The world of guitar and MIDI technology has opened up incredible avenues for musicians, allowing guitarists to access a vast palette of sounds beyond the traditional guitar. Guitar MIDI instruments are at the heart of this innovation, enabling your guitar to control synthesizers, software instruments, and much more. But with so many options available, finding the Best Guitar Midi Instruments can be a daunting task. This guide will explore what makes a great guitar MIDI instrument, discuss some popular options, and help you navigate the choices to find the perfect fit for your musical needs.
When considering the best guitar MIDI instruments, several factors come into play. Responsiveness and accurate tracking are paramount; the instrument needs to translate your playing nuances into MIDI data seamlessly. For expressive players, MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatibility is increasingly important, allowing for detailed control over individual notes, going beyond standard MIDI capabilities. Software integration is also crucial – a great MIDI guitar instrument should work effortlessly with your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and preferred virtual instruments. Playability should not be overlooked; the instrument should feel comfortable and natural to play. Finally, the sound quality, if the instrument includes onboard sounds, is a significant consideration.
One name that sometimes comes up in discussions about guitar MIDI instruments is Ircam Solo Instruments. While aiming to provide a comprehensive set of sounds, some users find their approach less than ideal, particularly in the realm of MPE. The Ircam instruments have been described as potentially utilizing older samples repackaged with MPE capabilities. From a practical standpoint, the sheer number of articulation patches and keyswitches can hinder smooth playability. Furthermore, the MPE implementation itself has been criticized for unbalanced dynamic control, with issues reported regarding strike and aftertouch responsiveness. While Ircam instruments offer both standard MIDI and MPE modes, allowing for basic compatibility with MIDI guitar software like MG2, the overall user experience and sound quality may not be to everyone’s taste.
For guitarists seeking superior MPE performance and more intuitive workflows, alternatives like Expressive E’s “Patchworks” library and hardware controllers from Joué offer compelling solutions. Expressive E’s Patchworks, designed to excel with MPE, truly shines when used with controllers that provide pressure (aftertouch) and CC74 input, unlocking a high level of expressiveness. Joué instruments are specifically built for MPE, offering a tactile and responsive playing experience. These options often integrate seamlessly with powerful software like UVI Falcon, which is considered a robust platform for developing and hosting advanced MPE instruments.
It’s worth noting that some instruments, while marketed with MPE capabilities, may not fully leverage the standard’s potential. Acousticsamples’ Vhorns Saxophones, for example, includes an MPE setting for use within Falcon. However, reports suggest that the MPE implementation doesn’t add significant functionality beyond its standard MIDI operation within MG2. This highlights the importance of carefully evaluating the actual MPE implementation and its benefits in practice.
In conclusion, when searching for the best guitar MIDI instruments, consider your specific needs and priorities. If MPE expression is paramount, explore dedicated MPE controllers and software libraries designed for expressive control. While options like Ircam Solo Instruments exist, user feedback suggests that alternatives may offer a more refined and practical experience, particularly for MPE-focused guitarists. By focusing on responsiveness, MPE implementation (if needed), software compatibility, and playability, you can find the ideal guitar MIDI instrument to expand your musical horizons.
