subject: Roland GR-55 - Is this a Revolution In Guitar Synthesizers? [print this page] Roland GR-55 - Is this a Revolution In Guitar Synthesizers?
A Japanese company founded in 1972, Roland Corporation have been at the forefront of manufacturing electronic musical instruments for nearly forty years, and guitar synthesizers for twenty-five of those years. The GR-55, a foot controller unit, is the latest innovation in this popular product line and Roland promises it to be faster and more accurate with better sound quality than previous models thanks to new improved technology.
Central to the GR-55 is a triple core engine comprising two PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) synths and COSM (Composite Object Sound Modelling) guitar modelling, which provides the user with over 900 tones including virtual guitars, amps, basses and synth voices to give them a range of tones and textures to create a unique sound. Roland's newly developed super-powerful pitch-detection technology makes for even faster processing, arguably the fastest yet. Additionally the COSM guitar modelling engine requires no detection time with the result that the GR-55 responds instantly and accurately to pitch, velocity and behaviour as the guitarist plays.
A selection of ready-to-use presets to introduce the user instantly to the huge variety of sounds available makes the GR-55 particularly good for beginners to get started. The EZ Edit feature, which proved popular with Roland's GT-10 model, and quick-access category buttons for ease of use on stage or when time is short in the studio increase the user-friendly aspects of the synth. Professionals will love the versatility and superior quality that Roland's new guitar synth offers. Over 900 of Roland's up-to-date PCM sounds, amongst them pianos, organs, strings and vintage synths, coupled with two types of multi-effects engines plus reverb, chorus and delay effects and an on-board looper will delight all musicians who come into contact with the GR-55.
For those guitarists involved in desktop music production the two USB ports will appeal. The rear-panel port can be used for MIDI/Audio data communication; the side-panel port is for real-time playback of audio files from a USB memory device. Foot control of the USB audio playback leaves hands free for the guitar, giving an authentic playing experience for the musician, but with the added extra that the GR-55 provides.
The GR-55 replaces the popular GR20 and comes in two models. The GR-55 S and the GR-55 GK, which is supplied with the GK-3 Divided Pickup. Roland have devoted a lot of time, money and resources to perfecting and evolving their guitar synthesizers and it has certainly paid off. With its amazing speed, huge range of sounds and instant access features, from presets to foot controls, guitarists everywhere will want the Roland GR-55 with them on stage or in the studio. It is the ultimate tool to add that unique touch to each performance and make every guitarist feel and sound like a superstar.
For more lowdown on the GR-55, including video reviews, visit Roland Guitar Synths.
