We had a lot of fun at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. We met a lot of cool people and got to show off the TronicalTune to anyone curious enough to stop by. On the off chance you didn’t get to make it to our booth, don’t fret, you can watch how Chris was interviewed by the awesome people from delamar (with a nice demonstration of course). Now we know its not the same as getting to see it in person, but here is the video of the interview along with what else the folks at delamar thought of the TronicalTune. Enjoy!

http://www.delamar.de/musik-equipment/tronical-tune-19742/

Our Min-ETune guitars have arrived – do they work?

Gibson’s Min-ETune system is the latest take on mechanical self tuning for electric and acoustic guitars. The headstock-mounted gears are the next generation of the company’s ‘Robot’ technology, and appear on the new Tribute Les Paul and SG models.

The whole Min-ETune system – tuners included – sits on a thin black rectanglular plate that covers most of the rear of the peghead. The ‘brain’ is the centre section and sits between the tuners. It adds a little extra weight but not enough to unbalance the instrument. In fact our reviewers agree that it’s negligible; the tuners themselves are very light, and manufacturers Tronical state that the total weight impact is roughly equivalent to a set of Grovers.

A tiny rechargeable battery provides the power, giving 80 to 100 tunes before it needs to be charged using the included power supply. The tuning pegs are still operable by hand, should you forget to charge before a gig. Operation is reassuringly simple: switch the unit on, strum all open strings and watch their respective LEDs. The strings that are in tune will turn green. Now, pick any individual strings that display red LEDs until the guitar is completely in tune, after which the unit turns itself off. One thing we found is that Min-ETune works reliably when playing open strings, whereas 12th-fret harmonics confuses the system and stops it from working.

Back to open strings, even with jarringly wayward tunings, the whole process takes around 15 seconds, and the unit is accurate up to two cents. That might not be as precise as the likes of the Peterson StroboStomp, but it’s plenty close enough for live gigs.

The procedure outlined above is for standard tuning, which is barely scratching the surface of what the Min-ETune can do. 12 altered tunings – including DADGAD, open D and open G – are roughly 30 seconds away via the unit’s four-way cursor, and you can even create your own recallable custom tunings.

Following our initial tests, the Min-ETune is proving to be a big step forward for automatic guitar tuning. Other than for relatively quick access to altered tunings, experienced players may wonder what all the fuss is about, yet the potential time- and frustration saving benefits are massive for beginners and less experienced guitarists.

Gibson’s new Tribute models will be reviewed in full in issue 369 of Guitarist, on sale 31 May 2013. In the meantime, we’ll be testing the Min-ETune system to see how it performs with constant use.

visit: www.musicradar.com

Mit TronicalTune wird auf der Musikmesse Frankfurt ein System präsentiert, mit dem Du praktisch jede Gitarre automatisch stimmen lassen kannst – das Upgrade-Kit ist dir vielleicht schon von den neuesten Instrumenten aus dem Hause Gibson bekannt, jetzt ist es universell verwendbar. Der Einbau dauere keine zehn Minuten.

Automatic guitar tuner: Tronical Tune
Dank Tronical Tune soll die Gitarre innerhalb von fünf Sekunden perfekt gestimmt sein. Dafür stehen dir zwölf Stimmungen und sechs Speicherplätze für eigene Tunings zur Verfügung. Das per Batterie betriebene kompakte Gerät wird an der Rückseite der Kopfplatte montiert – ohne Kabel, Schrauben oder Bohrungen. Auf der Grundplatte des Gadgets sind die sechs Motormechaniken befestigt, die das Tuning übernehmen und deine Gitarre wie von Zauberhand stimmen. Von vorne betrachtet sei das System gar nicht zu entdecken. Die interne Batterie reiche für bis zu 300 Tunings.

Zahlreiche (evtl. auch jeweils alle) Modelle aus den Portfolios der im Folgenden aufgelisteten Gitarrenmarken werden derzeit von Tronical Tune unterstützt. Zu diesem Zweck stehen diverse Varianten des Geräts bereit, »Type A«, »Type B« etc., siehe Website des Herstellers. Dort findet sich auch ein Link zu einer PDF-Datei mit exakten Schemata für die Abmessungen auf den Kopfplatten der verschiedenen Gitarrenmarken und -typen.

