Actually, (according to the Roland GR-55 owners manual) the distance measured (2:30 in video) should be from the point where each string touches the apex of the saddle to the exact center of the GK3 pickup under each string. ("Use the cursor buttons to select each string, and for each string, specify the distance from the center of the pickup to the bridge saddle" P.10 manual/diagram). Video describes the distance to the leading edge of the GK pickup. Since the distance is measured in .5 mm increments, the distinction is significant.
Great video...I am always searching for helpful tips. But I have had to adjust those parameters on the Sensitivity third page...it was the only way I could use fast attack instrument settings such as piano, harp, etc. They made all the difference in the world... Thank you for posting this...
Bruce, this is a cool vid. I had the GR-33 for a long time before I moved up to the GR-55. I play one of the Brian Moore iGuitars with the RMC piezo in it. The reason I mention it is because the RMC is used in a few guitars, and it's setup is very different than the default. In one of the forums, Richard McClish (the RMC) gives his suggested settings, and they are wildly different than the default. It helps the tracking greatly. I'm finding that I have a handful of patches that I do all my musical heavy lifting with. What really blew my mind was how much I love the modeling, especially the bass models. As a live looper it's a beautiful thing. It truly is a great box and this is a great video. Thanks for the info!
Hi, thanks a lot for this practical guide to actually playing a guitar synth, rather than just demo-ing it's capabilities. I'm very new to guitar synths, having just acuquired a GR-55, and I am indeed seeing a lot of the mis-cue issues you mention. No-where else have I found someone to show us how to PLAY the thing, rather than simply configure it. Thanks again Doug
So...i was taught to measure (in mm's) from the point the strings touch the saddle to the MIDDLE of the divided pick up. I've learned in the school of hard knocks this is a very important measurement.
That was a very clear, well explained and practical video. I was wondering about the tracking with this synth and I realised from this that my sloppy guitar technique is probably not up to such precision muting, so I'll probably go for a keyboard synth. Thanks for helping me decide!
Thank you for the very informative / helpful video Clay. Being aware of all of this should reduce the frustration level involved in attempting to get "good" sounds out of the GR-55.
Ye h thanks for taking the time and effort..I've had a GR55 for 6 months now...dont know how I worked without one, its more than just patches too, has a massive selection of sounds..massive..
Hi GR-55ers. I found a solution for reducing/eliminating the graunching sound when changing fret positions. I use Thomastik flat wound jazz strings starting at .011 of an inch on my Godin Multiac. An added bonus is the longevity of these strings. I generally change complete sets when one string breaks and so far I have owned the guitar for about 4 years and it's on it's second set of strings. Is this economy or what? Wipe em down with a metho soaked cloth every so often and they maintain their brightness. The Thomastiks may cost a bit more than Fender .010s but well worth it.
You know, honestly that would probably be a wise choice. Especially if you can actually play keyboards! I recently got a Yamaha MOX6, and despite not being a trained pianist, I've been getting more practical use out of it than I get from the GR-55. No funny business to worry about there! Besides the technique issues, if you look at my "Roland - Please fix this problem! (GR-55)" video, I'm pretty much sure that would seal your decision. Cheers, Bruce.
Hi Fred. There should be 1mm clearance between the strings and the pickup poles. Some combination of the spacers that come with the pickup should do the job. Remember that when you take off the adhesive, you will increase the spacing, so take that into account. Increasing the distance will not help you - the pickups will not work correctly. Are you having the problem of getting all kinds of extra and strange sounds when you play?
Thanks for taking the time to explain the gr55,but for me, even tho its a fantastic synth (rolands best yet for guitar)Its very time consuming and cumbersome to setup.For that reason I switched to a Fishmen Triple Play which is far superior to anything roland has ever created.Granted the FTP is just a pickup with no included sounds.But It triggers softsynths in your computer faster and more more accurate than the gr55 ever could.
I think his video for synth haters is spot on. Yes there will be some notes due to technique that will get miscued but this subsonic filter thing I think is out of control. Adjustments to your guitar setup, Roland unit and playing are most important. Tapping the guitar is really the biggest RMC issue. Having the GK3 external to me is more of a pita than all the RMC issues. It should be rear mounted/slim (like a locking tuner knob) not on top. Pay me for my idea lol.
Thanks! Can you do a tutorial showing the very most basic, beginner level navigation of the GR-55 features, controls for moving around the device, etc. I just purchased a GR-55, have never used anything like this before and am totally confused as to how to even begin. The patches listed in my users manual don't seem to match up to the patches on the GR-55. I can't figure out how to move from rhythm patches to lead patches. I haven't been able to find 12 string patches or alternate tunings. I can't find any basic GR-55 operation tutorials on TH-cam. A basic tutorial would be much appreciated.
Instead of increasing decay, is there a way to set up something similar to a keyboard's sustain pedal? would allow you to hold a chord and move on to the next position without rushing.
