Chapter 1: Producing Sounds; What You Need; Installing The Gk-2A - Roland GR-30 Manual

Chapter 1: Producing Sounds

What You Need

The following items are necessary for getting sounds from your GR-30:
GR-30 base module, with included accessories (AC adapter, 13-pin cable)
Amplifier, speakers, and cables (stereo system wholly preferred); alternatively, stereo headphones
GK-2A synthesizer driver
Metal-stringed guitar with GK-2A properly installed
In addition to the above items, you should also have the following items on hand if needed:
Guitar amplifier, guitar effects (when adding guitar sounds)
Expression pedal (e.g. model EV-5: optional) (p. 49)
External bank shift switches (two Boss FS-5U foot switches, one branch cable (stereo x 1 → mono x 2, 1/4"
phone plugs): optional) (p. 19)
MIDI foot controller (FC-200 or similar unit: optional) (p. 20, 69, 74)

Installing the GK-2A

Before all the other equipment is connected, the GK-
2A must first be installed.
Following the procedure outlined in the GK-2A
owner's manual, securely mount the driver in a posi-
tion that won't hamper playing of the instrument.
(Assembly instructions for use with the GR-09 may
appear in the GK-2A owner's manual; however, with
the GR-30, just use basic common sense in placement
of the driver.)
To confirm the integrity of the GK-2A installation,
please take special note of the following points:
Make sure that the space between each string and
its pickup is exactly 1 mm when you press the top
fret. (Do not allow the string to come too close,
either.)
Do not allow the space between the guitar bridge
and the GK-2A pickups exceed 20 mm.
Be sure the placement of each of the pickups' six
yokes (pole pieces) in relation to each string is cor-
rect.
For more detailed instructions, please refer to the GK-
2A owner's manual.
<Guitars That Cannot Be Used with the GK-2A>
While the compact design of the GK-2A allows instal-
lation on many different guitars, please note the fol-
lowing types of guitars on which it cannot be used:
a. 12-string, pedal steel, and other specially strung
guitars; nylon-strung, gut-strung, and similar gui-
tars; and bass guitars. (Even if installed on such
instruments, the GK-2A will not function normal-
ly.)
b. Guitars which, due to their structure, lack the
space for proper mounting of the GK-2A.
Regarding situation "b." above, there are ways to
complete the installation with a comparatively simple
remodelling of the guitar. Please consult the dealer
where you purchased your GK-2A.
Guitar manufacturers are currently releasing guitars for
use as guitar synthesizers, not for use with the GK-2A,
but to be connected directly with the GR series13-pin
cable. For more information, please ask your dealer or
these guitar manufacturers.
Take care when dealing with guitars having more than
25 frets, or with unusually high tunings, as the expres-
sion may be rather limited around the top fret.
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