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Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland

$1,114.01 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (2)

2 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$1,114.01 2 available Used

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Average Price: $1,114

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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In the realm of electric guitars, the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland stands out as a fusion of tradition and innovation. Designed for the modern musician who craves versatility, this guitar marries Fender's classic Stratocaster style with Roland's pioneering synthesizer technology. At its core, the GC1 is equipped with a unique divided pickup system and a 13-pin MIDI connection, allowing seamless integration with a range of synthesizers and sound modules. This synergy opens up a world of sonic possibilities, enabling musicians to craft sounds that traverse genres and redefine musical boundaries.

Engineered for adaptability, the GC1 maintains the iconic Stratocaster body shape, offering the familiar comfort and playability that Fender enthusiasts adore. Its sleek neck and smooth frets ensure effortless navigation across the fretboard, whether you're shredding solos or laying down rich, textured chords. The GC1's innovative design invites you to explore a tapestry of tones, from the classic Stratocaster twang to ethereal synth-driven landscapes.

Perfect for the experimental guitarist seeking to expand their sonic palette, the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland is more than an instrument—it's a gateway to creativity.

Key Features:

Unique divided pickup system
13-pin MIDI connection for synth integration
Classic Stratocaster body shape
Designed for use with Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer
Iconic Fender playability and comfort

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	GC-1 GK-Ready Stratocaster
Finish	Black, Sunburst
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 makes the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland different from a standard Stratocaster?: The Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland features an embedded Roland GK divided pickup and a 13-pin output for advanced MIDI capabilities, allowing integration with synthesizers and other MIDI gear, which standard Stratocasters do not offer.
Is the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland is well-suited for live performances, offering versatile tonal options with its 3 single-coil pickups, a 5-way selector, and the ability to connect to MIDI devices for expanded sound possibilities.
What type of music is the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland best suited for?: The Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland is highly versatile, making it suitable for various genres such as rock, blues, and jazz. Its MIDI capabilities also allow for exploration in electronic and experimental music.
How does the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland's neck feel for playing?: The Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland features a 25.5" scale maple neck with either a rosewood or maple fretboard and 22 medium jumbo frets, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for most guitarists, suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.
Does the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland require a specific type of amplifier or gear?: While the Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland can be used with any standard guitar amplifier, its 13-pin output allows connection to Roland GR-series guitar synthesizers or VG-series V-Guitar systems for expanded functionality.

Videos

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RolandChannel

GC-1 GK-Ready Stratocaster®: V-Guitar Overview

RolandChannel

GC-1 GK-Ready Stratocaster®: V-Guitar with GR-55 Demo Performed by Alex Hutchings

RolandChannel

Roland GC1 GK-Ready V-Guitar Fender Stratocaster Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

NAMM 2012: Roland GC-1 Fender Stratocaster Guitar

Gear4music Guitars

ROLAND GC-1 :: GK-Ready Stratocaster

ROLAND Germany

Musikmesse 2012: Roland / Fender GC-1 Stratocaster Guitar

Gear4music Guitars

Roland GC1 GK-Ready Fender Stratocaster V-Guitar Overview

PromenadeMusicTV

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Stratocaster GC1 Roland.

Features and functionality

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A sitar effect is included in the guitar's repertoire, appealing to players looking for unique soundscapes beyond traditional electric guitar tones.
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The Roland-ready Strat features a GK-2A pickup system allowing direct control of peripherals from the guitar's onboard controls.
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The guitar's MIDI capabilities enable it to function similarly to a MIDI controller, offering extensive expressive potential for experienced guitarists familiar with digital setups.
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The Fender Stratocaster GC1 includes a built-in 13-pin output for compatibility with Roland GR and GP systems, offering versatile sound and effects options.
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The Fender Stratocaster GC1 allows for on-the-fly alternate tunings, which is a standout feature for performers needing quick changes during live sets.
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Notably, the guitar is equipped with piezo saddles, enabling both magnetic and piezo outputs, enhancing tonal diversity.
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Build quality

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The guitar is equipped with a rosewood fingerboard and a modern "C" shaped neck, common features in Mexican Stratocasters.
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Software and compatibility

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For MIDI functionality, additional gear like a MIDI converter box is required, as the guitar does not output MIDI signals directly.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners have successfully used the guitar with Roland synths like the VG8, VG88, and VG99, which are now more affordable and provide extensive sound capabilities.
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Ideal for creative use at open mic events or jam sessions, allowing players to explore and showcase diverse sonic possibilities.
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The guitar's high-quality synth voices and presets are particularly useful for cover band guitarists needing to replicate a variety of instruments convincingly.
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Semi-hollow guitars like the Carvin SH575 can complicate Roland's alternate tunings due to acoustic resonance, suggesting use with in-ear monitors or higher volumes.
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Comparisons

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The Fishman TriplePlay offers better tracking and simplicity compared to the GK-2 pickup, which is still functional but considered older technology.
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The VG Strat offers modeled Strat, Tele, humbucker, and acoustic modes, providing 37 combinations with standard pickups for diverse sound options, unlike traditional Stratocasters.
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Godin guitars are mentioned as another brand still manufacturing 13-pin compatible guitars, providing alternatives for similar functionality.
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Value and pricing

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Standard Mexican Strats without MIDI pickups often sell for up to $1000 CAD, indicating the Roland-ready model offers significant extra value if in good condition.
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The Fender VG-5 model, made in Mexico, is priced at $699, offering a budget-friendly alternative to the VG-5A, made in America, which costs $1698.
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User experience

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The guitar's MIDI hardware adds approximately one pound to its weight, making it heavier than typical Mexican Stratocasters.
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Some owners report issues with the 13-pin cable, noting it can be noisy, prone to coming loose, and expensive to replace, which affects connectivity with Roland systems.
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