9 years later and this video series is still helping others. Thanks, so much, for taking the time to share your experience and info. I was trying to figure out if I could send the GR-55 to my Mustang GTX modeling amp or if I had to get something else. I’m going to try sending to the receive FX loop on the back, as you suggested. (Still waiting for my new GR-55 to arrive.)
How refreshing to finally have a 'human being' from the real world to demonstrate this...instead of a hip-leaned, rocket guitar'd, plastic wigged, hi vis, teenager doing the American Anchorman approach!!!. Thank You SO much for this professional, concise, HUMAN, demonstration with everything one needs to know. Bless you.
Hi stupid question...i just got a GR 55 and use it with a graphtech system (GK 13 pin cable) but i'm able to play only the midi sounds no guitar signal even with the mix selection...is this normal? i mean is it actually possible to get the guitar signal by using the GK cable only ? or do i need to setup something in the settings? or do i have to use the guitar out jack? it would be kind of unlogical since i would like to use the GR 55 as stand alone unit and record through the usb output directly to the computer....i know the GK 3 has the mix option but with a jack to mini jack right? so maybe the graphtech system does not send the main guitar signal,weird that roland didn't provide a regular jack input...so eveything would be connected in one unit...sorry for all my questions :) Amazing videos on the GR 55 by the way
When using the GK-3 system the cable carries the guitar signal as well as long as the short guitar chord was used from the guitar out into the GK-3. Graphtech would not be any different because the system has a mix switch. So it is feeding the guitars electric pickups through the cable. I would check all setting on the GR-55. I had the GC1 Strat with gk built in and had no issues. I'm betting the setting need to be set up correctly. I found the best way to learn the GR-55 was not to use the presets for yourself but building you own presets. That makes you get deeper into the setups and learn the unit better. The guitar input was not included is because it is carried on every midi system out there so it's redundant. Spending time with the manual is essential. Hope that helps. Don't forget to subscribe!
@@TheGospelGuitarist Thank you ! yes i tried the setting with pickup on ecc in the GR 55 edit page already so it's strange i couldn't manage to get any piezo or magnetic signal out of the guitar...i will keep trying,thanks again for your infos,it's indeed a very complex device and needs some time...just one question again...so if the normal pickup signal of the guitar goes out by the GK cable why was a a jack to mini jack from the guitar to the GK 3 even needed? that's what i don't understand....just subscribed
The guitars output jack into the GK3's guitar input jack is there so the GK3 can send the guitar signal out one cable. I don't know why you call it a mini jack, the GK3 has a full size input. The guitar cable is mini lol. Remember that the guitar signal is audio not midi. The midi pickup is not audio. I really can't go into how all the inner workings work. The midi pickup is 6 separate pickups and you can assign different instruments to each pickup or set of pickups. Like an acoustic guitar for the 1 2 and 3, while a bass is used on 4 5 and 6. The GK3 needs the audio of the strings to send down the line to the GR55. You can then go out the guitar out from the 55 to an amplifier as usual and send the midi outputs to a clean amp to those tones. All at the same time!
Thanks for answering and for your time,yes i know the above things,my question was "stupid" as i told,i refered to the mini jack because i once had a GK installed on a guitar and as i remember it was a regular jack to mini jack,anyway thats completely irrelevant :) my englisch is not so good,sorry to bother you with my questions,the whole point was that in my case it's impossible to get the guitar signal into the GR 55 and use it as a stand alone device for USB recording :) with a GK3 i could,with my midi system installed i can't since the GR 55 dosen't has a regular aditional jack input,lol,i don't bother you anymore and thanks again,i know i could use the guitar out and send it to another device,but then what's the point of a all in one solution....anyway that's my problem and i should have thought about it earlier :)
I would give Graphtech a call and see if they have information on setting it up with the GR-55. Hope you canget it figured out, these things can be sooo frustrating. I feel your pain brother.
Thanks for the information... I'm on my way buying this great magic box... But I wonder how to connect when I play live, if I want to connect the GR-55 directly to the PA system and also have my amplifier on stage with all the same sounds like strings and synths for back listening? As I understand I cant use the guitar out jack for strings and synths.... Can I use the headphone jack? Or does it not work at the same time as the guitar out jacks?
Hi… can I use the Roland Gr20 guitar synthesizer as a midi interface and connect it up to a Roland bk7m module or a ketron xd3 module so when I play chords on my midi guitar the machines can follow me or can I only use the Roland Gi20 with Roland bk7m module or ketron xd3 module… Thanks 🙏
The gr33 had a guitar return. Helpful if you wanted to send just one output to a DI. This is missing that, dumb idea! Now you need a 2 input DI. Guess I have to get one! Kenneth Russel actually got inside the unit and added a guitar return. Smart guy! Right now, I'm trying o learn how to create and save patches that have a keyboard, strings, and a bass as I did with the gr33. Pain in the tuchus!
This does have a guitar out jack. I don't know what you mean by guitar return. Maybe I need to look at an GR33. I know some like those better. I've never used one. I sold this one off years ago becuase it is a pain to set up and I'd rather just play. Even though I am no slouch when it comes to menus and manuals...it's just not user friendly.
Any 13 pin midi cable will work. I found them on eBay, have no idea how many manufacturers of these type of cables there are. I'm guessing not many, pretty special product.
I know this vid is old, but if you're still out there, I have a simple question in regard to the mono output for the synth sounds ~ I have a Line 6 bass amp with an 3.5mm MP3 input that bypasses the preamp section of the amp and only uses the power section. Could I simply attach a 3.5mm adapter to a 1/4" cable from the mono synth output of the GR55 and connect it to the MP3 input of my bass amp?
Mine's set to normal pickups to pass the signal through to my other gear. If you go into the system settings and then choose 'other' you will get to the menu to set your guitar output jack to off, normal pickups, modeling or both. The setting applies no matter what the patch is doing. So the patch may have some modeling within it, but if you set the global setting to normal you won't hear the modeling effects. System settings override the patch settings. Use 'both' to hear modeling as well.
Ok, I checked the cable and it works straight into the amp. I will try varying the settings. I can see there's a learning curve here. May I ask, how is yours set up? Keeping in mind that I'm using the bass settings so we may not be comparing apples to apples. If I get it to work I will post the solution. Thanks for your help.
