The Unique Strumming Mode:

You can open the Edit-Mode with the EDIT key and select whether you want to Tap or Strum the Gotar3. Refer to the Gotar3 Command Chart.

 

2. Configuring for Left-Handed Play

The Gotar3 accommodates both right-handed and left-handed players:

• Open the EDIT-Mode using the EDIT button and select Rt/Lft from the Command keys. Refer to the Gotar3 Command chart

Repeat this process to revert to right-handed mode as needed.

Navigating the Gotar3 Interface: Controls and Modes

The Gotar3 USB MIDI Controller is equipped with a range of controls designed to enhance your playing experience:

• Top Buttons:
  • Button #1: Octave Up – Raises the octave of the selected channel.
  • Button #2: Octave Down – Lowers the octave of the selected channel.
• EDIT Button: Enters or exits Setup Mode, allowing for configuration adjustments.

• • PANIC: combined button function: Pressing both Top Button #1 and Button #2 simultaneously triggers a MIDI Panic function, sending an “All Notes Off” and “Reset All Controllers” message to resolve any hanging notes or stuck settings.
  • Rotary Potentiometers:
    • Knob #1: Controls volume.
    • Knob #2: MIDI ModWheel

• Ribbon Controller: Acts as a sustain pedal, sustaining notes as long as it is engaged.
• Side Buttons:
  • Side Button #1: Assigned to MIDI Control Change (CC) 85.
  • Side Button #2: Assigned to MIDI CC 86.

These controls are strategically positioned to ensure ease of access during performances, allowing for real-time adjustments without interrupting your flow.

Exploring Operational Modes: Live and EDIT-Modes

The Gotar3 offers two primary operational modes, each tailored to different aspects of performance and configuration:

1. Live Mode

In Live Mode, the Gotar3 is ready for performance:

• Play Styles:
  • Picking/Strumming Mode: Emulates traditional guitar playing by designating frets 21-24 as a picking zone. Tapping these frets triggers notes on the corresponding string, enabling rapid, mandolin-like techniques.
  • Tapping Mode: Transforms the entire fingerboard into a touch-sensitive surface, akin to a keyboard, allowing for intricate melodies and chordal play without strumming.
• Channel Modes:
  • 1-Channel Mode: All strings transmit MIDI data on a single channel, suitable for uniform instrument sounds.
  • 6-Channel Mode: Each string transmits on its own MIDI channel (1-6), facilitating multi-timbral performances and compatibility with guitar teaching software that recognizes individual string inputs.

2. EDIT-Mode

Setup Mode allows for customization of the Gotar3’s settings:

• • Accessing EDIT-Mode: Press the EDIT button to toggle between Live and Setup modes.

• Function Assignment:
• Frets 22, 23, and 24: Designated for assigning various functions such as tunings, mode selections, and channel configurations.

Fret 21 becomes a “dead” fret so that you can easily identify when you are in the EDIT-Mode.

If you have any questions or interested in Support feel free to contact us anytime via the website or give us a call.

FAQ Section: Gotar3 USB MIDI Controller

What is the Gotar3 USB MIDI Controller?
The Gotar3 is a 24-fret, velocity-sensitive MIDI controller that combines guitar-like playability with MIDI functionality, allowing users to control synthesizers, samplers, and sequencers without the need for traditional pickups.

How does the Gotar3 differ from traditional guitars?
Unlike traditional guitars, the Gotar3 features a specialized touch-sensitive guitar-like keyboardwithout physical strings. It enables both tapping and strumming playstyles and sends MIDI signals to control various electronic instruments and software.

What are the primary components of the Gotar3?
The Gotar3 includes a 24-fret velocity-sensitive fingerboard, two rotary potentiometers for volume and modulation, a 4-way analog joystick, octave adjustment buttons, an EDIT mode button, a side-mounted sustain bar, two additional MIDI control buttons, and an OLED display showing your settings.

How is the Gotar3 powered?
The Gotar3 is powered via a USB-Standard-B (printer sytle) connection, drawing approximately 50 milliamperes. It can connect to computers using a USB-A to Mini-B cable or to mobile devices using an adapter. The Gotar3 is also provided with an onboard rechargeable battery system charged with the USB port.

Can left-handed players use the Gotar3?
Yes, the Gotar3 accommodates left-handed players. Select Left-handed using the Rt/Lft button in the EDIT UI. see the Gotar3 Command chart

What playstyles does the Gotar3 support?
The Gotar3 supports both tapping (keyboard-style) and strumming (guitar-style) playstyles, catering to a wide range of musical genres and techniques.

What are the functions of the top buttons on the Gotar3?

Button #1: Octave Up – Raises the octave of the selected channel.
Button #2: Octave Down – Lowers the octave of the selected channel.
EDIT Button: Enters or exits Setup Mode for configuration adjustments.
Pressing both Button #1 and Button #2 simultaneously triggers a MIDI Panic function.

How do the rotary potentiometers function?

Knob #1: Controls volume.
Knob #2: Manages modulation parameters.
These allow for real-time adjustments during performances.

What is the purpose of the ribbon controller?
The ribbon controller acts as a sustain pedal, sustaining notes as long as it is engaged, enhancing expressive playing.

What operational modes does the Gotar3 offer?

Live Mode: Ready for performance, supporting picking/strumming and tapping playstyles.
SetupMode (EDIT-Mode): Allows customization of the Gotar3’s settings, accessed by pressing the EDIT button.

How does the Gotar3 handle MIDI channel assignments?

1-Channel Mode: All strings transmit MIDI data on a single channel.
6-Channel Mode: Each string transmits on its own MIDI channel, allowing multi-timbral performances.

Is the Gotar3 compatible with mobile devices?
Yes, it connects via Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE): Also if you want to use a cable you can: Apple Devices: Using the Camera Connection Adapter. Android Devices: Using a USB On-The-Go (OTG) adapter.

Does the Gotar3 require External Power?
You can power the Gotar3 by USB but it is not required, as long as the onboard battery is charged.

Can the Gotar3 be used to control software synthesizers?
Yes, it sends MIDI signals that can control software synthesizers, samplers, and other MIDI-compatible software in your DAW or on Mobile.

Are there customizable settings on the Gotar3?
Yes, in Setup Mode, users can customize various settings, including tunings, mode selections, and channel configurations.

What materials are used in the Gotar3’s construction?
The Gotar3 features a Maple wood neck with a tough plastic fingerboard and durable components designed for responsive playability and longevity. Ztar standard fingerboards are still working well in the field at 25 years service.

Is there a sustain function on the Gotar3?
Yes, the ribbon controller on the Gotar3 acts as a sustain pedal activated by your thumb, allowing notes to sustain as long as it is engaged.

How portable is the Gotar3?
The Gotar3’s compact design and USB connectivity make it highly portable, suitable for both studio sessions and live performances. Weight is 2.5 lbs

Can the GoTar3 be used for educational purposes?
Absolutely. The Gotar3 is an excellent tool for teaching music theory, composition, and digital music production.

Where can I purchase the Gotar3?
The Gotar3 is available for purchase directly from the Starr Labs website and select online retailers.