In this section we will analyze everything concerning a personalized setup. The term setup is the coupling of the guitar with the effects and amplification. First of all, lets take a quick look at the term midi which is the system of communication used between the various pieces of digital equipment.

MIDI

The MIDI is an acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a system of communication created for the purpose of allowing the exchange of data and commands between various synthesizers. The MIDI is standardized by almost all musical instrument manufacturers, in that one brand of equipment can exchange information with another brand of equipment (not only in brand but also in functional characteristics). Also for the multi-effect units typical for the guitar, the MIDI can create different setups for different equipment, which is fundamental in the construction of your own personal sound. The exchange of information is done through special inputs and outputs (Midi in - Midi out - Midi thru) present on all equipment that allows the exchange of data, and are connected using special Midi cables. Its best not to connect more than four or five units, due to the possible loss of exchanged data, even if it is possible to increase the number of connections if only program change information is passing. Let's analyze the MIDI connectors (also called outlets or jacks).

• Midi in. The data of interest, such as program changes or specific controls for the internal programs, is sent to this connector coming from other equipment and/or a Midi pedalboard.
• Midi out. The data from the equipment leaves this connector to be sent to other Midi units.
• Midi thru. With this connector, an exact copy of the Midi in signal can be sent externally. The connections are usually these: the Midi signal is sent to the Midi in connector, while other equipment is connected to the Midi thru jack. In many cases the Midi out and Midi thru jacks are combined as a single outlet (Midi out-thru).

As you can see in the above graph, I have assigned a Midi channel to every unit. For example: unit A communicates a specific piece of data for C on channel 3 while it is communicating another for B on channel 2. Doing so, there is no risk to send incorrect (or useless) information to the various connected units. This system is very useful due to its easy management of a complex rack system.

Basic Setup

A basic setup can be identified as the coupling of guitar - amplifier. In most cases this is sufficient to create a good sound thats not very versatile, but simply adapted to a musical genre, depending on the constructive philosophy of the guitar and the amplifier. This was a common system in the 1950's and 60's, mostly because the electronics for todays common effects were not developed yet. But in some cases this system is even used today, thanks to the return of typical sounds from the past, which are not easily obtainable even with modern and complex rack systems.
So if you want to obtain a classical sound (a typical Rock & Roll sound for example), all you need to do is combine a good semi-acoustic guitar (such as a Gibson 335) with any valve amplifier. Today many manufacturers have vintage models in their catalogs.
Back in the 1950's, guitarists were looking for new tones, and they found them thanks to the use of the pedals . In the next page we will analyze the setup based on these type of effects.