No problem, it's why I do this. I was in your shoes 3 weeks ago. I don't know everything about this thing yet but I will continue to post videos about it in the future as I get playing around with it. Thanks for the comments and have fun!
is it possible to run the synth and the guitar tone through the same amp? like the guitar out jack into the front of the amp and then the synth out L/R into the effects into the back of the amp like you described?
Once you plug the unit (or any unit) into the effects return of an amp without the effects send being used, it will disconnect the front of the amp preamp section. So I would say no that will not work. If you have an amp with several front end inputs though it will. Like on my Roland JC-120 I can run the snyth into ch1 and the guitar out into ch2 and hear both at the same time. Should do the same of some Fenders with multiple inputs as well.
The pickup is not defective if it works in the mix and GR positions. Check your guitar out settings on the patches and make sure it is set up the way you want. Is the guitar out going into a normal bass amp? Make sure you have a good cable there and that it works without the synth used at all. You can do quite a bit with the guitar output on the GR-55, so if you are not using amp models of the synth set it to normal pickups so the unit don't process that signal and passes it through to the jack.
I appreciate your videos. Very informative. I have a question. I just bought a GK-3B and GR-55. When I switch the GK-3B to "bass" (normal pu) I don't get any sound. I am connected via the 13 pin cable and using the "guitar out" and "L/mono" outputs on the GR-55. I have the factory default setup and I calibrated the pickup with the synth. Am I missing something here or do I possibly have a defective pick up. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.
These are very nice units, however not for the timid. Extremely complex. I suggest a guitar with a built in midi system as the GK3 is know for having a lot of issues with it's wiring.
I was using a Gr 20 synth with the Gk 3 pickup where I can get the synth and guitar either together or separately going g through one amp. So far I can either get synth or regular guitar on the Gr 55. Do I need 2 separate amps to get both
Very nice video. The reason I watched it, and others explaining the outputs...particularly, the 'normal" outputs, is I am trying to learn, if the normal pickup sound can be turned off coming out of these outputs and allowing the normal pickup (and modeling) to be the only actual guitar sound coming of the the Guitar Output. In other words, I would like the normal pickup to ONLY go to one amp, and the synth section going to another amp. But it seems, that even though, the normal pickup does out put via the output, it is also coming out of the two stereo outputs. And I want them totally separated. I have looked thru the manual, and viewed other videos regarding the outputs and none of them address this.
I have sold off the unit, but I ran it the way you want to. I have a half stack for guitar and a Roland JC-120 for the synth tones. It was a long time ago it seems since I've had it but there are settings within the patches and outputs setting to split the signals. You are just going to have to dig around inside the patch settings and routings within the unit. Trust me though, I ran it split always so I know you will be able to find out how to set it up. Sorry I can't be of more precise help.
Thank you. At least I know it can be done. I’ve thought about running a cable from my strats output to another amp...having two cables....but I’ll dive in deeper. Thank you for the prompt reply!
I have taken your advice and yes you are entirely correct. I see links to your videos on Vguitars. Because of the site, I am enjoying this unit more than ever.
You can use DI's on the left/right outputs to split the signal to the board and your stage amps. I have a few videos on how to use DI boxes. The DI will convert the L/R outputs to mic level for the stage snake/mixer while still sending your original signal to your stage setup. 3 DI boxes would cover the guitar out and the L/R outs to duplicate your setup at the board. The headphone jack does not mute the outputs, so it can be used as an extra send to a monitoring amp which has everything in it.
You can use the guitar processing as if it was a guitar effects unit yes. You need to set it up so the effects are routed to the guitar output jack. Actually the GR-55 has some of the GT-100 in it.
When I switch the selector on the GK-3 to guitar, no sound comes out. I was thinking that something might be defective. Someone suggested that I have to use the "guitar out" hooked up to another amp. I didn't have to do this with my old GK-2 and GR-33. I saw someone on YT using the same setup I have (GK in cable and amp-to-mono) and he was able to switch from normal original guitar pickups and the synth sound. What do you think I might be doing wrong?
If you choose the guitar on the GK-3 you are selecting the guitars magnetic pickup being feed through the midi connection. In order to actually hear your guitar you need to use the guitar out jack on the GR-55 and inside the patch you are using the Normal Guitar setting must be activated at the bottom of the patch list, most seem to be defaulted to off. Read up on the GR-55 and how to use the guitar out jack and internal guitar selections for the normal guitar pickups. Run the guitar out to your normal guitar amp setup.
I want to buy one for bass. Can I just plug in my bass direct to the 13 pin, and plug the unit through the guitar out to my amp? Will that allow me to use it as synth and bass, or do I need to run the 13 pin AND 1/4 inch from my bass to the unit and amp?
+rebuked Yes you can. It has lots of bass modeling features, it's actually two processors in one, a bass unit AND a guitar unit. The bass side has all of it's own preamps and patches.
Any opinions - is it better to take the synth output to a PA for live work with the guitar out to an amp - or use the preamp modelling and leave the synth and guitar mixed output in to a neutral amp (no drive etc) or PA
I ran my half stack alongside an acoustic guitar amp for the synth. But if I didn't have the stack I would probably run both the guitar modeling and the synth through an acoustic amp. Acoustic amps just sound better to me than a clean amp. I have a JC-120 which sounds good too. But favored the response of the acoustic amp to recreate acoustic instruments. Please slam that subscribe button for me, thanks!
hi michael.. what do you think about what is the best amplifier for gr 55? a keyboard amps, let say like roland kc 550 or guitar amps like jazz chorus?
I use my Jazz chorus more at home but I play out using a Cavin AG100D acoustic amp with a tweeter. The tweeter really adds to the air of some instruments like nylon guitars and flutes ect. which have an freq in the highs which really brings in the realism of the instrument. I say you are safe with a keyboard amp too, though I haven't used one. You can also hook it up to a power amp and two full range PA speakers. It sounds best on full range gear, acoustic, keyboard amps or pa. Guitar amps can color the tones a bit, although the JC120 not so much.
Not familiar with GR20 but the gr55 has guitar out and synth out connections to run seperate amps for guitar and synth. You can read up on the gr20 output capabilities.
