Other Sellers on Amazon
Roland GR-55GK Guitar Synthesizer with GK-3 Pickup
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Color | Multicolor |
Brand | Roland |
Model Name | GR-55GK-BK |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 24 x 14 x 6 inches |
Item Weight | 5000 Grams |
About this item
- A revolutionary Fusion of guitar synthesis and powerful cosm guitar Modeling
- Up to four sound sources at a time: Two PCM Synth tones, plus cosm guitar Modeling and normal guitar input
- Easy to use and easy to play with hundreds of great, ready-to-use sounds for rock or pop guitarists
- Advanced Roland technology provides superb sound quality and lightning-fast processing
- Over 900 of Roland latest fully editable PCM sounds, including pianos, Organs, strings, vintage synths, and much more
Frequently bought together
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
- Roland GR-55 Guitar Synth, GK-3 Pickup Not IncludedFREE ShippingGet it Mar 22 - 27Only 7 left in stock - order soon.
- MG-100 Professional Multi-Effects Pedal Processor Musical Instrument Parts 40s Record 55 Effect Mode 10 Sound Di Box Electric Guitar and Bass Loop Amplifier Tube PedalFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- MOOER GE100 Multi-Effects Guitar Pedal with 80 Presets, 66 Effects, Loop and Expression Volume Pedal, Tap Tempo, Headphone OutFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- FLAMMA FX100 Guitar Multi-effects Pedal with 55 Amp Models 151 Built-in Effects 80' Looper 40 Drum Machine 10 3rd Party IR Slots Headphone OTG for Home Practice Performance Live StreamingAmazon's Choicein Guitar Desktop & Rack MultieffectsFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- Zoom G1X FOUR Guitar Multi-Effects Processor with Expression Pedal, With 70+ Built-in Effects, Amp Modeling, Looper, Rhythm Section, Tuner, Battery PoweredAmazon's Choicein Electric Guitar Floor MultieffectsFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
Product information
Item Weight | 11.02 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 24 x 14 x 6 inches |
Country of Origin | USA |
ASIN | B008905X1Y |
Item model number | GR-55GK-BK |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #17,409 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #4,553 in Guitar & Bass Accessories |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | April 13, 2004 |
Color Name | Multicolor |
Connector Type | lightning-fast |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
The Roland GR-55 is a revolution in guitar synthesis, with features never before available in any guitar processor. In terms of speed, it’s the fastest ever. It’s also the most accurate, thanks to newly developed pitch-detection technology. As for sound, the triple-core generator houses a world-class array of virtual guitars, basses, amps, and synth voices, enabling tones and textures that have never been heard before. Onstage or in the studio, you can instantly access the GR-55’s huge library of ready-to-use sounds, from pop to rock and beyond, with quick-access category buttons. Welcome to a groundbreaking new era in guitar synthesis!
From the manufacturer
Roland GR-55GK-BK Guitar Synthesizer
The Roland GR-55 is a revolution in guitar synthesis, with features never before available in any guitar processor. It's easy to use and easy to play with hundreds of great, ready-to-use sounds for rock or pop guitarists. In terms of speed, it’s the fastest ever. It’s also the most accurate, thanks to newly developed pitch-detection technology. As for sound, the triple-core generator houses a world-class array of virtual guitars, basses, amps, and synth voices, enabling tones and textures that have never been heard before. Onstage or in the studio, you can instantly access the GR-55’s huge library of ready-to-use sounds, from pop to rock and beyond, with quick-access category buttons. Welcome to a groundbreaking new era in guitar synthesis!
Includes the Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup, featuring accurate performance data and slim design for ideal placement on the guitar.
- Easy to use and easy to play with hundreds of great, ready-to-use sounds for rock or pop guitarists
- Advanced Roland technology provides superb sound quality and lightning-fast processing
- COSM guitar and amp modeling
- Built-in USB audio player with foot control
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the sound quality, ease of use, and versatility of the musical instruments. For example, they mention the sounds are really nice and decent, and the synth side is really good. That said, opinions are mixed on value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the noise of the musical instruments. They say that the sounds are really nice and decent, and they have fun experimenting with different sounds. The modeling is great, and the synth side is really good.
