Question:
Hello all!
I'm new here, but not new to guitar. I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with the TC Electronic G Major in a live performance (live worship) setting? I've always been a pedal guy, but am moving to a more clean (as far as stage space goes) and programmable set up for live worship. I would use the G Major for my modulation effects, delays, and reverbs only. What do you guys think? Forgive me if this has been brought up before. Thanks!
Nathan
Answer:
the only user on here that I know of that has any experience with rack equipment, even the G major to be specific is 'ApparentlyNothing' (Jon). In fact I think he's considering one, or saving up for one right now. You can wait for him to answer or send him a pm.
Welcome to the boards!
Case
Answer:
Hey thanks, Casey!
I'm down here in the Ft Lauderdale area. Our church hired one of the ex-lead singers from the band Truth (actually the founder's son) and most of the players from his last album are moving down from Alabama to join him. He likes my acoustic playing, but I figured I'd better clean up/beaf up my live electric rig before a studio musician moves down and bumps me out with a more versatile rig!
I know that rack gear doesn't always have the mojo of pedals but I just need to be able to switch settings quickly on the fly.
Answer:
Did someone mention my name? Aww, I'm so flattered, I don't know what to say
Anyways.....
Originally Posted by Blarney Pilgrim Hello all!
I'm new here, but not new to guitar. I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with the TC Electronic G Major in a live performance (live worship) setting? I've always been a pedal guy, but am moving to a more clean (as far as stage space goes) and programmable set up for live worship. I would use the G Major for my modulation effects, delays, and reverbs only. What do you guys think? Forgive me if this has been brought up before. Thanks!
Nathan
Modulation, delay, and reverb? What else is there? Hmm, anyways, I have researched rack effects units pretty thoroughly, and here's what I know about the G-Major. Some people like it, others don't. A lot seem to think it just doesnt meet their expectations. Supposedly, it really colors your sound digitally, plus you don't have much versatillity in effects routing (only about 3 or so different arrangements that are set). Another thing, their is no dropout when switching between patches, but only if you keep the same arrangement of effects between the two. Otherwise, you'll have a space of silence when its changing. Supposedly the modulation effects (phaser, etc.) are average, but the reverbs and delays are really good. So if you are really looking at just reverb and delay mostly, its not too bad of a choice. But if you mostly use modulation effects, then perhaps look elsewhere. I actually have decided what effects unit I am going to get, hopefully within the next few weeks, and its going to be the Rocktron Intelliverb, which has incredible reverb, delay, 8 voice chorus, pitchshifting, and hush, but no modulation or any of the other bells and whistles the G-Major has (tuner, etc.). It costs a lot less (around $200-$300 on ebay), and it doesnt color your sound at all. So I've decided to get that instead and will add another unit or maybe some single pedals to make up for no modulation effects.
I know that rack gear doesn't always have the mojo of pedals but I just need to be able to switch settings quickly on the fly.
Actually, often times its quite the opposite. Rack effects tend to have a whole lot more versatility than pedals with a lot more parameters to adjust (for example, the Intelliverb has over 40 parameters for reverb alone, allowing you to "create" your own "room" to simulate natural reverb), plus most of them are easily MIDI controllably, as opposed to having to get a whole other unit to control pedals with MIDI.
That brings me to the question, what MIDI controller do you plan on using? Oh, and what other gear are you using? And what's your price budget? I'm assuming that since you're looking at the G-Major, you don't have the kinda money for a G-Force instead. But just want to make sure.
Oh, and welcome. Stick around. I like people interested in rack gear. Not enough people here are.
Answer:
Well, I purchased the G Major and received it last night. After a couple hours use, I think I'm pretty happy with it. I feel that the sound quality is pretty good. The boost functions sound like they will come in handy. I just need to spend some time with it.
Originally Posted by ApparentlyNothing That brings me to the question, what MIDI controller do you plan on using? Oh, and what other gear are you using? And what's your price budget? I'm assuming that since you're looking at the G-Major, you don't have the kinda money for a G-Force instead. But just want to make sure
Money wasn't really the issue. Well, it was and it wasn't. I think the G Force would have been overkill for my needs, and so it was not worth the money. Just to compare a couple of great guitarists, I would say my philosophy toward effects is more of an Eric Johnson approach (more organic) than say a Steve Vai (more processed) approach. That is a huge generalization but hopefully you get illustration. Now, that is my personal preference. That is not to say that I should avoid the digital world completely. I think this unit will help me add some sounds with greater ease than all of my stomp boxes.
