Introducing Gibson's Dusk Tiger: A World Premiere!!

[Anderton]

As many of you know, I've been a big fan of both the Gibson Digital Guitar and of course, the Dark Fire. I was involved with Dark Fire in terms of doing presets for Guitar Rig, beta-testing the guitar itself, and working on the documentation; as that worked out well, I've become a sort of "outside objective person" for Gibson's high-tech guitar efforts.

Well, I was invited to Los Angeles at the beginning of October to be part of a focus group consisting of a bunch of guitar players like Zakk Wylde, Dean Parks, Steve Lukather, Alison from the Donnas, Rich Fortus and DJ Ashba from Guns 'n' Roses, etc., to check out what Gibson was going to do next. The guitar is called Dusk Tiger and while I don't have a ton of firm info on it yet, I do have some pictures (see attached) and Gibson is okay with me posting them here as a "sneak preview" to all you high-tech axe slingers.

It's still under development and I don't want to say too much, as features and specs are always subject to change. But basically, it builds on Dark Fire with many of the same features (Robot tuning, hex outs, RIP interface for use with computers, Chameleon analog tone technology, no digital modeling, bundled software, etc.) but with a simplified user interface. It has a different look compared to Dark Fire - reflective pickguard, somewhat different body shape, and an overall less "traditional" vibe than the DF. I played a prototype and it feels great. The electronics are a bit more streamlined compared to Dark Fire (e.g., less current consumption, replaceable battery) but the functionality is pretty much the same. Some of these changes may allow bringing in Dusk Tiger at a somewhat lower price than Dark Fire, but we'll see...lots can happen between design and production.

If you have questions I'll try to answer them but don't want to violate any confidentiality issues ("What?!? You told them about the anti-gravity flux transformator?!?") so please understand if I have to say "no comment" from time to time. I guess one obvious question is "So does this make Dark Fire obsolete?" to which I would say no. I have a great Dark Fire setup, the hex patches are tweaked for it, it plays like a charm, and I can't see giving that up. Dusk Tiger has some tweaks to the electronics that give different sounds, so I'll probably come up with a tweaked set of patches for it as well. What I expect based on what I've seen so far is that I'll use both guitars, but for different applications. I'm assuming that as time goes on, for some projects I'll reach for the Dark Fire, and for others, I'll reach for the Dusk Tiger...we'll see.

I'll keep you posted as much as I can, but it took a little arm-twisting to be able to post this info so I don't want to overstep my bounds . However, I really do appreciate that Gibson understands the importance of this forum enough to let me break the news here. These high-tech guitars have really changed how I play, the way I record, everything...it'll be interesting to see how Dusk Tiger progresses over the coming weeks.

[stratocaster202]

First questions first, what colours will it come in?

[randombastage]

Is this something that works with the Roland 13 pin output like the VG99?

[Karma1]

Cool - thanks for posting this preview!
I'll look forward to hearing more about it as it develops.

[hopiakuta]

Please, why have I been deleted? All that I've ever sent you are questions & comments about "Audio Engineering Society", & a reference as to which page had brought me here, originally. How is that a violation?

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/....php?t=2411730

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...php?p=37082822

[Anderton]

Originally Posted by stratocaster202

First questions first, what colours will it come in?

Remember, I am not a Gibson representative, but I believe the wood finish shown in the picture is the finish of choice. I suspect it's like Dark Fire, which came in the Dark Red finish but nothing else.

[Anderton]

Originally Posted by randombastage

Is this something that works with the Roland 13 pin output like the VG99?

This is not a MIDI or modeling guitar. If it works like Dark Fire, the way it achieves various tones is solely through analog means (coil switching, EQ, etc.) However, I believe it is like Dark Fire in that the output can feed into an interface that connects to your computer so you can access the multiple outputs in a DAW. The Dark Fire interface does have a 13-pin connector on the back for driving MIDI modules like the Axon. I use mine to drive an old Roland VG-8, which had gone unused for quite some time...but it worked really well with the Dark Fire, so I've been doing things like layering Dark Fire and VG-8 sounds.

[Anderton]

Originally Posted by hopiakuta

Please, why have I been deleted? All that I've ever sent you are questions & comments about "Audio Engineering Society", & a reference as to which page had brought me here, originally. How is that a violation?

