Instrumental Values

Fishman Tripleplay Connect

- Chris Gill

EVER SINCE THE first commercial guitar synthesizers were introduced back in the mid Seventies, I’ve been fascinated by the possibilities of controlling non-guitar sounds with a guitar. However, over the years numerous idiosyncrasies of guitar synth design made that prospect not entirely ideal for me. From specialized guitar controllers and invasive pickup installations to bulky proprietary cables and rack- or floor-mounted sound modules, a guitar synth seemed more like a separate instrument unto itself rather than something I could easily and painlessly integrate into my existing gear rig.

Recently, Fishman introduced a few products that may finally convince even the most skeptical guitarists to explore the vast world of sounds that exist beyond our beloved six strings. The Fishman TriplePlay Wireless MIDI Guitar Controller came first, which offers a hexaphonic pickup and controller that communicates with software on a desktop or laptop computer. Fishman’s new TriplePlay Connect system goes even further for players who prefer the most compact and portable system imaginable, thanks to its app-based design. It’s also the least-expensive guitar synth solution I’ve ever encountered, costing about the same as a high-falutin’ boutique stomp box.

FEATURES