Roland GR-50

This is a rack mount unit that came out in the late 80's. I've been beating it up on the road for over fifteen years and it has never had a problem. It speaks volumes for Roland's quality. I have not gone to the newer sample-based models because the GR-50 is a rack module that keeps it off of the floor. Patch changes and synth voulume are controlled by an FC-100 foot controller. I use the GR-50 as the "brain" for my rack and can change patches on other equipment due to the GR's ability to send pacth changes on different "branches." Editing is complicated but not disproportionate to what the unit is capable of. The manual is well written considering the technical information that is being filtered through the language barrier. The rating in this category is a little deceptive, since you shouldn't expect a unit that does this much to be simple to use.

I have a GK-2 synth pick-up on my custom strat. The unit is screwed directly to the guitar and the cable is taped to the body to prevent abuse. The sounds are similar to the "D" series synths of the era. Lousy acoustic pianos but nice strings, breathy flutes and electric pianos. The nylon string sound is nice. Decent percussion timbres and some good analog style horn sounds. (Think Jan Hammer or Rippingtons.) I run this through an ADA Microcab which warms up the sound and reduces the wierd artifacts that exist in some of the timbres. Overall good sound quality that still holds up well.

Extremely reliable. I've used it continuously since 1989 or '90. I've used it for live performance and sequencing and it has never faltered. I carry extra cables (RRC cable to the foot controller and the 13 pin synth cable) but no spare unit.

Roland is right at the top for customer support. Called them several times for "advanced" application questions and they were always knowledgable, patient and helpful. They were even able to help with application questions relating to MIDI use with other manufacturers products.

I play full time and do a wide variety of music in a MIDI-sequenced duo. I use this for pop, country, and classic rock in the duo as well as a gig as a "smooth jazz/ instrumental pop" solo artist. This is an indespensible piece of gear that still is not obsolete. Some of the sounds have become a little dated but it's functionality is still state of the art. The only quibble I ever had is that the sustain function does not stop additional triggering. The previous model (GM 70) would allow the player to play a chord, sustain it and play guitar over the top. This unit sustains the chord and continues to trigger synth notes. It was actually an advance in technology but took away a cool effect in the process. Oh well.... If you have the opportunity to snag one of these used, by all means grab it. It is a classic piece of extremely well-engineered gear.