midi guitar controllers

Darren wrote:

I have a question about the MIDI controller. . .
Did you: *A* -- use a custom controller that sent a unique number for every
note (to a 19-tet synth)? or *B* -- was it a standard controller that sent
12-note-per-octave numbers followed by a pitch-bend message to cause a 12-tet
synth to mimic 19-tet?
I am curious because I too have a 19-tet guitar. I have hesitated to go MIDI
with it because I was worried that option *B* would glitch the attacks of
notes, and that option *A* would be expensive. Please tell of your experience
with MIDI on your guitar controller.

I have used both Beetle Quantar and Starr Labs controllers.
Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but both are pure
MIDI controllers - that is, they make no sound, but send
only MIDI note data. The retuning into various temperaments
is done in the synth module via tuning table.
Im afraid this doesnt directly address your problem though.

My experience with pitch bend methods is ok, but it is awkward
when setting up the synth-all channels in mono mode, and changing
a patch requires changing the ssound on all channels at once.
The trick with making pitch bends not be obnoxious is to send the
pitch bend command just before the note on - that way you avoid the
slide from the 12-tet sound to the retuned sound.
I use MAX to do that - which is unfortunate only because it means
I need to have a computer around.

Bill Sethares