|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,125
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,125 |
I found this very interesting. I didn't know they went this far is setting up a guitar or bass.
https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/plek-pro-the-holy-grail-of-guitar-setups-from-sweetwater/?bsft_aaid=25a4fa8f-620a-4b0d-b6f2-ea0e81d35698&bsft_eid=79ff8bcf-3450-4178-9722-6550c78d86e7&utm_campaign=20240810-insync&utm_source=insync&utm_medium=email&utm_content=b&bsft_clkid=b8fa2667-0059-4d52-b00c-9d1530666671&bsft_uid=c59eda56-eaf2-4b29-a204-a7376e895658&bsft_mid=2662e535-ac14-47b0-a818-559512fbc40c&bsft_txnid=4748b71f-7a7a-4cdc-82c0-aae72dba2b2f&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_ek=2024-08-10T18%3A00%3A08Z&bsft_lx=22&bsft_tv=16
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,291
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,291 |
Cool video, had not seen the Plek process explained so well. They DO charge $299 for this upgraded setup (+ more to include the nut), but for a lot of folks it's no doubt worth it. I do my own setups and fret work, and make my own nuts and saddles when I need to. It's somewhat labor intensive, even with the right tools, but I find it relaxing and quite satisfying. Sad thing is, many (maybe most) guitar players will never play a properly set up guitar, but it can make a HUGE difference...
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,901
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,901 |
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,291
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,291 |
Forgot to add...Sweetwater is my 2nd favorite customer service organization, next to PGMusic. A few weeks ago I ordered a small item for $10 shipped that got lost in transit. I had a human being, located in this hemisphere, on the phone with me within an hour of reporting the issue. And he followed up, without prompting by me, twice before the package arrived, and THEN followed up to see if I was satisfied with the purchase. Aside from the delivery not including Sweetwater's usual free Ziploc of candy(!), I was. They also call me every now and then to ask me how my music is going. A little weird, but cool...
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,125
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,125 |
My experience with Sweetwater is very similar. After every purchase they have called to make sure I was happy with said purchase. I haven't ordered anything in quite awhile though. Either I really didn't need anything or when I wanted something I was broke. It is usually the later!
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,952
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,952 |
I don't know... Many guitar companies now do this with all of their new instruments. I certainly would check with the manufacturer before paying another $299 for a service that may not be necessary.
Never having subscribed to the idea that action should be as low as possible, the PLEK process has never interested me — even though a couple of luthier friends have owned their machines since 2012 and I could have it done for free by friends who work there. I've seen it in action and had it done to one of my Gibsons.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,901
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,901 |
My experience with Sweetwater is very similar. After every purchase they have called to make sure I was happy with said purchase. I haven't ordered anything in quite awhile though. Either I really didn't need anything or when I wanted something I was broke. It is usually the later! I agree, I've purchased from them (telephone order) and they've shipped to Australia and followed up with the delivery and customer satisfaction questions.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,413
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,413 |
Yep,
My boss asked for a good example of a successful online company and Sweetwater just popped out .. they do it right.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,291
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,291 |
I don't know... Many guitar companies now do this with all of their new instruments. I certainly would check with the manufacturer before paying another $299 for a service that may not be necessary... Did a Google search and the AI list of manufacturer's who Plek was surprisingly long. Won't paste the response since...well, it's AI and almost certainly wrong. But checking is a great idea. Sweetwater uses the "Plek Pro" process which adds a string tension simulator, but I don't know if Sweetwater will sell you a "Plek Pro" upgrade for a new guitar that comes with a "Plek". That would be a little weird. Per a quick scan of their website, Martin uses the Plek Pro process on all their USA and MIM instruments except the Authentic Series...
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
I bought my Guild Starfire V from Sweetwater a few years ago. The box arrived with a hole about the size of my thumb in it near the upper bout. I put my finger in the hole and it did not seem to be around anything but packing. I called my rep immediately. We planned to wait the usual 24 hours before opening the box. (One of the longest days in my life.) The full plan was for the rep and one of their techs to conference call after the call.
When I opened the box, there was a second box inside. The guitar was in a hard shell case in the second box. And, the guitar and case were perfect.
The packing saved the guitar from any damage. I called the rep back and he still put a tech on the call to make absolutely sure I did not see anything wrong with the Guild.
A while later I took the Guild to Sweetwater for a general setup and they agreed whatever put the hole in the box did no damage to the guitar. (I live about a 4 hour drive from the store.)
As for Plek, I am not sure I would do it. A lot of manufacturers already do it before they leave the factory.
Sweetwater is great!
...Deb
Last edited by DebMurphy; 08/11/24 02:15 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
I don't know... Many guitar companies now do this with all of their new instruments. I certainly would check with the manufacturer before paying another $299 for a service that may not be necessary. \ Correct - I believe Martin uses a PLEK machine for all their "lower end" guitars (with the higher-end ones done by hand by proper luthiers) - learned this from a Martin representative back when I worked in a big guitar shop. I think Fender does this to some extent as well. That doesn't mean an instrument that has already been PLEK'd or properly set up in the past wouldn't benefit from being PLEK'd again - wood changes and flexes over time after all.
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 08/12/24 04:14 PM.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,618
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,618 |
I'm actually quite surprised that the PLEK machine doesn't do the polishing as well. Perhaps the makers felt it wasn't necessary?
I rather suspect that many guitar makers will use it, even for the high-end guitars, as it replaces the tedious process of getting the frets set correctly. For those higher-end guitars, a proper luthier will likely still do the final tweaks and polish.
An instrument with steel strings will gradually wear the frets, so they'll gradually go out of fettle as a matter of course. At what point that suggests a repeat process is probably personal preference.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,494
Posts792,664
Members39,901
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean