Roland GR-20 (inc GK-3)

Roland GR-20 (inc GK-3) Description

Plug and Play

Ever wanted to thicken up your guitar sound with a warm synth pad? Or how about a screaming lead sound that puts you in front? The GR-20 Guitar Synthesizer makes playing high-quality synthesizer and instrument sounds from your guitar as simple as 1-2-3. First, attach the included GK-3 Divided Pickup to your steel-stringed electric (no drilling necessary). Second, select the type of sound you want using the Bank knob. Third, choose a sound variation using the Number/Value dial and start playing. With the GR-20, it’s easy to tap into the power of guitar synthesis.

• Complete guitar synthesis system with GK-3 Divided Pickup and GK cable
• Easy to use: select a sound category (Strings, Organ, Synth, etc.) and play!
• Quick editing via Attack, Release, Chorus, and Delay/Reverb knobs
• Digital pitch detection for lightning-fast tracking
• Includes Roland’s latest sounds like sax, strings, flute, brass, bass and percussion loops
• GK-3 mounts easily on any steel-stringed electric without damage to guitar
• GK-3 features an adjustable curve design and pickup cable length, plus an attachment plate for Les Paul-type guitars
• Patch Link enables system to work with MIDI-capable multi-effects like the GT-6
• GR-20 single pack, the GR-20S (GK-3 not included) will be available this fall.

*All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Guitar Synth, or Compact Pedal?

With the GR-20 it feels like both. Simply attach the included GK-3 Divided Pickup to your guitar and you can be playing high-quality Roland sounds in seconds. Selecting a sound is like choosing an effect. First, select a sound category using the Bank knob. Categories include Strings/Orchestral, Wind, Brass, Bass/Guitar, Organ/Keyboard, Piano, Synth/Lead, Voice/Pad, Ethnic, and Rhythm/Percussion. Now you can select individual sounds using the Number/Value dial. It’s easy!

Roland’s Finest Sounds with Exceptional Tracking

At the heart of the GR-20 is an advanced sound engine based on Roland’s professional synthesizers. Sounds can be played with up to 48-voice polyphony for full, rich-sounding Patches. And the sounds are equally impressive. From expressive string ensembles to spiritual tabla loops coupled with sitar—all with adjustable attack and release—there’s no limit to what you can do. Sophisticated DSP makes the GR-20’s pitch detection ultra-reliable, so you can strum with confidence.

Take Your Guitar Playing Further

Want to create a sound that’s all your own? Try blending the natural sound of your guitar pickups with the GR-20. Thankfully, the GK-3 Divided Pickup makes this easy via a larger and smoother GK knob. Imagine playing chords and then slowly fading in a swirling, breathy pad to create intensity. Or how about playing a distorted lead on your guitar with a thick synth lead sound? Now take this a step further with the GR-20’s Patch Link function. This allows you to easily assign GR-20 Patches to match effect Patches in MIDI-capable processors like the BOSS GT-6. It’s the ultimate system for serious guitarists.

Includes the New GK-3 Divided Pickup

When you buy a GR-20, you also get a GK-3 Divided Pickup and GK cable in the box. In other words, everything you need to start playing synth sounds is included! The GK-3 is 30 percent thinner than its predecessor, and it now uses a 1/4-inch jack for normal guitar input. The pickup includes an adjustable curve design to keep an even distance between the strings for better response (the pickup cable length is also adjustable). Owners of Les Paul-type guitars can install the GK-3 safely without drilling using a special attachment plate included in the box.

Updater for Bass Compatibility

In October 2004, an updater that will make the GR-20 compatible with bass will be available for download. With GI-20 equivalent playability, bass players have their fingers on the expressive synth sounds of the GR-20. Equip a divided picked for bass, and they will be ready to enter the synth world.