Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica to Midi

[Slim Heilpern <slim@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Mike -

Great question ;-).

A pitch-to-midi converter is basically what you're looking for. The technology has always left something to be desired though. I've been playing around with the Sonuus G2M (http://www.sonuus.com/products_g2m.html) which is made for guitar (does not require a hex synth pickup) and I've gotten mixed but reasonable results. But I have an older model and supposedly the current model has improved tracking (I haven't had time to mess with this lately, so I haven't yet ordered the newer model). 

It is not an expensive device at a list price of $129. But be prepared to experiment a lot with levels as well as synth sounds and you will likely have to alter your playing style at least a bit when using such a device.

The nice thing is that it can track note bends and dynamics and unlike a milionizer, you can mix the synth sound with the natural harmonica sound -- which is what I'm after. Chords don't work very well as you point out. 

There's not much else currently on the market that I'm aware of except for studio-only work (non-realtime) where a software plugin like Celemony will most likely do a wonderful job (haven't tried it though).

Hope this helps....

- Slim. 

http://www.SlideManSlim.com

On Dec 1, 2011, at 12:37 PM, Mike Fugazzi wrote:

> Anyone have any luck with converting their harmonica player to midi?
> Specifically, the Roland GR-55 got me thinking about synths and pickup
> ups.  I am having a hard time finding info on using vocals or harmonica and
> converting it to midi to use with things like synthesizers.
> 
> I already see limitations compared to guitar as it would be near impossible
> to have pickups for every reed in order to play chords, but the modulation
> effects on my M13 seem to track harmonica well...they just aren't as varied
> as dedicated guitar synths that can replicate horns and piano.
> ----------
> Mike Fugazzi
> vocals/harmonica
> http://www.mikefugazzi.com
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