• Gibson
• Fender
• Epiphone
• Ibanez
• Charvel
• Taylor
• Yamaha
• FGN
• Stanford
• »…und viele mehr«

]]> http://www.tronical.com/musikmesse-2013-tronical-tune-gitarre-automatisch-stimmen/feed/ 0 http://www.tronical.com/brian-may-gets-his-hands-on-min-etune-tronicaltune-technology/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brian-may-gets-his-hands-on-min-etune-tronicaltune-technology http://www.tronical.com/brian-may-gets-his-hands-on-min-etune-tronicaltune-technology/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:39:49 +0000 admin http://www.tronical.com/?p=1740 Read More]]>

Gibson’s new Min-ETune (TronicalTune) Technology is causing a stir – Brian May praises his new Min-ETune(TronicalTune) equipped SG

One of the most unexpected additions to the 2013 Gibson catalogue was the addition of Min-ETune (TronicalTune) automatic tuning systems.

Auto-tuning tech is not new to Gibson- the brand has pioneered this with groundbreaking guitars such as the Robot and Darkfire. However, this technology is now available on a huge range of its guitars for a premium of just £130.

Now, Brian May has had the opportunity to get to grips with the system, and a stunning SG, and its fair to say he’s impressed…

A stunning SG that tunes itself, with no additional wiring

It seems that Brian May has been harbouring a secret crush for the SG for some time. As a result, he’s rather pleased to get one of the lovely new Min-ETune (TronicalTune) equipped guitars. Speaking to the guys at Gibson, he says,

“ I have always loved the SG, ever since a friend of mine at school, Woolly Hammerton, traded in his Telecaster for one, looking for a ‘new sound’ (which I think he found), and which I coveted deeply!

Having one of the new models is almost as exciting as getting my hands on Woolly’s!! Somehow the SG still looks perfect, feels perfect and smells perfect. Oh, and it still sounds pretty damn good!

I’m just getting used to the new Min-ETune (TronicalTune) function, which is a great tool in the studio for quick alternative tunings, and opens up a whole new world of opportunities.

Enjoy it!!!

Rock it!!”

Well, that’s a great example of what an SG can do for a guitarist…

If you haven’t seen it yet, the Min-ETune (TronicalTune) system is slightly different from previous auto-tuning systems. The unit fits to the back of the headstock, and works like a contact tuner. So, there is no additional bridge tech- just the headstock unit.

Switching the unit on, then strumming the open strings a few times sets the motorised tuners to work their magic.

One of the nicest things about it is that the speed, simplicity of changing tunings encourages you to experiment and try new things.

Indication of source: http://www.dawsons.co.uk/blog/brian-may-min-etune-technology

Musikmesse Frankfurt 2013

Die Musikmesse ist die internationale Leitmesse wenn es ums Musizieren geht. Alles was man zum Musikmachen benötigt, finden Sie hier. Neben dem kompletten Produktangebot finden unzählige Workshops, Konzerte, Demonstrationen oder Diskussionen statt.

Seien Sie wieder dabei, wenn es vom 10. bis 13. April heißt:
Musikmesse 2013 – spirit of music!

http://events.messefrankfurt.com/musikmesse

The opening of the 2013 NAMM Show on January 24, 2013 marks not only the start of the world’s premier gathering for the music instrument and product industry, but also the debut of the Anaheim Convention Center’s new outdoor venue, The Anaheim Grand Plaza. To make full use of the Grand Plaza, NAMM has booked four jam-packed days of live music, tributes, events and networking opportunities in the new outdoor space.

Kevin Cranley, NAMM chairman of the board and president of Willis Music Company and the NAMM Executive Committee will welcome attendees and participate in ribbon cutting ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait, Anaheim Convention Center Executive Director Tom Morton and members of Anaheim City Council join the NAMM Executive Committee to dedicate the Grand Plaza at 9:50 a.m.

The new Anaheim Convention Center Grand Plaza runs between the Hilton and Marriott leading to the main entrance of the center. It features 100,000 square feet of outdoor meeting and event space and during the NAMM Show an outdoor stage for live performances. The new plaza paired with an expansion of the NAMM Show perimeter to the outer glass doors of the convention center will add a significant amount of new space for show attendees to enjoy. An expanded show floor, also means fewer badge check points once at the show in addition to new features including a NAMM Member center, Digital Hub and First Look product showcases in the lobby.

Following the ribbon cutting, the 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton will perform on the plaza. The 50-piece band will then enter the Anaheim Convention Center to march through the aisles, serenading show-goers with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other patriotic songs. Because of the many scheduled opening activities around the new plaza, the Fernand L. Petiot All-Industry Memorial Marching Band, which traditionally opens the NAMM Show will not perform.

The NAMM Show’s exciting opening day continues with what has become one of the most important industry traditions, the Annual Tribute, an event honoring the leaders of the music-making industry who have passed away in the last year. Tribute takes place on the Grand Plaza’s Main Stage on Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. There will be a commemorative photo and video presentation accompanied by the LA Scots, considered the premier pipe band in the U.S.

