Fender RockBand Controller Mod

[nix808]

Hi,
I have modified the MIDI that the Fender Mad Catz Harmonix Rock Band Mustang and Squier output.
When I first acquired the Mustang, I was disappointed that open notes have infinite sustain, it is akin to having hanging MIDI notes with my playing style.
So I wanted to change that foremost. What I did here was make them ring out for 1.5 secs, then mute. This seems cool to me, no more fretting to stop the open sustain.
The Fender also transmits on 6 channels, for multi-timbral, I have made it transmit on 1 channel.
It pings the MIDI hardware also all the time, that has been quashed.
The Squier is more cumbersome in execution.
Enjoy the new MIDI mods ==>
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NWTAFm ... sp=sharing
(the 2 .exe s are Windows only)
Cheers, Nick -Phonics

edit: -it is Tobias Erichsen LoopMIDI you will want to do the routing with
edit: 12/09/2023 updated link and added Mad Catz Fender Squier .exe
==> will add source soon
edit: 11/01/24
updated link, it includes the source for Flowstone alpha 3484
if u want to dev with me, it is this v that we will use, as executable export is straightforward. In later versions it has become more convoluted

12/5/24 updated link to the file package with latest builds

[tapper mike]

Honestly if I could afford to I'd buy you a Linnstrument 128


https://www.facebook.com/bongiovanni.pa ... 246909230/

[nix808]

hey thanks mate!

--darn, I can't get Paul's video to output sound, other Facey videos have it, which is weird

I'm afraid I am sold on the guitar format for now,
it's going well, exploring my options
My big 2SYN project for Roland GK3 is successful,
I will try for lots of sustain soon,
it's analogous enough in it's 2 modes.

These Fender units are entertaining too
I'll make some demos shortly

- off to Youtube some Linnstrument though for sure
I gotta knuckle down and give the keyboard some time too

edit -looks like there is some cool Linnstrument on Tube,
hmm- maybe I could start to use it, the music is just endless in many respects
maybe Linnstrument is 'the' instrument in it's most basic form

I'm on guitar still atm though,
these Fender builds are wonderful imo

-these 2 projects are not perfect, maybe the rare errors are my software implementations
It's a little frustrating, I'm not ultimately frustrated by MIDIfied guitar

[nix808]

updated the download link with the current builds,
let me know if they aren't linking for you

hope you all love this!

-any comment appreciated

feel free to share the executables

[nix808]

Mad Catz.png

This is how I have the Fender MadCatz Squier modified atm

I'm amping on these 2 guitars

The Squier requires a breakout box for the GK3 into an 8 input soundcard,
on inputs 3-8
-Also the muting pad is adjusted so that the strings clear when open,
and mute when fretted

[nix808]

Mad Catz guitars.png

Here are these amazing guitars

[tapper mike]

While I'm happy for you.

I'm still playing a Linnstrument 200 and have no desire to play midi guitar ever again.

[nix808]

ok, midi guitar isn't very popular and I don't know why

I hope the Linnstrument is sweet fun,
and the music is enjoyed

[RunBeerRun]

Is that a rockband squier? I had one and it didnt really work and I returned it.

[nix808]

yes
I made it work nicely imo

it's expensive and difficult to do the 2 hardware mods,
the software mod is available in the first post of this thread

the hardware mod on the Mustang is made with an ice-cream container
and electricians tape(best brand so far is Tesa(it's more sticky)and available at Jaycar electronics),
it's cheap and easy,
-the soft mod is in the first post
The Mustang is a bit toy-like, but it is more simple and obtainable than the Squier

I couldn't get the Squier to work either to start with
the sensitivity pots in the battery compartment are not sufficient
I used a Roland GK3 pickup instead

[tapper mike]

ok, midi guitar isn't very popular and I don't know why

I hope the Linnstrument is sweet fun,
and the music is enjoyed

The Linnstrument
It's great fun and it's work. Well for me as I really want to master classically inspired cinematic music.

Midi Guitar.
I wanted to love it. I constantly doubled down on a bad idea and said... Next year it will be better and it never got better.

[Uncle E]

I couldn't get the Squier to work either to start with
the sensitivity pots in the battery compartment are not sufficient
I used a Roland GK3 pickup instead

Are you using the GK3 by itself or in conjunction with the built-in system? IOW, is the GK3 functioning the same as it would on any other guitar or is there something special about the Squier that makes it work better?

[nix808]

The GK3 just triggers note on and note off,
the fret sensors govern pitch,
in normal operation these machinations make it work nearly flawlessly,
on fretting string up it plays the lower fret when released slowly,
unless the nut isn't filed high.
The GK3 is a much better hex pickup (pup) than the built in white one
-it is good enough to write the on/off algo/logic for
The sensitivity can be on the soundcard volume pots

[Uncle E]

The GK3 just triggers note on and note off,
the fret sensors govern pitch,
in normal operation these machinations should make it work flawlessly.
The GK3 is a much better hex pickup (pup) than the built in white one
-it is good enough to write the on/off algo/logic for
The sensitivity can be on the soundcard volume pots

Innovative! Yes, the sensitivity has been a problem for me, as well. I usually use it in tap mode to overcome the issue. Too bad I'm on Mac and can't use your software.

[nix808]

ok
it's worth getting a win system for imo

-but there is the breakout box, soundcard and leads too
tisk, it is expensive and complicated

the Mustang isn't, just a midi lead and midi in is needed