Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Got Linux?

#1

As a 72 year old dog, I recently decided to dump Windows, not spend $$$ on a new Apple and try to keep my refurbished Win 7 Dell alive for a few more years. That meant Linux, so I hopped on the Zorin train.

If you use Linux, have you been able to run TEFview? I can load it & run it, but no audio, even when all other audio works well.

Or is the trick to practice enough ear training that TEFview training wheels aren’t needed?

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#2

I’ve had an ongoing issue with this for awhile and I’ve been able to get it to work only occasionally but it wasn’t persistent and I’m not sure how to replicate the steps. It can work if you fiddle around with qjackctl settings to connect a wine midi connection to your host computer’s driver (likely alsa or pulseaudio).

As a work-around, you can use MuseScore or TuxGuitar. They’re both free, they don’t use wine, and I’ve never had a sound issue.

Newer versions of MuseScore can read newer versions of TEF files. This is an excellent program. I’m not sure what version TEF files will work. If it works, you’ll be presented with an error message about formatting and there will be an “Open Anyway” button. Click that and you should be good to go.

For older versions of TEF files, you can use TuxGuitar. Again, not sure what TEF versions are compatible.

Welcome to Linux

#3

Wouldn’t you know it, I tried TuxGuitar to no avail. Maybe I’ll fool around with qjackctl. Thanks for the tip! Fortunately, TEFview is not a “make or break” problem for me.

The Penguin sends his regards!

#4

If you’re learning actual songs, the TEF Viewer is invaluable. I’d hate to know I had to use old fashioned tab on paper (or even a screen) to learn a song from tab. So don’t think you need to ditch it.

That said, how are you running the TEF viewer on your Linux box? Are you using Wine? If so, the problem is likely in getting Linux / Wine to play the MIDI sounds generated by the TEF Viewer. A sound font needs to be assigned to the various instruments the TEF Viewer wants to use.

I don’t know much about any of that, and I don’t have a Linux box to play with, but here’s what Grok had to say about it. I can’t confirm the accuracy of these instructions. Let me know how it goes.

1. Install TEF Viewer via Wine

  1. Download the latest TEFview from the official site: https://tabledit.com/tefview/
  2. Right-click the downloaded .exe installer → Open with Wine Windows Program Loader .
  3. Complete the installation normally.

(Alternatively, use Bottles or PlayOnLinux for easier management — many TablEdit users prefer these.)

2. Set Up MIDI Sound (The Most Important Part)

TEFview needs a soundfont to turn MIDI into actual guitar/banjo/etc. sounds.

Recommended method (easiest and best quality):

  1. Open Qsynth (type qsynth in the menu or terminal).
  2. In Qsynth:
  • Click Setup → Soundfonts tab → Open .
  • Load this soundfont: /usr/share/sounds/sf2/FluidR3_GM.sf2 (or /usr/share/soundfonts/FluidR3_GM.sf2 on some distros)
  1. Click OK and keep Qsynth running in the background.
  2. In TEFview :
  • Go to Play → MIDI Setup .
  • In the MIDI Output / Driver dropdown, choose FluidSynth or Wine MIDI Mapper (sometimes listed as ALSA or PortMidi).
  • If it doesn’t show up, restart TEFview after Qsynth is running.

Alternative (if FluidSynth doesn’t show up easily)

Use winetricks to install Microsoft MIDI support inside Wine:

Bash

winetricks midisupport

Then restart TEFview.

Quick Test

  • Open any .tef file in TEFview.
  • Press the Play button.
  • You should hear realistic instrument sounds (guitar, bass, etc.).

Tips for Better Results

  • Keep Qsynth running while using TEFview.
  • If the sound is missing or robotic, try a different soundfont (there are many free high-quality ones online, such as GeneralUser GS or FluidR3).
  • Some users get better results by running TEFview in a dedicated Wine prefix created with Bottles.
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