The first day culminates with Tower of Power performing live on the plaza. Tower of Power has been playing together since the late 1960s when they, alongside such legendary bands as Santana, the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane, helped to define “The San Francisco Sound.” Known for their soulful urban vibe and powerful horn section, Tower of Power will perform their greatest hits to celebrate a busy day of business at the NAMM Show.

Get ready to “Connect” at the 2013 NAMM Show, January 24–27!

MORE INFORMATIONS »

The Innovations Design and Engineering Awards has given consumer technology manufacturers and developers an opportunity to have their newest products judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, independent engineers and members of the trade press. It’s the place to see, touch, feel and understand the future of consumer technology.

The Best of Innovations designation is awarded to products with the highest judges’ scores. This year’s honorees will be featured in the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Showcase in The Venetian at the 2013 International CES.

The honorees will also be displayed at CES Unveiled LAS VEGAS: the Official Press Event of the International CES, from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, January 6, at Mandalay Bay, Level 3, South Seas Ballroom C.

CES Innovations Awards entries are judged on overall engineering qualities related to technical specifications and materials, aesthetics and design qualities, the product’s intended use and function, unique features and how the design and innovation of the product compares to others in the marketplace.

HONOREES »

Musikmesse – the biggest fair for musical instruments, live music and the music business!

Musikmesse in Frankfurt am Main is the world’s most international fair for musical instruments, sheet music, music production and marketing, and has been the foremost meeting place for the musical-instrument industry for over 25 years.

Comprehensive product overview for four days
During the four days of the fair, manufacturers and dealers, as well as professional, semi-professional and lay musicians get together in Frankfurt am Main and find out about the latest new products. At Musikmesse, manufacturers from all over the world present a complete spectrum of products for making music. From classic instruments, acoustic or electric guitars and basses, brass and woodwind instruments, percussion and keyboard instruments to electronic equipment and computer hardware and software, Musikmesse is where all innovations are presented to international visitors at the same time and place. Additionally, all important publishing companies exhibit at Musikmesse and show their works in all genres, from classic to jazz, rock and pop. Musikmesse 2011 presented 1,504 exhibitors and more than 75,000 visitors.

Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound – complementing each other perfectly
Musikmesse is held concurrently with Prolight + Sound, International Fair of Technologies and Services for Events and Entertainment, and Media Systems Prolight + Sound, International Fair and Congress for Media Technology and Systems Integration. The comprehensive overview of the segments offered by the Musikmesse is supplemented and expanded by the event-technology and systems-integration products presented at Prolight + Sound and Media Systems Prolight + Sound. Holding the two fairs in parallel generates a wide variety of synergetic effects for exhibitors and trade visitors.

The Musikmesse admission ticket also entitles the holder to visit Prolight + Sound and vice versa.
Musikmesse 2012 will be held in Frankfurt am Main from 21 to 24 March.
Visit: Musikmesse 2012 Frankfurt

Want to have a great year? Kick it off with a great show! Make your plans now to attend the industry’s most important event: The NAMM Show, January 19-22.

Why should you come to the NAMM Show?

1. Attending NAMM’s world-famous trade shows is one of the biggest perks of Membership and admission is FREE if you register before the January 5 deadline. Plus, by booking ahead, you can secure the lowest airfares for your trip!

2. Coming home with new gear, fresh ideas and a renewed sense of excitement is a great way to propel your business into action. NAMM U professional development sessions will help pump you up, as leading industry experts share sound advice on current challenges and opportunities––innovative ideas that can make a real difference to your bottom line.

3. You can take advantage of show discounts and specials you won’t get anywhere else. With more than 1,400 exhibitors from around the world, the best way to capture your attention is by offering deals too good to miss.

4. Because you can’t get hands-on on the Internet. Face it, there’s nowhere in the U.S. that you can see, try and learn about so many musical products under one roof––or get a hold of gear that no one, including your competitors, have in their stores yet. Plus, coming to the show gives you the chance to compare competitive products and new technologies firsthand.

5. You’ll make contacts, build relationships and do deals that will create momentum in your business in the coming year. Taking action leads to more action, while doing things the same old way will only get you the same results. Gain the advantage in your market and make the commitment today to come to the NAMM Show.

Gibson Firebird X review: A digital guitar for the 21st century

Not all digital guitars are game controllers. Gibson’s Firebird X is a real guitar with a chameleon-like ability to drastically alter its sound with digital effects, and even automatically tune itself with the flick of a string.

In rock music, innovations take a long time. The first electric guitars that actually stayed in tune and worked well for stage performance were produced in the 1950s, and the basic design – fretboard, pick-ups, tuning knobs, a quarter-inch jack – has not changed much in the last 60 years.