For the past 5 years I've been working in Propellerhead Reason, a virtual recording studio. It's just upgraded to having MIDI so now I need something 'physical' and the Blofeld is cheap. I just talked a Reason rack unit developer into making a virtual Doepfer Dark Time! I'm not sure you can run a Korg from a Doepfer as the MS-20 uses a hertz-per-volt system but Doepfer use a volts-per-octave standard, so you might need a S-Trig cable or run the MS-20 from the Doepfer's MIDI out?
I really like the GUITORGAN because of the split frets which allows the guitarist to play the organ sound by just placing his hand on the guitar. Why roland did not uses this method for MIDI guitar?
Sounds like a great project. I checked out some vids of the Waldorf - lots of nice sounds there! The Dark Time's CV/Gate outputs will drive the MS20 - lots of TH-cam videos of the two playing together which is one of the things that sold me. But what you said might explain some of the funny business I've experienced with the Arturia. With the DT's analog pitch knobs, everything is relative so you can get it to work out OK, but the pitches don't follow the keyboard. Have to do it all by ear.
You're welcome. If you're considering buying one of these units, don't forget to look at my video "Roland - Please Fix This Problem!", and make an informed decision. ~Bruce
I just purchased a Gr-55 site unseen. I have a question. I have a Line 6 Flextone 2 x 12 100 watt amp (modeling amp). What shat standard setup should I use the Line 6 when using the GR-55 Thank U Bro
I also use a modeling amp - the Fender Mustang III. When using the GR-55 with it, I set it up as clean as possible, no effects, reverb, overdrive, etc. You can usually find a setting for something like the Fender Twin Reverb that has a real clean sound "dry". Let the GR-55 provide reverb, echo, effects, etc.
The Mustang III *v.2* also has a "Studio Preamp" included, and that is about as clean as you can go on an amp like that, certainly even past the Twin model. Also, of course, remember that since the Mustang has a "guitar-centric" speaker (and not a FRFR speaker cab), _some_ sounds might end up sounding somewhat "limited" tonally in the high end, at least for _some_ synth sounds-when compared with a co-axial speaker or tweeter-equipped cabinet. That being said, for some synth sounds, a "guitar-centric" speaker response might be just the ticket. It's up to you and your ears.
Hello....Any suggestions on how I can get my regular pickups working in conjunction with the GK pickup? I can't get my pickups to come through the unit at all even though I'm sure I have the little patch cable going from the guitar into the GK unit.
Clay I'm having problems with piano tones. Right now they sound DULL. How do I make them more dynamic please? Also can I set each string to play a piano tone? Thank you.
Thanks for this excellent video. I noticed quite some latency in the video between the images and the sound and I wonder if this is actually the the latency of the GR-55 or is it just that the video file and the sound file are not perfectly syncrnized. Could you say something about the latency of the GR-55? Thanks again and I wish you a happy nee year.
The latency is awful, wish I hadn't bought this machine. Got the hassle of sending it back for a refund now. Tried for 2 weeks, hours most days, to recify the problem but the GR55 is severely flawed. Expect 1/2 a second delay between plucking a note and actually hearing it.
I was thinking about the GR55. I'm a finger picker and use a POG by Electro-harmonix with my Gretch 5120 which adds various amounts of harmonics to the analog guitar signal and have had good success with some synth-like sounds, bell choir, and pretty good imitation of an organ. I have used it succesfully in live preformance. I would like the GR55 for piano but video's I'm seeing seem to show a good bit of "ghosting" and it seems to be pretty tricky to finger properly and cleanly. Would you advise staying with the POG? (also considerable cheaper)
Question I see you're only using the 13 pin cable in the gk3 and not plugging into the output of the guitar, so in theory could I run the gr55 with just the 13 pin to a keyboard amp then plug the guitar output to my main pedal board and full stack? I.e. play my normal rig 80% of the time then roll my volume down and use the gr55 for a sax/flute solo when it's called for.
2:40, WRONG!!! It's the distance from bridge to the center of the gk-pickup. If your measurements is to far of the modeling feat. will contain artifacts
Do you have the gk-2 or the gk-3 pickup? I have a GR 55 and a GP 20. The instr. to the GP 20 specifies messuring to the middle of the pickup. Other tip. having the pickup too close to the strings and the sense to high makes it track poorly...
Hi Bruce. I purchased a GR55 last year and have had a hard time with the learning curve. I use about 5 stomp boxes and had high hopes of the GR 55 possibly replacing them. The first thing I really want to do is use my one amp. I use a Classic 30 with one input channel. Is there way or should I use a wye chord to fix this problem. I have set the unit aside but want to get back into it and try again. My one thing I don't like about it is that there is a milisecond delay between patches. Typically when going from a rhythm to lead. Do you have any suggestions. Thanks. Appreciate the tips,
I can't find a "growling sax" kind of tone on the gr55 like the gr1 has. And I cant find a B3 type organ on the gr55. Is it there and I just missed it? Or can in be created in the unit?