"...The wind instruments sound wonderful and track string bends exactly, plucking nuances and expressions but get sloppy with either hand and extra..." Read more
"...The sax, organ, synth, flute patches all sound amazing and they were all preset." Read more
"...Sounds are almost limitless and from an excellent quality, I have a Fishman amp and Godin LGX SA and this is the perfect company for that already..." Read more
"...I love all the very realistic sounds you can get out of this thing. Also, the sustain is amazing!!..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the musical instruments. They mention that it is an amazing product, very innovative, and cool. The sounds are extremely realistic and pleasing, and the black model is one of the coolest looking pedals they have seen.
"...The GR 55 is an exceptional and versatile two channel digital (PCM) programmable guitar synthesizer which also has a third channel with the “innards..." Read more
"...Sounds are almost limitless and from an excellent quality, I have a Fishman amp and Godin LGX SA and this is the perfect company for that already..." Read more
"...The black model is also one of the coolest looking pedals I've seen. (BTW. this review is by Eileen's husband Steve)" Read more
"...Prior Review: Very innovative and cool product. However, quality is questionable...." Read more
Customers find the LP Clone to be easy to use. They mention that clear set up and adjustment instructions are provided, and the required parameters and measurements are stored. They also mention that it is the least invasive method of attachment and will take much time to learn.
"...Clear set up and adjustment instructions are provided and the required parameters and measurements are stored in memory in the GR 55 for each guitar..." Read more
"...I mounted the pick up on a Yamaha Revstar (LP Clone), and it was very easy to do...." Read more
"...So even though it's complex and will take much time to learn, it's easy enough to figure out within a week or two and use for a performance." Read more
"...Set up is quick & easy," Read more
Customers appreciate the versatility of the GR55. They say it is an extremely versatile guitar synthesizer and modeling tool.
"...In summary, the GR55 is an extremely versatile guitar synthesizer and modeling tool...." Read more
"Versatile machine..." Read more
"Versatile and Tracks Pickups Well..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the product. Some mention that it is a great price and amazing product, while others say that it's expensive but the value you get is worth it. The Roland G3 cable is expensive as well.
"Great Price, amazing product!..." Read more
"...It is expensive, but the value you get is worth it...." Read more
"...It is expensive, but the value you get is worth it. The Roland G3 cable is expensive as well so take care of it, there are other options not Roland..." Read more
"Fun to use but expensive..." Read more
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
The GR 55 is an exceptional and versatile two channel digital (PCM) programmable guitar synthesizer which also has a third channel with the “innards” of a modeling pedal (COSM) like the GT 100 or ME 80. All 3 channels can run in parallel, series or a combination of both. It has a useful large clear multi line LCD display to help navigate its menus.
GR 55 requires an interface mounted on the guitar called a GK3. This comprises a 6 channel pickup (one for each string) and a selector unit which can change volume, select patches, either the guitar original pickups, the GK3 pickup or both. This allows the GR 55 to be a powerful audio processor and connects to the guitar using a 13 pin midi cable.
The GK3 pickup can be mounted two ways. On a guitar with a floating bridge (Strat etc) it should be mounted as close to the bridge as possible and held in place with 2 screws. (Don’t bother with the supplied tape, just take a deep breadth and screw it into place). On a post bridge guitar (LP etc) it can be mounted under the bridge with the supplied adaptor. This is the least invasive method of attachment. In both cases the selector unit is attached using the supplied kit to the strap holder at the rear of most guitars.
Clear set up and adjustment instructions are provided and the required parameters and measurements are stored in memory in the GR 55 for each guitar if you have more than one. Care must be taken here so spend the extra time to get it right.
Now for the fun part. The GR 55 has two synthesizer engines called PCM1 and PCM2. These can be run simultaneously and replicate any sound imaginable. There are hundreds of “canned” sounds like horns, orchestra, piano etc and these can be re-programmed and modified to taste. In addition there are the usual VCOs, filters, envelope detectors etc like an analog synth to make custom sounds for more adventurous users. All the supplied sounds are extremely realistic and pleasing. Imagine playing Moonlight Sonata on a Steinway piano with flute accompaniment, Stairway to Heaven on a 12 String, The horns on The Final Countdown or A Whiter Shade of Pale on a Hammond B3 just using a guitar. Maybe add a full orchestra backing as well with the looper provided. In addition all these sounds can be run through the provided usual pedal and studio effects in stereo for extra ambience.
