Roland GR-55GK Guitar Synthesizer with GK-3 Pickup

After having used this product for over 3 years now both at home, during band practice and gigging, I finally feel experienced enough to write a reasonable product review.The GR 55 is an exceptional and versatile two channel digital (PCM) programmable guitar synthesizer which also has a third channel with the “innards” of a modeling pedal (COSM) like the GT 100 or ME 80. All 3 channels can run in parallel, series or a combination of both. It has a useful large clear multi line LCD display to help navigate its menus.GR 55 requires an interface mounted on the guitar called a GK3. This comprises a 6 channel pickup (one for each string) and a selector unit which can change volume, select patches, either the guitar original pickups, the GK3 pickup or both. This allows the GR 55 to be a powerful audio processor and connects to the guitar using a 13 pin midi cable.The GK3 pickup can be mounted two ways. On a guitar with a floating bridge (Strat etc) it should be mounted as close to the bridge as possible and held in place with 2 screws. (Don’t bother with the supplied tape, just take a deep breadth and screw it into place). On a post bridge guitar (LP etc) it can be mounted under the bridge with the supplied adaptor. This is the least invasive method of attachment. In both cases the selector unit is attached using the supplied kit to the strap holder at the rear of most guitars.Clear set up and adjustment instructions are provided and the required parameters and measurements are stored in memory in the GR 55 for each guitar if you have more than one. Care must be taken here so spend the extra time to get it right.Now for the fun part. The GR 55 has two synthesizer engines called PCM1 and PCM2. These can be run simultaneously and replicate any sound imaginable. There are hundreds of “canned” sounds like horns, orchestra, piano etc and these can be re-programmed and modified to taste. In addition there are the usual VCOs, filters, envelope detectors etc like an analog synth to make custom sounds for more adventurous users. All the supplied sounds are extremely realistic and pleasing. Imagine playing Moonlight Sonata on a Steinway piano with flute accompaniment, Stairway to Heaven on a 12 String, The horns on The Final Countdown or A Whiter Shade of Pale on a Hammond B3 just using a guitar. Maybe add a full orchestra backing as well with the looper provided. In addition all these sounds can be run through the provided usual pedal and studio effects in stereo for extra ambience.Apart from the synthesizer PCM sections there is a standard modeling section (COSM) which takes input from the GK3 pickup or the guitar original pickups. The GK3 pickup allows accurate modeling of many different guitar types from Strat, LP through to acoustic and 12 string.These run through a huge selection of fully controlled pedals and effects and also amplifier models like Marshall, VOX etc. Say you want the Jimi Hendrix stack up of Wha, Fuzz Face, Uni-vibe, Marshall 1959 into a 4X12 cab, it’s all there if required.There are 3 sets of switch selectable preprogrammed or “canned” Sound Styles labeled “Lead”, “Rhythm” and “Other” which most will cycle through at first. These are great fun but inevitably won’t be exactly “right” for most users. Just remember that these are just examples or suggestions provided of what’s achievable. All are user reprogrammable and can be modified, renamed and stored in the “User” Sound Style section. Patches built from scratch can also be stored there, named and recalled.To control these mammoth amount of processes there are 4 foot switches and a foot pedal for changes on the fly, plus rotary and press buttons for increased functionality. The unit has a USB interface to save patches, reprogram and backup the GR55. If that’s not enough, it’s also possible to run into an external synth or the DAW on a computer and control them from the guitar.So how good is it and how does it sound? Well as usual it depends on the skill of the user. For example the synthesized Grand Piano is fantastic if one plays the guitar in the style of a pianist. Play individual or multiple notes cleanly and precisely and it will sound great. Get sloppy, bend strings, mis fret and the results are awful. The wind instruments sound wonderful and track string bends exactly, plucking nuances and expressions but get sloppy with either hand and extra notes jump out of nowhere! Realism isn’t an issue if you practice. Also sound realism is only as good as the system you run it through. A good PA system, neutral guitar amp (JC120) or HiFi with good speakers is essential. As they say “shit in = shit out”.Things get more familiar in the COSM modeling section. Here one can select the type of guitar to model (Strat, LP, Martin acoustic, 12 string etc) and how it is processed. There are almost all the pedals imaginable plus a multitude of amps, FX loops and post effects many of which are stereo and there are also many cabinet models to choose from. Use the amps and cabinet models into a PA or HiFi. If using a guitar amp it will be best to turn the amp and cabinet modeling off on the GR 55 and use the natural sound of the external amp with the COSM pedal patches. Some models are better than others but most sound pretty good when adjusted properly and to taste. With the GR 55 there really will be little need for any other pedals.In summary, the GR55 is an extremely versatile guitar synthesizer and modeling tool. It has realistic (PCM) synthesized sounds for almost any application plus a modeling capability (COSM) as good as any I’ve heard to date. Remember it’s not just a pedal, it’s a full up synthesizer. Like any modern complex piece of gear it takes time to learn how to use and become familiar with. To take full advantage of its capabilities it’s essential to read the instructions, understand them, run through examples and most importantly to experiment, experiment, experiment. I’ve only scratched the surface of this wonderful piece of equipment and will continue to to amazed by it for many more years to come. And yes, I do use it regularly on gigs!

