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Average Price: $470

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$150

$601+

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System, a groundbreaking tool for guitarists who crave versatility and innovation. This multi-effects pedal is a treasure trove of sonic possibilities, equipped with dual modeling engines that allow you to run two effects simultaneously, creating rich, layered sounds that redefine your guitar's voice. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the VG-99 is designed to inspire and elevate your music to new heights.

The VG-99 excels in performance and connectivity, with its guitar to MIDI capability offering seamless integration with your digital workspace. This feature opens up a world of synthesis and composition possibilities, allowing you to blend traditional guitar tones with cutting-edge digital effects. The intuitive interface and robust USB connectivity make it easy to customize your sound and streamline your workflow, ensuring that creativity is never hindered by complexity.

This powerhouse of a system is more than just a pedal; it’s a gateway to a new realm of musical expression. With its dual GT Pro Class processors, the VG-99 can handle even the most demanding sonic landscapes, providing a professional-grade toolkit for both budding musicians and seasoned pros alike.

Key Features:

  • Dual modeling engines for simultaneous effects
  • Guitar to MIDI capability for expanded creative options
  • Dual GT Pro Class processors
  • USB connectivity for easy integration and control
  • Intuitive interface for straightforward navigation and customization

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model VG-99
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Synths

FAQs

What types of guitar and amplifier models are available in the Roland VG-99?

The Roland VG-99 offers a wide range of guitar and amplifier models, allowing you to emulate classic and modern tones. These include various electric, acoustic, and bass guitar models, as well as a selection of popular amplifier simulations.

How does the Roland VG-99's guitar-to-MIDI converter work?

The VG-99's guitar-to-MIDI converter allows you to use your guitar to control MIDI-compatible devices, enabling you to trigger synths and other digital instruments directly from your guitar.

Can the Roland VG-99 be used with any electric guitar?

Yes, the VG-99 can be used with any steel-stringed electric guitar using the included GK-3 Divided Pickup, which mounts easily without damaging the guitar.

What is the purpose of the D BEAM controllers on the Roland VG-99?

The dual light-sensing D BEAM controllers allow you to manipulate sound parameters in real-time by moving your hand through the beams, offering an expressive and dynamic performance tool.

Does the Roland VG-99 support custom tunings?

Yes, the VG-99 features user-defined synthesized tunings, allowing you to create and use alternate tunings without physically retuning your guitar.

How does the freeze feature on the Roland VG-99 work?

The freeze feature allows you to sustain a note or chord indefinitely, providing a continuous sound that can be layered with other effects or played over for creative performance possibilities.

Is the Roland VG-99 compatible with computer-based recording setups?

Yes, the VG-99 includes a USB port for direct audio connection to computers, facilitating integration with digital audio workstations for recording and editing.

gearwire

gearwire

Roland's VG-99 V-Guitar System Effects Pedal

Video thumbnail for Roland's VG-99 V-Guitar System Effects Pedal by gearwire

Roland's VG-99 V-Guitar System Effects Pedal

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System by Roland UK

Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Roland UK

Roland UK

Video thumbnail for Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System - 20072209-5952MN by AusChoice

Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System - 20072209-5952MN

AusChoice

AusChoice

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior tracking capabilities compared to Roland GR-55

  • Versatile: achieves nearly any guitar sound for live performances

  • Comprehensive modeling options: guitars, amps, speakers, mics, and effects

  • Instant retuning to a variety of tunings, including open tunings for slide solos

  • Includes a harmonizer for custom harmonies and additional parts

  • Excellent acoustic guitar simulators

  • Built-in tuner displays all six strings simultaneously, aiding floating bridge tuning

  • Eliminates the need for massive amps with direct PA system connection

  • MIDI conversion for leveraging external tone generators

  • Can interface with computers via MIDI/USB for music software

CONS

  • Tone generators may sound artificial, especially for studio and ambient work

  • Lacks certain effects, necessitating additional equipment for talk box and looper sounds

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System.

Features and functionality

  • The system uses a 13-pin cable to manage individual string signals, enhancing signal processing capabilities.

    Source
  • The VG-99's guitar emulation struggles with maintaining palm mute presence, similar to issues faced when distorting acoustic-electric guitars.

    Source
  • The VG-99 includes limited basic synth wave sounds, which some users find weak compared to its guitar modeling capabilities.

    Source
  • The VG-99 allows mixing regular guitar output with up to three other sounds simultaneously, including a second guitar tone, for versatile sound layering.

    Source
  • Amp modeling on the VG-99 includes a Roland JC-120 with warm settings, showcasing its ability to replicate specific amp tones.

    Source
  • Virtual tunings and comprehensive guitar, amp, and effects modeling are available, allowing for complex sound customization.

    Source
  • The VG-99 includes hex-distortion, applying distortion individually to each string for a clearer sound.

    Source
  • The Roland VG-99 can make a guitar sound like an organic synthesizer while maintaining all guitar dynamics, including pinched harmonics, with no MIDI lag.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The VG-99's hexaphonic cable system isn't MIDI by default but can output MIDI, providing flexibility for different use cases.

    Source
  • The Fishman Triple Play pickup tracks well but occasionally struggles with "Casio tones" like flutes and saxophones, though it performs well with Kontact and Massive.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for adding string overlays to guitar parts, such as using a nylon string guitar patch for songs like Sting's "Fragile."

