Roland GR-1 Guitar Synthesizer

Sorry dudes, no review, because imao i think the overall of you is a pretty close one, but can anyone put the additional soundbanks (3+4) online as a sysex, or any other downloadable format,please, so i can put it on my empty card?

Ease of Use is a real toss-up; if you approach the guitar as a rock guitar, most of the patches won't really respond well, but if you approach the guitar as a synth controller, and you're willing to experiment, there are a lot of decent sounds in the Preset Banks. Not great, but decent.

The guitar you use, and the way it's set up with the GK pickup, will have a big influence on sound quality, and tracking. Try a Roland-ready Strat, a Godin guitar w/synth access, or one of the Brian Moore iGuitars with the 13-pin output. There's less to adjust with a synth-ready guitar. If you have to intall the GK pickup on a stock guitar, you'll have to do some tweaking to get everything right.

Editing patches is very easy, compared to my TX81Z, or Matrix 1000, but if the GR-1 is your first synth it probably seems more complicated. I've never spent hours hopelessly tweaking a patch, as some reviewers describe. Anyone who gets into deep programming with multi-effects will be able to manage the GR-1, but you will want the manual.

The manual is better than many Roland manuals, which isn't much of a comparison. Mine came with a pumpkin-colored correction sheet, and an insert page. The correction sheet has a large graphic of the front panel (top) of the GR-1; that's the first correction. Inside the manual, some of the front panel controls are shown upside-down. Not good. The rest of the sheet has various corrections for the Index, which is another bad sign, since most people rely on the Index to guide them when something seems confusing. Maybe the PDF version has all the corrections, but if you buy a used GR-1 w/manual, look for the corrections sheet, or look online for the download.

There is a second manual, called the Application Guide, which is sort of an expanded "quick start" guide, with a shameless amount of copy devoted to other Roland/Boss equipment, which can all be networked into what they refer to as the "GR System". In spite of the self-promotion, the Application Guide is very useful, especially for players who are intimidated by the Owner's Manual.

If you really don't want to mess with programming at all, you should probably get a GR-20, and have somene else set it up for you, seriously. Still, I give the GR-1 an 8 for Ease of Use, because there are so many factors that influence the result.

My favorite artists include King Crimson (all of the band's incarnations), Bill Frisell, John McLaughlin, Devo and the Residents; I'm not sure I sound like any of them.

Okay, here's the real issue. I love the sounds I can get with this thing, but I've been programming synths for more than twenty years. The GR-1 is just deep enough to be satisfying, without getting lost in a modulation matrix. The basic Tone Bank is decent (I don't have the expanded version) if not breathtaking, and there's a lot of room for tone shaping. First, you have the ADR Envelope section (Attack/Decay/Release), then the filter section (Cutoff/Resonance), which is better than I expected. Most synth players will agree that the filter is a critical tone-shaping tool, and I was impressed with the GR-1's filter. The Vibrato is kind of cheesy; use the Chorus, instead. The effects are prety stripped-down, 8 flavors of Reverb/Delay & 8 flavors of Chorus, including two more Short Delay settings (why?). There are no real parameters for the Effects (e.g. Delay Time in milliseconds, or Chorus Speed in hz), but don't worry about it. Think of them as sound sweeteners, rather than serious effects. Effects are stored as part of the Patch data, instead of having a global effects processor. There is a dedicated Reverb/Chorus button, so you can turn the Effects on and off without having to overwrite Patch data.

The sounds? Strings vary a lot. You can get some very nice string pads, and a passable Jean-Luc Ponty Electric Violin sound, but I haven't had much luck trying to get a convincing Solo Violin sound. Pads are great, horns and winds need a little tweaking, keys are very useful. One reviewer complained about not being able to program a B-3 sound? I have a patch named "Chest Fever" (for the old Band song) that rolls and rumbles. I used the Chorus effect (set to Flanger) for a Leslie sound. Of course the guitar sounds suck; why would you buy a guitar synth to play guitar sounds? The Sitar sounds are fine for "Coral Electric Sitar"-type sounds (anyone remember B.J.Thomas?), or layered into a dense mix. The vox sounds are the usual collection of unisex "Ooo" and "Aah"sounds, but layered in with other sounds, they're some of my favorites. I have a few patches that sound like Stereolab, with the breathy women's voices over a synth pad; really nice. The SFX sounds aren't very useful, no matter how much you tweak them, but, in fairness, they're not really instrument voices. Tone 3 196 "Talking" might be good for weird ambient soundtrack work.

