Looking For Feedback... New Tab Program!

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 10 Aug 2001 5:40 pm

I've been working with the folks at TablEdit to come up with a workable program
for 10 string E9 tablature with notation. Below is a sample of what
TablEdit has come up with so far. I think it looks pretty good! I want your
opinions/ feedback. Matthieu Leschemelle at TablEdit is working very hard to
accommodate we picky pedal steel pickers! He wants to hear from you.

The sample below is the first line of Beyond The Reef from my new 16
EASY SONGS package Shameless Plug!. What you see is TableEdit's version of my arrangement. I sent Matt
a copy and he put this together. (There is a tie missing on the A note at the end
of measure 4 to the A note at the beginning of measure 5).

Matthieu tells me that the numbers and letters could be placed in the lines
instead of on the spaces. I think that's a good idea, since that's what we are all
used to. In addition, there is audio in the program, so you can hear what
you just entered. I did not link the audio file to this post.

If you have any ideas or opinions please email Matthieu Leschemelle at
matthieu@tabledit.com and post your ideas here. He's
looking for input from us. Thanks!

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www.dougbsteel.com

[This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 10 August 2001 at 06:42 PM.]

Joe Delaronde · Post by **Joe Delaronde** » 10 Aug 2001 5:58 pm

Doug
Correct me if I'm wrong or mixed up.
Will it make tab if you enter the notes or will it make notes if you enter the tab or will it do both?
Will various tunings & different copedents be be possible?
Thanks
Joe

Pat Burns · Post by **Pat Burns** » 10 Aug 2001 6:00 pm

..just at a glance I find that the notation makes the tab much easier to hear in my head...I've read notation since I was a kid, and especially for voice I can quickly look and hear in my head where the music is going...that's always been the shortcoming of tab for me, I can't "visualize", or hear in my head, where the music is going with tab...this makes it clear to me where the tab is going...

...aside from the intervals, it makes the timing clear...tab doesn't do that at all...

...how about including the lyrics under the notation if there are vocals, that would put the icing on the cake..you wouldn't even need an instrument, you could just play it in your head...

...I like it a lot...
[This message was edited by Pat Burns on 10 August 2001 at 07:33 PM.]

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 10 Aug 2001 6:06 pm

It looks very professional. It would work better on the Forum if it wasn't quite so wide, though. We have to allow for the Author column on the left side, and for the fact that some people are still using 640x480 screens.

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<img align=left src="http://b0b.com/coolb0b2.gif">
 -b0b- quasar@b0b.com 
-System Administrator

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 10 Aug 2001 6:07 pm

That's nice Doug. Very clean!
I have also had email communication with
Matthieu. One suggestion I stressed was to compress the Notation with the tab close enough so that it would be possible to get at least 4 lines of each when printing to 8 X 11 stationary.
Another suggestion I gave him was to use #'s
and "b's" both single and double instead of letters for pedals/knee levers. This is more universal and would apply to any tuning etc.
(b0b's idea which I think has a lot of merit.)
I still look forward to the day when we can disperse with the tab and just incorporate the music staff with notations/hinting for the frets and pedal changes.
I have referred Matthieu to my work in this regard on the ClicTab site to see some of my possible approaches. It can be done but I cannot write the software for it. Someone should.
I have also communicated with Ron Turner and apprised him of my communication with Matthieu. He is aware of what is happening.
I beleive something good will come of it all and I am so pleased that you are on the bandwagon..the perfect man for the job.
I have a feeling that in collaboration with Matthieu you will come up with something really nice.
I look forward to the outcome.
Roy

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 10 Aug 2001 6:43 pm

Thanks Roy, Matt is looking for other "collaborators" too. One thing about the steel community... there is no shortage of opinions!

Joe,

On the standard TablEdit guitar program, you may enter the tab and the note will appear at the same moment or you may enter the note and the tab will appear. But it may not appear on the sting or fret you want it to, and then you can simply change that. I don't know how Matt has set this up... considering the pedal steel's multiple locations for any 1 note. You'd have to ask him through an email, since he is the one who actually put this sample together.

You can download a DEMO of the current tabledit
HERE. The current version allows you to
expand to 10 strings and use any tuning you want. Try experimenting with the editing and entering, etc. The new pedal steel version should work in a similar
fashion.

bob, sorry about the wide gif file. I just posted what was sent to me. Is there any way to reduce such a file before submitting it to the forum?

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www.dougbsteel.com

[This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 12 August 2001 at 08:30 AM.]

