Let the revolution begin

[ed packard]

Let the revolution begin. The PSG evolved from the standard 6 string guitar laid down flat (made by luthiers?), to a cabinet makers dream (consoles), to electric two by fours/planks (carpenters?), to a mechanical nightmare (machinists)…it is presently the property of the last three (plank with skirts and lots of mechanism).

The vector is clear…the electroniker needs a shot at it. This has been the path of keyboards so there is precedent.

The BEAST was the first to integrate the changer and tuner into one mechanism, then move it to the players left; use a changeable bridge for tonal variation; employ an extended (added frets) neck = 30”; no sharp bends in the strings; no pre-tensioning to change strings; use an extruded aluminum body without the wood/ aluminum neck block; use a rail system to allow a drop in/on fretboard…room beneath it for circuitry…the fretboard can be backlit, or in the future be a programmable LCD screen; multiple tapped pickups (interchangeable); on board buffer amps; a tuning structure that gives the E9/A6/B6 necks and changes plus also the 13 series necks; and a few other items pointing to the future. One of the decisions re the future is whether to incorporate the “virtual rack” into the PSG, or use an external computer to provide/control these functions. Presently, the BEAST uses the external computer approach. You can see the BEAST and the “virtual rack” at the MESA show at SIERRA’s table. You can also see the BEAST on the Forum (Per Berner’s post), or on the SIERRA website…both sets of photos are before the tuner had finger knobs.

Where do we go from here?...why BEAST #2 of course. BEAST #1 will be the breadboard.

What will be considered in BEAST #2?
1. Replacing as much mechanism as possible with electronics.
2. Adding alternative pickup types = other than common magnetic types.
3. Individual string pickups for many MIDI functions.
4. The ability to emulate the harmonic content, and harmonic content vs. time of the “classic” instruments.
5. DSP for pitch shift (and other) functions, including on the fly pitch correction (the ET/JI sort of correction depending upon which note is root at the time).
6. A VCA (buffer amp) for use with existing types of volume pedals (only one cable needed).
7. Wireless connection from the PSG to the outside world (= computer/virtual rack/ amp/?.
8. Pedals and levers will perform their functions via electronics…pedal rods go bye bye so that leg length change (extension/contraction) is not a problem.

Both BEAST #1 and BEAST #2 are not for the “traditionalist”…not to worry, there will still be lots of cabinet maker/machinist combos with the standard key head, changer, pickup, neck block, tunings etc. approach to service the industry.

[Mark Lind-Hanson]

Go for it!
Just be sure to get the list price down to about a grand or so!

[John McGann]

Glad to see this post, Ed!

The idea of electronics allowing instant copedant changes is great- when you get an idea, just punch it in, live with it for awhile and if it doesn't work, no problem...Many will disagree, but I would find that another reason to call in sick and play all day!

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[Dave White]

I was wondering when the PSG would evolve into an expandable electronic instrument, as the traditional piano has evolved into the myriad of electronic keyboards and synthesizers now available. I guess this answers my question.

[Leslie Ehrlich]

Roland makes a reedless electronic accordion with built in speakers, and it is supposed to feel and play like an acoustic accordion. So if this is possible, an electronic PSG shouldn't be too far off.

[Bo Borland]

Check out this link on electronics http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum11/HTML/008202.html

[Per Berner]

Way to go! Just think how easy it would be to make the guitar fit your body without mechanical limitations. Place the knee levers just where you want them, select lever/pedal travel and resistance, maybe have the pedals unevenly spaced... switching between pedal set-ups in seconds...

I would even be prepared to sacrifice some tone for such flexibility. Bet it could be really light as well.

And how about a knob adjusting sustain from zero to infinity?

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´75 Emmons p/p D10 8+4, '96 Emmons Legrande II D10 8+5, ca '72 AWH Custom D10 8+3, Peavey Nashville 1000


<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Per Berner on 12 January 2006 at 01:12 AM.]</p></FONT>

[Ben Elder]

Lotta self-stimulatory theory here; wonder what BEASTS 666 through Googol will sound like. A topic almost wholly skirted except for one voluntary surrendering of tone for physical relief. And keyboards and synthesizers as shining example! I wonder why I own none of those and 100-some thangs with strangs... Doesn't appear to be a lotta room in the equations for the spiritual jenesaisquoi (of Shot, Buddy, Paul, Leo and Zane, for a short and primitive list) that's sent our spirits racing for the last three-quarters of a century. Such proof as there may be will be in our ears and not the virtual surf on a holographic oscilloscope. This may be revolutionary, mind-boggling and even attainable, but such lofty techno-worshipful pronouncements make me skeptical about what the musical gain might actually be. Power to y'all, but unplug the iron lung for now, Zane--I'm not holding my breath or putting the Sho-Bud on eBay just yet. But see if you can help the guys up in the lab-OR-a-tory...

[Tony Prior]

This is a revolution ?

Some of this stuff they already have tried..like duplicate a smooth Analog OP Amp Saw Tooth response with a digital chip.

Still ain't there yet..

but they are tryin'..