Hardly anyone has written about the sequencer, but it's an important part of the GR-1. Basically the sequencer is a simple 4-track recorder that uses the internal Tones, NOT the sounds from the Patch Banks. (Tones are the parts you use to create a Patch; each Patch contains up to two Tones.) Parts 1,2 & 3 can use any internal Tone, but Part 4 is dedicated to internal Drum Tones. The sequencer doesn't send Midi data, so you can't record into the sequencer, and then drive another synth from the GR-1's sequencer; it just won't do it. I won't go into the mechanics of recording a sequence (RTFM), but the sequencer allows me to generate a backing "orchestra" for my solo guitar work. Think about it.

I have a black Gibson LP Special Sl, with the GK-2a installed. The Special SL has a flat top, which helps. I use the GR-1 with a GT-3 Guitar Processor, and a couple of Delay/Loopers; the GT-3 is connected through the GR-1's Guitar Send/Return jacks, the Delay/Loopers come after the GR-1's main outs. If I'm playing in a place with a decent PA, I just plug into that, otherwise, I use a Peavey KB300 keyboard amp. Let me repeat what others have written; don't use a guitar amp with the GR-1. Use a PA or a keyboard amp.

I bought the GR-1 used, with the GK-2a pickup, a few years ago; I've been using it ever since. At some point, I'll need to replace the back-up battery; that's about all it needs. I do have a GR-30, but I use it to layer sounds with the GR-1, it's not exactly a backup unit.

If you ever get to talk with one of Roland's people one-on-one, they're great; the website, and some of the support folks, not so much. They're not all as bad as people say, but they could really learn from the folks at Lexicon.

I play dense electronic guitar, layered with synths and effects. The GR-1 is a major part of my sound. I use it as a sound bank and a Midi controller for other outboard gear. I've been playing since before BBD's. I own an odd collection of noise toys, ring mods, distortions and delays. If something happened to my GR-1, I would get another; at this point, they're pretty cheap, as low as $200. If anyone stole any of my gear, I would make that person into something useful, like a nice drumskin. IMHO, the GR-1 is still the standard for guitar synths, in terms of features, and utility. I love looking down and reading the name of the Patch I've called up. I don't really hate anything about it. The sequencer is probably my favorite feature, but the LCD display is a close second. No one really wants to carry around a list of sounds. I didn't need to compare the GR-1 to anything else: I have a GR-30, and it's just a different animal. I do wish the sequencer sent Midi data; that would rule. The GR-1 not only helps me make music, it's central to my whole approach to making music. I would recommend it to anyone seeking a serious guitar synth.

I don't know...it was a tweak box...all I did was tweak the thing...then tweak some more. I figured out how to use the thing but it just had too many different features for my simple mind. The manual was good until I lost it. I hear it is downloadable from Roland's website now.
Mine was not expanded.

This think was a synth...plain and simple...it started to get on my nerves after a while...the bass sounds were kewl...the violin and banjo could get really weirded out if you muted your strings. I spose the effects were ok. I never gigged with the thing...it was a monster in my eyes...a true beast and i was not qualified to tame it so...seemed more like a novelty item to me...a very expensive one that should have never bought. Shoot...It wouldn't do a B-3...the only sound I care about on keys besides the Rhoads and Piano.

Kept the unit under my bed for 10 years...never had a problem...the GK-2 crapped out and had to be sent back to roland...they sent it back working for the hefty sum of $80!!!

I did get them to fix the GK-2...I can't remember how it went down but they fixed it.

I really wish I hadn't wasted the money back in the 90s on this...I was such a poor musician...I mean...i'm still poor today but I was really broke. I ended up selling the thing on ebay...I figure...if I need keys i'll grab a keyboard. I hope the guy who bought it can utilize it...I sure couldn't.

What kind of music do I play...I dunno...old rock n roll...some bluesy stuff...funk...gospel...you name it and I can mess it up.

The GR-1 is over a decade old, but still has great sounds in it. Some players still prefer this model to the newer ones, because it has much deeper editing features, like a real synth, rather than just a 'rompler'. I think there are two things that make it stand out from the newer models, GR-30 and GR-33: The GR-1 has actual knobs on it that you can use in real time to change attack, decay, release, cutoff, resonance,and reverb\delay settings. It also has velocity switching between the two layers, which results in much more expressive patches.

You can edit the sounds on the GR-1 like a real synth, including Cutoff and Resonance. The GR-30 and GR-33 only have a Brightness setting. Editing is very easy, it has an LCD readout and the manual is pretty well written.

It also has a 4 track sequencer, which works, but can only hold one song, which limits its use.

Also, unlike the newer models, the GR-1 can be used as a multi-timbral sound module. I've hooked up a keyboard controller to it before and it worked great. Polyphony is only 24 though.

