Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (7)
$313.99
Guitar Center
3.0 (4)
$313.99
Amazon
4.2 (78)
$189.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$313.99 New
$143.30 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (8)
$313.99
Thomann
4.4 (52)
$186.00
Gear4Music
£172.25

Average Price: $267

High-end/Boutique

$119

$200+

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Standard

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Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash a new world of sonic possibilities with the Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup. Specifically engineered for the modern bassist, this innovative pickup is your ticket to driving powerful synth-bass rigs like Roland's acclaimed V-Bass and GR-20 guitar synthesizer. It's a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the GK-2B, boasting a sleeker, thinner design without compromising on tracking accuracy.

The GK-3B offers a seamless blend of traditional and synthesized tones, courtesy of its either/or/both switch and large, smooth-action volume knob. This control setup allows you to easily dial in the perfect mix of straight and synth signals, giving you unprecedented control over your tonal output.

Its ultra-thin profile ensures it sits comfortably on your bass, while the straightforward installation process means you can get up and running in no time. With the Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup, the future of bass playing is truly in your hands.

Key Features:

  • Designed for driving synth-bass rigs such as Roland's V-Bass and GR-20 guitar synthesizer
  • Sleeker and thinner than its predecessor, the GK-2B
  • Either/or/both switch and large, smooth-action volume knob for mixing straight and synth signals
  • Ultra-thin design for comfortable use
  • Easy installation process
  • Requires GKC-5 or GKC-10 13-pin cable - not included

Owner's manual

Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup User Manual

Product specs

Type Serial GK Divided Pickup System
Active/Passive Active
Number of Strings 4, 5, or 6
Position Bridge

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of the Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup?

The Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup is designed to allow bass players to connect their instrument to Roland V-Bass systems and other 13-pin devices, enabling access to a wide range of synthesized sounds and effects.

Can the Roland GK-3B be used with both 4-string and 5-string bass guitars?

Yes, the Roland GK-3B is compatible with 4, 5, and 6-string bass guitars, making it versatile for various bass configurations.

How does the Roland GK-3B attach to a bass guitar?

The Roland GK-3B is typically attached near the bridge of the bass guitar using an included mounting bracket, allowing it to capture string vibrations effectively for signal processing.

Does the Roland GK-3B require a specific type of cable for connection?

Yes, the Roland GK-3B requires a 13-pin cable to connect to compatible devices, such as Roland V-Bass systems, for full functionality.

Is the Roland GK-3B suitable for live performance settings?

The Roland GK-3B is well-suited for live performances, offering bassists the ability to expand their tonal palette with synthesized sounds and effects in real-time.

Tiziano Militello

Tiziano Militello

TEST 1/2 Roland GR-55 + GK3-B Bass/Guitar Synthesizer - Basses & Factory Presets

Video thumbnail for TEST 1/2 Roland GR-55 + GK3-B Bass/Guitar Synthesizer - Basses & Factory Presets by Tiziano Militello

TEST 1/2 Roland GR-55 + GK3-B Bass/Guitar Synthesizer - Basses & Factory Presets

Tiziano Militello

Tiziano Militello

Video thumbnail for Roland VB-99 Bass Synthesizer Patches Factory Sound Demonstration GK-3B by WayneJoness

Roland VB-99 Bass Synthesizer Patches Factory Sound Demonstration GK-3B

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for This is ART Controls Ableton Live w Bass Guitar + GK-3B Pickup by This is ART

This is ART Controls Ableton Live w Bass Guitar + GK-3B Pickup

This is ART

This is ART

Video thumbnail for Roland GR-55 and Bass Guitar with Roland GK-3B MIDI pickup - Bass Practice Diary - 14th August 2018 by Johnny Cox Music

Roland GR-55 and Bass Guitar with Roland GK-3B MIDI pickup - Bass Practice Diary - 14th August 2018

Johnny Cox Music

Johnny Cox Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Comes with comprehensive installation instructions for easy setup.

  • Great dynamic response and tracking with permanent installation.

  • Integrates well with GR-55 synthesizer for bass guitar function.

  • Allows for a wide range of synth sounds on bass, enhancing creative possibilities.

  • Straightforward installation with multiple mounting options for different setups.

  • Solid attachment without requiring modifications to the bass.

  • Excellent tracking for synth bass and other sounds in higher registers.

  • Enables multi-track recordings using just a bass guitar.

  • Versatile use in live and studio settings for adding synth sounds.

CONS

  • Some latency issues with fast playing, especially in lower registers.

  • Flimsy and delicate construction; scratches easily during installation.

  • Cable design is awkward, leading to potential wear over time.

  • Challenges in getting MIDI pickups to trigger correctly on bass.

  • Certain notes may not synth trigger consistently, especially on older synthesizers.

  • Permanent installations required for optimal tracking and performance.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland GK-3B and GK-3 pickups use a unique 13-pin cable to separate string signals, not to generate MIDI data directly.

    Source
  • The GR-55’s COSM modeling lets users emulate bass sounds like Rick, Thunderbird, or Hofner from a different bass model, enhancing tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The GR-55 allows individual string pitch shifting, enabling quick tuning changes like Drop-D with the press of a pedal, eliminating the need for manual detuning.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Boss SY-300 doesn't support the 13-pin GK pickup cable, requiring a compatible synth/MIDI pedal for full functionality.

    Source
  • The Fishman TriplePlay pickup comes in wired and wireless versions, but lacks a bass-specific model, unlike Roland's GK-3B.

    Source
  • The SY-1000 and GP-10 also have GK pickup jacks, supporting Roland's 13-pin system alongside the GR-55.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Boss GP-10 offers capabilities like separate string sounds and alternate tunings, features not available on the SY-300.

    Source
  • FretTrax offers advanced MIDI conversion options, with videos demonstrating its capabilities on various custom instruments.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GP-10 and GR-55 can model various guitar types and pitch shift strings, providing virtual alternate tunings and multiple guitar sounds.

    Source
  • Owners use the GK-3B for creating keyboard-like sounds on bass, expanding the instrument's role in solos and experimental music.

    Source
  • Sonuus G2M and Jam Origin MIDI Guitar are alternatives for monophonic bass MIDI conversion without a dedicated pickup.

    Source
  • Reaper's ReaTune plugin can convert monophonic bass signals to MIDI, but struggles with polyphonic playing.

    Source

User experience

  • Tracking performance at high speeds is a concern, requiring precise string muting to prevent unwanted noise during fast play.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Squarepusher uses Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via Twitter

Squarepusher uses the Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup, as seen in a Twitter post by Studio_85UK, which highlights his performance at Concorde 2. Additionally, an interview with Sound on Sound mentions his use of the Axon AX100 MIDI bass module, further illustrating his integration of advanced gear in his setup.

See how Cam Avery uses Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup

Cam Avery

Singer, Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

Tame Impala | Deezer Session | Paris, 2015

See how Arthur Maia uses Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup

Arthur Maia

Bassist

Claudio Zolli & Arthur Maia

...
Verified via YouTube

GK-3B and Warwick appears on this live performance by the artist.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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