The newest trend to hit the modern day guitar is the introduction of USB-equipped guitars that plug directly into the computer's USB port. This technology (borrowed again from keyboard controllers) eliminates the need for the guitarist to use a soundcard to get audio into their recording program. You can now plug your guitar into the computer the same way you plug in a digital camera or an external hard drive. These new guitars differ in price and quality, but their application is breaking new ground in the way you can record your newfound guitar skills.

iGuitar

The Brian Moore Guitar Company was the first company to introduce the USB concept with its iGuitar (shown in FIGURE 17-9). The design principle was to just plug the iGuitar into the USB port on any computer (PC or Mac) and get direct access to any of your favorite computer-based recording program or guitar effects program. The attraction to the guitar is irresistible!

The benefits to using it are many. First, the signal from the guitar is what is referred to as a line level signal. This means that there is no need for an external audio-interface preamp. The second benefit is that there is no special software driver needed for the guitar to work with the computer. This is known as being class compliant. The third benefit is that the guitar is bus powered. This means there is no need to use a battery or A/C power supply. The Brian Moore Guitar is also a high-end instrument with many other features, such as a piezo pickup system for acoustic guitar sounds, and it is MIDI capable. But these features make for a high-end price. Since there are many models to choose from, you may want to look at the company's Web site, at www.brianmooreguitars.com.

Behringer iAXE393 USB-Guitar

The Behringer iAXE393 USB-Guitar (shown in FIGURE 17-10) is a high-quality electric guitar that comes with a maple neck and three single-coil pickups with five-way switching. A built-in connector allows you to connect your headphones straight to your guitar so you can jam with your favorite music already in your computer. This guitar also comes with Native Instruments' Guitar Combos Behringer Edition software pack which features their exclusive Tapedeck and Metronome racks. The Behringer iAXE393 USB-Guitar comes packaged with additional multi-track recording and editing software so you can record your music on the spot. You can jam with MP3, WAV, AIFF, and OGG songs or backing tracks on your PC or Mac computer.

M-Audio JamLab Personal Guitar System

JamLab (shown in FIGURE 17-11) is a compact interface that connects to your computer via a USB connection, and features a ¼-inch input for your guitar and ⅛-inch headphone/line output. The total package includes the GT Player Express software with guitar amp simulations and virtual effects boxes for EQ, chorus, reverb, and more. The GT Player Express software can also play standard audio files (WAV, MP3, etc.), and can even slow them down, which is perfect for practicing and easy learning. You also get the “Best Of” WAV drum loops from the M-Audio ProSessions Sound and Loops Library. You simply load the loops into GT Player Express in any order for an instant custom drum machine to jam with. It's an excellent all-purpose portable solution.

ESI USB JamMate UG-1

The ESI USB JamMate UG-1 is another USB-based electric guitar that plugs right into your computer or laptop. This guitar uses a proprietary audio technology driver called USB Instrument Manager. This driver and manager will allow the JamMate USB instruments to play along with other JamMate USB instruments, like bass and drums, powered by ESI. The UG-1 guitar also comes with a built-in headphone amp, and it functions as a standard electric guitar. It is compatible with Windows XP and Mac OS X and comes packaged with Amplitube Live amp simulator software.