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Roland GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer

Roland GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer main image

Roland GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer

^# 26

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$900.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (8)

3 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer

$599.99 - $1,044.99

4.5 (34)

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1 community setup

4 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (3)

$900.00 8 available Used

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Average Price: $900

High-end/Boutique

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Synth Pedals category, Roland GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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The Roland GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer is a classic gem for guitarists looking to explore new sonic territories. Originally introduced in the early '80s, the GR-300 remains a legendary piece of gear with its distinctive analog synthesizer sound that transforms your guitar into a full-fledged polyphonic synthesizer. Known for its unique ability to track notes in real-time without latency, it delivers a seamless blending of guitar and synth tones. The GR-300 is especially recognized for its six independent oscillators, each corresponding to a string on your guitar, allowing for rich, complex harmonics and textures.

Designed for versatility, the GR-300 offers a variety of tonal possibilities that cater to both experimental musicians and those seeking classic synth sounds. Its interface is straightforward, giving users easy access to a range of controls to fine-tune their sound. The pedal's build quality ensures it withstands the rigors of both studio and stage use. Whether you're looking to add lush synth pads, soaring leads, or intricate soundscapes to your performances, the GR-300 is a reliable tool that continues to inspire creativity among guitarists and synth enthusiasts alike.

Key Features:

Polyphonic synthesizer capability with six independent oscillators
Real-time note tracking with no latency
Intuitive interface for easy sound customization
Compatible with a range of guitar models
Durable construction for both studio and live performances
Ideal for creating a wide array of sounds from classic synth tones to experimental textures

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	GR300 Guitar Synthesizer
Finish	Blue
Year	1980s
Made In	Japan

FAQs

How does the Roland GR-300 differ from modern guitar synthesizers?: The Roland GR-300 is an analog guitar synthesizer known for its distinctive polyphonic sound and real-time pitch tracking. Unlike digital synths, it offers a warm, vintage tone and requires a compatible guitar controller, such as the Roland G-303.
Can the Roland GR-300 be used with any electric guitar?: No, the Roland GR-300 requires a specific guitar controller with a 24-pin connector, such as the Roland G-303 or G-808, to function properly.
What type of sounds can the Roland GR-300 produce?: The Roland GR-300 is capable of producing rich, analog synth tones, including lush pads and leads, making it ideal for genres that benefit from vintage synth sounds.
Is the Roland GR-300 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Roland GR-300 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and ability to deliver dynamic, expressive synth sounds in real-time.
Does the Roland GR-300 require any special setup or additional equipment?: To use the Roland GR-300, you'll need a compatible guitar controller with a 24-pin connector and a suitable amplifier or sound system to output the synthesized sounds.

Videos

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WayneJoness

Roland GR-300 G-303 Guitar Synthesizer - Pat Metheny Tone 3

WayneJoness

Is This The Best Synth Guitar EVER?! | Roland GR-300

Chicago Music Exchange

Andy Summers - Roland GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer Demo with Jools Holland - G-808

WayneJoness

Pat Metheny's Roland GR-300 Guitar Synth & GR-303 Controller

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Roland GR-300 Analog Guitar Synthesizer - Filter Pedal Shootout!

WayneJoness

Roland G303/GR-300 Guitar Synth, Don't Stand So Close To Me

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Reviews

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PROS

Fast tracking with the original G303/G300 combination
Unique touch vibrato feature on the sides of the bridge pickup
Thick analog synth tone, surpassing even a Minimoog
Offers a remarkably human and soulful playing experience
Real voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) synth sound
Captures the iconic GR 300 synth trumpet sound used by Pat Metheny
No reliance on presets or software updates for a pure analog experience

CONS

Limited oscillator waveform selection, resulting in a restricted sound palette
Known issues with power supply capacitors prone to failure
Touch vibrato can be glitchy until mastered

