Quote:

Richard sit down please! I totally agree with you.
Danny you are totally ingrained in a process that you like and works. I have a friend that does the same as you. The song must be 100% accurate to the record. PG programs will not suit you. I'd just buy the latest version of one of the programs you mention and continue on. Maybe a better sound module/s.
Just out of curiosity how much do you play out for money? The reason I ask is that in the olden days when I did all of my own parts and it sounded like the record I'd always get "Oh you're just doing Karaoke" so now I do the songs more to my liking while still staying true to the basic format. There is a calling for good cover BANDS that play like the record but just wonder if attitudes have changed about soloists doing that.

Nope I'm not "totally ingrained in a process that you like and works." (sic).

As discussed, if you read my posts in their entirety and take into account the topic of my thread, you'll see that your view of "totally ingrained" is a bit of a strawman. My goals are in fact dependent on musical context and choice of tune (s'cuse the argumentum ad nauseum).

OK, as to how to avoid the "Oh you're just doing Karaoke" syndrome:

I do a fair amount of improtu acapella
I do a fair amount of solo guitar
I do a fair amount of humor
When I did it on a full time basis I was totally wireless and would serenade the patrons at their tables
When I did it on a full time basis I would hand off my guitar to the patrons at their tables so that they could play it
Other interactive improtu antics

In other words there are many ways to not only engage the audience but to (at the same time) prove to them you are "real".

IMHO people do not go to local venues simply to hear regurgitated wank (regardless of whether it's note for note or approximations) they want to be entertained and engaged.