[kstor]

Hey,

My brother got a 12' PB for college. He also plays the guitar a lot, and I'm thinking that's a great Xmas opportunity.

He has an electro-acoustic guitar but hasn't brought an amplifier. Basically, I was thinking of getting him some nice speakers and some kind of software and/or hardware to use the guitar with the powerbook. Budgetwise I'm fairly flexible, maybe around $100 for the speakers and the same for the other stuff.

For speakers, I'm thinking 2.1 since it's easier to set up in a dorm room, and that's all the powerbook can output without a usb soundcard. I have the Creative I-trigue 3300, which I like a lot. What else would you recommend?

For connecting the guitar, I'm open to suggestions. Is there any way to use the powerbook as an amplifier? How about recording/mixing software? Other suggestions?

Essentially, what would be a sweet setup for a guitarist with a powerbook?

Nick

[waxcrash]

You should get AmpliTube Live for your guitar effects. Runs in OS X. Download the demo and try it out.

If your serious, then get Degidesign's Mbox. It comes with Pro Tools.

[vancenase]

what specific cable(s) do you recommend to connect the guitar to the powerbook? (brand, model, where to buy) -- thanks!

[Fellow2000]

you need some sort or preamp to get line into the powerbook. If you just use a standard cable, then the input won't be strong enough.

I personally just use my multi-effects board as the preamp and then just use a standard 1/4 inch cable from the headphone out of the board into the line in of the powerbook.

I then use a couple of software titles. I don't need amplitude since I already have my effects, but I have heard great things about it. I use Apple's soundtrack and another program called sound studio that is open source. Sound studio is a great app, and it's free!

The speakers I use are JBL creatures and have great sound. They are pretty cheap, I think right around 100 dollars. I have a nicer speaker set that is 4.1 but I have them hooked up to my TV right now. These work great. I also have my amp plugged in, but like you said he does not have one yet so no matter.

here is a pic of my setup

[Crusoe]

I've used a Pocket Rock-It as a pre-amp for my acoustic-electric. Has standard headphone out so connecting to my mac with a 3.5 to 3.5.
$49 to $69.

A few ideas for pre-amps:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/.../search/c=6261

If the link doesn't work go to http://www.musiciansfriend.com
Guitar->Amps->Portable

Maybe getting BIAS Deck LT $99, to do some multi-track recording.

Rock On

[kstor]

Sweet.

Amplitube looks sweet, but am I correct to assume that it would be a lot less useful if you have an effects pedal? The same goes for the mini-amps, since the pedal probably does that, no?

Also, fellow2000, Sound Studio is shareware, not freeware, right? What do you use it for?

Thanks for the advice...

Nick

[Crusoe]

Some pedals do amp emulation and all have effects. Most modeling pre-amps specialize in creating different amp "sounds" plus have effects. Scoped out some more items on MF and found this little gadget

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/.../base_id/42689

[Fellow2000]

Originally posted by kstor:
Sweet.

Amplitube looks sweet, but am I correct to assume that it would be a lot less useful if you have an effects pedal? The same goes for the mini-amps, since the pedal probably does that, no?

Also, fellow2000, Sound Studio is shareware, not freeware, right? What do you use it for?

Thanks for the advice...

Nick

Yes amplitube is less useful because I already have all my effects. This works for me because I don't want to have to take my computer to gigs just to play. I use a multi effects board, the boss gt-3, so yes this does the effects and the preamp. It has a line out knob on it where I can set the total strength of the signal. Then I use the mono out to my amp and the headphone out to my powerbook.

I use sound studio for recording. I just like to record what I play sometimes. Then what's also fun is to record a rhythm for a certain time, play it back through the speakers, and then play a lead line to it.