Pre-owned Roland GR-20 w/GK-3 Devided Pickup

Roland
SKU:
UJCGR20PU
$299.99
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Condition:
Used
Current Stock:
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Excellent condition. Functions as it should. Includes GR-20, power supply and pickup with mini cable. See pics.

The Roland GR-20 is a compact guitar synthesizer that allows guitarists to access a wide range of synthesizer and instrument sounds using a standard electric guitar.  It is typically sold as a bundle with the Roland GK-3 divided pickup, which is required to capture individual string data for synthesis.

The GR-20 functions as both a guitar synthesizer and a compact effects pedal. It features an advanced sound engine based on Roland’s professional synthesizers, offering 48-voice polyphony for rich, full patches.  The unit comes with over 450 preset sounds and 99 user patches, covering categories such as Strings/Orchestral, Wind, Brass, Bass/Guitar, Organ/Keyboard, Piano, Synth/Lead, Voice/Pad, Ethnic, and Rhythm/Percussion. 

Sound selection is designed for speed and simplicity. Users select a sound category using the Bank knob and choose specific variations with the Number/Value dial.  The interface includes dedicated knobs for quick editing of Attack, Release, Chorus, and Delay/Reverb.  A key feature is the Patch Link function, which allows the GR-20 to synchronize patches with MIDI-capable multi-effects processors like the BOSS GT-6 or GT-8, enabling simultaneous changes to both guitar effects and synth sounds.

The GK-3 Divided Pickup

The system relies on the included GK-3 Divided Pickup to translate guitar playing into MIDI data.  This pickup mounts to the body of any steel-stringed electric guitar without drilling, using adhesive or screws. Key features of the GK-3 include:

  • Adjustable Design: It features an adjustable curve to maintain even distance from strings for better tracking response. 

  • Cable Management: The pickup cable length is adjustable by coiling excess cable inside the controller unit. 

  • Guitar Compatibility: It includes a special attachment plate for Les Paul-type guitars to ensure safe installation. 

  • Blend Control: A large knob on the pickup allows players to blend the natural magnetic pickup signal with the synthesized sound in real-time. 

  • Connectivity: It uses a standard 1/4" jack for the normal guitar signal and a 13-pin cable for the synth data. 

 

Connectivity and Installation

Setting up the GR-20 involves connecting the GK-3 pickup to the unit via the supplied 13-pin cable. The system offers flexible output options:

  • GK IN: Connects the 13-pin cable from the pickup. 

  • GUITAR OUT: Carries the dry, natural guitar signal to a separate amp or effects chain. 

  • OUTPUT L/R: Sends the synthesized audio to a mixer, PA, or amplifier. Note that synth sounds do not come out of the GUITAR OUT jack. 

  • MIDI IN/OUT: Allows integration with external MIDI gear.

Users can play the natural guitar tone, the synth tone, or a blend of both simultaneously. The digital pitch detection technology provides fast tracking, minimizing latency between playing a note and hearing the synth sound.