Enclosed is a copy of simpleTAB, a guitar tablature notation program. Although much more thoroughly tested than previous versions, I still consider this to be beta software. Use at your own risk.
I have received a lot of suggestions, and have implemented many of them. Thanks to all who sent in bug reports. Still, I am adding features all the time, and would like to get as much feedback as possible.
If there are bugs you find, please report them, as well as style issues that you would like to see.
You can e-mail your suggestions or bug reports to me at:
Internet 3jln2@qlink.queensu.ca
eWorld Brisstalia
Write me at:
303 University Ave.
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 3R3
Or give me a call at (613) 544-9019
KNOWN BUGS AND LIMITATIONS:
The screen flashes still flashes sometimes, but this has been greatly reduced.
Time signature can be changed, but if using a number with 2 digits, formatting is messed up.
Deleting a measure does not delete the notes on it(not really a bug).
Can only print in portrait.
Locking system still restricted to menu choices. Will be vastly changed for version 1.0
The Future of simpleTAB
version 1.0
Right now, I am formulating a list of features to include for version 1.0, which I hope to release by the end of August. Please send suggestions ASAP. Here is a short sampling:
ASCII text export
Bends, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, vibrato, left hand muting, palm-muting
Various other standard notation symbols like pause, and CODA.
Some text, like a title on the printout. This will not be extensive text support.
beyond 1.0
I have big plans for simpleTAB over the next year. I would like to add support for bass, multiple staves, more notation symbols, text, multiple tunings, etc.
A chord palette is a possibility, for often used chords to easily place.
Also, I would like to add more AppleEvents support for the future possibity of integration with shareware and commercial standard notation packages through AppleScript.
Change History
v. 0.5
Inputting notes dramatically quicker. Just type the number when the cursor is over the staff.
Fixed a bug where memory would run out if hand cursor was left sitting.
Added shift-selecting, and selecting by rectangle.
Can now move notes with the keyboard's arrow keys. Left and Right move along a string to a different position, up and Down move to other strings, and Page Up and Page Down move to other measures. The equals and minus keys increase or decrease the fret number.
Can add time signature and repeats using keyboard. 's' for start repeat, 'e' for end repeat, and 't' for time signature.
Added a "Measure Options" dialog box, which is opened when double-clicking on the measure number, that can be used to change the time signature, repeats, and measure length.
Fixed a bug where long document selection and movement would get all screwed up.
Allow for movement of multiple notes, both with the mouse and keyboard. Option-clicking and moving copies the notes to the new position. Haven't implemented option-keyboard movement yet, however.
Fixed a number of other minor flaws and irritations.
v. 0.1.5
Revert command now works properly
Save and Save As... work correctly.
Notes may now be entered by typing on the keyboard. Simply place the cursor where you want the note to be and type the fret number. If the fret is less than 10, it won't appear for about a half a second(just in case you have to type another number. It waits to be sure).
Printing has been improved, so that selected notes are not printed selected.
Holding down shift while clicking on a note selects it while keeping the other notes selected.