Gord Cole · Post by **Gord Cole** » 11 Aug 2001 4:49 am

My thought for what it's worth.
I think you may find it a little easier to read the pedal tab if the line was not included between the fret number and the pedal letter.

Example: THIS-––3A---- NOT THIS---3-A----

Regards. Gord

Joe Delaronde · Post by **Joe Delaronde** » 11 Aug 2001 7:33 am

Thanks Doug.
It seems to be a simplified way for tabbing. And that's for me. This old simple Canadian boy needs things simpler the better. It's a matter of grey matter, you know!
Joe

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 11 Aug 2001 7:38 am

Beautiful!

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 11 Aug 2001 5:51 pm

Doug,
I posted a reply in Pedal Steel. Check it out, if you want.
Are you using the full Tabledit program?

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 11 Aug 2001 6:16 pm

Chip,

I've got the demo right now, but I'm going to get the full version as soon as the
PSG tab feature is straightened out.

Here is the latest sample... numbers and letters in the spaces, and chord
names:

If you have any ideas or opinions please email Matthieu Leschemelle at matthieu@tabledit.com and post your ideas here.

------------------
www.dougbsteel.com

[This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 11 August 2001 at 07:20 PM.]

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 11 Aug 2001 7:05 pm

Hmmm... I thought that most players preferred having the numbers/letter ON the lines rather than in the spaces, no? Did I imagine that? (Although one should discontinue printing the line at the point where the number/letter is written, so they don't overlap)

Joe Delaronde · Post by **Joe Delaronde** » 11 Aug 2001 7:38 pm

Just registered and waiting for the code #.
Looks great!!!!
Joe

Bosse Engzell · Post by **Bosse Engzell** » 11 Aug 2001 7:54 pm

Looks very good. Will it work with MIDI also?? What is the cost for this software mail me that please.

Bosse in Sweden

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 11 Aug 2001 8:48 pm

Jim, I had the line/space thing back @ssward in my original post so I corrected
it. The numbers in the space is what we're all used to, but TablEdit has
always put the numbers on the lines (for standard guitar).

This pedal steel program is a work in progress. If you have questions email
Matthieu Leschemelle at matthieu@tabledit.com

------------------
www.dougbsteel.com

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 11 Aug 2001 9:26 pm

Yeah Jim! C'mon. Whaddaya want??? Huh???

MUSICO · Post by **MUSICO** » 12 Aug 2001 5:09 am

Yes, it works with MIDI as well

I am a registered user because of its fantastic archive of free acoustic guitar tabs. When I want a new piece to learn I sit down and listen to it play a few dozen pieces til one takes my fancy.

It plays slaps, pops, harmonics bends damped notes strums....plays a lot better than most acoustic guitarista in my opinion.

Rick and Rebel's Tab archive should be passed across to Tabledit format as soon as Tabledit has the PSG solved.

Jeremy Williams
Gandia Valencia
Spain

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 12 Aug 2001 7:29 am

I have emailed Matthieu and asked if the Demo and/or registered version allows for music notation/tablature to be converted to a .bmp file.
This would make it possible to use other programs ie Windows Paint for additional editing.
I have done this extensively with ClicTab.
I mention it here as this feature may be of interest to others also. It makes it possible to personalize you work if you so desire.
Roy T.[This message was edited by Roy Thomson on 12 August 2001 at 08:30 AM.]

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 12 Aug 2001 9:34 am

Doug (or anyone) -

I'm fooling around with the program right now, and it's defaulted to putting the notes (numerical) on the lines, but the pitch changes (e.g., pedal letters) on the spaces below the corresponding line.

How do you fix that, or alternatively go back and forth between line mode and space mode?

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 12 Aug 2001 10:31 am

I have received a reply from Matthieu in respect to my post above.
He informs me that you came create a .bmp file of your music/tab in both the Demo and
the Registered version by clicking the export
button in Print Preview.
He also sent me a sample of tab he made using the... #'s... and ...b's... rather than letters for the pedals. This will be an optional feature I assume along with numbers
on the lines or spaces.

MUSICO · Post by **MUSICO** » 12 Aug 2001 1:25 pm

What can I say to get everyone to try this program out??

The author is CONSTANTLY improving it....and by that I mean adding things that users suggest...it does harmonica tab!!!!! Dulcimer tab!!!!! Lyrics chords....you name it he programs it.

How about this for an offer to the members who double on 6 string....if anyone's interested, download the program and email me...I'll send you some Django Reinhardt or CHet Atkins note for note transcriptions.

Jeremy Williams
Gandia Valencia
Spain

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 12 Aug 2001 1:47 pm

Steve,

You need to reset the tab options so that the number will appear in the space.

