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Topic: Anyone know about a SteelTrack Midi device? |
Bob Maickel
From:
Floral Park, NY
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Posted 8 May 2001 3:41 pm |
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I've come across a device with a 12 string Midi pickup that was apparently an early version of, or a competitive device similar to, the famed Steel Rider midi contoller. This unit has a DB 9 connector (unwired), ribbon cable wired to the pickup (not wired to the DB9 connector where it belongs) 2 RS-232 ports and a 1/4 inch phone jack, where the normal steel guitar pickup plugs in. There is also a cable with an RS232 plug on one end and a Roland synth plug on the other. There is no power cord or on/off power switch. The documentation is vague. The label on the cover of the unit reads: SteelTrack by Charles (Could this be Pee Wee Charles?) EATS MIDI.
The unit was distributed by EMP Inc. of New Berlin, Wisconsin with an invoice date of 1988.
Any info on the value and operation of this device would be greatly appreciated. |
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Peewee Charles
From:
Waterloo,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 10 May 2001 8:23 am
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Hi Bob,
Yes, this was the initial dinosaur "steel midi" device. When I was touring with Gord Lightfoot I felt a need for the steel to be capable of doing more, as this was the time steel players were losing jobs to keyboard players. As well, working with Lightfoot, it allowed me to reproduce full string orchestrations to support Gord's style of music. I had a midi pickup made with 11/32 spacing & ran it into thr Roland Gr700 midi guitar unit. As the unit was only capble of 6 strings, you were able to select which voicings you wanted depending on your circumstance by switching connectors. I had the opportunity of being a clinician, demonstrating the Steeltrap at the NAMM show in the early 80's sequenced to a rack of gear. It was the initial start & was very limiting. The next step led to working with IVL & Digitech developing the Steelrider. The Steeltrap is a dinosaur & there were very few produced. I had the wonderful opportunity of presenting the Steelrider to many of the pros in Nashville at Bobby Seymours store & meeting some of my idols. They certainly are great people! Unfortunately, it was a very niche market & to produce them was not cost effective. It served its purpose at the time & was very rewarding to myself. I understand there are people working on developing the technology again & I wish them all the best, it was a dream come true for me at the time. Now, I'm back to tradion & enjoying it! All the best!! Peewee(Ed) |
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Bob Maickel
From:
Floral Park, NY
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Posted 10 May 2001 5:09 pm
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| Thanks so much Pee Wee! So glad to hear from you and receive your reply. Is it worth trying to get this device to work? It seems to be missing some parts. None of my Midi gear seems compatable with the SteelTrack. |
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Peewee Charles
From:
Waterloo,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 14 May 2001 8:54 am
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Hi Bob,
As mentioned, this is a dinosaur & I would say no to trying to get the unit working, as it has so many limitaions & parts would be hard to find as well. Also it is only compatible with the Roland unit. All the best!
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Michael Brewer
From:
Carrollton, Texas
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Posted 18 May 2001 6:53 pm
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Bob,
For your info, I now have midi systems for ten and twelve string steel guitars in production. I presently have six units (three tens and three twelves) in test. Some time in June they will be ready for delivery. I have not set a firm price as yet. These units use the standard Roland 13 pin system and are compatible with Roland, Yamaha and Axon converters. I plan to complete 40 units in this first production run. I will be in St. Louis for the show. If you want to talk to me about it, my number is: 228-255-7675.
Mike Brewer
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Mike Brewer |
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