Roland GC-10 Guitar Controller and GI-20 with Native Instruments Reaktor 5.0

[mp2611]

I have a GR-1 with GK-2 pick up but I just can't play anything serious with the midi out because I just can't get used to the latency, it's great for pads and low attack sounds but anything fast and it just pops and squeaks like mad.

[WayneJoness]

Is only the MIDI out a problem? How do the internal sounds work?

[mp2611]

@WayneJoness Internal sounds work fine, no problems with latency at all, but I only really got it for the midi out, I'm using FL Studio, I'm pretty much about to give up but if you could think of anything that could be causing it then I would be v. grateful

[LittleEmoBoy001]

So all I would need is a GK-3 to control midi on my garage band? Really?

[WayneJoness]

No!!! You need a guitar with a GK-3 or equivalent (GK-2a, GK-2, Axon, etc.) OR just find a GC-10. PLUS you need something to convert the 13-pin signal from the GK-3/2/2a into MIDI. That could be a GI-20, GR-20, VG-99, etc. This video clips uses a GC-10 with a GI-20 to play soft synths, that is the minimum needed. I would suggest you join the yahoo MIDI guitar group. It is a much better forum to get an understanding of MIDI guitar. Good luck!

[LittleEmoBoy001]

@WayneJoness

I will search for a few forums to discuss this but I honestly think you are over-complicating the language. Basically what you are saying is a mid-interface (such as my tascam 122 unit) is inadequate with regard to controlling software instruments in garage band even if my epiphone guitar has a gk-3 attached to it, right? That the only hardware that will work is one that completely converts the signal to midi like a gr-20, right? My tascam 122 is garbage for this use, yes?

[LittleEmoBoy001]

So this actually has a midi out on it?

cool!

[WayneJoness]

The GI-20 has MIDI out, and USB out

[LittleEmoBoy001]

@WayneJoness

So in order to use the gc-10 in garage band one would also need to purchase a GI 20? How much does the latter cost? It seems ridiculous to have to buy another completely different device when the first one you purchased should do the deed itself based on its name 'guitar controller'. That's just my opinion. Or maybe I am misunderstanding something here?

[WayneJoness]

I think perhaps you might be a little unfamiliar with the terminology. There are lots of great MIDI controllers that have no sounds, but control MIDI devices. The GC-10, like a Roland Ready Strat, has a 13-pin output that can control 13-pin synths. Plug a GC-10 into a GR-20, and you need nothing else. Or plug it into a VG-99, and you have the most powerful guitar synth available. But the GC-10 does not plug into your computer. You need an intermediate device, like the GI-20, or even VG-99.

[LittleEmoBoy001]

@WayneJoness

Okay but the thing of it is if I have a gr-20 all I need is my guitar and the small converter (which is fairly cheap) to use it in conjunction with my tascam us122 midi interface. It sounds Like you are saying my midi interface won't work and that I would need another extremely expensive piece of equipment. I never thought the guitar would plug directly into my computer, I was actually wondering the whole time if my midi interface was adequate for use with it. Is the answer no?

[LittleEmoBoy001]

@WayneJoness

Basically, to put it as simply as possible, would I be able to use this guitar controller to trigger midi sound samples on garage band if I simply plugged it into my fairly inexpensive tascam 122 midi interface? I see absolutely no point in having to have this plus a gr-20 as the latter can be used with my normal guitar with the help of a cheap adapter for the guitar. I hope that I broke my question down better that time. It's just that youtubes limit makes it hard to phrase stuff

[WayneJoness]

You will not be able to use your guitar to trigger MIDI sounds with the Tascam 122. You can record the sound of your guitar, but it will not be able to translate the pitch of each individual string into a MIDI note. If you play a middle C on your guitar, with medium velocity, the GI-20 will turn that into Midi note number 60, played with a velocity of 64. The Tascam will not do that. You might try the Fender Rock Band 3 guitar controller, it has a MIDI output.

[LittleEmoBoy001]

@WayneJoness

Not being insulting but most guitar synths like the gr-20 can get a normal guitar to create all these sounds. I fail to understand the use of this gc-10. A controller, yes, but a controller of what? I have no idea what it controls. You create great sounds in these videos but really what is doing it, the guitar or the actual hardware? I think the hardware.

[LittleEmoBoy001]

@LittleEmoBoy001

And what I mean by that is that with the hardware itself this 'guitar controller' really is not necessary. I could get my epiphone g-400 to create these sounds with the exact same hardware. That is all I meant.