Try this:

Click on FILE
Click on OPTIONS
the "General" file should be showing
look on the right side and where is says "Tablature Presentation" click on the right circle and then click on OK

This will put your tab numbers in the space. There will still be 10 lines (not 11 lines like in most of our 10 string tab). String 1 numbers should be entered above the top line. The open string "note names" will continue to align with the lines, not the spaces. That is one thing that will hopefully be corrected soon. The programmer works every day on TablEdit to make improvements. Registered users can always get the latest version.

------------------
www.dougbsteel.com

[This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 12 August 2001 at 02:50 PM.][This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 12 August 2001 at 03:54 PM.]

Matthieu Leschemelle · Post by **Matthieu Leschemelle** » 12 Aug 2001 11:58 pm

Hello Folks,

I'm replying to your last postings, I'd like to tell you I never got such a feedback from any musical community. It's really nice

I'm refering to the latest TablEdit update (v2.60). I've uploaded a demo version http://www.tabledit.com/download/tev260d.exe (280 KB) in order you can test the program without having to register (to pay for the complete version) right now.

My replies are in caps.

Hmmm... I thought that most players preferred having the numbers/letter ON the lines rather than
in the spaces, no? Did I imagine that? (Although one should discontinue printing the line at the
point where the number/letter is written, so they don't overlap)

NO PROBLEM.THERE IS AN OPTION. YOU CAN STILL USE THE OLD GOOD SYSTEM OF TABLEDIT. BUT IF YOU CHECK THE "PEDAL STEEL GUITAR" OPTION OF THE INSTRUMENT DIALOG BOX, THE TABLATURE WILL BE DISPLAYED WITH THE NUMBER IN THE SPACES.

Looks very good. Will it work with MIDI also??

YES THE PITCH CHANGES CHANGE THE NOTE TO BE PLAYED PROPERLY. IF THE "PEDAL STEEL GUITAR" OPTION OF THE INSTRUMENT DIALOG BOX IS CHECKED, THERE IS ALSO A SLIGHT PITCH BEND EFFECT TO SIMULATE THE PEDAL OR LEVER ACTION.

What is the cost for this software mail me that please.

TABLEDIT COSTS 55 $US. THE UPDATES ARE COMPLETELY FREE FOR REGISTERED USERS.

Rick and Rebel's Tab archive should be passed across to Tabledit format as soon as Tabledit has
the PSG solved.

HONESTLY, I THINK THE SOLVING IS VERY CLOSE. IN http://www.tabledit.com/download/psg01.zip, YOU'LL FIND SOME IMAGES TO SHOW THE VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES YOU ALREADY CAN GET WITH V2.60.

I have emailed Matthieu and asked if the Demo and/or registered version allows for music
notation/tablature to be converted to a .bmp file.
This would make it possible to use other programs ie Windows Paint for additional editing.
I have done this extensively with ClicTab.
I mention it here as this feature may be of interest to others also. It makes it possible to
personalize you work if you so desire.

AS I'VE ALREADY EXPLAINED, MY PRINCIPLE AS SOFTWARE DEVELOPER IS TO OFFER ALL THE NECESSARY FLEXIBILITY TO THE FINAL USER. SO YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET ANY RESULT THAT COULD BE REASONABLY EXPECTED AND IT SHOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO EDIT TEDIOUSLY AN IMAGE WITH A GRAPHIC EDITOR.

I'm fooling around with the program right now, and it's defaulted to putting the notes
(numerical) on the lines, but the pitch changes (e.g., pedal letters) on the spaces below the
corresponding line.

How do you fix that, or alternatively go back and forth between line mode and space mode?

SINCE YOU ARE USING THE VERSION 2.50, YOU CAN'T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW FEATURES OF V2.60.
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE VERSION 2.60 DEMO FROM THE LINK ABOVE.

Matthieu Leschemelle · Post by **Matthieu Leschemelle** » 13 Aug 2001 12:04 am

Regarding the tuning note alignment, it is fixed in v2.60.

You don't need to play with the Tablature Presentation options. Just check the "Pedal Steel Guitar" option in {Score | Instrument} dialog.

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 13 Aug 2001 4:22 am

Matt,
I have downloaded the registered v2.60
version and went looking for "pedal steel guitar" in SCORE/INSTRUMENTS as you mentioned but cannot find it. Has this feature just been added? I downloaded v2.60
about 2 weeks ago. Maybe I should download v2.60 again? Thanks, CF.[This message was edited by CHIP FOSSA on 13 August 2001 at 05:23 AM.]