For Immediate Release

Rebecca Eaddy
Marketing Communications Manager
Roland Corporation U.S.
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Eaddy@RolandUS.com

GR-20 GUITAR SYNTHESIZER/GK-3 DIVIDED PICKUP DEBUT

An Easy Way to Enter the World of Guitar Synthesis

Anaheim, January 15, 2004—Roland is making guitar synthesis easier than ever with the new GR-20 Guitar Synthesizer and GK-3 Divided Pickup. The GR-20 makes playing high-quality synthesizer sounds from any steel-stringed electric guitar (including Les Paul-type instruments) simple—just attach the included GK-3 Divided Pickup, choose a sound and go. An all-new interface makes playing sounds easy using the Bank knob for sound categories and Value dial for variations, while new digital pitch detection provides superior tracking. With the GR-20, guitarists can explore a universe of new sounds.

The GR-20’s new interface makes it operate more like a compact pedal. Sounds can be selected using the Bank knob to choose a category (like Strings/Orchestral, Brass, Bass/Guitar, Organ/Keyboard, Synth/Lead or even new Rhythm and Percussion loops). Individual sounds can be selected using the Value dial. And with 48-note note polyphony and Roland’s latest synth engine, the sounds are nothing short of the best—all playable with lightning-fast tracking via Roland’s new digital pitch detection technology.

The front end of the GR-20 is the new GK-3 Divided Pickup, which is not only easy and safe to install, but also comes with a 1/4-inch jack for normal guitar input. The pickup’s adjustable curve design can be adapted to fit a variety of guitars—keeping an even distance between the strings for better response. Adjusting the pickup cable length is a snap by coiling the pickup cable inside the controller unit. The GK-3 also includes a special attachment plate for use with Les Paul-type guitars.

Once installed, guitarists can create entirely new sounds by blending their normal guitar tone with the GR-20’s synthesizer sounds via a large GK knob right on the pickup. And thanks to Roland’s innovative Patch Link function, the GR-20 can be easily paired up with a MIDI-capable multi-effects processor like the BOSS GT-6. Once connected, this allows you to easily assign GR-20 Patches to match effect Patches in MIDI-capable processors. Now more than ever, the GR-20 is making guitar synthesis a simple and powerful way to expand a guitarist’s sonic arsenal.

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 for media use only), www.RolandUS.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.