Modeler and profiler for blind guitarists

Hi,
About ten years ago, I thought I would get back into my guitar playing again. So I bought an amp with physical nobs and sliders, and it had stuff like distortion, reverb, and other stuff like flange etc.. It was a micro cube ampp, and it was really small. I never wanted a big amp or stage amp or anything like that. I got a jack lead with a 3.5 end because I wanted to connect my amp to my computer, so I could play along to my mp3 files and stuff on YouTube. I can't remember the exact setup, but it worked. I think I had 2 leads, one that plugged into my computer and amp, and the other to plug into my amp and guitar. I don't know what these modeller and profile things are at all. I've never even heard of something like this. I had a distortion pedal and a wah pedal back in the day too. I played guitar from the late nineties until the mid 2000s, and never really got into technology and using this stuff. I just used my foot to control the pedals. Quite a few years back here on Applevis, I saw an app in the app directory where you could connect your phone to your amp, and get effects that way. Maybe you could search the app directory here on Applevis. I really can't remember what it's called now. Maybe you could look into audio interfaces? Apparently you can connect stuff to them, and download effects or something. And try asking on audiogames.net in their off-topic room, there might be musicians there. The amp I bought about ten years ago didn't have or need any sort of app to work, it just worked! Maybe you should look into an amp that doesn't need an app to work or investigate audio interfaces and connecting stuff to them.

Not gunna lie, there's nothing wrong with going old school in fact, I'd recommend it if you're just playing at home. Ya don't need all these modeling amp sims however with that being said, they're great if you don't wanna have to lug big amps on stage and instead have everything stored in one box / pedal and you just wanna plug everything in FOH. I've got the line6 helix HX stomp and it's not a bad unit, however software could be better by far but if you know how to get around with OCR, it's not terrible, there's no IPhone or IPad app for this though, kind of wish there was one. I know a friend who's able to do a ton with the line6 helix software and he uses it quite well.

I think the issue is that these days everybody wants an app for everything. I have even seen posts on here asking for an app to run a slow cooker. A slow cooker! So yeah, I would also agree that you do not need to have an app for something like this. Although, I can see the potential convenience of a working app for certain situations. 🤷🏽‍♂️

But, at the same time, it's frustrating to know that Fractal products, which are like one of the most expensive guitar gear out there, aren't accessible for the blind.

I am absolutely envious of all of you who can actually play a guitar. Something I have always wanted to learn, along with the violin, but never had the opportunity to do so. Maybe in my next life… 🤔

NP, I don't know everything about the line 6 and fact, been trying to get in contact with my buddy to see if he's got tips for me on how to better navigate the software side of things. I'm only using the onboard software. There are a ton of shortcut keys though two so I guess that helps some what.

That’s interesting that you said the katana app library is accessible. I’ve looked at the katana MKII a couple of times, but dismissed it because I have the boss ME90 and the app for controlling that via Bluetooth is not accessible at all. So I feel your pain and frustration. I also tried the Spark app awhile ago, it was clunky at best, not completely unusable but not a great experience at all. I wish there was a way to get our voices heard in this market.

Hello.

In the 90s I had just enough sight to use digital rack mount equipment. Technology was amazing for the time.

When I came back to guitar in 2020 I wanted to use digital gear, but I haven't found a way.

My compromise is to use a Fender Champion II 50 with a couple of pedals in front of it, depending on what sound I want.

Hi Vainer,
Sorry you didn't like the micro cube. Here on Applevis under the music category of the iOS app directory, there's an app called AmpKit. https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/music/ampkit-guitar-amps-pedals At the time it was posted it was apparently accessible with VoiceOver, but who knows what it's like now. Maybe you could give it a try.

Hi All,

I've used Ampkit Plus on both my iPhone & iPad. It is completely accessible & works very well. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, it hasn't had any updates or additions in years. To bad, as it's great!

I, currently, use a Boss Katana MK II Artist, with the Boss Tone Studio software & the Xsonic AirKat with it's 3RD party Katana Librarian via bluetooth on my iPad. Both setups work great. But, I really like the AirKat, as it's librarian unlocks secret or hidden amps.

I have a link in an eMail, somewhere in my email client for some youtube videos in which Phil Muir demonstrates access to the Kemper Profiler as a blind user. Also, last summer I purchased the newer model of the Fender Mustang GTX 100. It's App is completely accessible & works well via bluetooth. Unfortunately, it's WIFI connection was problematic in my house. This is necessary to backup, download &/or update the amp. I nearly cried, when I took back to 2ND amp to Guitar Center. I loved the clean tones that much.

Hope all of this helps,

CJ

Vainer,

Here's a link to Phil's youtube play list....6 videos...on using the Kemper Stage with Rig Manager & a screen reader. I hope it helps!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtjtUb8_B9LD5ukMfd22CkNsEZTLJjLpC

Troubadour

Agree. I love music and wish I was born with the talent of playing it. Even as a sighted could not understand paintings romantic period and others. Also have a lady friend who is blind got a guitar and would like to play it. Any app or info for lessons? Keep warm all.

When I wrote about Ampkit, Boss's Katana & the Kemper Profiler; I forgot about another accessible Multi Effect Processor that's accessible. Zoom's G6's IOS app was, actually, written with blind user's & Voice Over in mind. Unfortunately, they didn't include the flagship model, G10, in their thinking. But, the G6 is pretty good.

This is on my radar for a soon to occur purchase,

Troubadour

Have you considered Bill Brown's www.musicvi.com? Hundreds of audio lessons for blind musicians. Also, a lot of the material is on NLS's BARD, if you have access to that service. There's a series for beginning blind guitarists.

Troubadour

For those interested in learning, apart from Bill Brown there is TrueFire.
https://truefire.com/online-guitar-lessons-cc
Their platform is pretty good with a screen reader,, or at least they were when I tried it a few years ago. The beginner courses tell you about finger positionings, strings, and frets to play, so good for a blind guitarist. I tried their website and their iOS app, and they were pretty good. There were a few unlabelled things on the app but it was OK. The website worked the best with Firefox on Windows. I'm suggesting TrueFire because it focuses a lot on rock, whereas Bill Brown is more country and bluegrass stuff with some rock thrown in. TrueFire has a lot more genres to choose from.

Actually, Bill Brown has more Rock & Blues titles than anything else! Might want to check it out again.

Thanks, just checked out the site again. There are in fact way more rock tracks than I realised.

No problem. &, just a reminder, if you have access to BARD, a lot of those titles are there.

All the best,

Troubadour

Personally, I do not think I am capable of learning a strings instrument at this stage of my life. However, I have a blind lady friend who is trying to pick up the ukulele. Maybe she could benefit from one of these websites, or BARD, as she does have access to that. 😆🎸

Brian,

If she has BARD, then Bill Brown's title, "ukulele for the Visually Impaired" is available to her. It's a full introductory course for a beginning blind player of the instrument. All the best,

Troubadour

I will let her know. 🙂

So there are two versions of this book on BARD:
1. Intro to Baritone Ukulele for the Visually Impaired by Bill Brown.
2. Intro to Soprano Ukulele for the Visually Impaired by Bill Brown.

Any recommendation on which one she should get?

Thanks in advance. 😅

Brian,

Depends on which Uke she has? Ukulele's are broken in to 4 types. I.E. soprano, tenner, concert or baritone. If memory serves me correctly, the first title is for soprano & tenner. I think concert Uke, also, falls in to this catagory. Baritone Ukes are, basically, the same as the highest sounding 4 strings of the guitar. Again, it's been a while since I looked in to this subject, so do some investigation.

All the best,

Troubadour

Thanks! I will let her know. 😌👍