New GR-33 Guitar Synthesizer From Roland
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GR-33
(Click for a larger picture) |
February 4, 2000
Roland is proud to announce the incredibly affordable
and accessible GR-33 Guitar Synthesizer. While similar in many respects
to its predecessor, the GR-30, this GK-Ready synth features a powerful
upgraded sound source, new effects, a stereo return, an onboard expression
pedal, and a fast, streamlined user interface. This compact, floor-based
guitar synth is also noteworthy for its incredible tracking speed, ensuring
the GR-33 will capture every note and nuance of a guitar player’s
performance.
At the heart of the GR-33 is an upgraded sound source based on Roland’s
industry standard JV-1080 synthesizer module. This engine alone offers up a whole
new world of instruments from Roland’s vast sound library, as well as instruments
chosen from the SR-JV80 Series of wave expansion boards. Everything from realistic
strings, fat analog synths, bass sounds, nylon-string guitar, choirs, jazz scat,
and even sound effects can be used to transform a standard steel-string guitar
into an entirely new instrument (using the optional GK-2A or compatible pickup).
The perfect match to the GR-33’s impressive sound engine is its greatly enhanced
tracking speed, making the GR-33 an extremely responsive guitar synth—sensitive
enough to pick up every note played, whether it be a lightning-fast solo, comping,
or more delicate strumming.
In addition to its dedicated JV-1080-quality Reverb and Chorus processing,
the GR-33 offers an onboard multi-effects processor with 25 insert effects including
overdrive, distortion, rotary and much more. An onboard expression pedal makes
it easy to bring in selected effects and sounds in real time. And better still,
these effects can be completely customized and saved into any of 128 User Patch
locations for tonal tailoring galore.
An improved user interface makes it even easier for guitarists to program
the GR-33 to get just the right tone. It features a two-line LCD display, dedicated
function buttons, and a Value dial for immediate access to the most commonly used
parameters. There’s also four on/off pedals and an assignable expression
pedal for quick realtime Patch selection and tweaking. A new stereo return input
makes it easy to route the GR-33’s signal to and from an external effects
processor, while an Output Select switch permits connection to a guitar amp or
power amp. Of course, MIDI I/O is also provided for using the GR-33 in conjunction
with sequencers or to control other sound modules and MIDI gear.
For more information, visit
Roland on the web at www.rolandus.com. |
