Roland Ships Next Gen Guitar Synthesizer
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GR-20
(Click for a close-up) |
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GR-20 Rear Panel
(Click for a close-up) |
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GK-3 Pickup
(Click for a close-up) |
March 19, 2004
Roland is now shipping the new GR-20
Guitar Synthesizer and GK-3 Divided Pickup. The GR-20 makes playing
synthesizer sounds from any steel-stringed electric guitar
(including Les Paul-type instruments) simple--just attach the included
GK-3 Divided Pickup, choose a sound and go. An all-new interface makes
playing sounds easy using the Bank knob for sound categories and Value
dial for variations, while new digital pitch detection provides superior
tracking. With the GR-20, guitarists can explore a universe of new
sounds.
The GR-20's new interface makes it operate more like a compact
pedal. Sounds can be selected using the Bank knob to choose a category
(like Strings/Orchestral, Brass, Bass/Guitar, Organ/Keyboard, Synth/Lead
or even new Rhythm and Percussion loops). Individual sounds can be
selected using the Value dial. The GR-20 features 48-note note polyphony and
Roland's latest synth engine.
The front end of the GR-20 is the new GK-3 Divided Pickup, which is
not only easy and safe to install, but also comes with a 1/4-inch jack
for normal guitar input. The pickup's adjustable curve design can be
adapted to fit a variety of guitars--keeping an even distance between the
strings for better response. Adjusting the pickup cable length is a snap
by coiling the pickup cable inside the controller unit. The GK-3 also
includes a special attachment plate for use with Les Paul-type guitars.
Once installed, guitarists can create entirely new sounds by
blending their normal guitar tone with the GR-20's synthesizer sounds via
a large GK knob right on the pickup. And thanks to Roland's
Patch Link function, the GR-20 can be easily paired up with a
MIDI-capable multi-effects processor. Once connected,
this allows you to easily assign GR-20 Patches to match effect Patches in
MIDI-capable processors. For more information, visit their web site at www.rolandus.com. | 