    Source
  • The VG-99 is favored for emulating a 12-string acoustic or switching from acoustic to electric tones, such as a Les Paul stack, with a single switch.

    Source
  • The VG-99 setup can emulate a Strat sound using modeling without actual Strat pickups, illustrating its versatility in tone replication.

    Source
  • The Roland VG-99 is ideal for those who want to process their guitar sound to mimic a synthesizer without the need to convert to MIDI.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report slower patch switching when toggling rapidly, but workarounds exist to mitigate this issue.

    Source
  • Real-time MIDI conversion can be problematic due to potential lag and glitches, especially when driving external VST instruments or synths.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using piezo pickups is recommended for MIDI guitars due to their ability to pick up string vibrations at the saddle effectively.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland VG99

soundonsound.com

Roland's VG-99 is a powerhouse in guitar synthesis, merging guitar and amp modeling with innovative synth-like sounds. Its dual-channel setup allows for complex sound layering, while the HRM technology offers expressive, delay-free synth tones. The system's versatility shines with realistic acoustic and electric models, and creative effects like the unique Freeze function. However, its full potential requires a GK-series pickup, adding extra cost for users with multiple guitars. Despite this, the VG-99 stands out as an impressive tool for both live and studio settings, especially for those seeking a broad sonic palette.

positive

Roland VG-99 Virtual Guitar System review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System pushes guitar modeling to new heights with its dual-engine setup, offering a vast palette of sounds and tunings. The system's intuitive design and glitch-free performance make it a powerful tool for creating unique guitar tones, with the ability to blend multiple virtual guitars and amps. However, the necessity of purchasing the GK pickup separately might be a drawback for some. While the acoustic emulations aren't flawless, the electric models are impressive, making it a versatile asset for live performances and studio work alike.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
baijusarasappan

VG 99 I'm using from 9 years

Hi, Friends, I'm active now, I have began to tell about my Gears !

Regards

Baiju

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andy Summers uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Bossus

Andy Summers talks about this one in this Boss interview. He says, "I’m very happy to say my main thing that I’ve been using is the VG-99—it’s killer.

It’s so good. I mean, it’s the best [modeling processor] anyone’s ever made, as far as I’m concerned, of the ones I’ve tried. You know, I’m standing in front of my recording desk, and I’ve got all my amps out there, and I always go through this guilt trip like, 'Oh my God, I better go and plug in an amp.' And then I end up plugging in the bloody VG-99. [Laughs.] It’s so good. You get it out through the speakers, you know, it’s great."

See how Adrian Belew uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Adrian Belew

Composer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Adrian uses a Roland VG-99.

See how Vernon Reid uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Vernon Reid

Guitarist

Supergroup B

...
Verified via YouTube

Vernon mentions his Roland VG-99 at 1:40, saying, "There's a direct guitar out from the back and I'm using it to mold the guitar signal out."

See how Frank Gambale uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Frank Gambale

Guitarist

Return to Forever

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

In this interview Frank Gambale discusses his gear used on the Soulmine record.

See how Phil Manzanera uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Phil Manzanera

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Roland UK video, Phil Manzanera expresses his enthusiasm for experimenting with the Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System, highlighting its versatility in his music creation process.

See how The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan) uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan)

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan) utilizes the Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System, as shown in a photo posted on his official Facebook page.

See how Harvey Mandel uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Harvey Mandel

Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Premierguitar

I play through a Roland VG-99 and some Keeley pedals I keep on the side, like fuzz, delay, and compressor. The VG-99 is great because it has a million effects built in. I can sit there and create a bunch of my own patches, so I can have the perfect rhythm sound, the perfect Jimi Hendrix sound, and a perfect backward tape sound at the flip of a button."

See how Dan Swanö uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Dan Swanö

Guitarist, Audio Engineer

Bloodbath

...
Verified via Musicians-navigator

I also added a Roland EV-7 for a 100% seamless cross-fade between the 2 GT-10 engines within the VG99. The EV-7 is a real killer for cross-fading between clean and distortion.

J

Jon Gutwillig

Guitarist

Disco Biscuits

...
Verified via BOSS

"No, I actually play Becker guitars. They build my Roland [GK-3 Divided Pickup] right into the guitar for me, so my Roland [VG-99 and FC-300] system is seamlessly integrated. It makes it so easy for me to run the Roland system. It’s literally plug and go. It’s really a wonderful piece—the guitar is 100% handmade. It’s made with the quality of a Paul Reed Smith, but it has more of a bluesy tone, an earthy, deep tone."

See how Peter Howell uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Peter Howell

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via MusicTech

RWS Stage Gear Peter Howell Yamaha DX7 MkII; Novation SL25 MkII controller; AKAI EWI wind controller; Roland VG-99 guitar modeller and MIDI controller; Ibanez guitar with MIDI bridge; MacBook Pro and MainStage.

See how Kidneythieves uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Kidneythieves

Kidneythieves

...
Verified via Facebook

Kidneythieves seen using a Roland VG-99 in their studio in a picture posted on their official Facebook.

See how Michael Ripoll uses Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System

Michael Ripoll

Guitarist

...
Verified via BOSS

According to his artist page on the official Boss website, guitarist Michael Ripoll uses the Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System.

Album Usage

The Roland VG-99 V-Guitar System has been featured on the following albums:

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 VG-99 V-Guitar System, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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