Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $85

Budget/Beginner

$150

$601+

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Budget

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Roland GR-30". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 3, 2026.

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Description

Step into the world of limitless guitar tones with the Roland GR-30, a guitar synthesizer pedal that bridges the gap between traditional guitar sounds and cutting-edge synthesis. Designed for guitarists eager to explore new sonic territories, this pedal offers a fusion of digital and analog technology, enabling a rich palette of tones and effects. The GR-30 is equipped with advanced pitch detection, ensuring precise tracking for smooth, natural playability. This device transforms your guitar into a versatile synthesizer, opening up a world of creative possibilities.

With the Roland GR-30, you can seamlessly integrate synthesizer sounds into your music. Whether you're looking to add a lush string section to your band or dive into experimental soundscapes, this pedal delivers with ease. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of features make it an invaluable tool for both stage performances and studio sessions. The GR-30 is also compatible with a wide range of MIDI devices, making it a flexible addition to any setup.

Experience unprecedented creativity with the Roland GR-30. Its robust construction ensures it will withstand the rigors of touring, while its intuitive controls and versatile functionality make it an essential piece of equipment for any guitarist seeking to expand their sonic horizons.

Key Features:

  • Advanced pitch detection for accurate tracking
  • Over 384 built-in tones and effects
  • MIDI compatibility for integration with other devices
  • User-friendly interface with easy-to-navigate controls
  • Sturdy construction designed for live performance
  • Real-time control of sound parameters for dynamic expression

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model GR-30 Guitar Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Synths

FAQs

What types of sounds can the Roland GR-30 produce?

The Roland GR-30 is capable of producing a wide range of synthesized sounds, including emulations of various instruments like strings, brass, and pianos, as well as unique synth tones designed for creative guitar playing.

Is the Roland GR-30 compatible with any guitar?

The GR-30 requires a guitar equipped with a Roland GK-2A or compatible pickup to accurately track and convert the guitar's signal into MIDI data for synthesizer control.

Can the Roland GR-30 be used for live performances?

Yes, the Roland GR-30 is designed for both studio and live performance use, offering a variety of sounds and effects that can be easily accessed and controlled during a gig.

Does the Roland GR-30 offer MIDI connectivity?

The Roland GR-30 includes MIDI input and output, allowing it to interface with other MIDI-capable devices for expanded sound and control options.

How does the Roland GR-30 handle tracking and latency?

The GR-30 is known for its fast tracking and minimal latency, providing a responsive playing experience when converting guitar signals to synthesized sounds.

Mario Stracuzzi

Mario Stracuzzi

Roland GR 30 DEMO

Video thumbnail for Roland GR 30 DEMO by Mario Stracuzzi

Roland GR 30 DEMO

Mario Stracuzzi

Mario Stracuzzi

Video thumbnail for Roland GR 30 Checkin' out all Presets 1.0 by RaerY1959

Roland GR 30 Checkin' out all Presets 1.0

RaerY1959

RaerY1959

Video thumbnail for Roland GR 30 video owners manual by Fixin' like a pro!

Roland GR 30 video owners manual

Fixin' like a pro!

Fixin' like a pro!

Video thumbnail for Roland GR-30 : Testing by atthakorn Pann Meesh

Roland GR-30 : Testing

atthakorn Pann Meesh

atthakorn Pann Meesh

Reviews

PROS

  • More robust than similarly priced units

  • Easy to find accessories or parts due to Roland brand

  • Used by professional prog artists, indicating quality

  • Allows for playing unique sounds like trumpet on guitar

  • No delay in sound output, ensuring real-time playing

  • Great tone quality

  • Compatible with various guitars, e.g., Godin LGXT

  • Features vintage synth capabilities

  • Arpeggiator feature not found on later models

CONS

  • Lacks built-in expression pedal (though easily added)

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland GR-30.

