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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
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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
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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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?)
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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
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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.
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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 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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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!
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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?)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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