RealGMS
by MusicLab · Instrument · Sampled electro-acoustic guitar
Not rated yet
RealGMS is MusicLab's sample-based model of the Godin Multiac Spectrum SA electro-acoustic guitar, played from a MIDI keyboard.
It adds advanced strum sampling with extended dynamic range to MusicLab's chord voicing, song sequencer and 200-plus effect presets, for $149.
Best for: Guitars, Acoustic Instruments. Genres: Pop, Rock & Indie, Jazz, Acoustic & Classical.
Keywords: guitar instrument, chord generator, sample-based, sequencer, minimum-phase, smooth, textures.
What it does
RealGMS samples the Godin Multiac Spectrum SA, a steel-string electro-acoustic guitar used by Roger Waters, Steve Stevens and Phil Palmer. It is played from a MIDI keyboard or programmed in a DAW, with the same chord and strum tools as the rest of the MusicLab range.
- Two pickups: a magnetic and a piezo pickup, widely spaced and controlled separately, so you can blend their tones and their natural phase interaction.
- 12-string layer: extra 12-string guitar samples, made with a Roland SY-1000, for a fuller sound.
- Playing techniques: sustained samples for every fret of every string, plus articulations, noises and guitar tricks for strumming and finger picking, with advanced strum samples across a wide dynamic range.
- Control: techniques are triggered by gestures, key switches, velocity, mod wheel, sustain pedal, aftertouch or MIDI CC.
- Song sequencer: arrange chord symbols and rhythm patterns from a library of 1,250 patterns, or record MIDI in your DAW instead.
- Chord voicing: the patented voicing engine plays 30 chord types in all inversions, extensions and alterations.
- Amp and outputs: more than 200 amp and effects presets via the included Guitarix amp, and a stereo output that can be split into separate mono left and right outputs.
A fully working 15-day trial is available.
When to use it
RealGMS sits between MusicLab's acoustic and electric guitars: it gives the plugged-in steel-string sound of an electro-acoustic, with a piezo and a magnetic pickup to blend. Compared with RealGuitar it sounds more amplified and, to Sound On Sound, more organic and less clinical than other MusicLab models. Compared with RealStrat or RealTele it is softer and rounder, though the Guitarix amp lets it push into rock. Unlike Heavier7Strings it is not a metal instrument, and its 12-string layer adds extra fullness to strummed parts.
- Best for: soft strummed and picked parts with an amplified acoustic character, and 12-string-style textures.
- Genres: jazz, folk, rock, pop and acoustic ballads.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a pure miked acoustic (RealGuitar) or a solid-body electric (RealStrat, RealLPC or RealTele).
- Tip: use the separate mono left and right outputs to process the magnetic and piezo sounds independently, as SOS described.
What producers say
Sound On Sound gave it full marks as a surprisingly versatile addition to the range.
- Sound On Sound (Nick Magnus, January 2025) rated it 5 out of 5, praising the separate magnetic and piezo pickups, the 12-string layer, the flexible outputs and the built-in Guitarix amp for rock tones.
- Tone (SOS): the reviewer called it "smooth and shiny when played softly" with plenty of snap at higher velocities, suited to jazz, folk and rock.
- Criticisms: some tuning inconsistency in high-velocity round robins in the low register, a 12-string layer that lacks volume headroom, and full chords at low frets that can get messy.
Where to buy
- MusicLab: $149
- PluginFox: $149
- AudioDeluxe: $149
Tutorials and reviews
- RealGMS Review by @hifimidi
- RealGMS. A rare gem in the guitar world
- 3 Tips to improve your guitar music sequencing with Musiclab RealGMS
- Virtual guitar 🎸 Musiclab RealGMS
- RealGMS. The Magical Beat
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