[NewsPoster]

Apple and guitar manufacturer Fender have collaborated to produce a version of the Squier Stratocaster aimed at beginning guitarists that features iOS compatibility, a USB port, and the traditional quarter-inch analog connector for $200 in time for the holiday season. The guitar includes a Type B mini-USB to 30-pin dock connector cable that is compatible with all but the most current iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models. Thanks to its compatibility with programs such as GarageBand, the guitar makes an excellent first or practice instrument.

Including the USB port in the body of the guitar saves performers the hassle of carrying an analog to digital (A-D) converter along with the rest of their gear. A number of companies make inexpensive analog to USB converters that work with any guitar, but having the capability built-in makes practice or jamming into an iPad or iPhone equipped with recording software quicker and easier. Users will need to purchase a $19 Lightning-to-USB adapter if they want to use the guitar with the latest iOS devices that feature Lightning ports. In addition to the quarter-inch output jack, the guitar comes equipped with a headphone jack for monitoring. Also included are cables for hooking the USB port directly to a Mac or PC. The Fender guitar is available exclusively through Apple retail stores.

[airmanchairman]

Awesome!

I'm looking forward to advancements that would enable MIDI controller capability for those of us whose guitar skills surpass their keyboard playing, as that would enable song input into GarageBand and similar apps with the Strat, in the manner of the KickStarter-funded YouRock Guitar (YRG), whose functionality rivals much more expensive guitar synth controllers from the likes of Roland and Yamaha.

[loudpedal]

The link to the Fender website didn't work for me. Thankfully it's given at the end of the video.

[simdude]

There was nothing in this article to indicate you could use this guitar as a MIDI controller. This looks just to be a built in analog to digital converter. That is not the same as sending MIDI data.

Back when I was in college (a good 20+ years ago), my final project for my EE degree was a pitch to MIDI converter so any analog sound could be used to drive a MIDI device. I will tell you, this is NOT an easy task. At least it wasn't back then. Perhaps today with FPGA's and such it would be much simpler but it's one of those ideas that's easy to get working 90% of the way and super hard to get the last 10% that change it from a neat science experiment to a usable music device.

[msuper69]

And of course, there's no left-handed version.

[FireWire]

"Apple and guitar manufacturer Fender have collaborated"

yet they didn't see fit to warn their collaborator about their new connector...

[Mr. Strat]

I'll pass. My Les Paul Custom is fitted with a GK-3 pickup to access a GR-20 guitar synth. The Squier line isn't too bad for being Fender's economy line, but I'll stick with my '79 American-made Fender Stratocaster.

[cartoonspin]

Yeah where is the lightning connector. Fail.

[lpkmckenna]

Originally Posted by msuper69 

And of course, there's no left-handed version.

That didn't stop Jimi.

[Sabon]

Reaaaaly? None of you have heard about the converter from 30 pin to lightning?

[chas_m]

It's a little curious that Apple didn't insist on the Lightning connector, but I guess in the interest of the most universal appeal, given the hundreds of millions of devices out there still using the 30-pin connector (plus, at a guess, Fender's interest in eventually bringing this to the PC market), miniUSB won out. Probably for the best at the moment.

Will be interesting to see if they produce a left-handed version. I haven't played a guitar in years and year, and might consider something like this for its low cost and instant connectivity just to try and de-rustify my meagre skills ...

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally Posted by Mr. Strat 

I'll pass. My Les Paul Custom is fitted with a GK-3 pickup to access a GR-20 guitar synth. The Squier line isn't too bad for being Fender's economy line, but I'll stick with my '79 American-made Fender Stratocaster.

Well, that's a lame Duh, ain't it now.

[some company brings out a budget controller keyboard with draw ars that works directly with GarageBand and Logic plug-ins]

"I'll pass. I've got a B-3 hooked up to a Leslie 760, and a A-100 running through a Leslie 145. The Doepfer line isn't too bad for being budget controllers, but I'll stick with my '68 American-built Hammond B-3."

No shit?

[Shaddim]

For those who want to use a real guitar (), Fender Mustang amps do the same thing (FUSE support) and they start at ~$100. I have a Mustang III and it's a killer practice amp.

<-- PRS and Les Paul junkie

[msuper69]

Originally Posted by lpkmckenna 

That didn't stop Jimi.

I'm no Jimi.