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Description

Dive into a new realm of creativity with the Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar, a groundbreaking instrument that merges the expressive power of a guitar with the versatile capabilities of a synthesizer. Perfect for the modern musician, this digital modeling guitar is designed to provide a seamless experience for those looking to explore new sonic landscapes without compromising the feel of a traditional electric guitar. Equipped with a proprietary 24-pin interface, the G-303 offers unparalleled connectivity with Roland’s GR-series guitar synthesizers, enabling an extensive range of sound possibilities.

The G-303 Synthesizer Guitar is renowned for its responsiveness and dynamic range, offering musicians the ability to create complex, layered compositions with ease. Its design ensures comfort and playability, catering to both live performances and studio recording sessions. With its advanced technology, this instrument allows musicians to experiment with textures and tones that are only limited by their imagination. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, the Roland G-303 is a versatile tool that enhances your creative potential.

Key Features:

  • Proprietary 24-pin interface for seamless connectivity with Roland GR-series synthesizers
  • Combines traditional electric guitar playability with advanced synthesizer capabilities
  • Responsive and dynamic range for detailed sound expression
  • Compatible with a wide range of synthesizer sounds and effects
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings
WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Roland GR-300 G-303 Guitar Synthesizer - Pat Metheny Tone 3

Video thumbnail for Roland GR-300 G-303 Guitar Synthesizer - Pat Metheny Tone 3 by WayneJoness

Roland GR-300 G-303 Guitar Synthesizer - Pat Metheny Tone 3

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for Vintage Roland G303 guitar and Gr300  Synthesizer demo by Marco Tiraboschi

Vintage Roland G303 guitar and Gr300 Synthesizer demo

Marco Tiraboschi

Marco Tiraboschi

Video thumbnail for Roland G-303 GR-300 VG-99 BX-13-VX Various Guitar Synthesizers by WayneJoness

Roland G-303 GR-300 VG-99 BX-13-VX Various Guitar Synthesizers

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for Raga Blues with Roland GR-300 & G-303 • Andy B by ANDY B

Raga Blues with Roland GR-300 & G-303 • Andy B

ANDY B

ANDY B

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The G-303 can be used as a standard electric guitar thanks to its magnetic pickups, aside from its synthesizer controller capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the GR55's ability to mix PCM synthesis with guitar modeling, providing diverse tone options without noticeable latency.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The guitar is related to the Greco GO series and shares characteristics with Ibanez Artist 2700, known for their build quality.

    Source
  • The SY300 offers perfect tracking with no latency and allows chord play, unlike older GK-2A setups which struggled with consistency and coherence.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Tuning stability can be an issue due to the wide headstock and string angle at the nut, which can be mitigated using guitar nut lubricant.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The synth output can interface with any 13-pin synth effects unit, such as Roland GR or Boss GT series, broadening its usability in different setups.

    Source
  • Users suggest using higher strings set an octave lower via MIDI out for more stable bass synth sounds from a GK guitar system.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have used the G-303 without the synth, appreciating its quality as a standalone guitar, and suggest fret leveling for best performance.

    Source
  • Setting the GK pickup's string sensitivity is crucial to prevent mis-triggering and optimize performance, especially for bass notes.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The GR55 and VG99 are favored for their MIDI out capabilities, with VG99 praised for its reliability in driving external synths.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
narcist
narcist

17214

Honest, but old guitar

Long story short, it doesn't fit my style. Nevertheless, It's a fantastic guitar. My dad bought this a few decades ago when he worked at a Roland factory and passed it to me when he stopped playing. It's got moderate humbuckers that have a very clean, warm sound. The fretboard and neck feel very smooth and nice. It actually stays in tune, too. Only problem is that I have no GR-300 synth to connect to. Nevertheless, a beautiful piece of history to have.

narcist
narcist

17214

Forgot to say this: this guitar was made in 1983, if my source is correct.

S

This guitar was made even before, in 1980

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

From an interview with John Frusciante in the April 2014 issue of Guitar Player:

"Was the Yamaha SG the only guitar you played on the last few records, or were there others?"

"I played a white Roland G-303 guitar along with a GR-300 synth on some pieces. For example, on "Cinch" I combined it with the SG parts on the arpeggio thing toward the beginning when the drums speed up, and I edited it back and forth with a Carvin nylon-string acoustic throughout the solo on "Breathiac," so they appear to be continuations of the same train of thought."

See how Robert Fripp uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

Robert Fripp

Guitarist, Keyboardist

King Crimson

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video upon here you can see a few frames of Fripp using this guitar starting from 1:26. Usually this guitar has been used by Robert with its original synth system (GR300), but occasionally it can also be seen plugged in and used through some roland synths along Robert Fripp himself during a few concerts in the 80s. He's been using this guitar from 1980 to 1984/85, maybe even 1993, before upgrading to his main instrument which still uses today.

See how Andy Summers uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Photo

This undated ad shows Andy endorsing the G-303 unit.

See how Pat Metheny uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

Pat Metheny

Guitarist, Bassist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Photo

This photo shows Patrick "Pat" Bruce Metheny, legendary guitarist of acts such as the Pat Metheny Group, Jaco Pastorius, and Herbie Hancock playing his iconic Roland G-303 Guitar Synthesizer Controller 6 string. He is also noted using it in conjunction with the Roland GS-300 controller pedal.

See how Adrian Belew uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

Adrian Belew

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

Here's a rare live video of Adrian using a Roland G303 with Robert Fripp. During the live at Frejus in 1982, Adrian uses a Roland G303 for the song The Sheltering Sky (16:48). During King Crimson's period, Adrian rarely used a Roland G303 between 1982 and 1983, especially on the european tour

See how David Byrne uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

David Byrne

Singer, Guitarist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from Stop Making Sense, David can be seen playing the Roland G-303 Guitar Synthesizer

See how Charly García uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via YouTube

Guitarra usada por Charly a finales de Serú Girán y en su primer disco de solista

See how Pedro Aznar uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

Pedro Aznar

Singer, Guitarist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via YouTube

En el video se ve a Pedro ejecutar una Guitarra Roland G-303

See how Chris Buono uses Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar

Chris Buono

Guitarist

...
Verified via Chris Buono

Guitarist Chris Buono confirms on his official website that he owns a Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar, calling it "Super-fun."

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 Roland G-303 Synthesizer Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

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