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

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The GR-300 allows individual string signals to be managed separately through a multi-pin connection, enabling its polyphonic capabilities.
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The GR-300 includes poly pitch bend presets for gliding to a fifth harmony, which adds a unique dimension to its sound capabilities.
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The GR-300’s touch LFO feature on the guitar allows for dynamic modulation directly from the instrument, enhancing real-time performance control.
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Comparisons

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The GR-300 synthesizer is completely analog, distinguishing it from modern synth pedals that often emulate synth effects rather than producing authentic synth sounds.
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Users prefer the GR-300 over MIDI-based synths due to its superior tracking and analog sound, contrasting with the digital nature of devices like the SY-300.
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Value and pricing

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A third-party vendor offers 24-pin cables for the GR-300 at $100, significantly cheaper than the $250 typically charged for Roland cables.
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Build quality

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The Roland GR-300's associated guitars were manufactured by Fujigen Gakki, a company known for producing high-quality instruments for multiple brands, including Greco.
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User experience

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The GR-300 is noted for tracking exceptionally well, surpassing the performance of models like the GR-700/G707.
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The GR-300 is praised for its Jupiter 8-like sound, providing a rich analog experience that feels like playing a guitar but delivers synth textures.
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Use cases and applications

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Notable musicians like Pat Metheny and Allan Holdsworth have used the GR-300, showcasing its ability to create unique and complex sounds.
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Software and compatibility

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The GR-300 avoids MIDI-related tracking issues that users find in other models, emphasizing its glitch-free performance.
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Critic Reviews

Roland GR-300 Review | The Complete Music Magazine | November 1980

joness.com

The Roland GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer impresses with its innovative approach, offering polyphonic capabilities and a unique guitar design that integrates seamlessly with the synth. Its intuitive controls and detailed handbook make it approachable, even though it's clearly tailored for the serious professional. While the synth's sound capabilities are impressive, especially for brass-like tones, it does require dedicated time to master. The built-in distortion circuits offer a pleasant surprise, producing clean yet distorted chords. However, a limitation is its reliance on the dedicated guitar, preventing the use of any preferred guitar. Overall, Roland’s second foray into guitar synths is nearly flawless, with minor irritations absent, marking it as a strong competitor in the market.

positive

Full Review

Roland GR-Series

soundonsound.com

The Roland GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer is an intriguing blend of innovation and nostalgia. Praised for its unique sounds and guitar integration, it's a must-experience for adventurous musicians seeking retro vibes. However, its dated technology and requirement for specific playing techniques may deter those seeking modern versatility. While it fascinates with its vintage charm, it may not be for everyone.

neutral

Full Review

Roland GR-300 Guitar Synthesiser (EMM Nov 81)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland GR-300 Guitar Synthesizer impresses with its seamless integration of guitar playability and synthesizer capabilities, making it a dream for live performers who don't want to switch to keyboards. The synth's responsiveness to technique, allowing for expressive play without altering your style, is its standout feature. However, the need to purchase specific Roland guitars may be a turn-off for those attached to their own instruments, and the lack of an envelope shaper limits its versatility compared to keyboard synths. Despite these drawbacks, the GR-300's thoughtfully designed controls and range of sounds make it a compelling choice for adventurous guitarists.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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adriankennedyrowlands

10 months ago

Best guitar synth ever made.

Used regularly, only downside , not midi. I wouldn’t want any mods doing in case it packed up. 40+ year old device.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Jazz Progressive rock

eddie_sabotage

151

about 7 years ago

The Moog of guitar synths. It's a legend.

The concept of making music with mains voltage is what electric guitar is all about - this is a real vco synth - the sound of electricity tearing the vail to Zone 5 - where the shit happens! The GR300 sings a siren song - it hits the soul in the same way a great tube amp at that magic break-apart volume does. It has no presets. It has no software up dates - no, it has pitch drift. Of my Roland Gr300, I can only and also say this - of all the guitar synths I've ever encountered on my tours, this one is the most... Human.