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Description

The Roland GR-500 is a pioneering synthesizer that merges the worlds of guitar playing and electronic sound manipulation, offering musicians an expansive palette of sonic possibilities. As part of Roland's esteemed lineup of sound modules, this instrument is designed to unlock the creative potential of both traditional and modern musicians. Its innovative guitar-to-synth interface allows for seamless integration with your guitar, transforming each string pluck into rich, synthesized tones. With the GR-500, guitarists can explore a new frontier of soundscapes, from lush, atmospheric pads to sharp, punchy leads.

The GR-500 is equipped with cutting-edge technology that translates the nuances of your guitar playing into dynamic MIDI signals. This enables real-time control over a wide range of synthesizer parameters, allowing for expressive performances that were previously only possible with keyboard-based instruments. The module's versatility makes it a valuable tool for both stage performances and studio sessions, offering a robust selection of patches and customizable settings for personalized sound creation.

Whether you're looking to add depth to your live performances or experiment with new textures in the studio, the Roland GR-500 provides a unique and intuitive approach to guitar synthesis. Its compatibility with various effects and amplifiers ensures that your sound can be tailored to suit any musical genre or project.

Key Features:

  • Innovative guitar-to-synth interface for seamless guitar integration
  • Real-time MIDI signal conversion for dynamic control
  • Wide range of synthesizer patches and customization options
  • Compatible with various effects and amplifiers
  • Designed for both live performance and studio use
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

GUITAR SYNTHESIZER ORIGINAL HOLY GRAIL THE ROLAND GR500

Video thumbnail for GUITAR SYNTHESIZER ORIGINAL HOLY GRAIL THE ROLAND GR500 by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

GUITAR SYNTHESIZER ORIGINAL HOLY GRAIL THE ROLAND GR500

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Video thumbnail for ROLAND Guitar Synthesizer GR-500 Played by Shiro Tanigawa by Junichiro Yamasaki

ROLAND Guitar Synthesizer GR-500 Played by Shiro Tanigawa

Junichiro Yamasaki

Junichiro Yamasaki

Video thumbnail for Roland GR500 by Dauno Martinez

Roland GR500

Dauno Martinez

Dauno Martinez

Video thumbnail for Steve Hackett - Roland GR-500 Showcase - Please Don't Touch - Vintage Analog Guitar Synthesizer by WayneJoness

Steve Hackett - Roland GR-500 Showcase - Please Don't Touch - Vintage Analog Guitar Synthesizer

WayneJoness

WayneJoness

Video thumbnail for The Roland GR-500 - guitarra sintetizador 1977 - Tenaz by FinlAndino Pletórico

The Roland GR-500 - guitarra sintetizador 1977 - Tenaz

FinlAndino Pletórico

FinlAndino Pletórico

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland GR-500.

Features and functionality

  • The GR-500's external synth connections are designed to control external synths rather than accept alternate signal inputs.

    Source
  • The hexaphonic pickup outputs are amplified and fed to a hex inverter and power transistor driver, enabling the string's infinite sustain feature similar to an E-Bow.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar's preamp provides significant gain, suggesting the inputs expect signals around one volt.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Without the specific GS-500 guitar controller, the GR-500 synth offers limited functionality, as it's primarily designed to work with this unique controller.

    Source

Other

  • The GS-500's transistors wired to the strings are responsible for the infinite sustain feature, using current to keep strings oscillating.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland GR-500 (SI Dec 78)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland GR-500 offers a tantalizing expansion for guitarists seeking to explore uncharted sonic territories. Steve Hackett highlights its polyphonic capabilities and the ability to create keyboard-like textures, lending a unique edge to guitar compositions. However, its complexity demands a learning curve, and it shines best when complemented with effects like echo and chorus. The synth's powerful output can lead to distortion without careful level management, and some players might find its style-specific limitations frustrating. While not for every guitarist, those with a penchant for experimentation will find it an intriguing addition.

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Artist usage

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Pete Namlook

Music Producer

Pete Namlook & Richie Hawtin

...
Verified via Sound On Sound

According to an article in Sound On Sound, Pete Namlook purchased a Roland GR-500 in the 1980s.

See how Ryo Kawasaki Group uses Roland GR-500

Ryo Kawasaki Group

Guitarist, Composer

...
Unverified

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-500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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