I wish someone had replied to you. I have exactly the same question but sadly the GR55 doesn't seem to have a Hammond B3 sound which is unforgivable. It was on their last machine, the GR20. There was also a great glockenspiel sound on the GR20 which isn't on the 55, again unforgivable. Great opportunities missed. I'm fed up with the machine after 2 weeks of faffing with it - the latency is awful. I've set it up correctly but it takes around 1/2 second to hear any note I play, making it impossible to use this machine for jamming. Majore disappointment, total waste of time and money.
Ouch - I never thought about that. In a perfect world, yes, but realistically I think you could easily average the settings between the two guitars. I mean it's probably not that super-critical. You might get a little stronger response on one string or another, but it shouldn't be a show-stopper.
I'm hearing that more often, lately, and my friend who works at Sweetwater Music says that they're selling a lot of the Fishman. The Triple Play is definitely a next-generation product for sure. I've decided to sell my GR-55 as I've taken the GK-3 off my Ibanez and I've got a Yamaha MOX6 now. Of course I know just enough on the keyboards to be dangerous! :o)
how do we set up the volume pedal to have 'minimum' and 'maximum' levels? i've tried various ways but i still end up with '0' level and 'maximum' level when pressed full. I appreciate if you could assist.
I'm estilo with some dificulta things to resolve, when I play some grand piano patches it's to dificult to controle even folloing what you said in th e video... I havê onde more question it's about go pickup, because I like to play with small action and I think the strings are to close to pickup? I'm I white? I have to put more distance? Sorry about this again...
Thank you Clay! My problem seems to be that it's difficult to play an 8th note pattern without having those miss cues or delays in attack! Are there any settings that you would recommend to change such as Attack time Etc.??
Cindi, unfortunately any changes that I've tried with the basic parameters have not helped (at best) and have often made it worse. You sort of run into the Law of Unintended Consequences then you mod the attack settings and other things, and it actually becomes harder rather than easier to play. ~Bruce
Cant this convert a normal guitar output from a 5mm jack into a digital signal The GR55 has an ADC but its only for the 13 pin input or the 13 and 5 pin inputs. Not Sure on that part I could use a 5mm jack to 13 or 5 pin cable if it has the ADC.
I was thinking on buying the GR-55 but I don't know if I have the amp for it . . . I have a Line 6 Spider Jam . . . .will the GR-55 Work with Line 6 Spider Jam Amp ???
Hello... I ordered a used GR-55 and should have it in a day or so. One thing I'm wondering about is can I use it as a modeling/effects box too using just a 1/4 guitar input? I do have a Strat with RMC divided pickups saddles so I got it covered, but you know, for the other guitars? I'm hoping I'll be able to get halfway decent MIDI data into my DAW but that's gravy. Not too worried about the quality of the models... seems much better sounding than my 1st gen VG-8.
There's no 1/4 guitar input on the GR-55. Some people have tried to hack a 13-pin to 1/4 symetric jack, but apparently this doesn't work well because of ground hum.
Works pretty well, esp in the modeling section, which is much more flexible than I anticipated and able to produce non-guitarish sounds. Midi output for recording still not usable IMO, but I expected that. Overall great little box... if will keep me entertained for years.
thank you, this was a great help! i am using windows 10 and purchased a new gr-55 a few weeks back. it appears that it is already loaded with the correct operating system (v 1.50) and the additional patches available in the gr-55 manual. however, i want to be able to use the librarian and i need to install the win 10 driver. i have tried everything i can think of to install the win 10 driver but i keep getting the message "no driver is available for this device" in the device manager of windows. has anyone had this problem trying ti install the windows 10 driver for the gr-55? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! thanks!
where is sustain settings in gr55. I have purchased midi violin which is GR55 compatible. I want to remove sustain of few instruments because I play with bow and the sound continues which I dont want. Please help
Hey Bill, I've removed my GK-3 split pickup from my Ibanez because I'm using it for live/band work right now, so I'm not set up to experiment with the GK-55. Sorry...
Unfortunately that cable's now the standard. BTW I've had a Korg MS-20 Mini on backorder for about 4 months. I'm looking forward to learning more about analog sound generation. Meantime I got an Arturia Minibrute analog synth, but it has nowhere near the flexibility of the Korg (which is a lot of bang for the buck!). I've also got a Doepfer Dark Time analog sequencer just waiting to make the Korg dance and sing! (Whenever it arrives ~sigh~). But Roland ... they've got the Jupiter 80 - yow!
this almost freaks me out, but I still may get myself a gr55, all I gonna use it for is to make my guitar sound like a string or a horn. maybe a piano. maybe a harp!
Hi sir myself Sanku Paul from Lumding,Assam(India) m messaging u for one kind suggestion from u i.e sir m thinking to buy Roland GR-55 Guitar Processor and i have also seen about this Processor in TH-cam its awesome and i have Fender American Strat so i have to connect GK3 Pickup with it to get all the tones of it so the main prblm m getting with this is that from the TH-cam i got to know that if the GK3 Pickup connection technique is correct then its good but if it goes wrong then the Guitar may get damage so m thinking how to connect the GK3 Pickup in my Guitar after buying as i don't know how to connect it so m telling u about this and if u kindly suggest regarding this then it will be very helpful request sir pls ...
