вторник, 13 марта 2012 г.

Graph Tech ghost Acoustic MIDI System

Guitarists looking for a pickup for their acoustic guitar have a bold new choice to consider from Graph Tech. The ghost Acoustic MIDI system not only amplifies the instrument, but allows it to interface with the world of MIDI, giving the acoustic guitarist new possibilities for recording and performing. The system is based on piezo saddles that send signals to both an adjustable acoustic preamp and a Hexpander MIDI interface board. Volume and EQ are manipulated with control knobs that are mounted on the guitar's soundboard.

I received a steel-stiing acoustic guitar for review that already had the ghost system installed, but the accompanying manual laid out clear steps for installation. Although the process doesn't require any soldering, modifications to the guitar are necessary and should be handled by an experienced technician. For this test, I reviewed the sound capabilities of the ghost system in a direct recording situation with professional headphones.

The Acoustic Module

The ghost's acoustic preamp is connected ?? three stacked knobs that control volume and treble, bass, mid, and mid sweep frequencies. At a flat setting, I was immediately impressed upon finding that the amplified tone matched the guitar's natural character very closely. The pickups were highly responsive and captured nuances with plenty of detail, which will please guitarists who are concerned with dynamics and subtleties in their playing.

The EQ controls gave moie than enough flexibility to create other inspiring and useable tones. There were plenty of highs to add shimmer and bite for fingerpicking, and cutting the treble just a little helped to tame the metallic attack of heavy strumming. Similarly, small adjustments of the bass control could easily give plenty of warmth or cut out unwanted boominess when tuning down a half-step or to drop-D. I found the mid controls to be especially useful in helping leads stand out without changing the character of the guitar too much.

The ghost's hexaphonic saddles are also available in another notch size for nylon-string guitars. As an added bonus, they aie made of Graph Tech's String Saver material to reduce string breakage.

The MIDI Module

The ghost's Hexpander is able to interface with both Roland and Axon controllers through a Traktion switch and 13-pin connector. For this review, I used a Roland GR-33 synthesizer to test the ghost's capabilities. Guitarists concerned with tracking issues should have no qualms as the ghost tracked my playing smoothly with no noticeable delays or misf irings. The system was particularly accurate when tracking notes played on the low E siring, which is usually a troublesome matter. It is important to note that the only real learning curve is adjusting the sensitivity of the synth to each string and refining one's technique to mute unwanted string noise. The effortless accuracy of the unit helped me to focus more on the novel thrill of using an acoustic guitar to play keyboard, horn, strings, and other instrument patches.

The ghost's applications are limited only by one's imagination. Since the control knobs in the system allow for independent adjustment of the acoustic and MIDI volumes, guitarists can switch between both sounds or mix them. For example, with both volumes turned up, I was able to double my single note lines with a sax patch, and make my chords sound fuller with a string pad behind it. Using the GR-33's hold function and only the MIDI volume on full, I was able to sustain a chord using a voice pad, and then bring up my acoustic volume to play leads over it.

Summary

The ghost Acoustic MIDI system by Graph Tech can empower acoustic guitarists in various recording and performing situations. The ability to play new sounds on a familiar instrument is simply inspiring when composing and creating demos. Its live applications can be numerous, from achieving a fuller sound as a soloist to recreating parts from a recording on stage. Loopers will especially delight in the ability to stack sounds from more than one instrument.

Since installation requires drilling, those seeking to preserve their favourite acoustic guitars might overlook this pickup; however, the ghost's MIDI capabilities and natural amplified sound should warrant serious consideration from players looking to push the envelope on what they can sonically achieve on the acoustic guitar.

[Author Affiliation]

Hal Rodriguez is a Toronto based guitarist, bassist, and music teacher who can be contacted at halromusic@gmail.com.

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