My previous setup (until I got the G-Major) for electric guitar (and most of it still is) a couple of American made strats (one I wired as a "fat strat", the other with just humbuckers) which goes into a dbx 166 compressor then an old crybaby then a TS-808 then a Fulltone 2-Drive (whatever they call it) to a Big Muff (sometimes a RAT) to a Boss GE-7 EQ to a TC Electronic chorus to a an old (very cool) Ross phaser to an Ernie Ball volume pedal to a Boss DD-5 then to a Fender HotRod Deville (4 speakers-several modifications I've done to it) and use the amp reverb. This sounds great in the studio but I can't just go from one delay speed or phaser speed with the push of a button when playing live. Plus I hadn't bought a tremelo or some of the other features that the G major has.
I have the G Minor as a MIDI controller but have only worked with it for a night. Once I get the G Major all programmed, I think it should be a great live processor. I'm happy with the effects for a live situation. I think 80% of the studio work will still be done with the other gear.
Here is a short story of the evolution of my recent gear. Apparently Truth kept stage volumes very low, so that is the expectation from our band. So I purchased a SansAmp PSA-1 so I could go directly into the sound system. It seemed very versatile with pretty good sounds. I soon realized I needed something just as versatile and MIDI capable for effects too. So the new set up will be Guitar->Compressor->Wah->Fulltone Dual drive->Volme pedal->SansAmp with the G Major in the FX loop. Very clean and simple. (Again, this is mainly the LIVE setup for Sunday morning worship.)
Quite frankly, I was surprised to find that many churches AND touring acts are using the POD (which I was not a fan of). Even Lincoln Brewster is using it (I think on the MWS worship tour). I think that the SansAmp/G Major combo should allow for similar results.
Anyway, I could talk forever on this. Thanks for you input!!
Nathan
Answer:
If you find the G-Minor to be too difficult to operate and get to the patches you want, consider something else. I had a Tech 21 MIDI Mouse before, and it was a pain in the neck to switch from patch to patch on the fly, though I was using a preamp, not an effects unit. If you want to utilize all the MIDI potentials in the G-Major, consider getting a bigger MIDI board that can controll CC#'s. The DMC Ground Control Pro might be overkill for you, but you would definitly have all the control you'll ever need. Maybe just a Ground Control, or a Rocktron MIDI Mate. Or if you want to go cheaper and don't need CC#'s, but still want to be able to pick from a lot of patches on the fly, the Rolls MIDI Buddy is great. That's what I use now (until I upgrade), and it works awesome for me. 12 buttons, 10 for presets, 2 for banking up and down. It's really incredibly easy to use, and they go for real cheap on eBay too. I got mine for around $70 I think (it was a while ago, I dont really remember).
Bottom line, its awesome that you like the G-Major. Like I said, most people either really like it or really hate it. It seems to be more a matter of taste. Keep rockin.
Answer:
Thanks for the suggestions on MIDI controllers. I definitely want something bigger and easier to use.
I really like the G-major the music for Sunday morning worship, but it isn't "in your face guitar". More like the Hillsong and other Integrity recordings (what a surprise! That is the label we record under!) But for guitar driven rock, I'd stick with mostly stomp boxes and tube amps.
Later!
Answer:
Nice. Yeah, the G-Major is good for a simple, straightforward rack multieffect. One of the good things about it also is it's very simple to set up and get workin. It would be perfect for beginners to rack effects if it cost a little less. But it's still a great first rack effect unit since it's very easy to program. A lot of rack units can get very very confusing, with algorithms to program, parameters to adjust, and MIDI patches to map. It's a good choice. Congrats and have fun with it.
Answer:
Well, I just wanted to give you guys an update on how the G Major worked. I programmed a few patches for the 12 songs we were doing (we normally don't do that many but this was a big Sunday). I basically used the delays, reverbs, tuner, volume boosts and output mute. This was a dream for my live setup! The boosts were awesome for the solos. Got lots of compliments on the solos! The output mute was super. I could tune with no one hearing. I could leave distortion pedals on before a song without the noise that they can create. (Sound guys typically don't like noise coming from your rig. If it is too noisy, they just cut your volume!) The delays and reverbs did their jobs, giving me nice dreamy volume swells for softer songs. If I only used these features, the unit was totally worth it. However, I think the modulation effects will be convincing enough for live settings. By the way, I was using the little G Minor for navigatin around the presets. I can't believe how 5 little features made a much smoother live performance.
I'm happy with the way things are turning out and just wanted to follow up!
Nate
Answer:
Awesome man! Welcome to the world or rack! Hope you stick around and get a little deeper. Have any more questions, I'll try and answer them the best I can.
Answer:
Hey guys I just came across this site on Google, and, I must say it looks like a great site
I am a Christian who plays worship actively in norway, and I travel around to larger worship seminars and happenings here in Norway.