I would use the stereo synth out because the guitar processing can also use that output so you can loop guitar and synth parts..never used a looper with it but I'd try that first.
@@TheGospelGuitarist Good try but where is that stereo synth out? Not at the back of the unit anyhow. Do you think I need to change the parameters to make it work? I was going for a simple plug in\out with a 1\4 cable. I have try all kinds of set up but it's still not working and nobody seems to have try it either on youtube because as there already is a looper in the GR-55, no one seems to see how useful it could be for doing ambience music for example.
Output L(mono)/R is the main output on the unit. I don't have it anymore. If you don't have the manual you can find it online. I suppose the looper is a mono input? so use the L(mono) output.
You can actually program it so U can play both model cosm and raw guitar signal out of the guitar out, but my question is how would I need to connect my cables to play a external effect pedal with GR-55
Pretty sure the answer would be in the manual and used as a big selling point if you could. So I'm thinking no. Not familiar with the GP10 but that's my guess.
So...I'm fairly stupid, apparently. The guitar out is for the guitar signal only without any synths? Just straight guitar + COSM? The Other outputs send synth only? Does this mean I use the Guitar setting on the GK-3 pickup for the guitar out? And the GK setting for the other 2 outputs? Mix for Both? If this is the case...I feel like a moron. It seems like common sense now, but should have been explained better somewhere in the packaging. (Or did I miss it?)
Yeah pretty much. Guitar or snyth or both. The output for guitar goes to your amp rig and the synth should go to a clean amp like a Roland JC-120, or something, even direct to the pa.
Yes, because anything over 25 feet with a normal high-im[edance guitar cord will start to pickup noise on the line. Long runs to the mixer off stage need converted to low-impedance to avoid noise.
This is very helpful,thank you for posting this... I have an issue that I need some help with. How to use my Boss GT 8 with the GR 55 into a Boss RC 30 loop station. I did it once,and cannot figure it out again. Need help . Thank you :)
You can come out the guitar output jack on the GR-55 into the guitar input jack on the GT-8. Then run the outputs of both units into the RC30. I found a feature demo here on YT and it shows an AUX jack on the RC30. THAT's where you can run in the GR-55 into it. Use the L/R jacks for the GT-8.
One thing to be aware of is this: When the power switch is off, the unit is still energized. It is a soft power switch, not a true mechanical, latching power switch. So - take care when plugging and unplugging devices, because the unit is still hot when "off". Another thing that was missed in the video, which you probably already know is that the MIDI out can be connected to a MIDI sound generator to produce notes and sounds. I do wish that Roland had a rackmount version of this. So much clutter on the floor!
Didn't know about the soft power switching. Although there isn't anything on it power like 48v mic supplies. Probably pretty safe for the gear, MIDI I don't know much about though. Totally agree with the fact of so many cables on the floor. Put it into a rack and just just a MIDI controller for everything. I don''t think there is much of a way out of a bunch of cables being used somewhere though. lol I love rack gear! It may be making a comeback, lets hope. Thanks for the post.
It's good advice whether it shuts completely off or not when it comes to audio gear. I wasn't suggesting to plug stuff in with the power on. I thought you were stating that there maybe AC voltage on the outputs of a DC 9V unit.
hi, hope u can help..i want the patch that have a guitar sound is out from the guitar out and the other patch that have pcm tone out from keyboard amps. how to connect and setting it? please help. thanks
The PCM patch tones are already present at the L/R stereo outputs, just run those to your keyboard amps. Go into the guitar out settings menu and send your normal guitar pickups without modeling, with modeling or both to the guitar out jack and run to your guitar amp or power amp and speaker.
TheGospelGuitarist . yes, but why i cant edit the modelling guitar with the effect such like amps,mfx,mod,etc? i just heard the only modelling guitar sound. without any effect in there to add. i have tried to change the structure of the effect in the edit page but it still cant add the effect sound to my modeling guitar. can you help? thanks
Do you have the Gr-55 Floorboard software? It's free. If not, do a search for it. It may help to see what you're doing. I haven't played much with the modeling yet. But the 'Normal Pickups' menu has 'bypass', amps/mod' and 'mfx' for selections on what the unit is to use with the normal guitar sound. Play around with those and get back to me.
TheGospelGuitarist . okay i already download it. is this floorboard must make connections with the gr55 to my computer? how can the floorboard load my gr55 patches?
Plug in a cable from guitar out into guitar amp and lr outputs into an acoustic amp for best setup. Synth tones are best used with a non tube amp clean.
I have some concerns maybe you can help me out. I'm investing in a gr55 and Boss gp10, so I need pin dual end. To access all sounds, couldn't I just run it to my laptop using a usb? And from a laptop into my usb cable?
That depends on what you are doing. For recording yes that will work. Both units have usb connections but you control them using midi. What are you wanting to accomplish?
@@TheGospelGuitarist I meant to ask, couldn't I run the cables into my laptop and also put a cable into my laptop from my pa speaker? It actually has a usb port.
Yes I guess so. The speaker is built to take audio from a USB output device whether it's a laptop, desktop, phone, pad ect. I don't see why you can't connect both to the laptop and have them recognized by your recording DAW as long as you have drivers to make that happen. Go over those sections of the manuals for the gr55 and gp10.
i have a problem with my gr-55 that some sounds not really work like the piano when i pressed the piano my guitar sounds clean no piano sounds nothing can you help me?
You need to install the GK-3B midi pickup on your bass first. The GR-55 uses the 13 pin cable for input. It also defaults to guitar so you will need to go into the menu system and set the unit for bass. I need to get the GK3B myself since I play bass too. :)
I play bass too but I don't have the GK-3B yet. It's so cool to have both guitar and bass processors in one unit and not have to buy a second 'bass' processor version. Let me know how it goes!
There is no 1/4" guitar input. The input is using the MIDI connection from a MIDI equipt guitar or a GK-3 mounted to your guitar which has MIDI out. You use a 15 pin special cord for this unit which handles the magnetic pickup guitar signals and the 6 MIDI pickups under the strings.
