Full Description

Roland's V-Guitars

This new GR-D V-Guitar Distortion Pedal is part of Roland's acclaimed V-Guitar family which also includes the GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer   and the VG-99 V-Guitar System . The GR-D is designed to allow players with traditional set-ups to experience the incredible sound potential of GK processing. If used with an optional US-20 Unit Selector, the GR-D can also give current GR and VG users new sounds for their existing rig.

Access to New Sounds with GK Processing

The GR-D pedal features a 13-pin input for use with a guitar outfitted with the Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup   or a GK-equipped instrument such as the GC-1 GK Ready Stratocaster. Unlike standard pickups the Roland GK pickup senses and isolates each individual string, sending them as six discrete signals to a 13-pin jack. When connected to a V-Guitar device like the GR-D pedal, each string can be processed individually which opens up a universe of sound possibilities that are not possible with a normal ¼ inch guitar output.

Roland's GC-1 GK Ready Stratocaster is one of the guitars which has a built in GK pickup and 13-pin output. There are also GK-equipped guitars available from other manufacturers as well. Roland also offers the Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup separately which you can fit to your own guitar to enable GK compatibility.

Unique Distortion Tones for Modern Players

The GK processing in the GR-D makes possible a huge array of bold distortion tones. By applying a separate distortion process to each string, the atonal harmonic artefacts of mono distortion are eliminated. The result is incredible string definition and clarity even with full chords at extremely high gain levels. Picking Dynamics are also greatly enhanced and wide stereo effects can be achieved. VG-DIST 1 and VG-DIST 2 offer two very different distortion flavours which have been newly developed for the GR-D whilst POLY DIST is a new variant on the classic "polyphonic distortion" found in early Roland guitar synths but enhanced with the power of modern digital technology. SYNTH is an analogue synth type sound based on string vibration instead of an oscillator, providing an ultra-responsive playing feel.

Ultra responsive Gain, Color, Tone and Level knobs allow you to further shape your sound and four memory locations provide storage for custom settings for quick recall from a GK-compatible guitar while performing. A Solo function, accessible with one of the pedal's two footswitches, boosts the presence of the sound when you want to switch to lead playing.

Easily Integrate the GR-D Into Any Rig

The GR-D pedal offers a variety of connections for the integration of the unit into different rigs including pedalboards, multi effects setups, racks, mixers and other V-Guitar devices. A dual mix/guitar input allows you to connect a standard ¼ inch guitar output, pedals or multi effects and blend them with the GR-D sound. The combined mix is then sent to the pedal's mono/stereo output.

The 13-pin GK output carries the guitar's normal pickup signal as well and the controls on any GK-equipped guitar allow you to blend the GK and normal sounds right from your instrument. A dedicated guitar output jack on the GR-D lets you connect the normal guitar sound directly to an amp or effects with no GK processing applied. It can also be used in conjunction with the Mix/Guitar input to create a send/return loop for your normal effects chain.

Features/Specifications

• Nominal Input Level: MIX INPUT: -10 dBu GUITAR INPUT: -20 dBu
• Input Impedance: MIX INPUT: 1 M ohm GUITAR INPUT: 1 M ohm
• Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT: -20 dBu GUITAR OUTPUT: -20 dBu
• Output Impedance: OUTPUT: 2 k ohms GUITAR OUTPUT: 2 k ohms
• Recommended Load Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater
• Indicators: POWER indicator (serves also as battery check indicator), ON/OFF indicator, SOLO indicator
• Memory: 4
• Effect Type: VG-DIST 1, VG-DIST 2, POLY DIST, SYNTH
• Power Supply: Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) or Carbon-zinc battery (AA, R6) x 6, AC Adaptor (PSA-series: optional)
• Current Draw: 200 mA (9 V, when used with GK-3)
• Expected battery life (continuous use): Alkaline battery: Approx. 7 hours, Carbon-zinc battery: Approx. 2 hours (These figures will vary).

• Controls:
  • ON/OFF pedal
  • SOLO pedal
  • TYPE knob
  • GAIN knob
  • COLOR knob
  • TONE knob
  • LEVEL knob
  • SELECT button
  • WRITE button
  • OUTPUT SELECT switch
• Connectors:
  • MIX/GUITAR INPUT (R, L/MONO) jacks
  • GK IN connector
  • GUITAR OUTPUT jack
  • OUTPUT (R, L/MONO) jacks
  • DC IN jack
• Size and Weight:
  • Width: 173 mm, 6-13/16 inches
  • Depth: 158 mm, 6-1/4 inches
  • Height: 57 mm, 2-1/4 inches
  • Weight: 1.2 kg, 2 lbs. 11 oz.

• Accessories:
  • Owner's Manual
  • Leaflet (USING THE UNIT SAFELY, IMPORTANT NOTES, and Information)
  • Alkaline Battery (AA, LR6) x 6
• Options (sold separately):
  • AC adaptor: BOSS PSA-series
  • Divided pickup: GK-3 (for guitar)
  • V-Guitar: GC-1 GK-Ready Stratocaster (R)
  • GK Cable: GKC-10 (10 m), GKC-5 (5 m)
  • Unit Selector: US-20