No Actually...if you go into SYSTEM, then in the GLOBAL settings, select GUITAR MODE- GK SETUP. Here you can do a complete setup for up to 10 different guitars, even if they have different type Hex pickups ( GK3, GK2A, Piezo , etc.
Well, I thought maybe it wasn't totally critical. That's my plan, to have some gk3s installed on a few guitars so I can switch them, I still like playing different guitars, not just one...even if it CAN sound like a bajillion...
Yep, that did indeed seal it! Shame, 'cos Roland were a really good synth company, but Korg have stolen the lead now, even though their CEO died recently they have brought out some really cool products like the MS-20 Mini synth. I guess I'll have to wait for the Roland GR-100, they should hopefully have the tracking and cable issues sorted by then? I'm getting the Waldorf Blofeld, a nice little cheapish desktop synth.
So I guess the downside to this is- if you had a pickup installed on a tele and also one on a LP you'd have to recalibrate every time you change guitars?
Hi, I have a Godin LGX-SA. The set up is somewhat easier than a GK3 pick-up fitted guitar as there is no need to measure the string distances between pup and bridge. Instead, you simply select the type of piezo pup fitted to your guitar and fretboard size and adjust the string sensitivity. The piano and saxophone patches are the most notorious for "ghost" notes/false triggers. You can spend about $210 on a subsonic filter but I have found that by winding back the string sensitivity to about 35, playing very slightly harder and slightly increasing the overall volume output of the GR55, I have just about eliminated the problem but playing technique is still an important part.
Hey bud. I like your vids,but this device does NOT translate as midi when the string vibration is detected. They are 6 little "humbuckers"that TRIGGER the internal dsp synthesizer sounds via a digital control. It's all good though. Peace and God Bless! P.S....yes I know it's midi capable as well.
Righto. Everyone says they're humbuckers, but I think they're actually single coils - could be wrong. Humbuckers need 2 coils, and I don't think there's room. But you're right - the GK 13-pin cable has 1 pair of pins per split pickup (12), and the 13th pin works in conjunction with the shield/ground like a regular instrument cable for the standard pickup outputs. Using single coil outputs as pairs is a noise reduction technique and that's what might be causing the confusion over "humbuckers", which has a very specific meaning (e.g. noise cancellation via complementary coil pairing). Cheers ~bb
Jeeze. Kinda takes the fun out of it. I've got a headache now watching all this parameter setting. I realize that once you make these adjustments you won't have to make them again...especially WHILE YOU'RE PLAYING.
Yeah, I hear ya. I've pretty much fallen out of love with the GR-55. We never use it in the band - too scary. Nothing like a big screech or squawk in the middle of a song to make you look like a complete idiot and wreck the groove of a song. It's pretty good for recording, though, when you can punch in and re-do the glitches. I've got a "real" synth - Yamaha MOX6 - that I use to pre-record backing tracks now.
Great explanation of muting techniques. Thank you
thanks, these are really good tips to relieve the frustration of a newcomer to the gr55
Hey clayhorsemusic I really appreciate your clear and concise tutorials not to mention your close up shots great job
Very helpful, Bruce.Thank you.
Other tips and tricks for the GR-55 would be appreciated.
Thinking about buying this, and this is tremendously helpful in advance. Thanks for putting this up!
Actually, (according to the Roland GR-55 owners manual) the distance measured (2:30 in video) should be from the point where each string touches the apex of the saddle to the exact center of the GK3 pickup under each string. ("Use the cursor buttons to select each string, and for each string, specify the distance from the center of the pickup to the bridge saddle" P.10
manual/diagram). Video describes the distance to the leading edge of the GK pickup. Since the distance is measured in .5
mm increments, the distinction is significant.
James Garnett not what my instructions say, mine say to the close edge like in this video, ive just checked to make sure.
Great Job on this video! Your a Blessing !!
Great video...I am always searching for helpful tips. But I have had to adjust those parameters on the Sensitivity third page...it was the only way I could use fast attack instrument settings such as piano, harp, etc. They made all the difference in the world... Thank you for posting this...
Extremely helpful and informative. Thanks.
Bruce, this is a cool vid. I had the GR-33 for a long time before I moved up to the GR-55. I play one of the Brian Moore iGuitars with the RMC piezo in it. The reason I mention it is because the RMC is used in a few guitars, and it's setup is very different than the default.
In one of the forums, Richard McClish (the RMC) gives his suggested settings, and they are wildly different than the default. It helps the tracking greatly. I'm finding that I have a handful of patches that I do all my musical heavy lifting with. What really blew my mind was how much I love the modeling, especially the bass models. As a live looper it's a beautiful thing. It truly is a great box and this is a great video. Thanks for the info!
settings in gr55? or need to buy rmc opt 1 subsonic filter?
Hi, thanks a lot for this practical guide to actually playing a guitar synth, rather than just demo-ing it's capabilities. I'm very new to guitar synths, having just acuquired a GR-55, and I am indeed seeing a lot of the mis-cue issues you mention. No-where else have I found someone to show us how to PLAY the thing, rather than simply configure it.
