Roland Guitar Synthesizer Tips
The Roland GR-20 Guitar Synthesizer comprises an outboard synthesizer controller and GK-3 divided pickup. It functions as a true synthesizer because the guitar's signal is converted to midi by the guitar pickup. Other units in the Roland Guitar Synthesizer range take the guitar signal and process it to emulate synthesizer sounds. The GR-20 is an extremely versatile unit that enables you to achieve a range of sounds, dynamics and pitches of which a regular guitar setup is physically incapable.
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Effects loop
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An effects loop can place the signal processing unit between the preamp and the power amp. This method means you can bypass the GR-20 and preserve more of the guitar's natural signal when the synthesizer is not in use. It also means you can run a traditional effects chain directly from the guitar input into the amplifier. Run a cable from your amplifier's effects return jack into the output jack of the GR-20. Plug a cable from the input jack on the synthesizer into the effects send jack.
Customize the presets
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A quick way to get synthesizer effects is to customize the predesigned configurations already stored in the GR-20. Use Roland's predesigned configurations as a starting point and tweak them using the various tone and sound shaping parameters. Once you find a sound you like, store it to the memory bank and move on to another.
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Set the pickup correctly
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The GR-20 pickup goes between the bridge and the bridge pickup. Place the divided pickup as close to the bridge of your guitar as possible. Line up the six microphonic elements with each string accurately so the pickup gets the strongest possible source signal.
Use the hold key
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This function adds infinite sustain to a note or chord, which means you can leave a sound ringing while you reposition your hands on the guitar. This is a really useful function if you are using layered sounds, or incorporating a counterpoint to what you are playing. This approach also means you can play a melody line over a chord backing.
Explore Play Feel
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The "Play Feel" setting enables you customize the dynamic range of your sound. Its six preset modes range from zero dynamic range to sensitive dynamic response. The zero dynamic range setting is good if you want each note or chord to have the same volume. The intensity can be set high to respond to the velocity with which you strike each string.
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References
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