Hi my friend, i just bought the Roland GR55 + GK3, i tried to see all of your video, but i'm not that good about technical things in English, so sorry if i ask you here... This is the thing: i've a JCM800 modded and i would like to play my normal guitar with the amp, while the synths/sax etc, on the same amp: - how should i plug it (gr55) into my amp? - the main problem could be that my amp is an HiGain so it's almost never clean, could this causes some problems to the signal of GR55? Thanks a lot for your video :)
The FX loop is for guitar effects processors and stomp boxes. The only way to the GR-55 to sound good is by using a very good clean amp like a Roland JC-120. I would not recommend a tube amp for the GR-55 output You could even go with a power amp and speakers or a set of powered monitors.
@@TheGospelGuitarist Im using a line 6 digital amp with clean channel, its not the best speaker but it gets the job done, im wondering why its not recomended on a tube amp, i m thinking of purchasing one as maybe to get a better sound. your help on the matter please. thanks
i have inherited the gr 55 and godin custom. the fender mustang 200 amp. a mesa and bunch of other stuff. Thank God you made this video cause I'm a newb and dont get it. My man went mental after 18 years abandoned me ran off with his mummy...not the greatest karma for them. We were musicians together. Tonight I messed around with the Fender footswitch and looper it seems maybe a cable issue cause the looper volume was zero and then hurt my ear turning on a youtube blue tooth video and it was damn cranked on my phone (fender mustang has bluetooth speaker. My ear is still ringing) anyway my question is can I play the GR 55 thru this type of amp with built in effects or would that be stupid and I have to use is other old school fender or mesa. I'm done with musicians screwing me over I've learned 3 almost 4 instruments because of it. I want to start playing with all the toys I have If anyone knows if I can or not please feel free to give me any advice. I don't want to damage anything. Thank you so much in advance Oh and it came with this little adaptor. Maybe that was just for him to go wireless? patchcordless I mean....it seems that the little piece was caught up in his clothing when He Ran off with mummy cause I think I remember packing it. fyi she's an insane hag that took him to Hungary to mow her lawn and then paid him to leave me. Euro mothers don't like you if your american or north american even though she lived here 40 years and regrets it.(for those who read this and want to know, he's still gone and still mental)
You can play the GR-55 through any amp but best through a clean non-tube amp. Like a Roland Jazz Chorus or acoustic amp. Manual is online if you don't have it. Just do a search, you'll need it.
Thanks for nice and useful presentation! What kind of connection between the guitar and the GR-55 do you recommend if I want to use the acoustic and electric guitar modeling features? Which option-13-pin or 1/4"-provides a more realistic sound that resembles the original instruments?" I found the presentation of the accoustic guitar modeling by Kennis Russell ua-cam.com/video/FteIcYS3K-w/v-deo.htmlsi=5V1P1DSZ0SDfWAo9
This unit only has 13 pin input from the Gk-3. It does not have 1/4" guitar input on the GR55. I ran all synth tones into an acoustic amplifier which sounded nice. Ran the guitar out to my half stack for normal electric guitar modeling. Hope that helps. A guitar amp does not work well with the synth tones IMO.
I did forget to mention that I ran the synth tones into my Roland JC-120 as well because it is a solid state amp and super clean. Sounded nice there as well but better on a full range acoustic system. Frequency range is too narrow on say tube guitar amps. Hope ot works out for you. I had to sell mine off but maybe someday I will buy a used one again. Happy music making.
9 years later and this video series is still helping others. Thanks, so much, for taking the time to share your experience and info. I was trying to figure out if I could send the GR-55 to my Mustang GTX modeling amp or if I had to get something else. I’m going to try sending to the receive FX loop on the back, as you suggested. (Still waiting for my new GR-55 to arrive.)
Glad it was helpful! Don't forget to subscribe I have a whole playlist of videos on the GR-55!
Yes but how do you set up the 'guitar out' for just the guitar pickups?!! (1:52)
Already setup
Think of it as a bypass direct out which you can use the onboard guitar modeling with it or not.
How refreshing to finally have a 'human being' from the real world to demonstrate this...instead of a hip-leaned, rocket guitar'd, plastic wigged, hi vis, teenager doing the American Anchorman approach!!!. Thank You SO much for this professional, concise, HUMAN, demonstration with everything one needs to know. Bless you.
Thanks lol
BEST video I’ve seen! Thank you! 🙏🏼
Thank you very much!
Does anyone know if i can trigger midi notes in a daw from the midi output?
Yes is the short answer but I’ve never personally needed to do that myself. Hit the Roland help forums.
Hi stupid question...i just got a GR 55 and use it with a graphtech system (GK 13 pin cable) but i'm able to play only the midi sounds no guitar signal even with the mix selection...is this normal? i mean is it actually possible to get the guitar signal by using the GK cable only ? or do i need to setup something in the settings? or do i have to use the guitar out jack? it would be kind of unlogical since i would like to use the GR 55 as stand alone unit and record through the usb output directly to the computer....i know the GK 3 has the mix option but with a jack to mini jack right? so maybe the graphtech system does not send the main guitar signal,weird that roland didn't provide a regular jack input...so eveything would be connected in one unit...sorry for all my questions :) Amazing videos on the GR 55 by the way
When using the GK-3 system the cable carries the guitar signal as well as long as the short guitar chord was used from the guitar out into the GK-3. Graphtech would not be any different because the system has a mix switch. So it is feeding the guitars electric pickups through the cable. I would check all setting on the GR-55. I had the GC1 Strat with gk built in and had no issues. I'm betting the setting need to be set up correctly. I found the best way to learn the GR-55 was not to use the presets for yourself but building you own presets. That makes you get deeper into the setups and learn the unit better. The guitar input was not included is because it is carried on every midi system out there so it's redundant. Spending time with the manual is essential. Hope that helps. Don't forget to subscribe!
