Applied Acoustics Systems has announced the release of Strum GS‑2, the all-new version of its award-winning guitar track production plug-in, which now includes both acoustic and electric guitars.

With Strum GS‑2, creating guitar tracks in a DAW environment becomes a straightforward endeavour as it reproduces the sound of a huge range of guitars but also the playing technique of a guitar player. To achieve this, Strum GS‑2 uses modeling to reproduce the various parts of the guitar chain—strings, bridge, soundboard, pickups, amplifier, and speaker cabinet. Strum GS‑2 also embeds an elaborate chord recognition and voicing module which automatically voices chords played on the keyboard as a guitar player would on the fretboard. Strumming and picking swings into action with an auto-strum function and special strumming keys. Elaborate rhythm figures available from a large collection of MIDI loops are on hand to supplement chord progressions.

Strum GS‑2 is a complete redesign of its predecessor. In addition to the synthesis and strumming engines which have been completely reviewed, Strum GS‑2 ships with a new streamlined interface, a new equalizer and compressor module, a new multi-effect processor, brings native 64-bit operation on Mac OS X and Windows, and much more. Strum GS‑2 also features an all-new factory library comprising an impressive number of acoustic and electric guitars, both in natural and production-ready configurations.

“We have completely reviewed the modeling of the complete chain behind Strum—including the strings, bridge, body, pickups, amplifier, speaker cabinet, and effects—and reconsidered how the different elements interact with each other. We have also re-examined how strumming is performed, now giving us a whole new level of realism, tone control, and expressivity,” said Marc-Pierre Verge, CEO of AAS. “With its extensive collection of acoustic and electric guitars in a single package and the ability to tweak them as required, Strum GS‑2 represents exceptional value. Strum more than ever allows you to experience the genuine feel of playing guitar on a keyboard!”

Strum GS‑2 for Windows and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS/AAX) is available for purchase for the introductory price of $149 USD until June 30th, 2015 (regular $199 USD). Upgrades are available for Strum Acoustic GS-1, Strum Electric GS-1, and Strum Acoustic Session users starting at $39 USD.

More information: Applied Acoustics Systems / Strum GS‑2