Roland VG-88??

[teleblooz]

Is anyone here familiar with this unit? I was perusing the local pawn shop the other day and spotted one stuck away on a shelf. I made them an offer so low I was sure it would not be accepted, but it was, so now I have one and not quite sure what to do with it!

I don't have the GK divided pickup, but from what I've read so far (and as the back panel indicates) you can use it without the GK pickup. I had a few moments to try it out yesterday and not all the pre-set patches work. I'm guessing those were set to work with the GK pickup??

I downloaded a manual from Roland, but have not seen anything to indicate that. Curious if anyone knows this unit and can share some info. THe patches that did work sound very good and it looks to be very easy to tweak, so I'm looking forward to delving deeper into it when time permits.

Any info would be appreciated! And...I guess I'm going to have to hunt for a GK2 or GK3 pickup!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Roland VG-88??

I have the more recent VG-99.

You will definitely need a GK hexaphonic divided pickup. Some of the programmed sounds are triggered per string. A standard guitar cable may only trigger one string.

 

[teleblooz]

Re: Roland VG-88??

Thanks for the reply ff.... figured I'd need to find the proper pickup to usnleash it's full capabilities. Not much info so far, but I did read something that indicated you can only access the COSM amp models and effects if using the 1/4" input only.

The VG is in excellent condition and I figured for $75, it was worth taking a flier on. Now I have to find an equally low cost solution to the GK pickupway quandry!

How do you like the VG-99?

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Roland VG-88??

I own a VG-88.

You do NOT need the Roland pickup to use the COSM amp models!

You DO need it for the acoustic and synth models, though.

It's a great unit, very versatile.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Roland VG-88??

How do you like the VG-99?

I like some of the things that it can do. I am less impressed by others. I originally purchased my VG unit and remote foot controller pedal to use with a Chapman Stick. (The black plastic monstrosity in my avatar pic.) Only recently have I bothered to trigger from a guitar. Silly me!

The things that made me choose the VG99 over the GR33 are the superior tracking and the GR300 simulation. I had an original back in the Eighties. The VG is surprisingly realistic. It even gurgles on the high notes like the real thing.