Thanks again
Doug
Thanks for putting this together! Very helpful.
This is very very very helpful !!!
Thanks for taking the time to make this video !!!!!
Have a wonderful day !
:-)
Thanks for that masterclass of methods, nuances and workarounds, Bruce. (sub'd)
I had the GR 707 guitar....had it setup with a MIRAGE....for strings and rock organ....it was really cool!
So...i was taught to measure (in mm's) from the point the strings touch the saddle to the MIDDLE of the divided pick up. I've learned in the school of hard knocks this is a very important measurement.
That was a very clear, well explained and practical video. I was wondering about the tracking with this synth and I realised from this that my sloppy guitar technique is probably not up to such precision muting, so I'll probably go for a keyboard synth. Thanks for helping me decide!
Why not work on making your technique better?
Excellent GR-55 Video!
Thanks, Ken! I'll no doubt be doing plenty of more projects with the GR-55 and will document anything I think might be helpful. Cheers ~bb
Hi Sir, wich type of guitar are playing with..
Thank you Bruce! Helpful information. I just got one
Thank you for the very informative / helpful video Clay. Being aware of all of this should reduce the frustration level involved in attempting to get "good" sounds out of the GR-55.
Ye h thanks for taking the time and effort..I've had a GR55 for 6 months now...dont know how I worked without one, its more than just patches too, has a massive selection of sounds..massive..
Thanks for the video, Im looking into these units and its good to understand the tracking
Thank you very much, these video helps me... Later I'm going to try these help full things in my gr55... Cheers...
Thank you that was very informative
Hi GR-55ers. I found a solution for reducing/eliminating the graunching sound when changing fret positions. I use Thomastik flat wound jazz strings starting at .011 of an inch on my Godin Multiac. An added bonus is the longevity of these strings. I generally change complete sets when one string breaks and so far I have owned the guitar for about 4 years and it's on it's second set of strings. Is this economy or what? Wipe em down with a metho soaked cloth every so often and they maintain their brightness. The Thomastiks may cost a bit more than Fender .010s but well worth it.
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO...IT WAS AWESOME..
Thanks! Very helpful!!
You know, honestly that would probably be a wise choice. Especially if you can actually play keyboards! I recently got a Yamaha MOX6, and despite not being a trained pianist, I've been getting more practical use out of it than I get from the GR-55. No funny business to worry about there! Besides the technique issues, if you look at my "Roland - Please fix this problem! (GR-55)" video, I'm pretty much sure that would seal your decision. Cheers, Bruce.
If you want to go wireless there is a GK Wireless System now.
Hi Fred. There should be 1mm clearance between the strings and the pickup poles. Some combination of the spacers that come with the pickup should do the job. Remember that when you take off the adhesive, you will increase the spacing, so take that into account. Increasing the distance will not help you - the pickups will not work correctly. Are you having the problem of getting all kinds of extra and strange sounds when you play?
Thanks for taking the time to explain the gr55,but for me, even tho its a fantastic synth (rolands best yet for guitar)Its very time consuming and cumbersome to setup.For that reason I switched to a Fishmen Triple Play which is far superior to anything roland has ever created.Granted the FTP is just a pickup with no included sounds.But It triggers softsynths in your computer faster and more more accurate than the gr55 ever could.
Tame Impala currents is covered in GR-55 custom sounds
I think his video for synth haters is spot on. Yes there will be some notes due to technique that will get miscued but this subsonic filter thing I think is out of control. Adjustments to your guitar setup, Roland unit and playing are most important. Tapping the guitar is really the biggest RMC issue. Having the GK3 external to me is more of a pita than all the RMC issues. It should be rear mounted/slim (like a locking tuner knob) not on top. Pay me for my idea lol.
Keith Justice This is late, but I posted a minute ago about Richard McClish's (RMC) recommended setup that is posted in one of the user forums.
sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/@@ScottHogue
Very good tutorial thanks!!!
Question: why after I save everything my pcm got off even when i saved it on ?
Thank for your tutorial, can I ask where to find bridge like yours?
Thanks! Can you do a tutorial showing the very most basic, beginner level navigation of the GR-55 features, controls for moving around the device, etc. I just purchased a GR-55, have never used anything like this before and am totally confused as to how to even begin. The patches listed in my users manual don't seem to match up to the patches on the GR-55. I can't figure out how to move from rhythm patches to lead patches. I haven't been able to find 12 string patches or alternate tunings. I can't find any basic GR-55 operation tutorials on TH-cam. A basic tutorial would be much appreciated.
You're welcome, Fred, and good luck!
Instead of increasing decay, is there a way to set up something similar to a keyboard's sustain pedal? would allow you to hold a chord and move on to the next position without rushing.
Stephen Green the control pedal acts as a hold pedal.