@@TheGospelGuitarist Thank you ! yes i tried the setting with pickup on ecc in the GR 55 edit page already so it's strange i couldn't manage to get any piezo or magnetic signal out of the guitar...i will keep trying,thanks again for your infos,it's indeed a very complex device and needs some time...just one question again...so if the normal pickup signal of the guitar goes out by the GK cable why was a a jack to mini jack from the guitar to the GK 3 even needed? that's what i don't understand....just subscribed
The guitars output jack into the GK3's guitar input jack is there so the GK3 can send the guitar signal out one cable. I don't know why you call it a mini jack, the GK3 has a full size input. The guitar cable is mini lol. Remember that the guitar signal is audio not midi. The midi pickup is not audio. I really can't go into how all the inner workings work. The midi pickup is 6 separate pickups and you can assign different instruments to each pickup or set of pickups. Like an acoustic guitar for the 1 2 and 3, while a bass is used on 4 5 and 6. The GK3 needs the audio of the strings to send down the line to the GR55. You can then go out the guitar out from the 55 to an amplifier as usual and send the midi outputs to a clean amp to those tones. All at the same time!
Thanks for answering and for your time,yes i know the above things,my question was "stupid" as i told,i refered to the mini jack because i once had a GK installed on a guitar and as i remember it was a regular jack to mini jack,anyway thats completely irrelevant :) my englisch is not so good,sorry to bother you with my questions,the whole point was that in my case it's impossible to get the guitar signal into the GR 55 and use it as a stand alone device for USB recording :) with a GK3 i could,with my midi system installed i can't since the GR 55 dosen't has a regular aditional jack input,lol,i don't bother you anymore and thanks again,i know i could use the guitar out and send it to another device,but then what's the point of a all in one solution....anyway that's my problem and i should have thought about it earlier :)
I would give Graphtech a call and see if they have information on setting it up with the GR-55. Hope you canget it figured out, these things can be sooo frustrating. I feel your pain brother.
Thanks for the information... I'm on my way buying this great magic box... But I wonder how to connect when I play live, if I want to connect the GR-55 directly to the PA system and also have my amplifier on stage with all the same sounds like strings and synths for back listening? As I understand I cant use the guitar out jack for strings and synths.... Can I use the headphone jack? Or does it not work at the same time as the guitar out jacks?
Thank you so much for clarity, and close up.shots im picking up my gr55 soon
Glad I could help!
Hi… can I use the Roland Gr20 guitar synthesizer as a midi interface and connect it up to a Roland bk7m module or a ketron xd3 module so when I play chords on my midi guitar the machines can follow me or can I only use the Roland Gi20 with Roland bk7m module or ketron xd3 module… Thanks 🙏
I have no knowledge on the gr20 or the other gear you mentioned. Sorry. You probably find the manual online if you don’t have one.
The gr33 had a guitar return. Helpful if you wanted to send just one output to a DI. This is missing that, dumb idea! Now you need a 2 input DI. Guess I have to get one! Kenneth Russel actually got inside the unit and added a guitar return. Smart guy! Right now, I'm trying o learn how to create and save patches that have a keyboard, strings, and a bass as I did with the gr33. Pain in the tuchus!
This does have a guitar out jack. I don't know what you mean by guitar return. Maybe I need to look at an GR33. I know some like those better. I've never used one. I sold this one off years ago becuase it is a pain to set up and I'd rather just play. Even though I am no slouch when it comes to menus and manuals...it's just not user friendly.
Hello ! can you please make a video on
How to update GR55 Firmware with USB Cable
I no longer own the unit but found this video here on YT: ua-cam.com/video/c0Pq_RWxTX8/v-deo.html
Thank you for the video!! Awesome info.
You bet!
@@TheGospelGuitarist let me ask you, will most 13 pin cables work or does it have to be roland? And how many cables are there?
Any 13 pin midi cable will work. I found them on eBay, have no idea how many manufacturers of these type of cables there are. I'm guessing not many, pretty special product.
I know this vid is old, but if you're still out there, I have a simple question in regard to the mono output for the synth sounds ~ I have a Line 6 bass amp with an 3.5mm MP3 input that bypasses the preamp section of the amp and only uses the power section.
Could I simply attach a 3.5mm adapter to a 1/4" cable from the mono synth output of the GR55 and connect it to the MP3 input of my bass amp?
Yes that should work.
Sure! I will check your other videos before I start to install and make the set up. This is very helpful. Thanks for your great videos and response!!
Mine's set to normal pickups to pass the signal through to my other gear. If you go into the system settings and then choose 'other' you will get to the menu to set your guitar output jack to off, normal pickups, modeling or both. The setting applies no matter what the patch is doing. So the patch may have some modeling within it, but if you set the global setting to normal you won't hear the modeling effects. System settings override the patch settings. Use 'both' to hear modeling as well.
Thanks for the information sir.
Shalom :)
Ok, I checked the cable and it works straight into the amp. I will try varying the settings. I can see there's a learning curve here. May I ask, how is yours set up? Keeping in mind that I'm using the bass settings so we may not be comparing apples to apples. If I get it to work I will post the solution. Thanks for your help.
No problem, it's why I do this. I was in your shoes 3 weeks ago. I don't know everything about this thing yet but I will continue to post videos about it in the future as I get playing around with it. Thanks for the comments and have fun!
is it possible to run the synth and the guitar tone through the same amp? like the guitar out jack into the front of the amp and then the synth out L/R into the effects into the back of the amp like you described?
Once you plug the unit (or any unit) into the effects return of an amp without the effects send being used, it will disconnect the front of the amp preamp section. So I would say no that will not work. If you have an amp with several front end inputs though it will. Like on my Roland JC-120 I can run the snyth into ch1 and the guitar out into ch2 and hear both at the same time. Should do the same of some Fenders with multiple inputs as well.
You would need a dummy plug in the send of your fx loop
The pickup is not defective if it works in the mix and GR positions. Check your guitar out settings on the patches and make sure it is set up the way you want. Is the guitar out going into a normal bass amp? Make sure you have a good cable there and that it works without the synth used at all. You can do quite a bit with the guitar output on the GR-55, so if you are not using amp models of the synth set it to normal pickups so the unit don't process that signal and passes it through to the jack.
Thanks! One of the best "how to" videos I've seen. I want to connect this device to Pro Tools DAW.
+Carlo D'Anna Thanks, appreciated very much!
I appreciate your videos. Very informative. I have a question. I just bought a GK-3B and GR-55. When I switch the GK-3B to "bass" (normal pu) I don't get any sound. I am connected via the 13 pin cable and using the "guitar out" and "L/mono" outputs on the GR-55. I have the factory default setup and I calibrated the pickup with the synth. Am I missing something here or do I possibly have a defective pick up. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.
