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Average Price: $750
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Description
In the vibrant world of electric guitars, the G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster Powered By Roland stands as a beacon of versatility and innovation. Blending Fender’s iconic craftsmanship with Roland’s cutting-edge technology, this guitar is a playground for musicians who crave diverse soundscapes without being tethered to external gear. The built-in sound engine is the heart of this instrument, offering players the ability to seamlessly switch between a variety of classic guitar tones—from the unmistakable twang of a single coil Telecaster to the rich warmth of an L4 jazzbox or the crisp resonance of a Martin-style acoustic.
The G-5 VG Stratocaster doesn’t stop at just tonal variety. With its intuitive controls, players can explore a multitude of alternate tunings such as drop D, open G, and baritone, all at the flip of a switch, enabling rapid transitions between different musical styles and genres. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar provides an unparalleled level of adaptability, making it a favorite among adventurous musicians who love to push boundaries.
Key Features:
- Built-in Roland sound engine for a wide variety of guitar tones
- Seamless switching between classic guitar sounds: Telecaster, L4 jazzbox, Martin acoustic, and more
- Alternate tunings available, including drop D, open G, and baritone
- Intuitive controls for easy sound and tuning adjustments
- Iconic Fender Stratocaster design with modern technological enhancements
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
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What unique features does the G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster offer compared to a standard Stratocaster?
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The G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster is equipped with Roland's COSM technology, allowing it to model different guitar tones and tunings, including Stratocaster, Telecaster, humbucking pickups, acoustic guitar sounds, and alternate tunings like Drop D and Baritone.
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Can the G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster switch between different tunings quickly?
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Yes, the G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster features a tuning knob that allows you to switch between six tunings, including Normal, Drop D, Open G, D Modal, Baritone, and 12-String, instantly.
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What type of pickups does the G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster use?
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The G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster uses three Fender single-coil pickups for classic Strat tones, along with an embedded Roland GK divided pickup for modeling various guitar sounds.
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Is the G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster is ideal for live performances, offering a wide range of tones and tunings that can be changed on the fly, making it versatile for various musical styles.
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What is the neck profile of the G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster?
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The G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster features a 25.5" scale maple neck with a choice of rosewood or maple fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience typical of Fender guitars.
Videos
rolandmedia
Roland G-5 VG Stratocaster® — Steve Stevens Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional build quality for a Mexican-made Stratocaster
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Seamless integration of Roland electronics through a single 1/4" jack
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Convincing modeled sounds, especially the acoustic tone
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Efficient and user-friendly alternate tuning options
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No 60 cycle hum, even in noisy environments
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Humbucker and 12-string modes offer versatile tonal options
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Drop D and baritone settings enhance musical flexibility
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Instantly switch between Strat, Tele, and Humbucker tones
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Functions as a versatile "Swiss Army Knife" for musicians
CONS
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Requires batteries for advanced Roland features
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster Powered By Roland.
Use cases and applications
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While some question its studio utility, the VG Strat's ability to switch sounds mid-song is highlighted as beneficial for live performances.
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The guitar integrates well with vintage Roland synths like the GR-50, VG8, VG88, and VG99, which can be acquired at lower prices.
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On-the-fly alternate tunings are a standout feature for live performance versatility, especially in jam sessions and open mics.
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Comparisons
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The Fishman TriplePlay is mentioned as a modern alternative for MIDI functionality, suggesting improved tracking and Bluetooth connections over older Roland systems.
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The VG Strat is compared to the Variax, with some users considering it a simplified version that does not compromise on quality.
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Setup and maintenance
Value and pricing
User experience
Software and compatibility
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The guitar's 13-pin output is not a standard MIDI cable and requires additional equipment like Roland guitar synths or a MIDI converter for full functionality.
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Features and functionality
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The Roland GK-2 pickup enables blending MIDI output with traditional magnetic pickup sound, providing flexible sound options directly from the guitar.
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The VG Strat features modeled Strat, Tele, humbucker, and acoustic modes, plus tuning options like drop D, open G, open D, baritone, and 12 string.
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The guitar integrates both simulated and actual Strat sounds, achieved by converting each string's signal to a MIDI-like format for precise tuning changes.
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The VG Strat includes a digital pickup system enabling real-time tuning and sound emulation, akin to a pitch-shifting pedal but with greater accuracy.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Luke Weiler of Positive Mental Trip has had a Fender VG American Stratocaster in his live show as his main electric guitar from 2008-2016. In 2017-2019 PMT era Luke has been seen using a Gibson Sg standard as well as a Godin Multiac nylon string synth guitar as well. The VG Fender Stratocaster is heard on almost all electric guitar tracks on Positive Mental trip’s “change your mind” (2012) and “The Black and White Album” (2017) The Fender american VG Stratocaster will always be a part of Positive Mental Trip’s live show and recordings even if it starts to be less and less as the years go on. Luke has said he will be using the Roland pickup on the guitar to utilize alternate tunings on the new album without having to change to a guitar with a different tuning. It’s always cool to try different tunings as it forces your to write differently and step outside of your comfort zone into another realm of guitar sounds.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use G-5 Fender VG Stratocaster Powered By Roland, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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