Online-Guide MIDI and Modelling Guitars Two Different Approaches
There are two main approaches to expanding the range of sounds available from a guitar using digital processing.
Roland’s GK system – this allows any guitar to be connected to the MIDI world via a GK-compatible magnetic or piezoelectric pickup system (e.g. Roland GK-2A/GK-3, RMC Piezo system, etc.) and a GK-to-MIDI converter. The latter may take the form of a standalone unit, or may be built into a GK-compatible guitar synthesizer.
Modelling guitars, whose sound is produced digitally by the instrument’s integrated electronics. These instruments are primarily designed to simulate the sound characteristics of the most important models of guitars such as the Les Paul, Stratocaster and Telecaster. In addition, digital reproductions of other fretted instruments including acoustic guitar, banjo and even sitar may be offered.