My GR-1 is the Expanded model, which adds an additional 200 tones to the standard 200. The Expanded waveforms are of much better quality than the originals. The best sounds are strings, brass, winds, bells, synths and basses. Pianos and organs are so-so, and cannot compare to the newer model's samples. Some of the plucked instruments are usable, but why they put 'guitar' patches on ANY guitar synth, I'll never understand. You can just mix in the sound of your real guitar. It also has some drum sounds which are not bad. Built in effects are reverb, delay and chorus. Like any synth it needs to be run through a full range speaker system, preferably in stereo for the best sound quality.

So how's the tracking? Well, not as good as the GR-30 or GR-33, but still perfectly usable if your GK-2A pickup is set up correctly and you have decent technique. Best results come from using an RMC pickup equipped guitar like a Godin. I use a Roland Ready Strat and a Godin Multiac Nylon with great results.

I have never had a Roland synth fail on me.

Never dealt with them. Their support website sucks though.

I play all styles from rock to world beat and ambient\experimental and have been playing over 20 years. I also own a GR-30, which is a great box itself. I bought the GR-1 used as a backup. I have not felt the need to buy the newest one, the GR-33. The 33 has "upgraded" sounds and a built in expression pedal, but thats not enough for me to want to buy one. If I need more sounds I can MIDI out to one of my E-MU modules or soft synths.

The fact that the GR-1 has realtime knobs, deeper editing and velocity switching makes it more valuable overall in my opinion. The last time I saw Robert Fripp live, he was still using one. Enough said.

I have been using Roland Guitar Synths since their introduction in the 70's for both 'live' and 'studio' use. If you are familiar with the conventional Synth (keyboard) you will find patch/voice editing fairly straightforwrd with the GR1. If you are new to the synthesizer then read the manual. It covers everything but be prepared for some reading and experimenting. The GR1 is my favourite of the models and, in my opinion, better than the GR-33 which sadly omitted the 'resonanance' and 'cut-off' controls which are essential to any synth. I found no difference in the 'tracking' either. I never used a back line amp when using the GR1 live, instead I sent a feed to the mixing desk and had plenty of synth fed back to the stage monitors. If you insist on a backline amp then use one designed for keyboards not a guitar, strings and brass sound better when used with an amp that has good clean audio response, particularly at the higher end of the audio spectrum. Roland synths are deisgned to track accurately any changes in pitch, either by tremelo or string bending. Releasing a string can often be followed by a pitch shift which can be problem. You have two options to cure this, damp the string or chord with the palm of your hand before releasing your finger pressure or simply set the voice to 'chromatic' if you do not need pitch bending. If your playing chords, i.e for strings then set that voice to chromatic, if you are using a voice to play single note lead lines, i.e a Sax, then switch the chromtic option to 'OFF'.

With the 'resonance' and filter 'cutoff' controls you have the opportunity to make vast changes to the original voices. Add to this the ability to change the 'envelope' i.e. the attack, release and sustain and you can get virtually any sound you want. I never used the inbuilt guitar sounds and never quite understood why they were incorporated into a 'guitar' synth other than for the Nylon strung voice. I found the sound quality excellent and as good as the GR-33. The reverb,echo, vibrato options are excellent though I never used the latter. If you are not using the guitar/synth in mix mode via the special cable that links the guitar output jack to the GK-2 2.5mm input jack then make sure that the GK2A switch selector is set to 'Synth' only, other wise you will have an exceptionally loud hum filtering through to the synth sound and extremely foul abuse from your sound crew when they discover that its your fault and not their rig.

After 12 years without a hitch I have to give it a 10/10 but as with all Roland equipment, it is well engineered and excellent build quality.

Excellent.

Play an Am, chord, those jupiter 8 strings start to eminate slowly, you press the hold function, you can do what the hell you like now, play some nice guitar pieces over that Am chord thats still playing, or you have set a Grand piano as your second voice, you have pitch shifted it a whole 2 octaves and you play some nice pianio pieces, I wouldn't be without my GR-1, no way!

I actually have found this manual to be very well written. A couple of spots seem redundant, but overall the manual reads much clearer and relevant than the JV-90 and D-50 manuals I've used in the past. Editing patches is very easy, and the big text/numeric display seems better than some of the newer guitar synths.

Using the synth with a church setup, 1 yorkville monitor, and a mackie 1202 to the mains. The pickup is mounted to an acoustic guitar. The acoustic mixed with the synth sounds better to some than just the keyboard, I've been told.(warmer and livlier)

Broke down once, but was easily repaired at the roland factory.

"If you've dealt with the company, how helpful/friendly were they?Ever get an upgrade, or try and get it repaired?" Yes, I heard that roland support sucks. The repairs were done quickly though.

