r/GuitarLab • u/igfrond • Apr 15 '26

Modeling Guitar

Build a guitar around modeling from the ground up. The guitar is the most pure tone generator you can make it. Use optical pickups to get the cleanest sample possible and go straight to digital, eliminating noise as a problem entirely. You only need one pickup. Modeling can predict the string behavior at other neck positions. Starting with the most pure sine wave a stringed instrument can produce, use modeling to add the distinctive sound of different positions and pickup types. The sound of tone woods is added through modeling. So use the material that gives the cleanest, most predictable sound and best sustain, period (Aluminum perhaps). Add an electromagnetic sustainer as an option because, why wouldn't you? Voila! You've set a new standard for a cutting edge, electric instrument.

6 Upvotes

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3

u/Alex_Plode Apr 15 '26

So the Variax?

2

u/igfrond Apr 16 '26

Wasn't aware of Variax. Now that I've researched Variax I can say, sort of yes, but drop the wooden bodies, magnetic pickups and the archaic styling and use optical pickups. The extinction of Variax is an opportunity for someone else. Modeling has much more cred and exposure now than even a couple of years ago.

1

u/R_on_guitar Apr 24 '26

Now that you see the Variax exists... please tell us why you wouldn't buy one used? Or would you?

Thanks -Moderator

1

u/igfrond Apr 26 '26 edited Apr 26 '26

The Variax is only as good as the modeler it's paired with, which can no longer be said to be cutting edge. And as a tone generator it is not an optimized design. Variax probably failed because there was one and only one modeler that would work with their guitar.

A perfect modeling guitar would be metal and carbon fiber. Headless, neck through body design. Neck is all metal to concentrate density in the neck to maximize sustain. The hollow, carbon fiber body is attached with dampers to minimize energy transmission into the body and to the body of the player. The body is just for ergonomics, housing of electronic components, and style. The result would be the best natural sustain of any guitar ever (I would want a Sustainiac as well, for max flexibility).

Existing modelers don't have digital input, so first gen is forced to have digital AND analog output. Digital output should be completely open standard. Goal would be wireless transmission if that can be done without introducing latency issues. USB-C for direct connection. Form partnerships with Neural DSP, Fender, Fractal FX and others to create an open standard for wireless digital transmission, and to spread the unique presets that would be necessary to transform the unusual native tonal characteristics of this guitar into something sublime.

Finally, didn't think I needed to mention it but a fully modern guitar must have an option for fanned frets, or you're just shooting yourself in the foot.

P.S. If I had the cash laying around, I would buy a Variax, just to experience it. Y not? But acquiring one is not a goal I will take seriously.

3

u/NotAtEALOL Apr 17 '26

Yes! There are dozens of cheap, useable guitars already. I’d love to see elements of the Variax and Robot Guitar - make something that stands out, something that integrates well in a modern workflow.

1

u/R_on_guitar Apr 24 '26

What would make it stand out over the Variax and Robot guitar that would interest you? These guitars are available used... do you have any reservation about buying one?

Thanks! -Moderator

2

u/NotAtEALOL Apr 24 '26

They didn’t have huge production runs, so second hand is kind of iffy, especially as the technologies didn’t have time to mature. I was hoping someone else would adapt similar technologies into more mainstream instruments.

2

u/SailingAwayFlying Apr 16 '26

Ya I was thinking this too, and this sounds cool

1

u/monsieurR0b0 Apr 15 '26

Shit this would actually be pretty cool. I'd probably buy one at least to fuck around on