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/....php?t=2411730

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...php?p=37082822

There's no violation, or you would have been banned or your account deleted. I don't remember deleting the thread in the AES report, but if I did, it would have been because your question had been answered and left up there for a while so you could see the answer. Or, we did have a serious problem with the forum software about a week ago, and several strange things happened - I don't know if there were other deletions too.

You are certainly welcome here!!! Please don't think that you did anything wrong.

[Umbra]

Please push them for a left handed version.

[Johnnyurq]

Originally Posted by Anderton

This is not a MIDI or modeling guitar. If it works like Dark Fire, the way it achieves various tones is solely through analog means (coil switching, EQ, etc.) However, I believe it is like Dark Fire in that the output can feed into an interface that connects to your computer so you can access the multiple outputs in a DAW. The Dark Fire interface does have a 13-pin connector on the back for driving MIDI modules like the Axon. I use mine to drive an old Roland VG-8, which had gone unused for quite some time...but it worked really well with the Dark Fire, so I've been doing things like layering Dark Fire and VG-8 sounds.

Mr Anderton you are indeed fortunate that you have a RIP to Roland cable as as far as I know there is only you and one other DF owner who have so far got this cable.

Would that we DF owners could actually get a RIP to GK 13 pin cable as nearly a year after the botched DF launch we are still waiting for Gibson to sell us these cables. Instead we are having to try and make "home brew" cables with less than stellar results.

When asked Gibson will not answer why the cables are not available and not even give a straight answer as to whether they will ever sell them or not.

Add the other failed promises of added features etc which are now vapourware to the list and I as an early adopter of this type of tech cannot see how they will ever get me and other DF buyers to spring for the Dusk Tiger, in case history repeats itself.

Gibson seriously need to get their act together as they are alienating the very buyers that they wish to sell this type of guitar to. Somewhat of an own goal in my opinion.

[elantric]

Would that we DF owners could actually get a RIP to GK 13 pin cable as nearly a year after the botched DF launch we are still waiting for Gibson to sell us these cables. . Gibson seriously need to get their act together as they are alienating the very buyers that they wish to sell this type of guitar to.

Well said Johnny!
Johnny and I purchased Gibson Dark Fire a year ago, based on the product describing functionality to drive Roland GK13 pin gear with the Dark Fire RIP Interface.

Despite countless repeated requests from Dark Fire owners, Gibson still will not provide a delivery date for this cable. - so at this hour this feature can not be used.

http://www.futureguitarnow.com/forum....msg949#msg949

Such a ground breaking instrument should be the highlight of a company's product line. It is represented as such based on the millions $$ Gibson spent on advertising, and beaming it on the great wall of China, last year and the Tower of London.






If only they had actually ordered the RIP to Roland GK 13 pin cable, Dark Fire Owners would be a happier lot.
Probably was not ordered because the Chinese tend to want "payment in full" prior to building mass quantities of custom cables.

Dont get me started about the other promised features which are still "missing" over a year after the 2009 Dark Fire press release.

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Elec.../Features.aspx

Gibson is already developing a range of audio equipment designed specifically to work with your new Dark Fire, some of which is already scheduled for release in early 2009, including a small transmitter module designed to work with Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing you the ability to connect wirelessly to your computer or laptop.

The bluetooth transmitter module never arrived.

RIP features: Another special output is compatible with guitar-to-MIDI converters from companies such as Axon and Roland, turning Dark Fire into an exceptional MIDI guitar.

The RIP to Roland Cable never arrived.

Combined, the two classic electromagnetic pickups and the piezo bridge pickup are wired in such a way to allow each individual coil to be used in a switching matrix, giving you over 20 separate combinations of tone and an incredible array of tonal possibilities.

The Configuration Tool Editor to access the 20 combinations available Never Arrived.

I've been helping fellow Dark Fire owners all throughout 2009 on a various user forums as "Elantric" - but Gibson has banned me over at their Forum several times - 3 month duration.
They just banned me again today, for simply providing a link to this thread over on the Gibson Forum.
In todays economic climate, I'll purchase products from companies that truly care about their customers, without insulting their intelligence.

http://www.futureguitarnow.com/forum...hp?topic=653.0

[Polaris20]

To be quite honest, it's hideous. I'll take a Godin anyday over that, personally. Without knowing the complete specs, coupled with the guy above me's post, and there doesn't look to be much enticing about Gibson.

[elantric]

I'll take a Godin anyday over that

Me Too!!
I love Godin's. (could have bought three of those for the same price as this new Gibson)

Godin or Brian Moore each have a long term High Tech culture within their guitar companies, and understand the requirements of working MIDI guitarists today.