If it were lost and stolen I'd buy another one. I'd like to try an AXON, but the GR-1 seems to be the best live synth for me. Once you adjust your pickups/sensitivity, and play with the patches, the sounds should rival anything appropriate for live. The editing knobs and decent manual for this synth -- and some clever musicianship, make the GR-1 useful, good sounding, and easy to work with.

Well, it was basically plug and play although I did spend some time reading the first chapters of the manual. This piece of hardware is wonderful - showing it's age, of course - and not exactly intuitive at first, but after I while I felt quite comfortable with it. Patch editing and restoring is a breeze. The manual is in pidgeon English but there is even an errata sheet included so thumbs up for it. Nowadays you're lucky to get a PDF file - this baby has a fat, printed manual. And some of the material is in Japanese (gotta love it). I haven't quite figured out how to send pitch bend via the MIDI OUT but it is all documented in there somewhere (I hope)...

Guitar sounds are crap, except the acoustic version which is passable. I like the pads and sweeps, and the bells. The rhodes is awesome. I just love the ability to mix the synth and guitar sounds. I can't compare this to other hardware synths, since I have never used one (I own a couple of soft synths, like Absynth, but they are different...) but considering this is now 11 years old I don't want to complain. I can't hear any noise at all. Effects (chorus, reverb) are excellent.

I only use it in my home studio. I would use it live, I know the guy who sold it to me has used it live for several years without an incident. Solid piece of hardware.

I wanted to get the expansion board and a memory card but they are apparently not being sold. But I have not had to contact anyone for help, so I have no opinion here.

I have tried to record soft synths using a keyboard, but having played guitar for 20+ years I figured I might as well jump on the MIDI bandwagon before it dies out... :) I bought it on an online auction, was the only bidder, and feel that it was an incredible deal ($250 including pickup). It came with a GK-2 pickup which sits well on my Ernie Ball Music Man Silhouette. Since I got it I play twice as much as I used to...and it works great for controlling soft synths on my PC.

I use this and a Guitar Port for recording guitar on my computer, with FL Studio, Absynth 2.0 and Kompakt 1 (both from Native Instruments). I like the way you can easily switch to pedal mode via the GK-2. The built-in tuner is also a nice feature. I know there is a record function on this box but I have no use for it. For the money this was probably the best thing I could buy to get into guitar synth/MIDI stuff - but in a year or two I'll probably upgrade it to a more modern synth. I see that some people complain that trigger times for MIDI controls is slow. I have not noticed this, in fact I think it is very good.

All in all, I love this synth and am very, very happy that I bought it. I wish I could find a user group for it...

The GR1 will never be the easiest bit of kit to use, whether its the set-up of the GK2/A pickup or the inch thick manual, but assuming that's a given and any new user is prepared to take the time to understand and experiment with the unit, then its well worth the effort.
I purchased my unit on E-bay for #200 complete with a GK2 pickup. I was concerned that the older design pickup would be a problem as it did not come with a Roland fixing kit. Fortunately an engineering friend of mine produced such a classy fixing bracket in black perspex that its now a permanent fixture on my Aria. Getting the tracking to work properly takes time and its critical that the fixing of the pickup is not rushed. Using new medium guage strings also helps improve the response. The manual can be intense but with study and time things do become clear. DO NOT BUY THIS UNIT WITHOUT A MANUAL!
By sheer good fortune, I manqaged to locate a brand new expansion card in a music shop in the south of England. It originated from about 1994 and despite its age, once installed, it worked like a dream. As the retailer had no idea how much the card was worth I got a real bargin!. The installation was simple enough if a little nerve racking at first. This card effectively and easily doubled the sounds available, some of which were merely novel, others particularly the horns, sax and percussion being very good. my only gripe with the setup is that often at a gig or in low light, it can be a struggle to identify the input/outputs to the rear of the unit as they are not easily identified. With practise it becomes easier though.

The sounds are awesome and nothing comes close to the accuracy of the grand piano, violin, cello, baritone sax, slap bass, vibes, strings etc which this unit can produce. As mentioned previously it is better if a dedicated clean keyboard, pa amp/speaker amp is used as opposed to the clean channel of a guitar rig. I use the Roland on an Aria TA60, which togther with a Yamaha GW50 guitar effects unit allows me to split the sound between my Marshall guitar amp and a Carlsboro amp and Wharfedale PA speakers via a Boss mixer. Occasionally I get a crackle from the 13pin cable as it is installed into the unit but this is minimal and helped with some contact cleaner. I guess I will have to replace the cable in time, which can still be located over the net for about #30. Noise is minimal and nothing compared to the usual buzzez, hums, clicks etc normally eminating from most sytems.

