar to MIDI converter for direct connection to keyboards, sound modules, soft synths, computers, and other MIDI-compatible devices
*Supports USB audio and MIDI for easy digital recording and sequencing
*Dual GT-Pro-class effects processor enables unequalled flexible tone creation
*Advanced performance controls, including D BEAM, V-LINK and Ribbon Controller take guitar performance to a whole new level
*Simple and intuitive knob-based interface and new design support live performance
*Graphical Editor software included to support sophisticated sound making
*Versatile I/O, including USB, S/PDIF and XLR provide pro connections for virtually every type of music production and performance on stage to professional studio recording.
Roland VG-99

I will will be doing a review for EQ magazine soon.

Rock out with a prerelease of Digidesign's new virtual guitar amp

Get ready for a brand new guitar playing experience. Digidesign® Eleven™ is an extraordinary, upcoming, virtual guitar amp plug-in (TDM / RTAS® / AudioSuite™) that emulates ultra-realistic amp tones based on the world's most coveted vintage and modern amplifiers, speaker cabinets, and microphones.

Created using an innovative tone-cloning technique, Eleven lets you experience realistic tones that meticulously emulate the sound of classic Fender®, VOX®, Marshall®, Mesa/Boogie®, and Soldano amps* right in your Pro Tools®, Avid®, or VENUE rig. Whether you want to recreate your favorite guitar tones using the included presets or dial-up your own signature sound, Eleven delivers an incredibly realistic guitar playing experience in both sound quality and feel.

But don't take our word for it — take a listen and try it out for yourself!

Download a free prerelease version of Eleven


For October release

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3!!



An update for Guitar Rig is schedule for release in early October. GR has been my favorite amp modleing software. Very realastic and guitar friendly.

GUITAR RIG 3 contains four new select amp models, further expanding the enormous sound palette. Special attention has been focused on developing still more authentic and dynamic tube sounds. Even more impressive amplifiers with unequaled sound quality. For each amplifier as well as the Cabinets & Mic modules, a matching guitar box has been created.

New "Citrus"(orange) and High White(Hiwatt) for those crunching 60/70's sounds!

For each of the twelve tube amps GUITAR RIG 3 has styled a perfectly tuned and enormously simplified cabinet, which reproduces the sound of the original box.
Here you can choose between two different microphone types, and the different characteristics of each.
This makes it easy to arrive at your desired sound in seconds, without needing the extensive knowledge of a sound engineer.

More here: GR3
Midi guitarist check the new releases of KONTAKT 3 and three brand-new KOMPLETE bundles - KOMPLETE 5, KOMPLETE SYNTHS and KOMPLETE CLASSICS - delivering the very best in software instruments. Native Instruments@Zzounds


9/12



Apple Releases Logic Studio
Buy It!

Imagine getting Logic Pro for $499!!!!. How about Logic Pro with new audio editing tools, simplified setup, portable preferences, XSKey-free operation and more.

In Logic Studio you get:
*Logic Pro 8
*Sountrack 2
*Mainstage--Built for live performance, MainStage lets keyboardists,guitarists, and other musicians perform with software specifically for the stage. Hello live laptop guitar with audio and midi?
*80 professional effect plug-ins
*40 powerful instrument plug-ins
*Thousands of channel strip settings, Apple Loops, sound effects and EXS sampled instruments
*and More!!!!
All for $499!!!! Upgrade price is $199. Ridiculous pricing!!!!!!!!
I ordered mine this morning!





 

Check out my Axon Ax-50 review in the Sept 2007 issue of Premier Guitar magazine
Axon review
As Featured On Ezine Articles
Axon AX 50 USB
Guitar to Midi Converter

                                    

Initial review here.

AXON AX 50 USB means easy operation and new connection options.

The AXON AX 50 USB offers additional options, such as a USB port with four additional virtual MIDI ports, which makes it ideal for state-of-the-art, computer-based studios. With its 32-bit RISC processor, the guitar-to-MIDI controller immediately translates the vibrations from each string that you strike or strum and sends information about the pitch, dynamics and tone duration to the connected MIDI sound generator. The MIDI sound generator brings music to life using any sound a player chooses. Simply plug in and play to transform a guitar, bass or violin into a synthesizer, an electric piano or a saxophone. Anything is possible - even the simultaneous playing of several instruments.

The AXON AX 50 USB allows to control an external instrument and up to four other software sound machines on the computer: a MIDI-OUT connector and four additional virtual MIDI ports via USB make all of this possible. TerraTec Producer also provides 128 sounds based on the renowned “KONTAKT” Player by Native Instruments for plug and play operation, and of course all the sounds are multitimbral. AXON AX 50 USB lets players divide fingerboards and strings into up to 12 play zones, making it easy to control an entire orchestra. The editor included in the package allows making changes right on the computer.

Street price is around $499

Initial review here.


Key features & specific characteristics:

Extremely fast guitar-to-MIDI controller
Patented early transient recognition system (ETR)
Software editor for PC and MAC
USB full speed connection for MIDI
Hardware MIDI IN/OUT/THRU
Four virtual MIDI ports via USB
Compatible with electric and acoustic guitars and electric basses
Support for fret, string and pick-splitting (up to 12 play area zones)
128 programmable presets
Bright 7-segment display (three characters)
Built-in tuner
Instrument output for magnetic pickup signal

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