I have a similar problem: I cannot switch to guitar pickup on guitar out. Its a setting on the GR55 but I cannot find it.
great video thanks! So if I have regular marshal amp with one input i can use only mono? cannot do stereo?
Yes, you can. Left output.
Thanks. I am trying to decide my first unit
These are very nice units, however not for the timid. Extremely complex. I suggest a guitar with a built in midi system as the GK3 is know for having a lot of issues with it's wiring.
I was using a Gr 20 synth with the Gk 3 pickup where I can get the synth and guitar either together or separately going g through one amp. So far I can either get synth or regular guitar on the Gr 55. Do I need 2 separate amps to get both
I have a simple query which is the best color blue or black. ? Is there a difference in sound quality?
Black of course. It is uncolored by blue overtones.
Very nice video. The reason I watched it, and others explaining the outputs...particularly, the 'normal" outputs, is I am trying to learn, if the normal pickup sound can be turned off coming out of these outputs and allowing the normal pickup (and modeling) to be the only actual guitar sound coming of the the Guitar Output. In other words, I would like the normal pickup to ONLY go to one amp, and the synth section going to another amp.
But it seems, that even though, the normal pickup does out put via the output, it is also coming out of the two stereo outputs. And I want them totally separated. I have looked thru the manual, and viewed other videos regarding the outputs and none of them address this.
I have sold off the unit, but I ran it the way you want to. I have a half stack for guitar and a Roland JC-120 for the synth tones. It was a long time ago it seems since I've had it but there are settings within the patches and outputs setting to split the signals. You are just going to have to dig around inside the patch settings and routings within the unit. Trust me though, I ran it split always so I know you will be able to find out how to set it up. Sorry I can't be of more precise help.
Thank you. At least I know it can be done. I’ve thought about running a cable from my strats output to another amp...having two cables....but I’ll dive in deeper. Thank you for the prompt reply!
I have taken your advice and yes you are entirely correct. I see links to your videos on Vguitars. Because of the site, I am enjoying this unit more than ever.
You can use DI's on the left/right outputs to split the signal to the board and your stage amps. I have a few videos on how to use DI boxes. The DI will convert the L/R outputs to mic level for the stage snake/mixer while still sending your original signal to your stage setup. 3 DI boxes would cover the guitar out and the L/R outs to duplicate your setup at the board. The headphone jack does not mute the outputs, so it can be used as an extra send to a monitoring amp which has everything in it.
Thank you. It was really helpfull, but I haven't caught if it is possible to use Roland GR 55 as multiefect e.g. BOSS GT-100 by guitar out jack.
You can use the guitar processing as if it was a guitar effects unit yes. You need to set it up so the effects are routed to the guitar output jack. Actually the GR-55 has some of the GT-100 in it.
Thank you :-)
How do you route the effects to the Guitar out
Hi are the sounds speaker emulated on this for Di recording
Yes there are plenty of speaker emulation and mic placement and type as well.
What app do you use for the midi recording? Thanks
Back in those days I used Sonar. Unit has been sold off. You can use whatever DAW you like.
When I switch the selector on the GK-3 to guitar, no sound comes out. I was thinking that something might be defective. Someone suggested that I have to use the "guitar out" hooked up to another amp. I didn't have to do this with my old GK-2 and GR-33. I saw someone on YT using the same setup I have (GK in cable and amp-to-mono) and he was able to switch from normal original guitar pickups and the synth sound. What do you think I might be doing wrong?
If you choose the guitar on the GK-3 you are selecting the guitars magnetic pickup being feed through the midi connection. In order to actually hear your guitar you need to use the guitar out jack on the GR-55 and inside the patch you are using the Normal Guitar setting must be activated at the bottom of the patch list, most seem to be defaulted to off. Read up on the GR-55 and how to use the guitar out jack and internal guitar selections for the normal guitar pickups. Run the guitar out to your normal guitar amp setup.
TheGospelGuitarist Thank you, I appreciate your quick response.
You're very welcome, hope you get it worked out. It can be a bit tricky sometimes.
I want to buy one for bass. Can I just plug in my bass direct to the 13 pin, and plug the unit through the guitar out to my amp? Will that allow me to use it as synth and bass, or do I need to run the 13 pin AND 1/4 inch from my bass to the unit and amp?
+rebuked Bass into unit using 13 pin cable. You can run the guitar out into your amp and two stereo outputs to another amp for synth tones.
+TheGospelGuitarist Ok. Can I get regular bass sound if I just use the 13 pin cable?
+rebuked Yes you can. It has lots of bass modeling features, it's actually two processors in one, a bass unit AND a guitar unit. The bass side has all of it's own preamps and patches.
+rebuked there´s is a pickup especially designed for bass. it is the GK-3 B. the GK-3 is for guitar.
Any opinions - is it better to take the synth output to a PA for live work with the guitar out to an amp - or use the preamp modelling and leave the synth and guitar mixed output in to a neutral amp (no drive etc) or PA
I ran my half stack alongside an acoustic guitar amp for the synth. But if I didn't have the stack I would probably run both the guitar modeling and the synth through an acoustic amp. Acoustic amps just sound better to me than a clean amp. I have a JC-120 which sounds good too. But favored the response of the acoustic amp to recreate acoustic instruments. Please slam that subscribe button for me, thanks!
Thanks for your thoughts. I did wonder about an acoustic amp. I've hit the Subscribe button :)
is there a poss to put in a microphone to have the effects on a voice & loop it too? :)
hi michael.. what do you think about what is the best amplifier for gr 55? a keyboard amps, let say like roland kc 550 or guitar amps like jazz chorus?
I use my Jazz chorus more at home but I play out using a Cavin AG100D acoustic amp with a tweeter. The tweeter really adds to the air of some instruments like nylon guitars and flutes ect. which have an freq in the highs which really brings in the realism of the instrument. I say you are safe with a keyboard amp too, though I haven't used one. You can also hook it up to a power amp and two full range PA speakers. It sounds best on full range gear, acoustic, keyboard amps or pa. Guitar amps can color the tones a bit, although the JC120 not so much.
