Are we seeing a 3rd Guitar?

[Quinarvy]

Ok, so everyone knows there are two basic types of guitar. Acoustic and electric.

But is it just me or should the Guitar-Modelling Guitar's count as a third type of guitar?

There are 3 I know of...

The VG Sratocaster (http://www.fender.com/vgstrat/). I guess this would be like the bridge guitar, kinda like how Semi-Acoustic merges Electric and Acoustic. 5 Guitar Modes: None (act's as just a normal guitar in this mode), Ash Stratocaster (Strat made of Ash sound so it's different then None), Telecaster (the lighter, brighter twang of Tele's), Humbucker (Les Paul-in-a-Strat), or Acoustic (grandpa's guitars). 5 Tunings: Drop D, Open G, DADGAD, Baritone, and 12-String (Jimmy Page's back would love this).

The Variax (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variax) is Line 6's guitar. It models a lot of things, and has a pick up for each string. So basically your getting semi-acoustics, electrics, banjo's, sitars, etc. in one guitar. And there is a "Workbench" software that lets you alter string type, amount, guitar size, wood type, positions, pick ups, and tunings. Abit to computerized for my taste (batteries run out?=screwed).

And lastly, the Moog Guitar (http://www.popsci.com/mike-kobrin/article/2008-08/guitar%E2%80%99s-new-hero). This is like the Variax in it's tonal variety (plus Synth), but actually changes how the strings feel on the guitar to match the synth'd instrument (Banjo, for example.)

Ok, discuss.

[afterstasis]

i think these guitars can be considered a new breed, although some will make good arguments otherwise... in a way, these are like updated keytars.

i played the variax a year or so ago. i wasn't very impressed, but i'm sure the technology will up to snuff soon.

[Oomingmak]

I would say 5th if anything. You're forgetting Steel Resonator guitars and lap/console steel guitars. Maybe Keytars as well...

[Quinarvy]

i think these guitars can be considered a new breed, although some will make good arguments otherwise... in a way, these are like updated keytars.

i played the variax a year or so ago. i wasn't very impressed, but i'm sure the technology will up to snuff soon.

I haven't played a Variax or Moog, but I played a VG Strat at the local music store and it was pretty sweet to play

[polishdog90]

And lastly, the Moog Guitar (http://www.popsci.com/mike-kobrin/article/2008-08/guitar%E2%80%99s-new-hero). This is like the Variax in it's tonal variety (plus Synth), but actually changes how the strings feel on the guitar to match the synth'd instrument (Banjo, for example.)

Ok, discuss.

Holy ****! That thing is insane. This could very well be the future of guitar and I wouldn't be surprised if we started seeing this in rock music pretty soon.

[WhiffleBallTony]

Well, MIDI guitars are the third and they've been used for quite a while. Adrian Smith and Dave Murray from Iron Maiden have used them a bit.

[DarkSide247]

I would say 5th if anything. You're forgetting Steel Resonator guitars and lap/console steel guitars. Maybe Keytars as well...
Don't forget Chapman Sticks and Warr guitars.

[Moogerfooger]

Hi Quinarvy,
This is Jason Daniello from Moog Music. I noticed your question (finally) and thought I would give you a bit of clarification as to what the difference is between The Moog Guitar and other guitar technologies. I would say that it is a fourth category of guitars. It's not a synth at all. There is no post processing involved in our technology, aside from the Moog ladder filter that is inside of the guitar. When in Full Sustain Mode, even when the guitar is not plugged into an amplifier, you can actually feel the strings resonating under your fingers. Then, when you go to the Mute Mode, the strings are physically stopped from vibrating. It's definitely a guitar like no other. It really comes down to string control. That's what we've tapped into here. Below is some verbage about what the difference is between The Moog Guitar and sustainers. That seems to be what most folks have compared it to, but when you play one yourself, you'll definitely feel the difference.
Thanks and all the best,
~Jason

What is the difference between The Moog Guitar and sustainers?

1.) The Moog Guitar Technology is not a sustainer technology but a Harmonic Control System.

2.) In Sustain Mode, The Moog Guitar is like a sustainer on steroids. Previous sustainer technologies are limited both in their power and responsiveness.

3.) Unlike sustainer technologies, the Moog Guitar has the ability to simultaneously "listen" and "control" each individual string at exactly the same point. This allows the control system to affect the string coherently. For each pickup and string, there is a unique control system that is optimized for those harmonics happening at that point in time.

4.) This "coherency" gives the Moog Guitar a sustain capability that is un-paralleled both in power and responsiveness. There are no frustrating lags, or drop offs. And the sustain from the Moog Guitar is DIRECTLY related to what is happening on the string at that point, so it is very organic sounding and gives a feeling of connection to the instrument that has never before been felt.

5.) Sustaining is just the stepping-off point for the Moog Guitar. The same ability to coherently give energy to the string can take energy away. This is revolutionary: the ability to MUTE a string (or strings) changes the very way the string reacts to the wood and acoustics of the instrument. It feels like a different instrument in your hands when in Mute Mode.

6.) Combining the Sustain and Mute modes gives us the never-before achieved Controlled Sustain Mode. Players can sustain single-note lines while the Harmonic Control System actively removes energy from strings that aren't being played. This allows fluid violin-like lines and counter-point that are not achievable with sustainers.

7.) The Harmonic Control System allows the player to affect different harmonics that are occurring on the strings in real-time.

8.) Because of the direct action of the Harmonic Control System on the string at the same point in space and time, the Moog Guitar fits perfectly into your playing technique, it responds naturally to the way you play - it becomes part of the acoustic nature of the actual instrument.

9.) The Moog Guitar expands the soundscape of the guitar in ways that no sustainer technology can approach. Like all Moog instruments, the only limit is the imagination and inspiration of the musician.

[Mystlyfe77]

This is exactly why I love the people at Moog.

[polishdog90]

the only limit is the imagination and inspiration of the musician.

And the price:eek:! I love the idea of this guitar and all the videos I have seen of it make it look awesome, but damn is it pricey. Is this guitar going to drop in price any time soon? If it does I will definately buy one, but right now there is no way I could afford it.