[WayneJoness]

Well, you would need to attach a Roland GK-3 to your Epiphone. After you attach the GK-3, the Epiphone would also be a controller. The GC-10 has this technology built in.

[LittleEmoBoy001]

So could this be plugged into my midi interface and access software instruments in garage band like the yamaha ag az?

[WayneJoness]

Yes

[ScareMouth]

Look...GUIBOARD...LOL

[leparditas]

i dont understand why you need so many equipment? can i play el. guitar without it and whats is nesesari in order to play el guitar?

[WayneJoness]

Different musicians have different ways to express themselves. I am glad to hear that you have found the perfect means to realize your musical vision.

[guitarphil11]

I found a new one for 300, think thats a good price?

[WayneJoness]

That is a pretty typical price.

[guitarphil11]

I'm thinking of getting this, can it be used with propellerhead reason you think?

[WayneJoness]

I have been able to use the GI-20 with every soft synth that I own.

[iritethesongs]

Hi Wayne:

I just got a Roland GC-10 midi gtr... I set it up. I wonder if if might track better with heavier strings. It has 9's and the action is very easy. I don't have a GC-20 yet-- it's on the way (so I haven't been able to try it yet). Would heavier strings make a difference? Thank you

[WayneJoness]

I also have 9s on the guitar, I'm not sure how much the heavier stings would help. A lot of guys get great results with 9s.

[0rth0doX]

There are many articles on this, some users say the axon ax-100 mk II has better tracking then the gi-20 but there is no usb interface... Anyway I want to use it with my MKS-30 synth do you think that it will track better with 13-pin interface than using 24-pin guitars with GR-700?

[WayneJoness]

Using a 13-pin guitar with a GI-20 or Axon will provide much faster and more accurate results than using a GR-700.

[0rth0doX]

@WayneJoness

But what about that cv#1, 2, 4 controls and touch plates on 24-pin guitars how can I access that controls with 13-pin guitars using Gi-20 or axon to modify the sound? todays 13-pin guitars use only few buttons to control the synth.

[WayneJoness]

I make a series of converters, the RC-1324-PDL-VX, V3, etc. They have additional controls to access controllers 1, 2, and 4 with 13-pin guitars. Google RC-1324-PDL-V3

[0rth0doX]

I want to buy midi controller but don't know which is better Roland GI-20 or Axon like AX 100 mk II?

[iritethesongs]

I have the same comment... can someone answer please?

[WayneJoness]

I am afraid that I have not been able to compare the two units. Please let me know if you are able to tests both units. The GI-20 works great.

[WayneJoness]

I am afraid that I have not been able to compare the two units. Please let me know if you are able to tests both units. The GI-20 works great.

[raytrayt2001]

Hi, is latacy a problem?

[WayneJoness]

Not for me, I'm using a fast, desktop computer, running only Reaktor. It is just as good as any synth I can think of.

[ersemola]

hi friend. can you tell me when this rack was product? i want to buy an guitar midi synther, wich one i can buy? i want a good product.. thx

[ekalb2185]

do you use any keyboards as any rack effects when you play Guitar-Synth?

[WayneJoness]

My only rack module is a Roland XV-5080.

[cosimoriccio]

hello sr. i have a godin with the 13 pin acces. I was attempting to buy this unit. I have a question: Is there any midi footswitch or something to control it live?! Wich one should I buy?! Would you suggest me better to buy the vg 99 with the fc 300?! I would like a little advise of what is best. You seem to know this things well. Thank you

[WayneJoness]

The GI-20 can be used with a EV-5 foot pedal, and to additional footswitches for more control. This is only for pitch-to-MIDI conversion. The VG-99 and FC-300 can do this, and much much more.

[ersemola]

hi. wich pickup midi do you use? did you had any tracking problem with your roland gi20? thx

[WayneJoness]

The pickup is a GK-2, it is preinstalled in the GC-10 at the factory.

[WayneJoness]

This is a guitar Roland made, and ONLY sold in Japan. It is soooo cool. Weight just 5 lbs, super fast neck, but you can achieve these effects on any decent guitar with a GK-2/3.

[audiotrax2000]

That is awesome! Sounds like it tracks very well. Very cool looking guitar. I've never heard of it. Is there anything different about it than just a guitar with a Roland pickup near the bridge?