For the past 5 years I've been working in Propellerhead Reason, a virtual recording studio. It's just upgraded to having MIDI so now I need something 'physical' and the Blofeld is cheap. I just talked a Reason rack unit developer into making a virtual Doepfer Dark Time! I'm not sure you can run a Korg from a Doepfer as the MS-20 uses a hertz-per-volt system but Doepfer use a volts-per-octave standard, so you might need a S-Trig cable or run the MS-20 from the Doepfer's MIDI out?
i use a fret wrap to dampen strings, it helps, although offcourse if you need to play open strings then you are stuck
Are you an idiot? It is 7 years old sh’t
I really like the GUITORGAN because of the split frets which allows the guitarist to play the organ sound by just placing his hand on the guitar.
Why roland did not uses this method for MIDI guitar?
Sounds like a great project. I checked out some vids of the Waldorf - lots of nice sounds there! The Dark Time's CV/Gate outputs will drive the MS20 - lots of TH-cam videos of the two playing together which is one of the things that sold me. But what you said might explain some of the funny business I've experienced with the Arturia. With the DT's analog pitch knobs, everything is relative so you can get it to work out OK, but the pitches don't follow the keyboard. Have to do it all by ear.
You're welcome. If you're considering buying one of these units, don't forget to look at my video "Roland - Please Fix This Problem!", and make an informed decision. ~Bruce
Thanks for that important piece of information!
I just purchased a Gr-55 site unseen. I have a question. I have a Line 6 Flextone 2 x 12 100 watt amp (modeling amp). What shat standard setup should I use the Line 6 when using the GR-55 Thank U Bro
I also use a modeling amp - the Fender Mustang III. When using the GR-55 with it, I set it up as clean as possible, no effects, reverb, overdrive, etc. You can usually find a setting for something like the Fender Twin Reverb that has a real clean sound "dry". Let the GR-55 provide reverb, echo, effects, etc.
The Mustang III *v.2* also has a "Studio Preamp" included, and that is about as clean as you can go on an amp like that, certainly even past the Twin model.
Also, of course, remember that since the Mustang has a "guitar-centric" speaker (and not a FRFR speaker cab), _some_ sounds might end up sounding somewhat "limited" tonally in the high end, at least for _some_ synth sounds-when compared with a co-axial speaker or tweeter-equipped cabinet.
That being said, for some synth sounds, a "guitar-centric" speaker response might be just the ticket. It's up to you and your ears.
You got to be a brainiac to grasp this. It's insane!
Good, demo. How would you compared the GR-55 to the GR-33?
Then all you have to do is select the user setup from the GK SET, and it will change the setup for whichever guitar you are using
We have linked your GR-55 Tips ,Tricks & Techniques over at vguitarforums - good work.
Can you please let me know how I can move my patches around to get them in a order for simple recall thank you
Hello....Any suggestions on how I can get my regular pickups working in conjunction with the GK pickup? I can't get my pickups to come through the unit at all even though I'm sure I have the little patch cable going from the guitar into the GK unit.
Clay I'm having problems with piano tones. Right now they sound DULL. How do I make them more dynamic please? Also can I set each string to play a piano tone? Thank you.
Share your Edit system please....
Thanks
How do you get to the patches?
Thanks for this excellent video. I noticed quite some latency in the video between the images and the sound and I wonder if this is actually the the latency of the GR-55 or is it just that the video file and the sound file are not perfectly syncrnized. Could you say something about the latency of the GR-55? Thanks again and I wish you a happy nee year.
The latency is awful, wish I hadn't bought this machine. Got the hassle of sending it back for a refund now. Tried for 2 weeks, hours most days, to recify the problem but the GR55 is severely flawed. Expect 1/2 a second delay between plucking a note and actually hearing it.
I was thinking about the GR55. I'm a finger picker and use a POG by Electro-harmonix with my Gretch 5120 which adds various amounts of harmonics to the analog guitar signal and have had good success with some synth-like sounds, bell choir, and pretty good imitation of an organ. I have used it succesfully in live preformance. I would like the GR55 for piano but video's I'm seeing seem to show a good bit of "ghosting" and it seems to be pretty tricky to finger properly and cleanly. Would you advise staying with the POG? (also considerable cheaper)
Question I see you're only using the 13 pin cable in the gk3 and not plugging into the output of the guitar, so in theory could I run the gr55 with just the 13 pin to a keyboard amp then plug the guitar output to my main pedal board and full stack? I.e. play my normal rig 80% of the time then roll my volume down and use the gr55 for a sax/flute solo when it's called for.
Yes you can definitely do that.
2:40, WRONG!!! It's the distance from bridge to the center of the gk-pickup. If your measurements is to far of the modeling feat. will contain artifacts
DanTheDarkman not what my instructions say!
Do you have the gk-2 or the gk-3 pickup?
I have a GR 55 and a GP 20. The instr. to the GP 20 specifies messuring to the middle of the pickup.
Other tip. having the pickup too close to the strings and the sense to high makes it track poorly...
Hi Bruce. I purchased a GR55 last year and have had a hard time with the learning curve. I use about 5 stomp boxes and had high hopes of the GR 55 possibly replacing them. The first thing I really want to do is use my one amp. I use a Classic 30 with one input channel. Is there way or should I use a wye chord to fix this problem. I have set the unit aside but want to get back into it and try again.
