| Author | Message | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 33 Registered: 6-2009 |
Any Updates? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7406 Registered: 6-2000 |
Still working on stuff. I know it's agonizing when it's soooo close to being finished. We had originally planned on bolting the RMC saddle to our saddle, but frankly, when they were all lined up, it looked a little worse than wonky. So my dad came up with a more refined integration, here's the first test fitting:  We've machined a pocket in our saddle, and are anchoring the RMC pickup in that pocket. This was just a test fitting, and there's more sculpturing to do to the saddle to make it look better - but this a vast improvement over the hobby-esque first version. There's a good chance I'll be meeting Richard from RMC this weekend. If we don't cross paths, we've pledged to get together in the next week or two to iron out some of the final hurdles with the project. He's very nice to talk to! | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 36 Registered: 6-2009 |
Hey Mica - in the above pic, where is the RMC saddle? I see the Alembic saddle and bridge... | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 37 Registered: 6-2009 |
Oh I think I see what you mean, in that space between the bridge pickup and the saddle, under the overhang of the strings is the 'pocket'. There's no RMC there yet... | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1420 Registered: 11-2004 |
Neil, I'm going to take a guess here, but could be WAY wrong (that's happened before  ). I see the Alembic bridge with a square brass block for a saddle. The Alembic brass isn't polished in the picture, whereas I think the piece from RMC is the shiny piece the string is resting on. I think what they've done is cut a slot in that duller brass saddle and inserted the RMC piece (the string is resting on it). Sounds like their plan is to sculpt and shape that 'square' saddle to make it look better based on Mica's comment above. | ||
| jcdlc72
Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 99 Registered: 11-2009 |
> > > > ...and it's going to be the most awesome pickup integration I've eve seen in my life... I have some Piezo bridge saddle pickups in one of my basses, and while they doesn't look half bad, this workaround is WAY better... and a hell of a job just to think on how to do it! > > > | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7408 Registered: 6-2000 |
Toby - you guessed well! I'm really pleased with how this is turning out, because like Juan Carlos, I've seen lots that look pretty good, but we needed to do better. Here's a little visual aid to confirm we've all got the same picture in our minds:  | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 38 Registered: 6-2009 |
Wow... | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 761 Registered: 4-2004 |
This is a great collaboration, and I hope everything works out so that the RMC saddles become the default synth option vs the Roland GK pup..... Imho the RMC system tracks much better! | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 39 Registered: 6-2009 |
Hi Mica - How goes it with this guitar? Did you get a chance to speak with RMC and get everything worked out? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7423 Registered: 6-2000 |
We didn't meet up that weekend, but he and my dad will be talking on the phone by the end of the week. Later, I'm trying to host a get together with Richard from RMC, Rick from Skyway, and my dad. I can't wait to see their three minds chatting away. I will have to videotape it. Meanwhile, the bridge is coming together really nicely! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2013 Registered: 5-2009 |
It is really exiting to see these concepts and refinements in development. | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 41 Registered: 6-2009 |
Any new developments? Terry at Guitar Showcase told me he's been calling this guitar the 'Super Darling' for sometime now. He actually forgot about me (Neil), and just remembered the name 'Super Darling' haha. (Message edited by neilvg on September 01, 2011) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7456 Registered: 6-2000 |
Got all the parts from RMC and dad is busy integrating the electronics now. Next week hope to have all the saddles done. Moving right along here. | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1302 Registered: 12-2004 |
(bangs bottle on table) Pics! | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1039 Registered: 5-2002 |
Another round for my friend here! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7474 Registered: 6-2000 |
Should be some pics soon, dad has his behind the scenes stuff all done so Bob and crew and get the bridge physically done and ready for gold plating. That will make the distinction between the RMC saddle and the Alembic bridge even, well, less distinctive. I suppose it's easier to say they will blend in together even better when the metal finishes match. | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 918 Registered: 6-2004 |
Neil, what sorta of interface/controller are you gonna use with guitar? | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 42 Registered: 6-2009 |
I've been looking into this. What do you guys suggest? Obviously there are the Roland options, and I'm more interested in synth sounds and even triggering high quality computer based samples (cellos, etc..). So a good controller that will convert the pickup into recognizable midi for use with software samplers would be perfect. Even though it is unlikely that I would be taking this guitar out on gigs, a standalone controller with built in sounds is also practical in many situations too. So a device that does both. I have seen some older devices but what newer devices are out there other than the Roland options? | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4946 Registered: 7-2004 |
Neil: If you decide to consider Roland options, I have experience with the GR-20 and GR-33, if you have any questions. Love your guitar. I've already spoken with Mica about retrofitting the RMCs in my Further. I have RMCs in my modded Fernandes Masterhand and they kick ass on the Roland pickup. I inquired about RMCs on my Further when it was built, but it just wasn't doable back then. Bill, tgo | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 919 Registered: 6-2004 |
This looks cool. http://www.rmcpickup.com/fanoutbox.html | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 43 Registered: 6-2009 |
bump | ||
| osoloco69
Member Username: osoloco69 Post Number: 63 Registered: 9-2005 |
These are the two best currently for 13pin conversion. Take that midi signal into ableton live and run a vst synth. http://www.keithmcmillen.com/stringport/overview http://www.axon-technologies.net/index.php?name=EZCMS&menu=1&page_id=1 | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 44 Registered: 6-2009 |
Nice! Yes this is what I have been looking for. I use Pro Tools and have a bunch of software synths and samples - this is exactly what I am looking for. | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 792 Registered: 4-2004 |
Neil, There's a few of us just as anxious as you to see this guitar finished, and hear the results!!!! I personally like the tracking when the RMC pickups are paired with the Axon converter. The RMC fan-out box would be a nice addition, and really makes the most of the hexaphonic system. Imagine if this stuff was around back during the Wall of Sound days?!?!??? Check out this box for your samples, VST/RTAS plugins, etc etc~ http://www.museresearch.com/ While I'm partial to a handful of sounds on my Roland GR-1, when the time comes I'll probably buy a Receptor. But the voice on my other shoulder wants to dabble with all the cool analog boxes coming out w/ Midi In capabilities (kind of a one step forward, two steps back approach).~ http://www.moogmusic.com/products/phattys/slim-phatty http://www.tomoberheim.com/ http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/products/tetra/ | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7503 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's some of what is going on with your guitar. These pictures are not of your instrument, but of the test pieces. First we drilled small access holes for each pickup's cable to meet the electronics:  These meet up with a channel behind the bridge pickup. Then, we add a recess so there is full range for intonation and plenty of strain relief for the cables:  This recess is completely under the bridge. In this test pic, it's a bass bridge, but you get the gist:  So all that means your guitar is headed back to spray to seal up that recessed area. By the end of next week I should have a pretty good idea about how much time it needs to stay there. We're really almost there, and I'm happy to say that the function and beauty are not interfering at all with each other. | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 45 Registered: 6-2009 |
Thanks for the info and pics guys/Mica. The links for the midi information are very helpful. It looks like there are a lot of options that utilize the capabilities of the RMC. Once the guitar is complete and I get a system/rig up and running which complements/makes the most of it, I'll definitely have to post some pics/samples - especially relating to how well the tracking and blending (the RMC with the Alembic) performs/sounds. | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 46 Registered: 6-2009 |
any updates? | ||
| neilvg
Junior Username: neilvg Post Number: 47 Registered: 6-2009 |
Bump | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7534 Registered: 6-2000 |
I know your guitar is in the drying room, and I will peek at it tomorrow. Then I can get an idea of when it's going to be ready to rub out (the final step in the finishing process). Right now it's too stinky in there from this evening's spray run to venture in there. |
