In this post I show you the conversion of a cigar box to use it as a MIDI controller and play any string instrument or VST sound
Use for the project:
1. 4-string cigar box EADG
2. 0.52-0.12 gauge flatwound strings like touch upright string
3. USB interface , in my case I use the USB of a Behringer guitar, but any small interface would work well attached to the body or external through a jack cigar box out
4. Audio to MIDI conversion software : Jam Origin Midi Guitar 2,Dodo Midi
https://www.jamorigin.com/
https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2021/10/25/dodo-audio-midi-converter/
5. DAW record ... in my case Reaper
First I adapted the interface in the best possible place, in this case after the string bridge screwed to the body, you just have to solder the pickup outputs (ground and signal) either directly to the USB interface or through a tone potentiometer 250K to eliminate most high-pitched noise.
It would stay like this.....
[img]https://i.imgur.com/WPloMEm.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/gUgHM5v.jpg[/img]
Then, just for aesthetic reasons, I have covered the electronic system with a P bass type electric bass plate, it also serves to eliminate more parasitic signal by placing the hand on top of the plate when playing
It would stay like this....
[img]https://i.imgur.com/wOxGDeq.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/Sh8gfNz.jpg[/img]
On the side would be the inputs of the USB port and in this case the audio input with 6.5mm jack
[img]https://i.imgur.com/2xJiZOu.jpg[/img]
Connect the cigar box through the USB interface to the laotpop and then any audio to MIDI signal converter, modify the audio signal to a midi signal on the laptop to use it in any VST as a signal trigger
With my USB card, Midi guitar Jam Origin and latency settings I get a latency of 5.8 ms, enough to play without perceiving signal delay
You just have to spend time adjusting the midi parameters for a natural playing on the strings
And the result..!!
You can comfortably play in the Cigar Box scale (almost similar to a conventional electric guitar) the sound of a conventional EADG-tuned double bass with the same scales and note positions.
It sounds like that....for the styles that require double bass sound ;)
https://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack-jam-261401.php
https://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack-jam-261563.php
https://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack-jam-261496.php
Use for the project:
1. 4-string cigar box EADG
2. 0.52-0.12 gauge flatwound strings like touch upright string
3. USB interface , in my case I use the USB of a Behringer guitar, but any small interface would work well attached to the body or external through a jack cigar box out
4. Audio to MIDI conversion software : Jam Origin Midi Guitar 2,Dodo Midi
https://www.jamorigin.com/
https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2021/10/25/dodo-audio-midi-converter/
5. DAW record ... in my case Reaper
First I adapted the interface in the best possible place, in this case after the string bridge screwed to the body, you just have to solder the pickup outputs (ground and signal) either directly to the USB interface or through a tone potentiometer 250K to eliminate most high-pitched noise.
It would stay like this.....
[img]https://i.imgur.com/WPloMEm.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/gUgHM5v.jpg[/img]
Then, just for aesthetic reasons, I have covered the electronic system with a P bass type electric bass plate, it also serves to eliminate more parasitic signal by placing the hand on top of the plate when playing
It would stay like this....
[img]https://i.imgur.com/wOxGDeq.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/Sh8gfNz.jpg[/img]
On the side would be the inputs of the USB port and in this case the audio input with 6.5mm jack
[img]https://i.imgur.com/2xJiZOu.jpg[/img]
Connect the cigar box through the USB interface to the laotpop and then any audio to MIDI signal converter, modify the audio signal to a midi signal on the laptop to use it in any VST as a signal trigger
With my USB card, Midi guitar Jam Origin and latency settings I get a latency of 5.8 ms, enough to play without perceiving signal delay
You just have to spend time adjusting the midi parameters for a natural playing on the strings
And the result..!!
You can comfortably play in the Cigar Box scale (almost similar to a conventional electric guitar) the sound of a conventional EADG-tuned double bass with the same scales and note positions.
It sounds like that....for the styles that require double bass sound ;)
https://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack-jam-261401.php
https://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack-jam-261563.php
https://www.wikiloops.com/backingtrack-jam-261496.php
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