Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Paul White takes us through the history and evolution of guitar synths, from early attempts at creating onboard sounds and audio to MIDI pick-ups, through to using pedals and plug-ins to emulate synth effects.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:13 - Types of Guitar Synths
04:03 - The Introduction Of MIDI
05:19 - Pitch To MIDI Pickups
08:04 - Alternative Systems
10:38 - Using Pedals To Emulate Synths
13:31 - Introducing Plug-ins
15:10 - The Future Of Audio To MIDI
First published March 2023
soundonsound.com/sound-advice/history-guitar-synths-podcast
Paul White Biog
Paul White joined the Sound On Sound team in 1991 where he became Editor In Chief, a position he held for many years before recently becoming Executive Editor. Paul has written more than 20 recording and music technology textbooks, the latest being The Producer’s Manual.
Having established his own multitrack home studio in the 1970s he’s worked with many notable names including Bert Jansch and Gordon Giltrap. He’s played in various bands over the years and currently collaborates with Malvern musician Mark Soden, under the name of Cydonia Collective. Paul still performs live claiming that as he has suffered for his music he doesn’t see why everyone else shouldn’t too!
cydoniacollective.co.uk
About The Recording & Mixing Podcast Channel
On this channel you’ll find shows packed with hints and tips about getting the most out of the recording, mixing and mastering process.
______________________________________________________
Catch more shows on our podcast channel.
soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
Available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.
______________________________________________________
Subscribe to Sound On Sound: https://sosm.ag/subscribe
Visit our main website (over 16,900 articles!): soundonsound.com
______________________________________________________
Get FREE 170-page RECORDING TECHNOLOGY eBook: https://sosm.ag/recording-ebook
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Paul White takes us through the history and evolution of guitar synths, from early attempts at creating onboard sounds and audio to MIDI pick-ups, through to using pedals and plug-ins to emulate synth effects.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:13 - Types of Guitar Synths
04:03 - The Introduction Of MIDI
05:19 - Pitch To MIDI Pickups
08:04 - Alternative Systems
10:38 - Using Pedals To Emulate Synths
13:31 - Introducing Plug-ins
15:10 - The Future Of Audio To MIDI
First published March 2023
soundonsound.com/sound-advice/history-guitar-synths-podcast
Paul White Biog
Paul White joined the Sound On Sound team in 1991 where he became Editor In Chief, a position he held for many years before recently becoming Executive Editor. Paul has written more than 20 recording and music technology textbooks, the latest being The Producer’s Manual.
Having established his own multitrack home studio in the 1970s he’s worked with many notable names including Bert Jansch and Gordon Giltrap. He’s played in various bands over the years and currently collaborates with Malvern musician Mark Soden, under the name of Cydonia Collective. Paul still performs live claiming that as he has suffered for his music he doesn’t see why everyone else shouldn’t too!
cydoniacollective.co.uk
About The Recording & Mixing Podcast Channel
On this channel you’ll find shows packed with hints and tips about getting the most out of the recording, mixing and mastering process.
______________________________________________________
Catch more shows on our podcast channel.
soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts
Available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.
______________________________________________________
Subscribe to Sound On Sound: https://sosm.ag/subscribe
Visit our main website (over 16,900 articles!): soundonsound.com
______________________________________________________
Get FREE 170-page RECORDING TECHNOLOGY eBook: https://sosm.ag/recording-ebook
______________________________________________________
Get 50% SAVING off a Sound On Sound Digital Subscription.
Go to https://sosm.ag/digital and apply Promo Code: SOSYT50
Like FACEBOOK: facebook.com/soundonsoundmag
Follow X (Twitter): twitter.com/soundonsoundmag
Follow INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/soundonsoundmag










