As I am getting closer to finishing the first build of my FretLab Lua extension for MG3, I am getting less and less impressed with the bright, thin sound from the (standard) GK2/Gk3 Hexaphonic pickups I am using. I do have a Graphtech Ghost Hexpander kit on one guitar, and I believe I get little more out of that, but it is far from satisfactory. So, my question is: Is there anyone in here who have tried the Ubertar or anything similar with a 13-pin out? Love to hear about your experiences.
I know this isn’t really sticking to your question, but there might be some possibility to apply equalization or perhaps impulse responses to the individual strings, if you need a timbral alteration.
Hi @Lofileif, I bought a 5-string bass pickup from him, but I haven’t installed it yet. For guitars, Paul Rubenstein has announced a new flat guitar pickup:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=39378.0
I’m not sure if it’s available yet, though. But I’m still interested in it for my guitar for now, as long as the single-string detection I suggested for standard guitars with magnetic pickups hasn’t been implemented—which, of course, would make this problem of the thin acoustic sound disappear immediately 
It is not just the actual audible output that is the issue here, I think. (Or Maybe it is?) But the thing I would be looking for when I am asking about any hexaphonic standard magnetic pickup, is what that would make for the input side of the Hextracker. Would it provide better dynamics? Better sustain - longer ringing notes. Would it make a difference for pitch shifting output quality? Can I use a NAM 2 profile directly for it without having to adjust the tonal/timbre content to the point where it affects the way these models are meant to work? For my own project, I need the six strings AUDIO separation obviously, but I would love to get closer to the warmth and dynamic properties of the standard magnetic pickups of old. I have wondered about your Hex inception a little, if that could be used for this, but I have had too little time left to investigate. The thing that would be most interesting if we are talking timbral alteration is to be able to get to the incoming AUDIO (from the GP-10 in my case) before it reaches the MGHEX tracker, to test a few things. Would your software do that?
I have seen that page, but there is very little information about it, so I was hoping someone in here had already tried out. The single string detection is not relevant for me here as I am using the string separation of the AUDIO as an integral part of my build.
Many of those questions can probably only be answered through experimentation.
Regarding my Hex Inception plug-in, that’s not its intended purpose and I don’t think it would be possible (…yet…) to achieve a particularly meaningful result for this kind of task.
But, it certainly has uses that I haven’t yet thought of… and right now, as I type, it is occurring to me that since Hex Inception has dual input paths, it would be rather easy to A/B test direct hex audio compared to processed hex audio, via the re-amp/re-synth mode using the included virtual audio driver.
The main purpose of the plug-in is not yet to individually process each string, but rather to facilitate getting 6-8 channels of divided pickup audio into multi-channel input audio plug-ins where the DAW won’t allow it. Secondly, to facilitate reamping recorded individual strings through the hosted plug-ins. There are only a few examples of such plug-ins on my radar at this point in time.
Exactly. I just wanted to see if anyone have already tried it.
I hope to be able to pick your brain on the possibility of coding something to this effect, or at least get to know why you have doubts. That is equally as valuable, of course.
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in a way, it is funny that this needs to be said. formerly we would gladly sacrifice audio quality in order to improve note detection. but it is 2026 and there are better options.
in addition to your key points (sustain, pitch shifting, nam2) i would like to know how any new hex pickup handles note detection when located at the neck.
in my view, the ‘common knowledge’ that a location next to the bridge is superior needs to be challenged.
is there truly a significant difference? if not, my strong preference is for the sound from my neck pickups.
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Hi @Lofileif, single-string detection for MIDI has already been proven to be technically very feasible for standard guitars with a mono jack, contrary to what all the critics and skeptics here in the forum have claimed.
Single-string detection for AUDIO is also possible for standard guitars with a mono jack, meaning the signal can be separated into 6 AUDIO stems (1 AUDIO stem per string).
