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Description

The Roland G-505 is a classic in the realm of solid body electric guitars, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology. This guitar is renowned for its versatility, delivering a rich tonal palette suitable for a variety of music genres—from rock to jazz. Its design features a sleek, contoured body that ensures comfort during long performances, making it a favorite among both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians.

Equipped with a trio of single-coil pickups, the G-505 offers a dynamic range of sounds, from warm, mellow tones to bright, cutting edges. The guitar's neck is crafted for smooth playability, allowing for effortless transitions and precise control. Its responsive tremolo system further enhances expressiveness, giving players the freedom to explore creative soundscapes.

One of the standout features of the Roland G-505 is its built-in synthesizer compatibility. This innovative integration allows for seamless connectivity with Roland’s GR series synthesizers, opening up a world of sonic possibilities. The guitar's onboard controls are intuitive, providing easy access to a variety of synthesizer parameters, ensuring that your music creation process remains uninterrupted.

With its blend of traditional electric guitar elements and cutting-edge tech, the Roland G-505 is more than just an instrument—it's a gateway to limitless musical exploration.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with contoured design
  • Three single-coil pickups for a versatile sound range
  • Responsive tremolo system for enhanced expressiveness
  • Built-in synthesizer compatibility with Roland’s GR series
  • Intuitive onboard controls for seamless integration with synths
  • Comfortable neck profile for smooth playability
WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Roland G-505 and GR-300 Instruction Video Excerpts with Adrian Belew (1981)

Video thumbnail for Roland G-505 and GR-300 Instruction Video Excerpts with Adrian Belew (1981) by WayneJoness

Roland G-505 and GR-300 Instruction Video Excerpts with Adrian Belew (1981)

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for Roland G-505 Metallic Red Vintage Analog GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer Controller - INTRO by WayneJoness

Roland G-505 Metallic Red Vintage Analog GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer Controller - INTRO

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for Roland G-505 Vintage Analog Guitar Synth Controller - Intro by WayneJoness

Roland G-505 Vintage Analog Guitar Synth Controller - Intro

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for Roland G-505 Vintage Analog Guitar Synth Controller - Features by WayneJoness

Roland G-505 Vintage Analog Guitar Synth Controller - Features

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for 1981 Roland G-505 + Roland GR-300 by Oscar Guitars

1981 Roland G-505 + Roland GR-300

Oscar Guitars

Oscar Guitars

Video thumbnail for Roland G-505 Vintage Analog Guitar Synth Controller GR-300 by WayneJoness

Roland G-505 Vintage Analog Guitar Synth Controller GR-300

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for Roland G-505 Metallic Red Vintage Analog GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer Controller w/ VG-99 by WayneJoness

Roland G-505 Metallic Red Vintage Analog GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer Controller w/ VG-99

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland G-505.

Comparisons

  • SD stacked singles offer unique tones, not as 'stratty' or 'beefy' as traditional pickups, resembling late 80s/90s SD models with a fat rail core.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Stacked humbuckers provide reduced hum without losing the single coil's chime, similar to Fender's Noiseless series used by Eric Clapton.

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  • The Roland G-505's 8-pin DIN connector may carry MIDI signals, similar to connectors used in Roland synth guitars.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners mistakenly identify SD stacked humbuckers as single coils, highlighting the visual similarity and the need for careful identification.

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User experience

  • It's noted that stacked singles can be challenging to voice properly, lacking the bite typical of Fender singles yet avoiding buzz similar to Squier Affinity pickups.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The guitar may have been modified with an 8-pin DIN as an alternative to the discontinued 24-pin connector previously used in Roland's 300 and 700 series.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Luis Alberto Spinetta uses Roland G-505

Luis Alberto Spinetta

Composer, Guitarist

Pescado Rabioso

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:39 in this video, Spinetta can be seen playing a red Roland G-505.

See how Steve Rothery uses Roland G-505

Steve Rothery

Guitarist

Marillion

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen in the music video of Marillion- Kayleigh and live in 1985 https://youtu.be/-GcAL0k7wYI That Steve Rothery used the Roland g505.

See how Eddie Lundon uses Roland G-505

Eddie Lundon

Composer

China Crisis

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video (from the beginning), you can see him using his red Roland G-505.

See how Friðrik Karlsson uses Roland G-505

Friðrik Karlsson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Mezzoforte

...
Verified via YouTube

In this show, Fridrik use his Roland G-505 and Ibanez AS-200.

See how Gary McDowell uses Roland G-505

Gary McDowell

Guitarist

Modern English

...
Verified via Photo

Gary McDowell playing a red Roland G-505. Photo from a Modern English concert at The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ on 23rd August 2013.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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Gear Guides

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    austinmw
    austinmw

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