Who on earth thinks silk screened Tiger stripes are desirable features for a $3500 guitar?




Between this Dusk Tiger, the Plywood Zoot Suit SG, and Hendrix Estate Strat Model - Gibson today exemplifies bad taste.

Coupled with promoting a "stillborn" Robot Acoustic
http://www.tronical.com/tronical/home.html

and now this new model for 2010, while remaining bugs and undelivered features still exist 11 months after the release of last years model (the Dark Fire) - Gibson's potential customers should be looking elsewhere.

http://www.futureguitarnow.com/forum...hp?topic=653.0

[Mats Nermark]

Hi,

This is a very interesting thread on so many levels. I will follow it with great interest.

Craig - will this be an item at the coming NAMM show?

Cheers,

Mats N

[Anderton]

Originally Posted by Mats Nermark

Hi,

This is a very interesting thread on so many levels. I will follow it with great interest.

Craig - will this be an item at the coming NAMM show?

Cheers,

Mats N

I don't know, but I assume so.

[Anderton]

As to the Dark Fire comments - I think Gibson itself would be the first to tell you that the Dark Fire launch was, shall we say, problematic.

I'm surprised the cable is not yet available because it was signed off on a while ago. I'll poke around and see if I can find any info.

Regarding Dark Fire, correct, there's no Blue Tooth option and as we all know, Gibson suspended production for several months to work out the bugs. However, I use the Dark Fire for what it is - a guitar that lets me express myself in a way I can't do with any other guitar. The hex outputs, RIP interface, direct FireWire connection, Live/Guitar Rig software package, multiple tones, and the like are not available with any other guitar I have.

But this is kind of the way I am with any product. I can look at any DAW and tell you what it's missing, but what it has is ultimately what matters - Ableton Live STILL can't record solo button presses, but it does so much that's so compelling for live performance I'll deal with the workaround. Dark Fire does something very important for me, as did the Digital Les Paul before that. I am willing to overlook any shortcomings because in my view, they are nowhere as important as the positive aspects.

That said, it seems that Gibson has learned from the Dark Fire experience, and from what I've seen Dusk Tiger is easier to manufacturer, more streamlined, uses standard batteries, will cost considerably less, etc. So, I have high hopes that Dusk Tiger will be in good shape out of the gate. In any event, we'll find out.

[elantric]

I'm surprised the cable is not yet available because it was signed off on a while ago. I'll poke around and see if I can find any info.

Please let us know the status of the RIP to Roland Cable, - as we Dark Fire Owners are in desperate need for this adapter cable to fully utilize our investment.
Thanks!

http://www.futureguitarnow.com/forum...hp?topic=653.0

[Johnnyurq]

Originally Posted by Anderton

I'm surprised the cable is not yet available because it was signed off on a while ago. I'll poke around and see if I can find any info.

Regarding Dark Fire, correct, there's no Blue Tooth option and as we all know, Gibson suspended production for several months to work out the bugs. However, I use the Dark Fire for what it is - a guitar that lets me express myself in a way I can't do with any other guitar. The hex outputs, RIP interface, direct FireWire connection, Live/Guitar Rig software package, multiple tones, and the like are not available with any other guitar I have.

Well I am glad that you may have further information for us regarding the RIP to Roland cable and I would be grateful if you could enlighten us as Gibson seem somewhat reticient to let us know either way.

Whilst I agree that on occassion we "early adopters" suffer prolems and glitches along the way but as you have said it is what the guitar does that is important.

On this point I have a real problem as the key feature of the DF that made me want and buy it was the fact I could use it with my main gigging rig which is centred around a Roland VG99. So the fact that Gibson trumpeted the RIP to Roland connectivity and so far have failed to deliver leaves a bitter taste for me.

If I suspected or knew that this feature would slip I would have looked elswhere for my "tech guitar" fix.

Gibson must also remember that us early adopters also buy traditional old school guitars too ( I have a few Gibsons) so if they fail to deliver nearly a year on plus they will not even engage with us as customers then they will lose more revenue than just the DF or DT and other tech guitars.

If they fail further in this then they will lose us all to their competitors and in the present climate I don't think even Gibson can afford this to happen.

[Umbra]

So the sum of this is don't go gibson if you want to drive midi?

[elantric]

Updated details on Dusk Tiger here:
http://www.futureguitarnow.com/forum...sg6874#msg6874