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Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash the power of your electric guitar and step into the world of MIDI with the Roland GK-3 Divided Guitar MIDI Pickup. This innovative device delivers a seamless integration of your guitar and GK-compatible devices, allowing you to create music in ways you never thought possible.
With its unique design, the Roland GK-3 captures individual signals from each guitar string, offering a level of precision and control that's unmatched by traditional pickups. Its big, smooth GK knob allows for quick control moves, while a selector switch lets you easily toggle between synth, normal guitar tone, and mixed settings.
The GK-3 is 30% thinner than its predecessor, making it a sleek and unobtrusive addition to any guitar. Its adjustable pickup cable length and standard 1/4" jack for normal guitar input highlight its user-friendly design. And with its adjustable curve design, the GK-3 adapts to the unique curvature of your guitar for the best possible response.
No electric guitar is left behind with the GK-3. Whether you're rocking a Les Paul or any other model, this pickup can be installed safely and easily without any drilling required, thanks to an included special attachment plate.
Key Features:
- Sends individual signals from each guitar string to GK-compatible devices
- Big, smooth GK knob for quick control moves
- Selector switch for synth, normal guitar tone, and mixed settings
- 30% thinner than its predecessor, with adjustable pickup cable length
- Standard 1/4" jack for normal guitar input
- Adjustable curve design for optimal response
- Special attachment plate for easy, non-destructive installation on LP-style guitars
Owner's manual
Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Serial GK Divided Pickup system |
| Position | Bridge |
| Active/Passive | Active |
| Connectivity | GKC-10 13-pin cable, 1/4" TRS cable |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
FAQs
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How does the Roland GK-3 Divided Guitar MIDI Pickup attach to my guitar?
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The Roland GK-3 attaches to any steel-stringed electric guitar without the need for drilling. It uses an adjustable bracket and double-sided tape for secure placement near the bridge.
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What type of cable does the Roland GK-3 use for connectivity?
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The Roland GK-3 uses a GKC-10 13-pin cable for connectivity to compatible guitar synthesizers and a 1/4" TRS cable for standard output.
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Can the Roland GK-3 be used with any guitar synthesizer?
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The Roland GK-3 is designed to work with Roland guitar synthesizers, such as the GR-55, and other devices that support the 13-pin connection standard.
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Does the Roland GK-3 affect the tone of my guitar?
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The Roland GK-3 is a divided pickup system that captures individual string signals for MIDI conversion, allowing you to maintain your guitar's natural tone while accessing a wide range of synthesized sounds.
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Is the Roland GK-3 suitable for use with acoustic guitars?
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The Roland GK-3 is specifically designed for steel-stringed electric guitars and may not be suitable for acoustic guitars without additional modifications.
Videos
GAK
Roland - GR55 Guitar Synthesizer with GK3 Pickup Demo at GAK
Roland - GR55 Guitar Synthesizer with GK3 Pickup Demo at GAK
GAK
Fishman TriplePlay Wireless MIDI Pickup Update PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTION FOR PRODUCT UPDATE INFO
Sweetwater
Roland GK-3 vs Godin Guitar Synth Pickups
Will Hackett
GR-55 on Acoustic Guitar with GK-3 Pickup
Kennis Russell
Roland GK3 MIDI Kit Demo with Phred Instruments Liger guitar and Roland GR-20 Guitar to MIDI Board
PHREDinstruments
Reviews
PROS
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Allows diverse sound combinations, four sounds from one guitar
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Easy installation with no permanent guitar modifications needed
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Excellent tracking accuracy with Roland synths
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Lightweight design with minimal impact on guitar weight
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Wide range of authentic sounds, especially strings
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Excellent for live performances and recording
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Improved features from previous GK-2A model
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Secure mounting options prevent damage to guitar finish
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Versatile compatibility with various Roland synth models
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High-quality audio output for MIDI applications
CONS
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Difficult installation process, especially for certain guitar types
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Requires precise setup for optimal performance, including string height adjustments
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Limited compatibility with flatter fretboard radii
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Needs additional expensive Roland synth for MIDI conversion
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Flimsy plastic construction can feel fragile
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Volume control lacks gradual adjustment, easily turned accidentally
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Not suitable for nylon string guitars
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Some synth sounds lack sustain and authenticity
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Complex sound editing may be overwhelming for some users
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No MIDI cable included, adding to setup cost
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup.
