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Description

Step into the future of electric guitar design with the Roland G505, a standout in the world of solid body electric guitars. This model seamlessly combines the classic appeal of traditional electric guitars with modern technology, offering musicians an exceptional playing experience. The G505 is renowned for its versatility, making it an excellent choice for both hobbyists and professional musicians alike.

At the heart of the G505's innovation is its integrated synth capability, allowing for an expanded range of tones and soundscapes. This unique feature provides players with the ability to explore new genres and styles without needing additional equipment. The G505 is not just about sound; its comfortable neck profile and well-balanced body make it a joy to play for extended sessions. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of both studio work and live performances.

Equipped with high-quality pickups, the G505 delivers crisp and clear tones across all frequencies. The controls are intuitively laid out, allowing for quick adjustments while playing. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore new sonic territories or a seasoned musician seeking reliable performance, the Roland G505 offers a comprehensive package that stands out in its category.

Key Features:

  • Integrated synth capability for expanded tonal range
  • High-quality pickups for crisp, clear sound
  • Comfortable neck profile for ease of play
  • Durable construction for studio and live performance
  • Intuitive control layout for quick sound adjustments
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 Roland G-505 Metallic Red Vintage Analog GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer Controller w/ GR-300 by WayneJoness

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

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 G505.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland G-505's non-original pickups were identified as Seymour Duncan stacked humbuckers, which combine qualities of single coils and humbuckers to reduce hum.

    Source
  • The Roland G-505 utilizes an 8-pin DIN connector, likely for MIDI signal transmission, similar to those used for Roland synth guitars.

    Source
  • A small MIDI pickup is located between the bridge and bridge pickup, akin to the setup on Roland Ready Strat models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Stacked humbuckers in the G-505 offer a sound profile between traditional single coils and humbuckers, akin to Fender Noiseless pickups used by Eric Clapton.

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  • Some users compare the sound of these stacked pickups to late 80s/early 90s Seymour Duncan models with a single fat rail core, lacking the bite of Fender single coils.

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User experience

  • Owners note that these stacked pickups lack the traditional 'stratty' sound and are less beefy than typical bridge humbuckers, highlighting a unique tonal character.

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Software and compatibility

  • The G-505 was originally equipped with a 24-pin connector for synthesizer integration, which is now obsolete and difficult to find.

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  • The 8-pin connector might be confused with a 6-pin Leslie amp connector, though they are distinct in function and design.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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eddie_sabotage

Ibanez made these.

This was the first guitar I bought with my own money back in 84. Mine's red and has P-Funk's signatures all over it when I met them when we both played 1st Ave in Min on tour. It's a solid guitar, sounds like a Strat - but the hardest neck I've ever played on. I used to have a '76 Fender with the electro-guts of a GR505 in it. It was a nicer guitar but not by much (and was worthless as a strat because someone had chopped it up to fit the electro-thingys in it) - But with the 505 - it's just that fret board which feels like playing an iron bar.

B

COOL GUITAR FROM THE YESTERYEARS

THIS BAND LIVE IS USING THIS GUITAR THEY HAVE A VERY UNIQUE KRAFTWERK MEETS NEW WAVE MEETS POST PUNK VIBE https://youtu.be/50FEccuor7c

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mick Ronson uses Roland G505

Mick Ronson

Singer, Guitarist

The Spiders from Mars

...
Verified via Facebook

Mick Ronson played a Roland G505 while performing with Ian Hunter at a club in Washington, D.C., as noted in the Mick Ronson Club on Facebook.

See how Mike Rutherford uses Roland G505

Mike Rutherford

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this live photo from 1983, Mike Rutherford can be seen playing a Roland G-505 guitar.

See how Jan Akkerman uses Roland G505

Jan Akkerman

Guitarist

Focus

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, on can see Jan Akkerman playing a Roland G505.

See how Dean Brown uses Roland G505

Dean Brown

Billy Cobham’s Glass Menagerie

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Verified via Deanbrown

I got my first one back in ’82, a red one with a maple neck. Billy Cobham wanted me to play a synth guitar for the live recording at Montreaux called “Smokin'”. So, that recording is the first time I ever used synth guitar. Love these guitars and continue to use the one that many of you know as “The Blue Guitar”. The synth is analog pitch to voltage.

K

Kevin MacMichael

Guitarist

Cutting Crew

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout the music video for (I Just) Died In Your Arms, Kevin MacMichael can be seen playing a Roland G-505.

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 G505, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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