Looking for harmonizer pedal

March 21, 2016 at 02:47 PM · Have you tried putting any type of filter between your violin and the harmonizer? I don't know how these things work, but I'm wondering if the crazy overtone character of the violin could be preventing the device from locking on properly.

March 22, 2016 at 02:12 PM · I've tried a few different harmonizers. Generally, as Paul says, the overtones confuse the unit and the results are inconsistent. Yes, low pass filters would help. A string like Helicore is a bit more neutral and more suited for this. It also helps to play nearer the fingerboard for less overtones and avoid playing too high (at least on the harmonizers I have tried). TC Helicon Voicelive not good enough, Digitech about the same, Boss GT units slightly better. I only tried the harmonizer briefly but on my electric the Zoom Multistomp MS100BT seems to work ok and is a good pedal if you want to try all sorts of effects for a good price.

There are some good pedals from Electroharmonix that track brilliantly but they play a fixed interval. Pitch fork is very good. with these you can even double stop and it tracks flawlessly though maybe not what you are after.

A more solid electric with a bland tone is going to work better than an amplified acoustic. I had better results low down on my 5 string. It's best to try these things before you buy!

March 24, 2016 at 08:16 PM · New to the forum, I do have some experience on this subject. You need a clear signal for a harmonizer to track well. Compression and gain pedals work but alter your tone. I prefer a clean signal bost using a equalizer and or pre amp. I use a Boss GE7 equalizer and adjust the gain for best results. I'm pleased with the Eventide H9 harmonizer. It's pricey but take the place of at least 5 pedals for me. It tracks extremely well with violin and viola. It does arpeggios, octave up or down, cords are no problem with most algorithms. You can set intervals as well as delay, reverb, and just about any other effect you can imagine. I also like the Pog units from EHX but long for the Hog 2. I have tried some of the Boss harmonizers for voice and found them limited.

March 25, 2016 at 04:00 PM · Hey Butler, the Pitch Fork is much cheaper and can add more intervals than the Hog. Also much smaller to carry. I use that instead of my Pog 2.