Features and functionality
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The Roland GK-3 requires a compatible Roland unit for MIDI functionality and is not standalone.
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The Roland GK-3 and GK-3B pickups use a special 13-pin cable, not a standard 5-pin MIDI cable, for connecting to compatible synthesizer units.
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The GK-3B is specifically designed for bass guitars, with sensor spacing adjusted for wider string gaps compared to the GK-3 for standard guitars.
Source
Comparisons
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The Fishman Triple Play offers faster tracking than the Roland but struggles with legato notes due to sensitivity issues.
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Godin MIDI guitars offer integrated polyphonic tracking with minimal lag, outperforming Roland for those seeking polyphony.
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The Boss GP-10 offers guitar modeling and alternate tunings, surpassing the SY-300 which lacks MIDI conversion capabilities.
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The Boss GP-10 is suggested as the least expensive hardware option for using the GK-3 with VSTs, compared to pricier alternatives like the GR-55.
Source
Software and compatibility
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MIDI GUITAR 2 software tracks slower than hardware solutions but excels in capturing fast legato runs.
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A Roland synth/MIDI pedal, like the GP-10, is required to convert GK-3 signals into MIDI, as the pickup itself does not generate MIDI information.
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The Roland GK-3 requires a 13-pin to MIDI interface, like the discontinued Roland GI-10, to convert analog signals into MIDI for DAW use.
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Setup and maintenance
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Fishman's pickup setup demands precise string-to-pickup distance due to its severe built-in radius.
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Use cases and applications
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MIDI GUITAR 2 suits live rigs on iOS platforms, requiring good muting technique to avoid stray notes.
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The Fishman TriplePlay Connect is a budget-friendly option for guitar MIDI conversion, but it does not support bass guitars effectively due to sensor spacing issues.
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Jam Origin's MIDI Guitar 2 software is recommended as a cost-effective alternative for recording with the GK-3 without additional hardware.
Source
User experience
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Owners note the GP-10 and GR-55 can model various guitars, offering versatility for musicians who want multiple guitar sounds from a single instrument.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 12 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Tame Impala | Deezer Session | Paris, 2015
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GK-3 pickup used combined to GR-20 pedal on songs of SSoaSS and SiT.
In the video "Mk.gee - Little Bit More (Live)" at 0:46, Mk.gee uses the Roland GK-3 Divided Guitar MIDI Pickup to create a synth/overdrive/crunchy effect. This gear is also utilized by Mk.gee and Andrew during their performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, as seen in the "Are You Looking Up" video.
Dan Swanö Guitar Rig Scheme: 1 - BC Rich ST-3 guitar with Roland GK3 pickup connected to Roland VG-99 guitar-system - 2. Roland VG-99 is connected straight line out (with all treble intact) right into the power amp of any good valve amp - 3. Tech21 MIDI Moose - 5 is connected thru MIDI to change patch in the VG99. Boss FS-6 - 6 switch is connected to the VG99 thru a stereo cable and controls parameters in the patch. Sometimes it's switching between rhythm and solo, sometimes to activate tuning function. 4 - Roland EV-7 for seamless cross-fade between the 2 GT-10 engines within the VG99. Backing tracks come into from the Apple iBook - 7. Output from the Apple iBook goes one channel (L) to the headphone amp Rolls HA43 - 8 and into Dan’s in-ear (and to the drummer’s in-ear) - 9. The other channel (R) goes to the passive DI box Behringer DI-600P – 10 and then direct line into the mix - 11.
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Eve seems to have been using a midi pickup in live performances as of or near the release of Rock Island. It’s clear in this image that the attachment is secured to the guitar.
"No, I actually play Becker guitars. They build my Roland [GK-3 Divided Pickup] right into the guitar for me, so my Roland [VG-99 and FC-300] system is seamlessly integrated. It makes it so easy for me to run the Roland system. It’s literally plug and go. It’s really a wonderful piece—the guitar is 100% handmade. It’s made with the quality of a Paul Reed Smith, but it has more of a bluesy tone, an earthy, deep tone."
Album Usage
The Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup has been featured on the following albums:
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 GK-3 Divided Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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