How complicated is using realstrat

[tsm181]

I'm considering purchasing realstrat, but I have questions regarding the amplifiers. I am currently using real guitar 2L and love it and I have heard that the two are similar in their operations but I have never worked with any sort of amplifiers, and I am wondering how steep the learning curve will be. I know that amplification is very important in achieving the right feedback and the right electric guitar sound. Will it take a while to develop these sorts of skills or is this program as friendly to keyboard players as real guitar. As you can tell I am a novice with these vst's so any help would be very appreciated. Thanks.

[Steve]

I'm not a guitar player either. I'm a little overwhelmed with all the keyswitches, features, etc. I just figure that much more flexibility once I do figure it out. As far as the amps, I just go through all the presets until I find one I like, then maybe tweak that. I wouldn't let not being familiar with amps stop you.

[zumbido]

Concerning the 'amp simulators'...

I primarily use GuitarRig. I start by going through the presets. I can always find something useable right away. As the mixing process proceeds, I'll 'tweak' the preset. I don't usually do too much to the original setting other than fiddle with the treble knob - I'm lazy.

I've used AmpFarm, SimulAnalog (FREE) and the included AmpliTube 2 DUO that comes with RealStrat. They are all really good and easy to use right outta the box.
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RealStrat and a '59 Bassman.

[J van E]

Same story over here.

RS is a lot like RG2, but you've got some more keyswitches to get certain effects. But when you simply TRY all of them, you will understand the use of them soon enough. And if not, just ask.

About the amps: it is as the others have said! I have Guitar Rig 2 and simply let RS play while I select various presets until I hear what I want to hear. Simply doing this can give you real nice ideas for other tunes btw! I also hardly ever change the presets: things I do most is change the sound with some treble knob or change the stereofield (when I want a certain sound to be wide or sounding left and right). That's it. (But I have to say GR2 has a lot of presets, so that helps...) There hardly is a learning curve when you use ampsims like this.

[musicman100]

Zumbido and J van E a little OT but looks like you "like" Guitar Rig?
I just ordered GR 2 software only with a free upgrade to GR3. Can I assume you both find enough to either use a preset or create a nice patch? One thing I hope is there is not an overabundance of "heavy metal" crunch... Can you dial up a nice compressed sustain type model?

[J van E]

[playz123]

Re. "GS"...well, as additional information I'm really really happy with the full version of "Amplitube", and suggest that either GR or Amplitube are almost essential if one is to experience the full potential of RealStrat. RS on it's own is excellent, but it just comes alive when plugged into a plug-in like Amplitube. RS does take time to learn, but it's an enjoyable experience, and reading the manual and trying out the various switches, effects etc. as one reads really helps. My problem was watching that I didn't go off on a tangent for an hour, just playing something, while also trying to learn the things described in the manual I also think that the more one works with RealStrat, the more realistic your sound should become. It might also help if one had some experience playing a real guitar, but it's certainly not necessary. Just use your ears to listen as well as using your hands and feet to play RealStrat and you should be fine.

And I must also say to Sergey and others: what an excellent product you've produced. I haven't a clue how RS is programmed or any of the technical details behind it, but obviously is it a complicated process, and I congratulate the entire RS team for producing a superb product that works so well, and is a pleasure to learn and use. Thank you so much. Great job!.............................playz123

[Sergey_MusicLab]

playz123 and all!

Thanks for kind words about RealStrat, we really made a lot of work to develope it.

Note that our users' opinion, feedback, questions, etc. are of great help for us because the endless possibilities of our RG/RS MIDI engine allow implementing thousands of useful things but all the time we have to decide where to stop in order not to overload the instrument
Currently a dozen interesting features are realized but hidden for future updates...

Regards,
Sergey
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MusicLab Support.

[zumbido]

"Currently a dozen interesting features are realized but hidden for future updates..."

I like hearing that! Pick up selector, maybe?

I've used RealStrat on a dozen productions. Each time it gets easier, better and bigger.

I usually figure out a Key Switch or other feature on a 'need' basis as I go along. The first thing I did when I got RealStrat was to look at the Key Switch Menu - RS does it all.

I'm having GREAT success using RealStrat to reinforce existing guitar tracks. I think this'll probably be my main use. I had done that quite a bit with RealGuitar.

Trying to emulate or recreate existing guitar parts is probably the best way to learn both RealStrat and RealGuitar.
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RealStrat and a '59 Bassman.

[J van E]

Well, maybe it's about time for a feature request topic then...!

I can think of three right now:

- KS that initiates (configurable) bend up at any time
- KS that initiates (configurable) bend down at any time
- KS that gives a (configurable) 'fall' (slide down to no particular note) at note off

To tell you the truth: that's about it... I really can't think of any oher things I am missing! So I really wonder what that dozen holds in store for us!