Apart from the synthesizer PCM sections there is a standard modeling section (COSM) which takes input from the GK3 pickup or the guitar original pickups. The GK3 pickup allows accurate modeling of many different guitar types from Strat, LP through to acoustic and 12 string.These run through a huge selection of fully controlled pedals and effects and also amplifier models like Marshall, VOX etc. Say you want the Jimi Hendrix stack up of Wha, Fuzz Face, Uni-vibe, Marshall 1959 into a 4X12 cab, it’s all there if required.
There are 3 sets of switch selectable preprogrammed or “canned” Sound Styles labeled “Lead”, “Rhythm” and “Other” which most will cycle through at first. These are great fun but inevitably won’t be exactly “right” for most users. Just remember that these are just examples or suggestions provided of what’s achievable. All are user reprogrammable and can be modified, renamed and stored in the “User” Sound Style section. Patches built from scratch can also be stored there, named and recalled.
To control these mammoth amount of processes there are 4 foot switches and a foot pedal for changes on the fly, plus rotary and press buttons for increased functionality. The unit has a USB interface to save patches, reprogram and backup the GR55. If that’s not enough, it’s also possible to run into an external synth or the DAW on a computer and control them from the guitar.
So how good is it and how does it sound? Well as usual it depends on the skill of the user. For example the synthesized Grand Piano is fantastic if one plays the guitar in the style of a pianist. Play individual or multiple notes cleanly and precisely and it will sound great. Get sloppy, bend strings, mis fret and the results are awful. The wind instruments sound wonderful and track string bends exactly, plucking nuances and expressions but get sloppy with either hand and extra notes jump out of nowhere! Realism isn’t an issue if you practice. Also sound realism is only as good as the system you run it through. A good PA system, neutral guitar amp (JC120) or HiFi with good speakers is essential. As they say “shit in = shit out”.
Things get more familiar in the COSM modeling section. Here one can select the type of guitar to model (Strat, LP, Martin acoustic, 12 string etc) and how it is processed. There are almost all the pedals imaginable plus a multitude of amps, FX loops and post effects many of which are stereo and there are also many cabinet models to choose from. Use the amps and cabinet models into a PA or HiFi. If using a guitar amp it will be best to turn the amp and cabinet modeling off on the GR 55 and use the natural sound of the external amp with the COSM pedal patches. Some models are better than others but most sound pretty good when adjusted properly and to taste. With the GR 55 there really will be little need for any other pedals.
In summary, the GR55 is an extremely versatile guitar synthesizer and modeling tool. It has realistic (PCM) synthesized sounds for almost any application plus a modeling capability (COSM) as good as any I’ve heard to date. Remember it’s not just a pedal, it’s a full up synthesizer. Like any modern complex piece of gear it takes time to learn how to use and become familiar with. To take full advantage of its capabilities it’s essential to read the instructions, understand them, run through examples and most importantly to experiment, experiment, experiment. I’ve only scratched the surface of this wonderful piece of equipment and will continue to to amazed by it for many more years to come. And yes, I do use it regularly on gigs!
If you're interested in getting this, its important that you set the GR 55 and GK3 pickup up properly, otherwise you may experience tracking issues. I mounted the pick up on a Yamaha Revstar (LP Clone), and it was very easy to do. They give you the exact measurements you'll need to drop the pegs down so you don't wreck your intonation. This is probably the the most annoying part. It's not entirely plug and play out of the box, but there are presets for ST and LP guitars that will help you quickly dial in your neck length. Follow all the instructions and you should be fine.
There is a huge variety of sounds that can be blended together. THere are plenty of presets, most of which are okay. You can create your own presets or install other peoples presets via usb.
Overall great deal. I'm glad Alto Music hooked me up.
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in India on September 20, 2021