Midi users - some advice needed

pointbass · #1 10-10-2007, 07:12 AM

I have already read about all of the cons of using a midi on bass .... the lag times, playing technique adjustments, issues with live performance, etc. .... but I have also seen a few examples where players have made the necessary adjustments and use a midi very effectively in live performance. But I need some help with a few things concerning live performance ...

On the GK3B, when switching over to the bass setting, what type of signal loss is experienced through the chain? Unless I'm mistaken, the signal will still be routed through the synth (GR-33) on its way to your normal effects board and then to the head. Does running through the synth affect the normal tone of the bass if the synth isn't engaged?

Is it foolish to think that a BassBone could be used as a separate signal router? In other words, run the midi through the 1st channel and the non-synth bass cable through the 2nd? I realize that this will not give you the option of a blended (midi + normal bass) signal. But it would provide an immediate foot switch .....

I'm likely going to use the GK3B and GR-33 to mess around with the concept for a bit and if I can get it under control, then i'll move up to the Axon or RMC as a permanent install. I use a Boomerang a lot (thank God for a drummer with metronome-like time

) and I can see many applications for additional synth support behind the band if this works.

Anyone using this system in real, live gigging situations? I'm not real concerned about a controlled studio environment at this time. Thanks in advance for any input .....

elros · #2 10-10-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointbass

On the GK3B, when switching over to the bass setting, what type of signal loss is experienced through the chain?

No loss that I can hear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointbass

Is it foolish to think that a BassBone could be used as a separate signal router?

You could do that. I don't. I use the volume pedal on my GR-20 to engage it, and if I want to take away the normal bass sound, I have another volume pedal for that. This also allows me to fade in sustained synth sounds over the bass playing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointbass

Anyone using this system in real, live gigging situations? I'm not real concerned about a controlled studio environment at this time. Thanks in advance for any input .....

I do. Not very much - I am primarily a bass player - but I do use it to play the "other" parts occationally - like the intro on "come talk to me" by Peter Gabriel - whatever instrument that originally is (dodouk?)

Dirk Diggler · #3 10-10-2007, 06:33 PM

An Axon and RMC/piezo solution will be a big leap from the G3 and the GR33. But it should give you a good idea of what's possible.

You didn't mention, how many strings are you playing on?

You can always go via plug out your regular pickups rather than taking the signal from the 13 pin.

Good luck, it's a wonderful time to live with all the Virtual Synths out there.

Dirk

pointbass · #4 10-11-2007, 09:43 AM

Thanks elros and Dirk ...

I would ultimately be using the synth on a 7, but for the "test run" GK3B/GR-33 it would be a 6 string. If the idea works like it think it will, I'll be switching over to a 7, which I realize will require some modifications to incorporate the B.

Like elros, I too am primarily a bass player, so it's important to me to be able to use the bass as a bass first, with the synth as an option (although I suspect it will be used frequently). In that case, a 7 string is much more useful to me than a 6, which will definitely mean that I'll need to go to the RMC or Axon if this idea works out .....

Dirk Diggler · #5 10-11-2007, 01:36 PM

The only problem I could see is that I don't think there are any converters to do more than 6 strings. Unless you want to buy 2 units! Yikes.
But that said you'll be happier taking the top 6 strings for synth anyway, low b is still not perfect tracking even with RMC and Axon.
Good luck,
Dirk

pointbass · #6 10-12-2007, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

The only problem I could see is that I don't think there are any converters to do more than 6 strings.

There are a few guys that have used a Y-connect for the two low strings, since it's unlikely (and probably unwise) to play them together anyhow ....

macmrkt · #7 10-22-2007, 06:28 PM

Hey all,
On the Axon, I know you can split string sets to run different midi patches to each set. But can you run a midi patch to say the two top strings on a 5 string bass and run the 3 bottom strings 'bypassed' - i.e., no patch so the basses sound comes through?
Thanks!
MR

00Funk · #8 10-22-2007, 06:40 PM

How does this work ? Can it be used in conjunction with a V-Bass, or is it to be used by itself

Edit : Looks like you use it by itself

EDIT #2 Never fails, I spend all that money on a Vbass, and I should have got this instead

elros · #9 10-23-2007, 05:15 AM

You can use both at the same time. I use the V-Bass and the GR-20 at the same time on my pedal board. All you need is the GKP-4 and a pair of GK patch cables.

stflbn · #10 10-23-2007, 06:13 AM

I really like the Ghost Bass Bridge system. The Saddles of the Bridge do the Midi pickup work. Seems WAY more accurate then the add-on Pickup system, but of course, it's more permanent also. Companies like Godin and Brian Moore use these type of bridges in their Midi ready guitars.