I read some of the posts on this topic, and I thought I'd drop in a reply, not even knowing if this discussion is still going on
I have actively used the G-major in my rack setup together with (not to boast, just for information) a Marshall jmp-1 preamp, Marshall EL34 stereo amp and two Marshall 1912 cabinets for about a year now. I must say that it fills any need for chorus, delay, or reverb I have ever had, and the sound quality is extreme. An aditional note is that it doesn't color your sound at all (read www.tcelectronic.com)...
It works awesome, I think, especially for worship settings, as it can make any sound you hear of U2, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Sonicflood... I greatly recommend this piece of equipment. For it's price it is awesome. there are few that are better, actually, in the world right now.
Drop me a e-mail with questions if there are any... Been playing for a while and might have some answers...
Humbly in Christ,
Mathias
Answer:
Yessssss, another rack user! Hey man, I have a JMP-1 also. How's it treating ya? My small, but growing rack consists of a power conditioner, a Marshall JMP-1, and a Peavey Classic 50/50 power amp, going through a custom Splawn 4x12 with G12H80 speakers. I'm gonna get a Rocktron Intellifex or Intelliverb hopefully soon. Have you heard of it?
Answer:
Hey Apparently,
How does that power conditioner work for you? Describe that in your setup. I'm considering getting one but am just not sure if I really need one. I haven't had any noticeable problems up to this point without one. My rack portion of the rig consists of a dbx 166XL compressor, the G Major, and a SansAmp PSA-1 which is only used in situations where I'm not mic'ing a combo amp.
Oh, and a little update on the G Major in my rig... I'm still using it for most of my delays, reverbs, tremolos, phasers, etc. but am still using my T.C. Electronics chorus pedal for chorusing. The G Major has great chorus but I still prefer the pedal version. And also I use my DD-5 in series with the rig for interesting effects along with the Major's delay. I think I am still going to use my Ross phaser once it gets fixed. I think I have some leaky capacitors but I'm not sure. Can anyone recommend someone who can check this out? Anyway, you know how a rig is constantly evolving so that is just an update on its evolution!
Nate
Answer:
The Jmp-1 is treating me well. It does create exactly the sound they say it is supposed to create: Marshall valve sound... And I must say I love it, but I do, however dream of maybe going over to a mesa boogie triaxis for a broader sound (more options, not only the bluesy marshall sound). There is a slight click when I switch channels between clean and dist. and obviously some noice on high gain dist. But nevertheless, I find it a very good pre-amp.
How is your Peavey Classic treating your Jmp-1? Must be a quite cool combination! The Peavey Classic is great at the warm clean sounds you, well, only get in a peavey classic. Have not used the intelliverb or intellifex myself, but as you probably know; by reputation rocktron makes quite good, sturdy guitar effects. Have you conscidered Alexis or MPX, though? Their reverb units are very good as well, and they are probably more known as the "big old" reverb effects processors
Give me an update if you get one!!!
God Bless
Answer:
Originally Posted by Blarney Pilgrim Hey Apparently,
How does that power conditioner work for you? Describe that in your setup. I'm considering getting one but am just not sure if I really need one. I haven't had any noticeable problems up to this point without one. My rack portion of the rig consists of a dbx 166XL compressor, the G Major, and a SansAmp PSA-1 which is only used in situations where I'm not mic'ing a combo amp.
Oh, and a little update on the G Major in my rig... I'm still using it for most of my delays, reverbs, tremolos, phasers, etc. but am still using my T.C. Electronics chorus pedal for chorusing. The G Major has great chorus but I still prefer the pedal version. And also I use my DD-5 in series with the rig for interesting effects along with the Major's delay. I think I am still going to use my Ross phaser once it gets fixed. I think I have some leaky capacitors but I'm not sure. Can anyone recommend someone who can check this out? Anyway, you know how a rig is constantly evolving so that is just an update on its evolution!
Nate It's a relatively cheap power conditioner I got from a local music shop. It's a Rockson Power 8 or something like that. It seems to do the job though, so no complaints. I personally think it is almost an absolute necessary to use a power conditioner of some kind with your gear. For one, sometimes you dont know the quality of the outlet and the current you'll be getting. If you own expensive gear, its simply one of the best and easiest ways to protect your investment. Furman is pretty much the standard. The PL8 is a good looking one that isnt too expensive. If I were you, I'd look in to getting a power conditioner simply because you never really know. Power surges suck, and you can easily damage a product if you plug in without at least some sort of protection. Power conditioners are also convenient since you can simply put it at the top of your rack and plug everything in the back, then you only have to plug in the one cable from the power conditioner to an outlet as opposed to several.