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Stepp DG1 Digital Guitar Synthesizer

Stepp DG1 Digital Guitar Synthesizer

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2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Unlock endless sonic possibilities with the Stepp DG1 Digital Guitar Synthesizer, a revolutionary instrument that blends the worlds of digital modeling and traditional guitar play. This innovative tool is designed for the modern musician who values versatility without compromising on authenticity. The DG1 offers a seamless integration of digital technology with the classic feel of an electric guitar, making it perfect for both live performances and studio sessions.

At the heart of the Stepp DG1 is its advanced digital signal processing capabilities, allowing for a broad range of tones and textures that can be customized to fit any musical style. From lush, ambient soundscapes to gritty, distorted riffs, the DG1 covers it all. Its intuitive interface ensures that both beginners and seasoned guitarists can easily navigate through presets and tweak parameters to create their unique sound.

The DG1 is equipped with a proprietary dual-mode pickup system, which captures every nuance of your playing with exceptional clarity. This feature ensures that whether you're strumming chords or shredding solos, your sound is transmitted with precision and depth. Additionally, its robust construction and sleek design make it a reliable companion for any musician on the go.

Key Features:

Advanced digital signal processing for a wide range of tones
Proprietary dual-mode pickup system for enhanced clarity
Intuitive interface for easy navigation and sound customization
Suitable for live performances and studio use
Combines digital modeling with traditional guitar play
Robust construction for reliable use in various settings

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Stepp DG1 Digital Guitar Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

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The Stepp DG1 has Bluetooth connectivity with less than 10ms latency, achieved through BLE notification optimization.
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It supports MIDI 2, offering advanced MIDI capabilities for enhanced control and compatibility.
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Designed to work as a MIDI device out of the box, enabling seamless use with VST instruments without additional drivers.
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Software and compatibility

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Owners can use MIDI plugins to transpose notes, effectively turning the guitar into a 4-string or 5-string bass.
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Use cases and applications

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Suitable for experimental interfaces and live music performances, particularly in AR/VR and infrared-vision applications.
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Value and pricing

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Estimated at $200, making it a cost-effective option compared to more expensive MIDI guitars.
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User experience

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Some users express concern over the limited 12-fret design, preferring a 24-fret option for broader musical range.
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Critic Reviews

Stepp DG1 Guitar Synth (IM Oct 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Stepp DG1 Digital Guitar Synthesizer breaks new ground for guitarists seeking synth sounds without the usual compromises. Its unique design allows for nuanced play, interpreting techniques like damping and velocity, which many previous models failed to capture. While the price tag of approximately £4,000 might deter some, its innovative features and the quality of sound it produces could justify the investment. However, some critiques note the reliance on metal picks for optimal performance and the conventional synthesizer components that might not excite purists. Overall, the DG1 offers a refreshing alternative in the guitar synth realm, especially for those ready to explore new sonic territories.

positive

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The Stepp DG1 Guitar Synthesizer | Planet Botch

planetbotch.blogspot.com

While the Stepp DG1 Guitar Synthesizer was a groundbreaking concept in 1986, combining a guitar's playability with synth capabilities, its high price and unfamiliar design alienated potential users. Despite its innovative features—like independent oscillators for each string—its complex nature and heavy weight deterred players. The market's shift towards more affordable MIDI technology quickly rendered the DG1 obsolete, leading to rapid devaluation and limited appeal. Ultimately, it stands as a fascinating relic of its time, but one that struggled to find its place in a changing musical landscape.

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3.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

Verified via YouTube

(Used in the Erasure music video for the single "Drama!" from the 1989 album "Wild!")

Kate Bush

Singer, Keyboardist

Verified via Planetbotch

Kate Bush used the Stepp DG1 Digital Guitar Synthesizer during a televised performance, as detailed by Bob Leggitt on Planetbotch.

Alan Murphy

Guitarist

Go West

Verified via Alanmurphy

Alan didn’t take to guitar synthesisers due to the note time delay and for the lack of response to the techniques guitarists use, as well as the inability to respond to double string bends. However he used a revolutionary version of the guitar synth – the ‘Stepp DG ‘ – after spending a day with Bill Aitken , although this instrument also had delay problems and couldn’t respond to damping techniques or string sustain.

Steve Levine

Composer, Music Producer

Culture Club

Verified via Soundonsound

Steve Levine's equipment list from the December 1996 issue of Sound on Sound:

GUITARS/INSTRUMENTS

Antoria Mandolin Encore Dobro guitar Ibanez Blazer guitar Starfield guitars (x2): custom green, humbucker pickups and custom white, stacked single‑coil pickups Stepp DG1 MIDI guitar synth