Hey Matty22,
Well, after many reboots I got the MIDI and ALSA modules loaded at boot time. I placed the modules in the /etc/modules files and also had to edit the /etc/default/timidity file to uncomment the ALSA line to start it. Now GP5 starts with the MIDI timidity options and sound works automatically.
But, I found out that I can't print in GP5 right now. Has something to do with CUPS or editing the registry in WINE for the printer key. It's under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE entries if I remember. It's always something!
By the way I looked at the Mint Bianca web site and that looks pretty good. It's getting good reviews and it is gaining in popularity. Thanks the for the link.