Does this exist?

[ffutterman]

I'm still new to things, so I know a good bit about the bass itself but not much about amps or effects.

Is there a pedal that can detect a note being played and convert it to the MIDI sound of a different instrument? I figure that something like that could work simply enough as long as you play 1 note at a time (slowly) and don't do any fancy stuff (mutes, slapping, etc.)

 

[MonkeyBass]

Yes. I think Roland makes a midi system.

 

[drgasturias]

The roland V-Bass Link Removed

 

[Mr.Hat]

http://www.sonuus.com/products_b2m.html

I got this one and the roland thing with a midi pickup.
Playing low notes you will have latency problems. dont go there bro.

 

[john_g]

I used to be very interested in this type of stuff but, it just seems like a really round about way to make your bass sound like other instruments when it would be just as easy to use that instrument. My interest was mostly for bass synth stuff but in order to get convincing tones you need to get some pricey equipment. I said screw it and bought a midi keyboard and right now I use software, but eventually ill upgrade.

 

[95svtcobra]

While there are combined boxes you should view it as two separate parts

1. Convert string signal to a midi note - usually with pitch to midi converter or something unusual like an old Peavy Cyberbass

2. Use this midi signal to drive a tone box of some type

The V-Bass doesn't do a very good job without the midi pickup installed on the bass IIRC. Additionally there isn't a midi out on the V-Bass (the newer one has one) so you have to use any onboard sounds The Yamaha G50 has a mono in for this purpose, but it's a rack unit without tones.

In any case higher register, clean technique, and single not passages will be required to make midi bass work.

Depending on the tones you want, a synth pedal is probably a better idea. If you're looking for horns or strings...well...now things get a bit more difficult.

 

[Ba55Man1ac]

http://www.industrialradio.com.au/

Anxiously awaiting their 5 stringer... available in August 2010 my ar$e!