I play in a classic rock band (JynxRocks.com) and my first guitar synth lasted about 14 years. This one has many more features and depending on how involved you want to get you can create amazing patches. The sax, organ, synth, flute patches all sound amazing and they were all preset.

This is a remarkable piece of technology. I use my American Stratocaster as the controller and I'm no longer playing my acoustic, classical or bass guitars very much. I love all the very realistic sounds you can get out of this thing. Also, the sustain is amazing!! I suppose this is so because of how close the pickups are mounted to the strings (1mm). I play for church worship and I've used pipe organ, jazz organ, strings, 12-string guitar, nylon string classical, telecaster, Les Paul, harp, harpsichord, bass and combinations of them. I gave it four starts because the 13-pin cable can be problematic in getting all the strings to connect and the power cable seems to be a little precarious. Other than those minor issues, this is a must get for a guitarist who wishes he/she could play keyboards as well. The black model is also one of the coolest looking pedals I've seen. (BTW. this review is by Eileen's husband Steve)

I ordered this Like New from Alto music and it was a great deal. I'm very pleased with the variety of sounds. Having the two synth/sample engines, plus the modeling effects makes the intimidating price worth the drop.If you're interested in getting this, its important that you set the GR 55 and GK3 pickup up properly, otherwise you may experience tracking issues. I mounted the pick up on a Yamaha Revstar (LP Clone), and it was very easy to do. They give you the exact measurements you'll need to drop the pegs down so you don't wreck your intonation. This is probably the the most annoying part. It's not entirely plug and play out of the box, but there are presets for ST and LP guitars that will help you quickly dial in your neck length. Follow all the instructions and you should be fine.There is a huge variety of sounds that can be blended together. THere are plenty of presets, most of which are okay. You can create your own presets or install other peoples presets via usb.Overall great deal. I'm glad Alto Music hooked me up.

Excellent - once it was set up correctly. It's important to take the time to adjust the pickup and string sensitivity to get it to respond appropriately.I'm still learning how to use it and creating patches. Will take months to master. I used it for a gig last night and had a lot of fun experimenting with different sounds. Mostly I just used various guitar sounds I had created (customized from the existing patches). At times I threw in some organ, sitar, and even bagpipes! So even though it's complex and will take much time to learn, it's easy enough to figure out within a week or two and use for a performance.

I wanted to capture chords directly from guitar for charts, compositions, and just capturing ideas easily. It can take days manually. This necessitated a midi guitar setup. I tried some of the newer options and honestly it was a nightmare. I don't play bar chords and most of what I'm writing is closer to jazz. Not looking to burn the fretboard up with 128th notes either but somehow the modern laptop software-based solutions and usb guitars just don't work well for this. With the correct GK Settings and a good GK pickup setup or 13pin guitar, you won't go wrong if you have similar requirements. Buy once, cry once.