Axe-Fx is not a permanent cure for GAS :-) (13 pin content)

aleclee

aleclee

Power User
After I got my "industry standard rig" (AF2, MFC, CLR), I thought that my only GAS would be for guitars. That was before the output jack on my Parker got wonky. It reads kind of like the children's book series If You Give a Mouse a _______. :)


  1. Parker Fly output jack goes south. Given the way older Parkers are wired, replacing the jack is not a trivial operation.
  2. If I'm going to go to the brain damage of replacing the jack, I might as well rewire the sumbich to make it more easily serviceable. I could hold on to the old parts just in case there are electronics issues with my other Parker.
  3. While I'm rewiring, why not add 13 pin output? It's not a big addition if I'm redoing the piezo. I'm also curious about guitar synthesis as a way to expand my timbral envelope.
  4. After selling off some gear, send Parker to iGuitar Workshop (i.e., Brian Moore Guitars) for electronics replacement.
  5. Agonize over what 13 pin processor to get. While the VG-99 has all the capabilities I think I want, the GR-55 has other compelling features that complicate the decision.
  6. After much consideration, I actually choose a GP-10 (bundled with GK pickup). There was a group buy deal that made it a (relative) financial no-brainer and it has some features that make it preferable to the GR-55. This turns out to be a solid choice. It looks like the GP-10 can sub for the "A" rig pretty capably (based on last week's rehearsal). That's a good thing since its only MIDI is non class compliant USB, making integration with the AxeFx rig a bit more challenging.
  7. More gear sells and I find a solid deal on a used VG-99. Proceeds from sale don't stay in pocket very long.

So to recap, as a result of a dodgy output jack, I end up adding a GK pickup to one guitar, upgrading another to have internal 13 pin output, a new GP-10 and and a VG-99.

I know that the GP-10 is a keeper. It's a fully functional modeler that can be used with non-GK guitars. Its cost and form factor make it a great backup/fly rig. It could conceivably become the center of my primary live rig. I rather like the idea of toting nothing more than a Parker Fly and a diminutive floorboard (smaller & lighter than my MFC/Mission board, let alone my rack) though preset management requires a bit more thought given the GP's limitations regarding random access.

If I do keep the AxeFx as the go-to live rig, it would probably involve using the GP/VG for guitar modeling and synth voices with most traditional guitar processing being done by the AxeFx. That would allow me to use presets to switch from a (modeled) LP in Drop B to a (modeled) Strat in Eb to the Parker's pickups (magnetic or piezo) in standard tuning. Since my band does use a number of non-standard tunings, that capability is pretty appealing. Unlike a Variax (unless used with a VDI-supported device), I can use MIDI to switch guitar models/tunings.

At least that's the architectural vision at the moment. My band will probably be going into the studio towards the end of the year so I have a little bit of time to figure this stuff out...
 
I know the feeling. I don't have amp GAS anymore, but my guitar GAS is in overdrive. I just bought a custom Carvin 7-String and other than it being a stellar deal, I have no idea why. I have sold a few other guitars, however.

The really weird thing is I find myself GASing for a SECOND AXE FX RIG. WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME BRAIN?!
 
Sidivan said:
The really weird thing is I find myself GASing for a SECOND AXE FX RIG. WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME BRAIN?!
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I was heading down that path but the urge got diverted into the 13 pin realm. I was looking for separate home & road rigs to simplify logistics and keep things tidier in the (spouse-approved) music gear takeover of the living room.
 
Precisely what I was going to do. When I had some issues at last week's gig, my wife looked at me and said, "If you had a second rig, this wouldn't even be an issue". That doesn't help.
 
"I swear I did not have GAS with this woman".. :))
Axe ULTRA/Fx2 cured me since 2011. I'm not the same man ah ah.
 
Sidivan said:
I know the feeling. I don't have amp GAS anymore, but my guitar GAS is in overdrive. I just bought a custom Carvin 7-String and other than it being a stellar deal, I have no idea why. I have sold a few other guitars, however.

The really weird thing is I find myself GASing for a SECOND AXE FX RIG. WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME BRAIN?!
Click to expand...

Post some pic's if you already havent, I would like to see that Carvin!
 
What does the gp10 do that the gr55 does not? I recently upgraded to a 55 from a gr33 because of the cosm. Then you picked up a vg99 which is another modeler. Since you're going 13 pin why not take advantage of the synth in the 55 especially if your frfr ( I'm assuming) with the AxeFx. Just curious.
 
Sixstring said:
Post some pic's if you already havent, I would like to see that Carvin!
Click to expand...

I literally just ordered it today. It's part of the Guitar Porn limited run of 50. Purple is my color of choice for the body. I'm struggling with Satin or Gloss and also the fretboard will be Kiesel treated Bird's Eye Maple, but I haven't decided between matching purple or a "baked" look.

It's a new finish called "California Burst". They've done literally 1 of them so far, which was finished today. It's black cherry over quilted maple with a natural center. Ours will be over Flame Maple. The center one is actual photos, but the surrounding are photoshopped versions.
 
gibvictory said:
What does the gp10 do that the gr55 does not?
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  • 8x8 USB IO (allows for "reguitaring" in addition to reamping)
  • Gapless preset changes
  • Availability of (official) computer-based editor

There are some GR55 advantages
  • PCM synthesis
  • More practical on-unit editing controls
  • Looper
  • Ability to play back audio from a USB drive

Since I had no interest in those features aside from perhaps the looper, the GP-10 seemed like a better option.
 
Hey guys ...I have the GR-55 and GK Strat and Axe FX II and run them both into the StagePas 500 and play them both at the same time ....some of the blended tones are pretty amazing...mostly the cleans like an acoustic on the 55 and jazz chorus on the Axe-FX together...However the high gain stuff isn.t all that great on the 55...so I tend to stick to the Axe-FX for that stuff. I asked some time ago if a 13 pin receptor to be put on the back of the Axe-FX so one guitar could play 2 Axe FX's at the same time but got a resounding NO...it would be cool though !!
 
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