No complaints so far. Its been 100% dependable. I expect to replace the 13 pin cable soon, but the main GR1 floor unit and GK-2 pickup were built to last. Just get a good case to store the unit safely and ensure the pickup and control unit is secured firmly to the guitar and you should be fine.

Roland UK are friendly enough, but as the unit has long since been discontinued, there's not much available from them directly. The GK-2A pickup is still produced and well supported albeit at premium Roland prices. I was very lucky with my upgrade, but I appreciate it can be very difficult to buy new. Keep searching the net and shops. E-bay and Yahoo bulletin boards are also a good source of information.

I use the Roland to play all sorts of music, especially when trying to get close to original songs eg strings, flute, sax etc. Its particularly good for recording purposes when the bass player has failed to show! i've been playing 25 years and although only had the guitar synth for just over a year, I would be lost without it. I would definetly buy another if it got stolen, but would try to get hold of one already expanded. I can think of no other guitar product to really compare it with, particularly when you consider all its functionality eg 4 track recorder, midi interface etc. Its a pity that Roland did not continue to develop this unit as the newer GR and VG models are good but frankly not as comprehensive. Even after a year I am still not fully up to speed with all its functionality and so I'm constantly discovering new aspects of this incredible bit of kit. It can certainly help with composition work, just don't let the effects take over!

I like the knobs - makes the unit easier to use than even some guitar effects processors. The manuel is helpful. This is a complex toy! I have spent hours trying to figure everything out and still feel a little lost.

I'm using a godin multiac steel sa to control the gr1 and I'm running it through a roland jc120. I think it sounds pretty decent. The woodwind sounds are not at all convincing, with the exception of the clarinet - it's pretty close. The brass sounds are good. The strings and synths sounds are awesome. Guitar sounds - yikes, my as well say that these aren't guitars! Bass sounds - fairly decent although the tracking on some of them is a little off.
The internal effects are nice. The reverb and chorus are what roland is all about anyway.

I've only used the gr1 in church, so I can't give a definite statement here. Could I do without it? Sure, that's why there's a keyboardist. But it really adds depth to my sound when I have strings or a soft pad in the back. I like it for background sounds under the guitar anyway.

Haven't ever had to deal w/ roland

I bought this a couple months ago on e-bay for $200. Awesome deal. I've been playing guitar for 13 years, 4 of which were profession. I now play mainly for my own enjoyment and for church. I also play a gibson les paul and a washburn classical. I'm not into owning a lot of gear, but the roland is very nice. It adds to my sound. If I lost it, or if it broke, I would probably buy another one. If nothing else, it's fun to play w/ some of the sounds. Practically speaking though, it's wonderful for background sounds. I play mainly acoustic jazz so strings in the back are nice.

For the past 11 years I've used the GR-1 for studio work to 5 nights/wk. gigs with much success. It takes some tweeking but the Huger JP syth sounds are great with my nylon string Godin Multiac. Tracks like a champ. Edited lots of patches like the shamisen, fretless bass and even the thunder to fit in my world music sound. The manual is detailed and helpful- you just got to dig deep. I did up grade it some years back.. a good move.

I use it mainly through a Mackie mixer in stereo through 15" JBL EON G2. It's important to get the right level out to keep the noise ratio low. A bit tricky. I did some extra ground sheilding on the inside however and it is now quieter. The effects really do work particularly the reverb. I love the JP synths they remind me of Lyle Mays from Pat Metheny.

Use it 5 nights/wk. backing up a Koto player. Fortunately it is very reliable since it's the only one I own. I have spare 13 pin cables. One in the truck and one in the supply closet. I keep it in a SKB case which pulls apart and remains in the bottom half safe and secure with it's wall wart and seperate reverb for the guitar signal.

I've dealt with Roland only once when I was on tour in New Zealand. They were most helpful with a GK-2 pickup that went bad. Helped me get the right part and I think they even soldered it for me. The memory was upgraded by me. Very easy since Hawaii is humid enough to not generate much static. Very important when replacing micro chips. Radio Shack is helpful with tools such as chip extractors.

I play world music instruments like Hawaiian nose flutes and many bamboo instruments, slack-key, Latin-Jazz and the GR-1 matches the music well. Playing music for 22 years. I own a sitar, RainSong WS 1000, Taylor Jumbo Koa, Godin Nylon Multiac, and lots of indigenous bamboo instruments. If my GR-1 were lost or stolen I would most likely get the new GR-33 with the pedal. But I would miss the sequencer in the GR-1. It is definately part of my overall sound.