Question for the guitar geeks

[Clams]

My son is asking for a USB cable to attach his guitar to an apple laptop so he can use Garageband. Can someone recommend a decent cable? (by decent I mean one that won't break after a month).

Also, would he be able to plug the same cable into an ipad, or would I need a separate one for that? Thanks.

[Tequila Cowboy]

My son is asking for a USB cable to attach his guitar to an apple laptop so he can use Garageband. Can someone recommend a decent cable? (by decent I mean one that won't break after a month).

Also, would he be able to plug the same cable into an ipad, or would I need a separate one for that? Thanks.

Depends on how much you want to spend. I've heard good things about Apogee http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/jam.php and it will solve both the laptop and iPad issues. $99. Under that I think it's probably risky and I'm not sure if there is a cheaper solution that will handle both.

[beantownbubba]

I hope this doesn't sound obnoxious because i really don't mean it that way, but isn't this just the sort of thing the young man should be figuring out for himself - you know, hanging out at the guitar store, talking w/ other players at school, reading the specialist magazines, etc? As a non-player, I always thought that's what being part of the "fraternity" of those who can was about.

[Clams]

I hope this doesn't sound obnoxious

OBNOXIOUS

I hope this doesn't sound obnoxious because i really don't mean it that way, but isn't this just the sort of thing the young man should be figuring out for himself - you know, hanging out at the guitar store, talking w/ other players at school, reading the specialist magazines, etc? As a non-player, I always thought that's what being part of the "fraternity" of those who can was about.

He did find one for himself, on Amazon, but it costs about $10, has no reviews and appears to be from one of those cheapo vendors, probably somewhere in the darkest depths of china (no offense intended if anyone here is chinese). It'll be a piece of crap and I'll be buying another one in about a month. So bubba instead of busting my balls can you please do some research and find me what I need.

[beantownbubba]

I hear the apogee one is pretty good and should meet your requirements.

[Clams]

I hear the apogee one is pretty good and should meet your requirements.

I knew that was coming. Thanks for your help.

[Tequila Cowboy]

Seriously Clams, I just did a ton of research on this for myself and I think the Apogee is your best bet as something that will work with both. Tascam makes one for $49 that will only work with the iPad/iPhone and there are some cheap USB solutions for about $25 but if you're going to spend $75 why not spend $99 for one well rated unit? After that you have to start getting into the full multi channel interfaces for $149 and up.

[dogstar]

Call me old fashioned but aren't you supposed to plug an electric guitar into an amplifier?

[Tequila Cowboy]

Call me old fashioned but aren't you supposed to plug an electric guitar into an amplifier?

Garageband has virtual ones.

[Clams]

Bubba and dogstar, remind me NOT to buy you guys a drink (or late-night waffles) the next time I see you.

[psychobillycadillac]

I'll second the reco on the Apogee unit, there's not much point in spending more on just a cable and the Apogee allows for gain level adjustments. The next step from here is to look into a more specialized interface and software setup, but for just using Garageband to create and record music, jam along with tracks and have the ability to export the file data, the Apogee works just fine. As for plugging into an iPad you will need a 1/4 to mini cable or use a device like one of these - http://www.peavey.com/products/ampkitlink/ I use this for late night jamming so that i don't wake the family, you can put your headphones on and crank as loud as you want and all anyone else would ever hear is the sound of an electric guitar being played unplugged.

[Clams]

I use this for late night jamming so that i don't wake the family, you can put your headphones on and crank as loud as you want and all anyone else would ever hear is the sound of an electric guitar being played unplugged.

Thanks man. ^^^^^ that's important since Junior now stays up later than me.

[psychobillycadillac]

I use this for late night jamming so that i don't wake the family, you can put your headphones on and crank as loud as you want and all anyone else would ever hear is the sound of an electric guitar being played unplugged.

Thanks man. ^^^^^ that's important since Junior now stays up later than me.

The only thing to be careful of is that they give you only a very basic set of options for amp and pedal effects with the initial purchase. If memory serves me you get a Peavey Valve King amp (sort of a Marshall sound w/out as much crunch) a noise limiter (basically a supressor) a tube screamer style drive pedal and an option of vibrato or reverb settings. If you want more amp choices or effects pedals you have to purchase them in the iTunes section of the app. I've had to fight the urge to upgrade my sound library and keep reminding myself that it's a practice tool and I already own most of the real versions of the app versions of the sounds.

[pearlysnaps]

I haven't used the Apogee One, but I do own the Duet. Similar thing, but mine has two channels. It is easy use, reliable, and the sound quality is excellent.

[alicedmillionaire]

I use the Apogee Jam, and I really dig it. Works well for my home recording. The Apogee One has a built in mic and two input/outputs, I believe. Jam is less expensive (maybe a 1/3 of the price) and is a straight in/out connector. After watching the vids you post, I would at least buy the Jam. He has talent and seems dedicated. Reward his hard work!

[Given to Fly]

I've used the Lightsnake for a few years now w/garageband. Never had a problem with it. Probably the only guitar cable I could say that about. $39 at Target (as of a few years ago). If Clams Jr, just wants to screw around with garageband, I'd recommend it. Can't beat the price.

I use the Lightsnake to get from my 8-track to the mac. I've plugged it in directly as well. Sounds great.

http://www.soundtech.com/products/home- ... /stusbg10/

[RolanK]

I've been using Steinberg-Yamaha interfaces (got both the CI2 and an MR816) . I really like their pre-amps/AD converters. Perhaps not that important for only recording elctric guitars, but nice if you want to record with mics (vocals, accoustic guitars and such). Also comes bundled with Cubase if you want an alternative to Garageband/Logic.

[RolanK]

Call me old fashioned but aren't you supposed to plug an electric guitar into an amplifier?

Garageband has virtual ones.

I think you would be surprised to know how much of todays music is recorded using amp simulation. Perhaps not everything in a song, but a track here and there.

[danger8504]

Call me old fashion, but I only plug my guitars into tube amps. Wish I could help, but www.proguitarshop.com could have something or at least give the best suggestion for a good quality USB cable.