Pau Ferro on an Atom?

[Metron]

I downloaded the Atom pdf from the Anderson site and it only listed Indian Rosewood for fretboard options. I had planned on going for a Cobra S but had the opportunity to play an Atom and it was literally the Les Paul I've wanted since I began playing but could never find. Felt wonderful and sounded unbelievable.

I currently own two guitars with Ebony fretboards and I'd like to go with Pau Ferro on my Atom for the feel and because I want to get in to some MIDI guitar applications. I've read that rosewood is a no go with the Axon and Roland MIDI pickups though. Something about the transients I believe.

So, I'd really love to be able to get Pau Ferro on an Atom. Is this a possibility now?

[pipedwho]

If you're serious about midi, I'd be considering a Graphtech Ghost or similar bridge for the Atom. I'm not sure if TAG installs these, but the tracking you get with the hex output on these piezos is much better than the little magnetic pickup that comes with the Roland. You also have the option of using it for 'acoustic' type sounds.

I don't use midi myself, but I do have a friend that is obsessed with trying to make his guitar sound like a keyboard - without learning to play the keyboard.

Me ... for those sounds, I just play the keyboard. ;)

[bud]

If you are doing a hex pickup for midi (triggering keyboard sounds), many things that make a great electric guitar sound don't help the whole pitch to midi equation. Piped is right that a piezo midi system like the ghost or RMC (typically designed to emphasize the fundamental and not overtones) will give you better results. Both of those require a fair amount of routing (mainly for the 13 pin jack).

If you want to use with a VG99, I have found the Roland GK is a better choice. In that case, wood choices are not critical and a good or great sounding and playing guitar will yield good results.

[Metron]

Hmmm,

From the responses, I think I may have been on to a better idea before I wanted a "do everything" guitar. I was thinking of picking up an Anderson and then getting a less expensive guitar and setting that up for MIDI. Sounds like that would be the way to go.

Thanks for the responses guys.

[pipedwho]

Hmmm,

From the responses, I think I may have been on to a better idea before I wanted a "do everything" guitar. I was thinking of picking up an Anderson and then getting a less expensive guitar and setting that up for MIDI. Sounds like that would be the way to go.

Thanks for the responses guys.
Sounds like you have a plan!

It would be a pity to compromise the outstanding playability and tone of a TAG to add some extra features that wouldn't necessarily serve to 'improve' the guitar.

Also, you could then find a more optimal guitar to act as the host for the guitar/midi system! :)

[funalij]

I owned a TA classic (rosewood fretboard) with a roland GR-20 + GK3 instaled for MIDI aplications (no route, no holes or another work in guitar).

I can play my best guitar sound and with Roland the midi sounds (trumpets, strings, piano, ....), all in one-through guitar.

I have no need to change guitar between songs and you can use guitar sound and MIDI at the same time.

I hope this helps

Javier

[Pietro]

Hmmm,

From the responses, I think I may have been on to a better idea before I wanted a "do everything" guitar. I was thinking of picking up an Anderson and then getting a less expensive guitar and setting that up for MIDI. Sounds like that would be the way to go.

Thanks for the responses guys.

GREAT idea. Get a Godin. Already set up, the best tracking guitars for MIDI. I've tried 'em all, owned most of 'em. Don't do GK stuff anymore but my Godins were GREAT at it.

[Thoth105]

Carvin is shipping guitars with the GHOST installed. Nice instruments. I have the SH575. I think they have solidbody ones, too.