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Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster Powered by Roland

Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster Powered by Roland main image

Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster Powered by Roland image 2

Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster Powered by Roland

$750.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

3 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster Powered by Roland

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (6)

$750.00 7 available Used

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Average Price: $750

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster Powered by Roland is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Elevate your musical journey with the Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster Powered by Roland, where tradition meets cutting-edge technology. This innovative electric guitar seamlessly integrates a built-in sound engine, allowing you to explore a universe of tones and textures with ease. Whether you're craving the twang of a single-coil Telecaster, the warm resonance of an L4 jazzbox, or the rich acoustics of a Martin-style guitar, the G-5 VG has you covered—all at the flick of a switch.

With its intuitive controls, this Stratocaster offers an array of alternate tunings, from drop D to open G and even baritone, without the hassle of manual retuning. This means you can effortlessly transition between genres and styles, making it an indispensable tool for live performances and studio sessions alike.

Immerse yourself in versatile soundscapes with the G-5 VG's Roland-powered technology, which delivers unparalleled versatility and clarity. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring rock star, this guitar is designed to inspire creativity and enhance your playing experience. Explore new musical horizons with the Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster.

Key Features:

Built-in sound engine for versatile tonal options
Multiple guitar sounds including Telecaster, jazzbox, and acoustic styles
Alternate tunings like drop D, open G, and baritone
Seamless integration of traditional and modern technology
Ideal for live performances and studio sessions

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	G-5 VG Stratocaster
Finish	3-Color Sunburst, Black
Year	2012 - 2015
Made In	Mexico
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Alder
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"

FAQs

What unique features does the Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster offer?: The Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster features an embedded Roland GK divided pickup, allowing access to modeled tones such as Stratocaster, Telecaster, humbucking pickups, and acoustic guitar, along with alternate tunings like Drop D and Baritone.
How does the Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster handle alternate tunings?: The G-5 VG Stratocaster includes a tuning knob with six settings, enabling quick access to tunings like Drop D, Open G, D Modal, Baritone, and 12-string simulation, providing versatility for various musical styles.
Is the Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster suitable for live performances?: Yes, the G-5 VG Stratocaster is equipped with versatile modeling and tuning options, making it ideal for live performances where quick tone and tuning changes are necessary.
What type of pickups are included in the Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster?: The guitar includes three Fender single-coil pickups with a 5-way selector, in addition to a Roland GK divided pickup for accessing modeled tones and tunings.
Does the Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster come with a gig bag?: Yes, the Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster includes a gig bag, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.

Videos

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rolandmedia

Roland G-5 VG Stratocaster® — Steve Stevens Demo

rolandmedia

G-5 VG Stratocaster®: V-Guitar Overview

RolandChannel

Sweetwater at NAMM 2012 - Roland G-5 VG Stratocaster Demo

Sweetwater

ROLAND G-5 :: VG-Stratocaster

ROLAND Germany

Fender Roland G-5 VG Stratocaster Guitar Review and Demo | Better Music

Better Music

Fender® G5 Powered by Roland COSM® VG Strat® Electric Guitar

Allans Billy Hyde

Roland Fender VG Stratocaster G-5 Demo

CheckTheTechShow

Reviews

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PROS

High-quality build surpasses typical Mexican Strats
Seamless integration of Roland electronics through a single 1/4" jack
Convincing modeled sounds; acoustic voicing is particularly impressive
Alternate tunings are intuitive and frequently used
No 60 cycle hum, even in "dirty" rooms
Humbucker and 12-string modes offer rich tonal variety
Drop D and baritone settings expand musical possibilities
Functions as a versatile "Swiss Army Knife" for musicians
Battery life is decent, supports conventional and rechargeable batteries

CONS

Requires batteries for advanced features

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster Powered by Roland.

Use cases and applications

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While appealing for live versatility, traditionalists may prefer using multiple guitars for varied tones, like Strat to Tele, instead of relying on digital emulation.
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The guitar is well-suited for those interested in MIDI functionality, offering versatility in driving Roland synths and various DAWs when properly equipped.
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The VG Strat, with its alternate tunings and effects, is ideal for cover bands and open mic performances, expanding creative possibilities.
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Build quality

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The guitar features a rosewood fingerboard and solid hardware, consistent with the quality seen in Mexican Strats from the early 2000s.
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Comparisons

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The Fishman TriplePlay is noted as a more modern alternative for MIDI pickups with better tracking and simpler connections compared to the Roland GK systems.
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The Fender VG Strat is likened to a "dumbed down" Variax, offering a simpler alternative to Line 6's more complex modeling guitars.
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Value and pricing

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Owners note that the Roland Ready Strats sold for around $699 in 2004, making a £380 price potentially a good deal, particularly given the additional MIDI functionality.
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The VG-5 model (MIM) is priced at $699, offering a more affordable option compared to the VG-5A (MIA) at $1698.
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User experience

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The added MIDI hardware significantly increases the guitar's weight, making it heavier than typical Mexican Strats, possibly reaching around 9 lbs.
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Some players express concern over switching digitally between tunings during live performances, fearing inaccuracy compared to manual tuning.
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The "sitar effect" is noted for its uniqueness, appealing to players looking for distinctive sounds.
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Software and compatibility

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The guitar requires a separate Roland synth or MIDI converter box like the GI-10 for MIDI output, as it doesn't produce MIDI signals independently.
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Features and functionality

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The Roland Ready Strat can blend magnetic pickup sound with MIDI output, using a single volume and master tone with a third knob for blending.
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The Fender VG Strat has onboard Roland synth with modeled Strat, Tele, humbucker, and acoustic modes, plus various tuning options, creating 37 combinations with stock pickups.
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The guitar offers both simulated and authentic Strat sounds simultaneously, providing a rich tonal palette.
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The VG Strat's digital tunings are achieved through a system similar to a pitch shifting pedal, utilizing MIDI signal modification for high accuracy.
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Alternate tunings on the VG Strat are not programmable, which may limit customization for users seeking specific setups.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners question the availability of replacement pickups due to the guitar's discontinuation, suggesting potential challenges in maintaining its unique features.
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Critic Reviews

Gear Review: Roland Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster - Roland Resource Centre

rolandcorp.com.au

The Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster, powered by Roland, blends classic design with cutting-edge technology to create a versatile instrument. While traditionalists might balk at its modern features, the high build quality and authentic sound modeling—from Telecaster to Baritone—are impressive. It's especially appealing for cover band guitarists and studio use, offering seamless transitions between styles and tunings. The simplicity of use, despite its tech-savvy nature, is a highlight. The lack of a hard case is a minor drawback, but the guitar's adaptability makes it a valuable tool for many musicians.

positive

Full Review

Roland G-5 VG Fender Stratocaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender G-5 VG Stratocaster powered by Roland offers a unique blend of digital versatility and classic Stratocaster aesthetics. Its standout feature is the alternate tuning capability, which impressively surpasses Line 6's Variax in realism. However, it falls short with underwhelming nylon-string and jazz sounds, and limited open tunings. The lack of software support and reliance on AA batteries instead of a rechargeable option are also drawbacks. While the guitar's digital models are generally usable, they lack the Variax's depth, particularly in the acoustic realm. Overall, it suits those seeking digital flexibility without multiple guitars, but its limitations are evident.

neutral

Full Review