My one thing I don't like about it is that there is a milisecond delay between patches. Typically when going from a rhythm to lead. Do you have any suggestions. Thanks. Appreciate the tips,
I can't find a "growling sax" kind of tone on the gr55 like the gr1 has. And I cant find a B3 type organ on the gr55. Is it there and I just missed it? Or can in be created in the unit?
I wish someone had replied to you. I have exactly the same question but sadly the GR55 doesn't seem to have a Hammond B3 sound which is unforgivable. It was on their last machine, the GR20. There was also a great glockenspiel sound on the GR20 which isn't on the 55, again unforgivable. Great opportunities missed. I'm fed up with the machine after 2 weeks of faffing with it - the latency is awful. I've set it up correctly but it takes around 1/2 second to hear any note I play, making it impossible to use this machine for jamming. Majore disappointment, total waste of time and money.
Ouch - I never thought about that. In a perfect world, yes, but realistically I think you could easily average the settings between the two guitars. I mean it's probably not that super-critical. You might get a little stronger response on one string or another, but it shouldn't be a show-stopper.
I'm hearing that more often, lately, and my friend who works at Sweetwater Music says that they're selling a lot of the Fishman. The Triple Play is definitely a next-generation product for sure. I've decided to sell my GR-55 as I've taken the GK-3 off my Ibanez and I've got a Yamaha MOX6 now. Of course I know just enough on the keyboards to be dangerous! :o)
The thing that improved my problems was the guitar. I have a Godin lgxt and some Brian Mooer I guitars.
how do we set up the volume pedal to have 'minimum' and 'maximum' levels? i've tried various ways but i still end up with '0' level and 'maximum' level when pressed full. I appreciate if you could assist.
I'm estilo with some dificulta things to resolve, when I play some grand piano patches it's to dificult to controle even folloing what you said in th e video... I havê onde more question it's about go pickup, because I like to play with small action and I think the strings are to close to pickup? I'm I white? I have to put more distance? Sorry about this again...
Thank you Clay! My problem seems to be that it's difficult to play an 8th note pattern without having those miss cues or delays in attack! Are there any settings that you would recommend to change such as Attack time Etc.??
Cindi, unfortunately any changes that I've tried with the basic parameters have not helped (at best) and have often made it worse. You sort of run into the Law of Unintended Consequences then you mod the attack settings and other things, and it actually becomes harder rather than easier to play. ~Bruce
What kinda guitar is that? I've never seen an Ibanez like that.
can I install the pickup in my Floyd Rose?
Cant this convert a normal guitar output from a 5mm jack into a digital signal
The GR55 has an ADC but its only for the 13 pin input or the 13 and 5 pin inputs.
Not Sure on that part
I could use a 5mm jack to 13 or 5 pin cable if it has the ADC.
Need example of a miss cue ty
I was thinking on buying the GR-55 but I don't know if I have the amp for it . . . I have a Line 6 Spider Jam . . . .will the GR-55 Work with Line 6 Spider Jam Amp ???
Sure, just set it to the cleanest sound without any effects, like if you were using it as a keyboard amp.
Hello... I ordered a used GR-55 and should have it in a day or so. One thing I'm wondering about is can I use it as a modeling/effects box too using just a 1/4 guitar input? I do have a Strat with RMC divided pickups saddles so I got it covered, but you know, for the other guitars? I'm hoping I'll be able to get halfway decent MIDI data into my DAW but that's gravy. Not too worried about the quality of the models... seems much better sounding than my 1st gen VG-8.
There's no 1/4 guitar input on the GR-55. Some people have tried to hack a 13-pin to 1/4 symetric jack, but apparently this doesn't work well because of ground hum.
Works pretty well, esp in the modeling section, which is much more flexible than I anticipated and able to produce non-guitarish sounds. Midi output for recording still not usable IMO, but I expected that. Overall great little box... if will keep me entertained for years.
If you don't mind, let us know how it works out. I'd be interested to know and I'm sure other people would too.
thank you, this was a great help! i am using windows 10 and purchased a
new gr-55 a few weeks back. it appears that it is already loaded with
the correct operating system (v 1.50) and the additional patches
available in the gr-55 manual. however, i want to be able to use the
librarian and i need to install the win 10 driver. i have tried
everything i can think of to install the win 10 driver but i keep
getting the message "no driver is available for this device" in the
device manager of windows. has anyone had this problem trying ti
install the windows 10 driver for the gr-55? any suggestions would be
greatly appreciated! thanks!
My PC won't let me download any files. It says I need an SVG extension file. Do you know where to get that and how to download?
where is sustain settings in gr55. I have purchased midi violin which is GR55 compatible. I want to remove sustain of few instruments because I play with bow and the sound continues which I dont want. Please help
Shailesh Deshpande I think you can dampen it with your dirty stache
hi, could you try to control a sitar type sound, like the song "Games people play" by Joe South..
Hey Bill, I've removed my GK-3 split pickup from my Ibanez because I'm using it for live/band work right now, so I'm not set up to experiment with the GK-55. Sorry...