The Gibson Firebird X is the latest “digital guitar” that attempts to change some of the basic mechanics of a guitar. While you can play the instrument immediately and chords and notes work the same as always, you can change the tone of the Firebird X in countless ways – some more dramatic than others.

There’s a knob for changing the effects (it also doubles as a power button when you pull it straight out) so you don’t have to change a setting on your amp or effects board. Another switch closer

to the quarter-inch jack lets you tune each string robotically. You just flick the string you want to tune, and the Firebird X tunes that string. New foot pedals for the FireBird X let you change effects and volume, and even let you record and play loops.

For $5,570, the Gibson Firebird X is intended for serious musicians, performers, and recording gurus. A few issues with the initial setup caused a few headaches, but they were easily redeemed by the remarkable quality and extensive features of this inspiring digital instrument.

New things to learn

Anyone used to Apple products might be confused by the initial setup. Unpacking the Gibson Firebird X and all the various parts that need to connect takes some time and thought. (Interestingly enough, once you figure out how everything connects, the system works extremely well.)

Part of the initial frustration is exacerbated by the guitar itself, which has several knobs and switches that seem arcane at first. Most of them are designed to give you that perfect tone or to emulate the lush effects you’ve heard on albums by, say, Snow Patrol or the band Thursday. Gibson says that over 2,000 tones are possible. You can flip switches to use all three picks-ups, two of them, or just one. Most of the knobs look like those on a regular guitar, but have a more dramatic effect.

The guitar itself weighs six pounds, and is made from hand-picked ash with a maple neck. The instrument looks distinct, and plays like a high-end Les Paul with a fine satin finish. The sustain on the Firebird X is so pronounced and the tones so lush that it is the best-sounding guitar we’ve ever played. The fact that you can then tinker with those tones in countless ways adds to the value.

Once you figure out the knobs, you then have to connect all the pedals and a break-out box. Flexibility is good, since there is no specific order for how you position the pedals. Confusingly, while the pedals have quarter-inch jacks, you do not need to use them – the guitar connects to a break-out box called a G-Node, and then the pedals connect to each other and to the guitar over Bluetooth. To power up the main foot pedal, you press all the way down on the volume pedal. Switching between effects or recording and playing loops with the second pedal is also a bit confusing. For example, you might need to consult the manual to see that you double-tap on a switch to record a loop.

Another problem with the setup is that every device uses a rechargeable battery – they look exactly like those you’d use in a camcorder. The batteries lasted about 45 minutes after a full charge, which is not a major problem if you have spares handy (Gibson included an extra four or five extra batteries with our review kit). You can also use 9-volt batteries as a back-up. Still, battery life could be a problem for some.

Ready to rock

That said, once you have configured the pedals and the interface, charged and installed the batteries, and installed the included software (Guitar Rig 4 and Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition), the Firebird X is a smart rig for live performance and recording because you can quickly change tones. In several songs we recorded with the guitar, we found we could switch between a tight-sounding jazz sound and then flick over to a heavy distortion sound with tons of reverb. In many ways, the Firebird X is like having multiple guitars in one – and even multiple amps – for serious musicians.

Tuning the guitar worked perfectly, and we could even use alternative tunings (like a drop D) without much hassle. For anyone who wants to learn about guitar, we still recommend learning how to tune because it teaches you the basic mechanics. Relying too much on the auto tuning function means you won’t know as much about keeping the guitar in tune as you play – for example, bending notes in a guitar riff or playing alternative chords.

The Firebird X has almost too many features to mention – the dynamic range of the guitar is over 100dB, it uses a Freescale multi-processor with reliable electronics, and can even emulate a Gibson J-45. You can share patches you develop on the guitar with other Firebird X owners on a social network. Using a plug-in for the Firebird, you can even create your own modulation and reverb settings. There’s a charging couplet that links both pedals together using magnets so you only need AC power for one pedal. Even the Firebird X case is almost indestructible – you can drop one from a six-story building.

The real question is whether the guitar is worth the $5,570 price tag. In general, the guitar itself matches the quality and playability of any guitar around – but even high-end guitars usually cost about $3,000. The extra gear that comes with the Firebird X adds to the value, but the clincher for us was when we started changing the tones on the guitar using the switches and knobs. They just make the sound change dramatically, and that’s not possible on other models we’ve tried

For those who need that tonal flexibility, ease of control, and extra loop recording options, the Firebird X is unique in that no other guitar really comes close. If you tend to use the same tones when you play, other guitars can offer those basic features. And, you can do much of the patch creation and recording capability with software – or a really good pedal effects board. But the Firebird X puts all of these features into one rig. Like a fine German sportcars, the Gibson Firebird X has no equal.