Virtual Guitarist Electric Edition

As an enthusiastic user of Virtual Guitarist (VG1), I was looking forward to Virtual Guitarist Electric Edition (VGEE). In many respects it seemed to promise exactly what I missed in VG1. In my VG1 review here on K-v-R I wrote:

"Specifically, the electric presets/players supplied aren't really my cup of tea. I ... would welcome more funky, discoey, black players. VG is very white musically..."

So, how well does VGEE fulfill my wishes?

VGEE does have more funky players than VG1, so that's a step in my direction. However, there are lots of unfunky players too. In fact, the rock and pop players dominate (as in VG1). Add to this the death metal like players, and VGEE is a bit of a jack of all trades.

My one criticism of VGEE is that it is instrument oriented, and not geared towards music style or genre. In this respect, it is very much like VG1, which focused on guitar plain and simple in a rather style unconscious way.

For what it is, then, VGEE is very good, even excellent. If mixed electric guitars is what you are looking for, this is much more fun than loops or a regular sample library.

Personally, I wish for the continuation of the VG series to come clear of the instrument focus, and reorient towards music styles. I still would like more discoey, funky, black players, and less rock’n’roll. Personally, I would love a VG based on say 30 township, mbalax, highlife and other African rhythm guitars.

But don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that VGEE misses out in not being all funk and disco and black. Other people will have other preferences.

In my K-v-R review of VG1 I concluded that "VG has got great potential. It's a fantastic concept, it's well implemented, easy to use, and barrels of fun."

VGEE – the offspring of VG1 – is very much like its father: It’s a great VSTi with great potential.

I would like this potential to be tapped in a slightly different, more style focused way, since different people will be attracted by different styles.