Unfortunately that cable's now the standard. BTW I've had a Korg MS-20 Mini on backorder for about 4 months. I'm looking forward to learning more about analog sound generation. Meantime I got an Arturia Minibrute analog synth, but it has nowhere near the flexibility of the Korg (which is a lot of bang for the buck!). I've also got a Doepfer Dark Time analog sequencer just waiting to make the Korg dance and sing! (Whenever it arrives ~sigh~). But Roland ... they've got the Jupiter 80 - yow!
this almost freaks me out, but I still may get myself a gr55, all I gonna use it for is to make my guitar sound like a string or a horn.
maybe a piano.
maybe a harp!
Hi sir myself Sanku Paul from Lumding,Assam(India) m messaging u for one kind suggestion from u i.e sir m thinking to buy Roland GR-55 Guitar Processor and i have also seen about this Processor in TH-cam its awesome and i have Fender American Strat so i have to connect GK3 Pickup with it to get all the tones of it so the main prblm m getting with this is that from the TH-cam i got to know that if the GK3 Pickup connection technique is correct then its good but if it goes wrong then the Guitar may get damage so m thinking how to connect the GK3 Pickup in my Guitar after buying as i don't know how to connect it so m telling u about this and if u kindly suggest regarding this then it will be very helpful request sir pls ...
Re muting why not use a hair band to mute the strings all the time as a damper
Might be an idea worth experimenting with.
No Actually...if you go into SYSTEM, then in the GLOBAL settings, select GUITAR MODE- GK SETUP. Here you can do a complete setup for up to 10 different guitars, even if they have different type Hex pickups ( GK3, GK2A, Piezo , etc.
Well, I thought maybe it wasn't totally critical. That's my plan, to have some gk3s installed on a few guitars so I can switch them, I still like playing different guitars, not just one...even if it CAN sound like a bajillion...
Nice! Thanks for that!
im a metal player......I can definitely see some very cool things going on here...looks complicated though
I would imagine it maybe a bit easy to adjust, technique wise to the GR-55, tracking should be better as well.
I’ve read on several forums that the tracking on the gr33 is far better than the gr55.
Yep, that did indeed seal it! Shame, 'cos Roland were a really good synth company, but Korg have stolen the lead now, even though their CEO died recently they have brought out some really cool products like the MS-20 Mini synth. I guess I'll have to wait for the Roland GR-100, they should hopefully have the tracking and cable issues sorted by then? I'm getting the Waldorf Blofeld, a nice little cheapish desktop synth.
Can this Synth produce the sound effects of a Greek Bouzouki !?? 😨
So I guess the downside to this is- if you had a pickup installed on a tele and also one on a LP you'd have to recalibrate every time you change guitars?
Cool ~ thanks!
Thanks
You're very welcome, bigbear! :o)
Hi Bruce
I understand. It's still a bit of a novelty.
Does anyone know if the tracking is better with say a Godin with built in pickup, or any synth guitar, as opposed to mounting the GK-3?
Hi, I have a Godin LGX-SA. The set up is somewhat easier than a GK3 pick-up fitted guitar as there is no need to measure the string distances between pup and bridge. Instead, you simply select the type of piezo pup fitted to your guitar and fretboard size and adjust the string sensitivity. The piano and saxophone patches are the most notorious for "ghost" notes/false triggers. You can spend about $210 on a subsonic filter but I have found that by winding back the string sensitivity to about 35, playing very slightly harder and slightly increasing the overall volume output of the GR55, I have just about eliminated the problem but playing technique is still an important part.
❤
Hey bud. I like your vids,but this device does NOT translate as midi when the string vibration is detected. They are 6 little "humbuckers"that TRIGGER the internal dsp synthesizer sounds via a digital control. It's all good though. Peace and God Bless! P.S....yes I know it's midi capable as well.
Righto. Everyone says they're humbuckers, but I think they're actually single coils - could be wrong. Humbuckers need 2 coils, and I don't think there's room. But you're right - the GK 13-pin cable has 1 pair of pins per split pickup (12), and the 13th pin works in conjunction with the shield/ground like a regular instrument cable for the standard pickup outputs. Using single coil outputs as pairs is a noise reduction technique and that's what might be causing the confusion over "humbuckers", which has a very specific meaning (e.g. noise cancellation via complementary coil pairing). Cheers ~bb
Cheers as well my friend! You are a stand up guy for sure. Thank you sir. I love all these toys as well! God Bless. See you on the tube!
Jeeze. Kinda takes the fun out of it. I've got a headache now watching all this parameter setting. I realize that once you make these adjustments you won't have to make them again...especially WHILE YOU'RE PLAYING.
Yeah, I hear ya. I've pretty much fallen out of love with the GR-55. We never use it in the band - too scary. Nothing like a big screech or squawk in the middle of a song to make you look like a complete idiot and wreck the groove of a song. It's pretty good for recording, though, when you can punch in and re-do the glitches. I've got a "real" synth - Yamaha MOX6 - that I use to pre-record backing tracks now.
Hey, thanks! :o)