by Bryan Bergeron, Editor
DE VELOPING
PERSPECTIVES
MIDI INTEGRATION
If you’re a regular reader of this column, you know of my
affinity for working at the system integration level as
opposed to low level circuit design. I see it as a natural
progression of anyone involved in electronics. After you’ve
built a solid foundation of principles and components, the
challenge naturally migrates to applying your understanding
of circuitry to some practical task.
My latest integration project is building MIDI controllers
in the form of electric guitars. Although
the Musical Instrument Digital Interface
(MIDI) standard has been around for
years, only recently have affordable
MIDI drivers and matching synthesizers
for guitars been available. The project
in the accompanying photo is that of
an electronic Fender Telecaster which I
built using a MIDI interface board from
Roland Corporation. The black MIDI
pickup sensor is visible in the photo,
just beyond and parallel to the
magnetic pickup.
When I plug the guitar into an
audio amp, it sounds like an ordinary
Telecaster — perhaps with a bit more
resonance, in part because of the
cavities drilled through the body for the
MIDI electronics and cables. However,
when I plug the guitar into my Roland
guitar synthesizer, I can play percussion
or wind instruments, or anything in
between.
Unlike a traditional magnetic
pickup — which combines the signals
generated by the six magnets and wire
coils interacting with the six steel
strings — each string has a separate
pickup for MIDI. As a result, you have
much more control over how signals
are mixed and sounds are ultimately
synthesized. Of course, it takes much
more to make music than being able
to pluck a virtual note on a harp or
harpsichord, but it’s a start for someone with a modest music background.
If you’re thinking of exploring the
world of modern MIDI controllers and
guitar synthesizers, I wouldn’t suggest
taking a router to your favorite guitar,
especially if you’re unfamiliar with
working with guitar bodies. Instead,
start with a relic guitar or start from
scratch; amazing second-hand
components are available on eBay. I
chose the latter route and picked up a
8
May 2009