However, with standard guitars using a mono jack, this involves separating the 6 strings in 6 AUDIO Stems of the same instrument. This requires new detection strategies and algorithms to handle this, unlike the usual audio stem separation. This is in contrast to Moise’s algorithms and others (which separate vocals, various instruments, and drums). I’ll comment on this later in another post.
Regarding your question about Ubertar: I reached out to Paul Rubenstein from Ubertar today, and there’s good news for you, too. Meanwhile, the new “slide-under-the-strings” type HEX pickup from Ubertar is now available from Vguitarforums, as mentioned in my link above.He write me today:
“ Yes, they’re ready! It’s just taking me a while to redo the website—I’m changing a lot of things.
These attach to the guitar via magnets to a pair of steel adhesive discs that you stick on the guitar.
The price is $150 USD; add $10 for a 7-pin inline jack that you can solder to; $30 if you want it pre-connected.
A 7-pin panel-mount jack is included free of charge *upon request*. "
Where?
Fantastic! Where can I read about the tests?
I would argue you need to extract six separate Audio streams from the single instrument AUDIO STREAM. That can of course be theorized about, but has it been done?
Regarding the Ubertar: the information I have been looking for is, how well does it in fact work with the 13-pin jack? It is not ideal, with its clumsy cable, but it is an established working way of getting audio into the computer, so I would prefer that over any other interface where I have to invent the wheel over again.
i don’t have any solid operational info, but i did wire a set of connectors for an uber using gumtown (??gumbo??) gk13 jacks and the levels were very solid, with little noise.
there were two pieces, one for inside the guitar, the other a breakout arranged in a rack mount panel. just straight wiring, no add’l electronics.
it got shipped to the end user, so i never got to try it out in my studio.
i think you can expect an easy, problem free installation.
i have a bass 4 channel uber pickup which is back in the box. this was from way back before mg3hex was available. i bring this up to say that the audio signal was superb.
it got shelved because 4 instances of mg2 required serious gating and treatment, the crosstalk was a big problem.
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Hi @Lofileif, @JamO was already very impressed with the single-string MIDI detection for Standard Guitar and Mono Jack from MIGIC Poly.
Here’s the video from MIGIC
And here’s the independent review by @Vaulnaemsae
Maybe you missed it, but I’d already written to you here about single-string detection for standard guitar with a mono jack:
Incidentally, the whole process naturally requires a very deep understanding of the theory of signal processing and neural networks, combined with practical experience in programming innovative algorithms and physical modeling.
That is why I am trying to make my modest contribution to this field, which @JamO has repeatedly appreciated. 
Interesting. 
No added electronics too. That is very encouraging.
Thank you 
Yes, I have seen that, but it isn’t the full fledged solution, I am looking for yet. I am missing vital stuff like per-note pitch bends (for one).
I am ready to have this discussion later on once the concept evolves, but as of now I would still deem it as a “verdict is not in yet” project.
My natural objection here is: why dump this in the lap of @Jamo? Why not go after this solution yourself. Now is as good a time as it has ever been for any of us with a fringe idea we want to realize.
Hi @Lofileif, the fact that single-string detection (MIDI) for standard guitars is now physically and technically very much possible (something that many here in the forum had previously doubted) is now an irrefutable fact, after MIGIC Poly convincingly demonstrated this technological breakthrough in its beta version.
Whether a beta version that doesn’t fully meet one’s own expectations is viewed as a “verdict is not in yet” project remains purely a personal decision for each individual user.
My suggestions mentioned here regarding single-string detection (MIDI+AUDIO) for standard guitars with a mono jack fall into the category of core features of the MG3 engine, the implementation of which—for good reasons—is reserved solely for @JamO
it was ‘gumbo’, you can find him on the vguitar forum.
the nice thing about his jacks is that they are pre-wired.
waiting a week is better than trying to solder a 13 pin connector, imho. going to the dentist? also better.
otoh, yet another single string detection rant? hand me the soldering iron.
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I’ve seen the name.
Thanks
Agreed, and then bear in mind I am an electrician 