Virtual Guitarist is Steinberg’s latest accomplishment in the world of virtual musical instruments. There are two separate VST instruments: acoustic and electric guitar with a total of 27 different expandable “players” or styles. This fully integrated VST Instrument features over 1.6 GB of fresh guitar samples used in easy-to-use “parts”…eight different performance patterns per player that are variable in real-time. All sounds are first class with complete musical flexibility for controlling the key, tempo, phrasing, and chord voicing using your MIDI keyboard’s aftertouch, velocity and mod-wheel datum.

As a studio guitar player, I was skeptical but eager to see this software work! Let’s see if it makes me obsolete! Installing VG is straight ahead: load in two VST plug-ins and three CD-ROMs of guitar samples. My particular sequencer, Digital Performer 3.0.2, requires VST Wrapper 3 and since I used an external Firewire drive, I had to download a utility content loader script called “VG Set Content Folder” from Steinberg’s Web site. This script gets you going when you change VG hosts. I also tried VG in Cubase 5.1 and without question; Cubase (which does not require any third party software for VST plugs) is more efficient. To keep my unusual system running smooth, Greg Ondo at Steinberg had me increase my RAM allocation to 300 MB–VG does not require that much RAM itself just my rig! In DP3 using OMS on a MAC G4/500 running OS 9.2, VG worked but with considerable latency. Shifting MIDI data mitigates this but delays are not consistent as processor usage changes timing.

Even with these caveats and being limited (slightly) by the patterns available to the samples, Virtual Guitarist is still impressive. I like the way it follows any tempo just like a MIDI instrument and how you can vary playing styles such as shuffle (groove), dynamics, timing (tight, loose), syncopated rhythms and long chords. You can even add authentic fret noises and effects. I found VG perfect for laying down utility guitar parts quickly…parts I always just “get out of the way” to go on to more creative areas like melodies and solos.

Minimum PC requirements are: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, 400MHz Pentium II or compatible; 256 RAM (more like 512); 1.6GB disc space; ASIO sound card; VST 2.0 host software. MAC users will need all the same system resources on a G3/500 MHz running OS 9.x. Virtual Guitarist sells for $249.95 MSRP. Contact Steinberg North America at 9200 Eton Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311 Telephone 818-678-5100.

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