Hi my friend, what kind of connection is needed to use a guitar as a midi, after connecting 9 pim from gk-3 to Roland GR-20
Not familiar with GR20 but the gr55 has guitar out and synth out connections to run seperate amps for guitar and synth. You can read up on the gr20 output capabilities.
I just bought this. It hasn’t came in yet, but the only thing I don’t like for synth sounds and piano no sustain pedal.
You should look into that, you may be able to hook up a Roland piano sustainer to it. Do a YT search.
Which output should I use to connect an RC-500 LOOPER?
I would use the stereo synth out because the guitar processing can also use that output so you can loop guitar and synth parts..never used a looper with it but I'd try that first.
@@TheGospelGuitarist Good try but where is that stereo synth out? Not at the back of the unit anyhow. Do you think I need to change the parameters to make it work? I was going for a simple plug in\out with a 1\4 cable. I have try all kinds of set up but it's still not working and nobody seems to have try it either on youtube because as there already is a looper in the GR-55, no one seems to see how useful it could be for doing ambience music for example.
Output L(mono)/R is the main output on the unit. I don't have it anymore. If you don't have the manual you can find it online. I suppose the looper is a mono input? so use the L(mono) output.
what slot can I use to connect my Boss RC-30 or my Waza Vibrato pedal? Guitar out slot?
Guitar out takes the raw guitar signal out to your normal guitar pedal board, processors and or amps.
You can actually program it so U can play both model cosm and raw guitar signal out of the guitar out, but my question is how would I need to connect my cables to play a external effect pedal with GR-55
guitar out to the pedal.
CAN WE COPY PATCHES OF GR 55 IN GP 10 PROCESSOR
Pretty sure the answer would be in the manual and used as a big selling point if you could. So I'm thinking no. Not familiar with the GP10 but that's my guess.
I own one your videos are very pragmatic easy to understand...thanks
So...I'm fairly stupid, apparently.
The guitar out is for the guitar signal only without any synths? Just straight guitar + COSM?
The Other outputs send synth only?
Does this mean I use the Guitar setting on the GK-3 pickup for the guitar out? And the GK setting for the other 2 outputs? Mix for Both?
If this is the case...I feel like a moron. It seems like common sense now, but should have been explained better somewhere in the packaging. (Or did I miss it?)
Yeah pretty much. Guitar or snyth or both. The output for guitar goes to your amp rig and the synth should go to a clean amp like a Roland JC-120, or something, even direct to the pa.
TheGospelGuitarist Does the mono output need a DI Box to run direct into a mixer/PA?
Yes, because anything over 25 feet with a normal high-im[edance guitar cord will start to pickup noise on the line. Long runs to the mixer off stage need converted to low-impedance to avoid noise.
This is very helpful,thank you for posting this... I have an issue that I need some help with. How to use my Boss GT 8 with the GR 55 into a Boss RC 30 loop station. I did it once,and cannot figure it out again. Need help . Thank you :)
You can come out the guitar output jack on the GR-55 into the guitar input jack on the GT-8. Then run the outputs of both units into the RC30. I found a feature demo here on YT and it shows an AUX jack on the RC30. THAT's where you can run in the GR-55 into it. Use the L/R jacks for the GT-8.
great video can you just play a normal guitar without the gk pick up?
no...
you need do a mod on GR-55... the mod you will find on this forum:
www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php
gl
One thing to be aware of is this: When the power switch is off, the unit is still energized. It is a soft power switch, not a true mechanical, latching power switch. So - take care when plugging and unplugging devices, because the unit is still hot when "off". Another thing that was missed in the video, which you probably already know is that the MIDI out can be connected to a MIDI sound generator to produce notes and sounds. I do wish that Roland had a rackmount version of this. So much clutter on the floor!
Didn't know about the soft power switching. Although there isn't anything on it power like 48v mic supplies. Probably pretty safe for the gear, MIDI I don't know much about though. Totally agree with the fact of so many cables on the floor. Put it into a rack and just just a MIDI controller for everything. I don''t think there is much of a way out of a bunch of cables being used somewhere though. lol I love rack gear! It may be making a comeback, lets hope. Thanks for the post.
@@TheGospelGuitarist I would not plug or unplug anything while the AC supply is plugged in. But - what do I know? I am an EE
It's good advice whether it shuts completely off or not when it comes to audio gear. I wasn't suggesting to plug stuff in with the power on. I thought you were stating that there maybe AC voltage on the outputs of a DC 9V unit.
hi, hope u can help..i want the patch that have a guitar sound is out from the guitar out and the other patch that have pcm tone out from keyboard amps. how to connect and setting it? please help. thanks
The PCM patch tones are already present at the L/R stereo outputs, just run those to your keyboard amps. Go into the guitar out settings menu and send your normal guitar pickups without modeling, with modeling or both to the guitar out jack and run to your guitar amp or power amp and speaker.
TheGospelGuitarist . yes, but why i cant edit the modelling guitar with the effect such like amps,mfx,mod,etc? i just heard the only modelling guitar sound. without any effect in there to add. i have tried to change the structure of the effect in the edit page but it still cant add the effect sound to my modeling guitar. can you help? thanks
Do you have the Gr-55 Floorboard software? It's free. If not, do a search for it. It may help to see what you're doing. I haven't played much with the modeling yet. But the 'Normal Pickups' menu has 'bypass', amps/mod' and 'mfx' for selections on what the unit is to use with the normal guitar sound. Play around with those and get back to me.
I also have a video 'review' of the Floorboard software. You should check that out too.
TheGospelGuitarist . okay i already download it. is this floorboard must make connections with the gr55 to my computer? how can the floorboard load my gr55 patches?
Hello sir kindly complete the demo guitar to amplifier...thank you
Plug in a cable from guitar out into guitar amp and lr outputs into an acoustic amp for best setup. Synth tones are best used with a non tube amp clean.
I have some concerns maybe you can help me out. I'm investing in a gr55 and Boss gp10, so I need pin dual end. To access all sounds, couldn't I just run it to my laptop using a usb? And from a laptop into my usb cable?
