Tab Conversion thru Speedy Note Entry Not working Right

[kenperlman]

I am working on a tablature-only project for 5-string banjo (Version 2014, Windows). I have defined a 5-string instrument in the tuning gCGCD using the fretted instrument dialog box, and was able to enter tab with the Speedy Note Entry Tool just fine a few months ago when I was creating a sample. Now coming back to the project, I find that the tab is not converting properly from the standard-notation input w. I can see the right (standard) notes going up on the staff in Speedy Entry, but when I move the cursor onto the next measure the converted tab numbers generally show up on the wrong string (and at the wrong fret level); and they show up in a brown typeface instead of being tinted black.

Oddly, if I go into Simple note entry and move the errant numbers to the correct string, they show up at the correct fret levels.

For example, if I hit the note C above middle C on the midi keyboard, it's supposed to show up as the open second string; instead it shows up (in brown) as fret 2, string 1. But then, if I move the entry with my mouse to the second string line, it shows up - as it's supposed to - as "0."

Does anyone know what's going on here? (I assume that either I have inadvertently clicked on an unfortunate setting somewhere or my template file is corrupt).

FYI, I have tried the following to no avail:\
- restarting the computer
- changing the speedy entry settings to allow direct tab entry
- changing the staff back to normal size (I am using a taller than normal staff to avoid tab numbers overlapping)
- creating a new version of the instrument definition box

[zuill]

If you would post a file with your custom tuning, we might be able to troubleshoot the behavior.

Zuill

[kenperlman]

Here are two posts - the first is a completed tablature entry (where I moved the notes to the right string locations with a mouse), and the second is a sample showing how the entries for the first few measures are positioned via simple note entry. I neglected to mention in my original post, that Finale now puts all the tab entries on the line representing the first string.

[zuill]

I'm totally confused. Is this for Banjo or Fiddle? You say Banjo, but the sound you've chosen is Fiddle.

Also, you've chosen Down Octave for the transposition in the High Yellow file, but None in the Sample file. Should they be the same?

Zuill

[kenperlman]

To Zull

They don't seem to offer a banjo sound option, so I picked fiddle (given that these are fiddle tunes). I thought I had chosen the down octave for the sample file. I'll check. But in any event this bunching up of everything on the first string seems to happen fairly consistently.

[zuill]

What is your MIDI Thru setting?

Zuill

[kenperlman]

Update to Zuill

Just checked and on the sample, the setting does indicate "down octave." However, that command is being ignored for some reason . . .

[kenperlman]

To Zuill

It took a while to find where the midi through setting was, but in any event it's as follows:

-the box for "smart" is checked
- Fixed channel 1

Ken

[zuill]

How is Tablature MIDI Channels set up. Is the box at the top checked?

Zuill

[kenperlman]

Yes, the box at the top of that dialog box is checked.

[Epeedad]

I noticed that in both of your files, you have it playing through MIDI on the MIDI/Audio menu. If you use Play Finale through VST instead, you have access to the banjo sound in Garritan Instruments for Finale. It still plays in the wrong octave though. I'll see if I can figure out how to get it to play in the right octave.

BTW, thanks for your DVD course on the Clawhammer Banjo! I learned to play it from your course a few years back. I finally got my instruments out of storage after a cross country move and a protracted house hunting process and am enjoying playing again!

Regards,
Chris

[zuill]

Yes, the box at the top of that dialog box is checked.

I believe that is the problem. You should uncheck that box. That is only needed for a MIDI string instrument, like a MIDI Guitar, where each string is sending on a separate MIDI channel. Since you have that checked, it is assigning all Channel 1 notes to a single string. Uncheck that box and it should work the way you want.

Zuill

[kenperlman]

Your recommendation was very plausible, but unfortunately did not do the trick. Is it possible what I have on my hands is simply a corrupt template?

Thanks for all input on this. And Chris, do keep up that banjo pickin"

[zuill]

Your recommendation was very plausible, but unfortunately did not do the trick. Is it possible what I have on my hands is simply a corrupt template?

Thanks for all input on this. And Chris, do keep up that banjo pickin"

I just wanted to be sure we are looking at the same setup box. See attached picture.

Zuill

[kenperlman]

That worked. Thank you, thank you!!!!!