Attention Mac Users!
In an effort to better serve our Mac customers, we're looking to get some user feedback from Fretlight guitarists who are running Parallels Desktop for Mac. Just tell us which version of Parallels you are using, which version of the Mac OS you are using, and the specific Fretlight software that you are using. Most importantly, tell us what you think about learning guitar the Fretlight way. We're looking for some honest user feedback in an effort to get a dialog happening in this blog with our Mac customers. If you're a Mac user who has the GarageBand plug-in, feel free to tell us what you think!
Looking forward to hearing from you 
Nate
Nate
Is anyone using the guitar training program with a MAC. Interested in buying program, but not if I lose most of the program because it is not compatible with MAC.
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Does anyone everyread these blogs?
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I have a mac. I'm sad to see you need Parallels to run the app. This makes this wonderful product useless =(
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Do you have Parallels or Boot Camp? With those products can you install WinPC programs on an Apple and run the program?
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Though all of the software doesn't run on the Mac (yet - hint...!), the GarageBand Plug-In is great. Nice job Optek.
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I have a Mac and I notice some quirks with the Garageband plug-in. Basically, the foot pedal doesn't respond. Other than that, it works well
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I have the trial version of parallels, but the software install will not run. I tried to manually run it through the CMD line and it just blinks on the screen. I only tried once and was hoping I could use parallels to run the lesson player.. I plan on trying again tonight and will post my results if they change. I'm also opened to any suggestions on how to install it.
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I got it to load... I was not in the full parallels mode. But I'm using a Mac loaded with Parallels 3.0, Build 5582 (December 5th). I just received my Fretlight acoustic guitar and I'm a first time player. So far I have been impressed with the guitar and the software offered. Once I have more time to play around with it I can provide more feedback.
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Where you able to load the lesson pak 1 with Parallels on you apple computer?
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I have a imac running VM fusion. I can get improvisor to work and load songs, but I can't get Mplayer to load the songs and play. The program crashes after I load a song. Any Suggestions? And yes people do read these blogs.
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Lesson Player also works fine. I just cant get Mplayer to load songs. Can anyone else get mplayer to work?
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I've tested all the software using Bootcamp on an Intel iMac Dual Core 2.8Ghz and Leopard, and Windows XP Home version. It all works flawlessly. I sure would like mac versions of improviser, lesson player and guitarz though. I don't use the Fretlight so much when I teach since I need to reboot, make a sandwich while Windows loads and answer 4 or 5 "are you sure you want to..." questions before I can get to playing the guitar. (a little obvious with my OS preference dontchathink?)
I like the Fretlight concept and have used it with my students with some success. I'll buy 2 more guitars if you make the software Mac compatible. Really.
- Jeff
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Why running windows on a mac, windows is the reason why I switched to the mac .... and of course its sleek design and .... well there are thousands of reasons
I hope all the fretlight software wil in the near future run on Mac OS-X. I'm shure lots of users will be verry happy.
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TO David (12/26/2007): Yes I have been able to use the Lesson player with Parallels. It has worked flawlessly. Unfortunately I have not loaded up M-Player yet... was waiting till I got that far before I decided to laod it.
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I just found out about your guitars. They look amazing. I would buy one in 2 seconds if everything worked on a mac. How do you have an "artistic" product and make the software for a "business" computer. It's like putting a lift kit on a Honda Civic. Doesn't make sense. Let me know when the software works on a Mac OS completely and I will buy a guitar from you. So will 3 of my friends who I showed it to yesterday.
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Same here! Come on Optek! I just got this big, beautiful Mac. Hurry Please! I wanna get one now!
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I also would like to see more mac software and I would want to know how bootcamp works with all the optek software.
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Mac is far better in any terms of multimedia, style and GUI. Multimedia is its biggest selling point so if you will not use programs like Final Cut, Photoshop, Premere, or the like then go with a PC, more compatability.
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I have to say that Mac is the top of the line. And another plus is that there are not as many viruses that run on Macs superior system
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I would like to appreciate the efforts you have made in writing this blog.
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I am an "only Mac" viewer. I have a machine room behind me and a mastering and tracking control room in front of me as well as a "drum" room and a large grand piano room. I have four rooms in all. I started teaching guitar in 1968. So, as with many people, I did mutiple things in my early years. I played a product just like yours while teaching and working as a salesman at "Mr. B's for music. Midi had not been invented yet (or should I say "got voted on". I remember the MIDI people had the first booth. They were there to get the various companies to agree to some standards. So, I have been around awhile.
So it is now 20 years later and the internet is common, and computers are common. Please tell me how I could integrate any of your products into my teaching of guitar.
Christopher Kimball
C.K.'s Musical Workshop
4090 West Eaglerock Drive
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-667-0648
christopher.kimball@charter.net
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Hey Chris,
As an instructor, there are many different ways to use the Fretlight guitar to help your students improve. I've found that with my private students, whether they are beginners or pros, being able to instantly light up any chord, scale, arpeggio etc. really helps to speed up the learning process. For beginners it's a great way for them to make a true 'visual' connection with the fretboard from day one, even if they're just learning basic chords or single notes, and for more experienced players it's a great way for them to be able to explore new chord or scale sounds and begin to develop a whole new group of 'tools' for them to use in their playing. Without giving too much away, I can tell you that we are in the process of working on some new and very exciting ways to implement Fretlight technology in more of an academic setting that will actually allow a guitar teacher to be in control of what is being shown on their students instrument. Stay tuned for further details!
Nate
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I have the trial version of parallels, but the software install will not run. I tried to manually run it through the CMD line and it just blinks on the screen. I only tried once and was hoping I could use parallels to run the lesson player.
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I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.Any way Ill be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
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I only tried once and was hoping I could use parallels to run the lesson player.. I plan on trying again tonight and will post my results if they change. I'm also opened to any suggestions on how to install it.
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Nancy
http://pianonotes.info
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