Features and functionality

  • The GR-30's soft synth with -50 attack/release and increased brightness creates a unique tone when blended with flute or bowed string patches.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Proper mounting for the GR-30 pickup is crucial; temporary solutions like using lots of tape can be problematic.

    Source
  • High-quality cables for the GR-30 can be costly, potentially exceeding $80, which should be considered in budgeting.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GR-30 can emulate mk.gee's synth sound by layering soft synth with bowed tones and adding a flanger.

    Source
  • The Rhodes sound on the GR-30 is highlighted as particularly enjoyable and versatile.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland GR30

soundonsound.com

Roland’s GR-30 offers a budget-friendly entry into guitar synthesis, impressing with its fast, accurate tracking and a compelling suite of features including an arpeggiator, harmony generation, and real-time effects. The unit’s internal sounds are robust, although it struggles with external MIDI tracking. Its simple interface makes patch creation accessible, but the basic display and lack of patch naming are drawbacks. While it could benefit from more modulation options and a built-in expression pedal, the GR-30 manages to deliver significant value, especially when paired with the optional GK2A pickup, making it an exciting tool for live performers.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
darligulv

Good Vintage...

Good vintage synth. Arpeggiator on this model missing on later models.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Robert Fripp uses Roland GR-30

Robert Fripp

Guitarist, Keyboardist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Pinterest

This image from Pinterest shows Robert Fripp’s stage setup from 1999.

See how Adrian Belew uses Roland GR-30

Adrian Belew

Composer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

Adrian uses a GR-30 as shown in this diagram from Guitar Geek.

See how Al Di Meola uses Roland GR-30

Al Di Meola

Guitarist

Dream Theater

...
Verified via Jazzguitar

According to this article Al uses the GR-30 guitar synth.

See how Nick Reinhart uses Roland GR-30

Nick Reinhart

Singer, Guitarist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

The GR-30 is the large effects unit on the far right.

See how Reeves Gabrels uses Roland GR-30

Reeves Gabrels

Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Guitarmoderne

"I was running a Roland G-10 and a GR-30 through an early Nord Lead and a Yamaha synth in the studio; we took those sounds off the masters and put them on the D88.

I didn’t use the G-30 much live, though I had it on the floor."

See how Richard Fortus uses Roland GR-30

Richard Fortus

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Guitar Geek rig diagram, Richard Fortus used a Roland GR-30 guitar synthesizer with the Psychedelic Furs.

See how Nick Beggs uses Roland GR-30

Nick Beggs

Singer, Bassist

ABC

...
Verified via Globalbass

I run three synthesizers, A Korg TR rack, a GR-30 floor mounted Synth and a Korg 05RW Synth.

See how Jon Anderson uses Roland GR-30

Jon Anderson

Guitarist, Singer

Yes

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

GuitarPlayer.com states: "Armed with a MIDI-equipped Martin Backpacker guitar, two Roland GR-30 guitar synthesizers, Yamaha EX5 and ES Motif synthesizers, and a Kurzweil K2600 keyboard, Anderson is criss-crossing the globe, performing Yes and solo works in Ray Davies’ Storyteller format, and enjoying the freedom and flexibility of his one-man performance so much that he plans on making it a core component of his career in the future."

See how Amir Derakh uses Roland GR-30

Amir Derakh

Guitarist

Orgy

...
Verified via Photo

According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Amir uses a Roland GR-30.

See how Adam Gardner uses Roland GR-30

Adam Gardner

Singer, Guitarist

Guster

...
Verified via Vividgreen

Listed under Adam's gear on Vividgreen.net.

See how Raptis Elias uses Roland GR-30

Raptis Elias

...
Verified via YouTube

w/PAST PERFECT, lots of synth sound from this vintage GR30.

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 GR-30, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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ocl

ocl

Gear IQ 548

ocl

ocl

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karl_dodson

karl_dodson

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awwim

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1 alternative for Roland GR-30, curated by the Equipboard community.

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