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Description

Revolutionize your guitar playing with the Roland GR-55S Guitar Synthesizer, a powerhouse of sonic innovation right at your feet. This cutting-edge device seamlessly blends the worlds of guitar and synthesizer, offering a comprehensive suite of features that will inspire musicians across all genres. Equipped with ultra-fast pitch detection technology, the GR-55S delivers unparalleled tracking accuracy, ensuring every note you play is captured in vivid detail. Whether you're craving the classic warmth of vintage amps or the futuristic tones of a synthesizer, this unit has you covered with its expansive library of over 900 PCM sounds and 50+ effect and amp emulations.

The GR-55S is not just about replication; it's about exploration. With Roland’s renowned COSM tone modeling, you can experiment with textures and sounds that push the boundaries of traditional guitar playing. From creating complex soundscapes to dialing in the perfect riff, the GR-55S provides a vast playground for your creativity. Integrated foot pedals and an expression pedal ensure fluid control during live performances, while the onboard USB memory player allows you to jam along with your favorite tracks.

Perfect for stage or studio, the GR-55S is the ultimate tool for musicians looking to expand their sonic palette. Dive into a new realm of musical possibilities and let your guitar synthesize sounds you never thought possible.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-fast pitch detection for accurate tracking
  • Over 900 PCM sounds including organ, keys, and synth
  • COSM tone modeling for unique sound creation
  • Built-in expression and volume pedals for real-time control
  • USB memory player for easy playback of WAV and AIFF files
  • Comprehensive connectivity with MIDI, USB, and multiple output options
  • 270 guitar and 90 bass patch memory presets, plus user customization options

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model GR-55S Guitar Synthesizer
Year 2012 - 2025
Categories Guitar Synths

FAQs

What type of connectivity does the Roland GR-55S Guitar Synthesizer require?

The Roland GR-55S requires a 13-pin cable connection to a compatible GK-3 pickup, which allows it to process and synthesize guitar signals effectively.

Can the Roland GR-55S Guitar Synthesizer be used with any guitar?

The GR-55S can be used with any guitar equipped with a Roland GK-3 pickup, which is necessary for the synth to process the guitar's signal.

Does the Roland GR-55S offer both synth and traditional guitar tones?

Yes, the GR-55S provides both synthesized tones and traditional guitar effects, allowing for versatile sound combinations in performance and recording.

Is the Roland GR-55S suitable for live performances?

The GR-55S is well-suited for live performances due to its fast pitch-detection technology and diverse range of sounds, enabling seamless transitions between effects and synth tones.

What are the standout features of the Roland GR-55S Guitar Synthesizer?

The GR-55S features advanced pitch-detection technology for fast and accurate synthesis, a wide array of sounds, and the ability to blend synth and traditional guitar tones, making it a versatile tool for guitarists.

Reviews

PROS

  • Allows simultaneous use of two sounds plus modeled guitar and effects

  • Excellent tracking for seamless performance

  • Vast array of guitar and amp modeling options

  • Enhances performances with diverse soundscapes like sax, synth pads, and strings

  • Improved sound quality over previous models

CONS

  • Steep learning curve for setup and sound tuning

  • Not intuitive for users unfamiliar with tech or programming

  • Lack of smart harmonizer feature

  • Complicated integration with the Roland GK3 pickup

  • Challenging to use effects independently on existing guitar rig

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland GR-55S Guitar Synthesizer.

Setup and maintenance

  • Precise GK pickup setup is essential for optimal performance; any misalignment can affect sound quality significantly.

    Source
  • The GR-55 requires a GK3 pickup or a guitar with piezo pickups for optimal performance, with some users recommending the Godin Freeway SA for a better experience.

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User experience

  • Some owners find the GR-55's user interface challenging, needing third-party software for easier patch programming.

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  • Live performances can be problematic when blending original and GK pickup sounds, especially on bass.

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  • Switching between patches can be slow at high speeds, but users suggest workarounds to mitigate this.

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  • Emulated tones with distortion may lack presence and produce unwanted sounds during palm muting, resembling an acoustic electric through distortion.

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  • Users find the GR-55 indispensable for creating a wide range of sounds including guitar, strings, synths, and effects, significantly enhancing production versatility.

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Comparisons

  • The SY-1000 offers a more compact, user-friendly alternative with improved features over the GR-55.

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  • The VG-99 is noted for guitar modeling, but lacks strong synth wave sounds compared to the GR-55.

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Use cases and applications

  • Adjusting playing style is necessary for clean sounds when using MIDI functionality with the GR-55.

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  • Ideal for live performances with a 13-pin hexaphonic cable, allowing mixing of regular guitar output with up to three other sounds simultaneously.

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  • The GR-55 is used extensively in Tame Impala's "Currents" album, contributing to unique sounds like the alien guitar synth in "The Moment" and octaved bass in "TLIKTB."

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Features and functionality

  • The GR-55 can emulate various guitar types like Les Paul, Strat, and Tele, plus acoustic, nylon, and 12-string guitars.

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  • Owners appreciate the GR-55's ability to emulate strings, organs, and low horns, allowing bass players to add diverse instrument sounds during live performances.

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Software and compatibility

  • Software is available to edit patches, alleviating the need to manually adjust settings on the pedal itself, enhancing usability for live and studio settings.

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Critic Reviews

Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer Review | TapeOp Magazine | Tape Op Magazine

tapeop.com

The Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer is a powerful, addictive tool boasting vast functionality that can revolutionize your musical creativity. Despite initial underwhelming presets, its ability to micro-adjust parameters and impeccable string tracking make it a standout in sound design. Its seamless operation allows for intricate, customized setups like virtual 12-string guitars with ambient synth layers. However, its dated computer interface limits editing ease, relying on third-party software that can be buggy. Yet, its impressive effects, models, and synths provide both realistic and abstract tones, justifying its price with expanded creative possibilities.

positive

Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Roland's GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer is a powerhouse that packs impressive versatility into a compact floor unit. With rapid tracking and diverse synth voices, it's a game-changer for guitarists seeking to expand their tonal palette. COSM guitar modeling and effects integration enhance its appeal, though the lack of a standard 1/4" input restricts its use to hexaphonic-equipped guitars. While the 20-second looper may be short for modern standards, the GR-55 still shines with its clean tracking and integration features. A must-have for adventurous players, but those demanding perfection in tracking might need to look elsewhere.

positive

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