That depends on what you are doing. For recording yes that will work. Both units have usb connections but you control them using midi. What are you wanting to accomplish?
@@TheGospelGuitarist Recording and live playing. The GP10 has a guitar in and out which is weird.
@@TheGospelGuitarist I meant to ask, couldn't I run the cables into my laptop and also put a cable into my laptop from my pa speaker?
It actually has a usb port.
The guitar our is the guitar only without any synth tones. At least that's how the GR55 was set up.
Yes I guess so. The speaker is built to take audio from a USB output device whether it's a laptop, desktop, phone, pad ect. I don't see why you can't connect both to the laptop and have them recognized by your recording DAW as long as you have drivers to make that happen. Go over those sections of the manuals for the gr55 and gp10.
i have a problem with my gr-55 that some sounds not really work like the piano when i pressed the piano my guitar sounds clean no piano sounds nothing can you help me?
eduardje3 Are they turned on in the patch and do you have the selector on the gk-3 set to both or midi?
TheGospelGuitarist Also you need to use the output jacks for midi not the guitar out jack.
i already have it thanks!
Hey I got GR55 without the GK-3B pickup I play A bass guitar can I PLAY the unit with it? And get the following effect to play Help Thanks
You need to install the GK-3B midi pickup on your bass first. The GR-55 uses the 13 pin cable for input. It also defaults to guitar so you will need to go into the menu system and set the unit for bass. I need to get the GK3B myself since I play bass too. :)
Thanks dude
Anthony Weaver No Problem have fun, I have a playlist on the the GR-55 if you're interested.
I play bass too but I don't have the GK-3B yet. It's so cool to have both guitar and bass processors in one unit and not have to buy a second 'bass' processor version. Let me know how it goes!
Hi.I recently made a midi bass guitar using the GK3B oem. It is really neat being able to have three MIDI setups in one unit. Very cool and versatile.
Thanks a lot for explaining. It is really helpful!!"
Glad to hear that! Please subscribe and I have a playlist to help learn the GR-55.
Thanks a lot for your great information. It seems that there are some ways to solve it. I will now run to the shop :-)
Be sure to view my other videos on the GK-3 install and the setup for it on the GR-55. I hope the views help to get you started. Happy shopping!
where is the guitar input?
There is no 1/4" guitar input. The input is using the MIDI connection from a MIDI equipt guitar or a GK-3 mounted to your guitar which has MIDI out. You use a 15 pin special cord for this unit which handles the magnetic pickup guitar signals and the 6 MIDI pickups under the strings.
Hi my friend, i just bought the Roland GR55 + GK3, i tried to see all of your video, but i'm not that good about technical things in English, so sorry if i ask you here...
This is the thing: i've a JCM800 modded and i would like to play my normal guitar with the amp, while the synths/sax etc, on the same amp:
- how should i plug it (gr55) into my amp?
- the main problem could be that my amp is an HiGain so it's almost never clean, could this causes some problems to the signal of GR55?
Thanks a lot for your video :)
Run the gr55 into a clean amp. It will sound terrible through a Jcm 800 dirty.
TheGospelGuitarist thanks man! What about send and return? Would be bad?
The FX loop is for guitar effects processors and stomp boxes. The only way to the GR-55 to sound good is by using a very good clean amp like a Roland JC-120. I would not recommend a tube amp for the GR-55 output You could even go with a power amp and speakers or a set of powered monitors.
TheGospelGuitarist thanks a lot my friend, you’ve been very kind!
@@TheGospelGuitarist Im using a line 6 digital amp with clean channel, its not the best speaker but it gets the job done, im wondering why its not recomended on a tube amp, i m thinking of purchasing one as maybe to get a better sound. your help on the matter please. thanks
i have inherited the gr 55 and godin custom. the fender mustang 200 amp. a mesa and bunch of other stuff. Thank God you made this video cause I'm a newb and dont get it. My man went mental after 18 years abandoned me ran off with his mummy...not the greatest karma for them. We were musicians together. Tonight I messed around with the Fender footswitch and looper it seems maybe a cable issue cause the looper volume was zero and then hurt my ear turning on a youtube blue tooth video and it was damn cranked on my phone (fender mustang has bluetooth speaker. My ear is still ringing) anyway my question is can I play the GR 55 thru this type of amp with built in effects or would that be stupid and I have to use is other old school fender or mesa. I'm done with musicians screwing me over I've learned 3 almost 4 instruments because of it. I want to start playing with all the toys I have
If anyone knows if I can or not please feel free to give me any advice. I don't want to damage anything. Thank you so much in advance
Oh and it came with this little adaptor. Maybe that was just for him to go wireless? patchcordless I mean....it seems that the little piece was caught up in his clothing when He Ran off with mummy cause I think I remember packing it. fyi she's an insane hag that took him to Hungary to mow her lawn and then paid him to leave me. Euro mothers don't like you if your american or north american even though she lived here 40 years and regrets it.(for those who read this and want to know, he's still gone and still mental)
You can play the GR-55 through any amp but best through a clean non-tube amp. Like a Roland Jazz Chorus or acoustic amp. Manual is online if you don't have it. Just do a search, you'll need it.
Thanks for nice and useful presentation!
What kind of connection between the guitar and the GR-55 do you recommend if I want to use the acoustic and electric guitar modeling features?
Which option-13-pin or 1/4"-provides a more realistic sound that resembles the original instruments?"
I found the presentation of the accoustic guitar modeling by Kennis Russell
ua-cam.com/video/FteIcYS3K-w/v-deo.htmlsi=5V1P1DSZ0SDfWAo9
This unit only has 13 pin input from the Gk-3. It does not have 1/4" guitar input on the GR55. I ran all synth tones into an acoustic amplifier which sounded nice. Ran the guitar out to my half stack for normal electric guitar modeling. Hope that helps. A guitar amp does not work well with the synth tones IMO.
@TheGospelGuitarist Thanks a lot.
I did forget to mention that I ran the synth tones into my Roland JC-120 as well because it is a solid state amp and super clean. Sounded nice there as well but better on a full range acoustic system. Frequency range is too narrow on say tube guitar amps. Hope ot works out for you. I had to sell mine off but maybe someday I will buy a used one again. Happy music making.