Boss Wave Processor WP-20G Owner's Manual

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS WP-20G GK Effect.

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 18; p. 21).

These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature
provided by your new unit, Owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should
be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

Main Features

●

New kind of effect for use with GK pickups and GK-Ready guitars.

●

Amazing new synth-like sounds not possible with conventional effects..

●

Built-in chorus and delay for even more sound variety.

●

Send and return for direct guitar signal.

●

The controls and pedals provide simple and intuitive operation.

●

Can run on battery power (six AA type).

Copyright © 2001 BOSS CORPORATION

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

Installing Batteries

Insert the included batteries as shown in figure, being careful to orient the batteries correctly.

fig.02

2

• When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines,
and place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to
controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no controls get damaged.

• When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to avoid dropping it, or
allowing it to fall or tip over.

• Make sure the “+” and “-” ends of the batteries are oriented correctly.

• When the batteries run down, the POWER indicator gets dim. If this happens,
replace with new batteries.

• When replacing the batteries, use six AA type.

• Do not mix fresh batteries with used ones, or mix batteries of different types.
Doing so can result in fluid leakage.

• Battery life can vary depending on battery type.

Continuous usage time under battery power is about 6 hours with alkaline
batteries and about 2 hours with carbon batteries. (This may vary according
to usage conditions.)

Making the Connections

About the GK-2A

To use the WP-20G with a guitar equipped with the GK-2A (or other GK­compatible guitar), you will need an optional GK cable.
Refer to the GK-2A Owner’s Manual for instructions on installing the GK-2A.

S1/S2 Switch

The GK-2A’s S1/S2 switches correspond to this unit’s MASTER On/Off pedal
and Effects On/Off pedal, respectively.

Selection Switch

Set to the “MIX” position.
Note that this unit processes tones using the instrument’s divided pickup
signal (signal output when SYNTH is selected).

No sound is produced when the following settings are combined.

GK-2A This unit’s settings

SYNTH MASTER: OFF
GUITAR MASTER: ON + NORMAL PU MIX: OFF (rear panel)

SYNTH VOL Knob

Controls the volume when MASTER ON is selected.

Connecting

fig.03

AC Adaptor

PSA-series
(sold separately)

Guitar with GK-2A

or other

GK-compatible guitar

Guitar Amp

3

Making the Connections

• To get the best performance from the instrument, set your amp to “Clean” (no
distortion).

• When connecting the instrument to a guitar amp, make the necessary adjustments
to get the most suitable tone. When recording direct, use this with a COSM amp
(GT-3, GP-20 etc.).

• When connecting a GK cable, insert the cable completely until the connector is
securely locked. When disconnecting, press the connector’s lock while you detach
the cable.

* Always turn the amp volume down completely before connecting and disconnecting cords.
* To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the

volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.

* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will

continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).

Turning On the Power

Be sure to observe the following order when connecting devices and switching on the
power to your equipment. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing
malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.

Connect the GK-2A ➝ (Connect the AC Adaptor) ➝ Connect the Amp ➝ Turn On Amp Power

* When the unit is running on battery power, the power comes on when you insert the connector

plug into the OUTPUT jack.

* Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power. Even with

the volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the power is switched on,
but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.

* When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will become dim when battery

power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

4

Operating Instructions

Using the Pedals

“MASTER: ON” and “EFFECTS: OFF” are selected when the power is
turned on.

fig.04

When at “ON” When at “OFF”

Illuminated

Master is toggled on and off by stepping
on the MASTER On/Off pedal.
When switched on, the tone selected
with the TYPE knob is output.
When off, the output from the divided
pickup is muted, and the sounds from
the normal pickup (or the sounds input
to GUITAR RETURN) are output
without change.

➝

Extinguished

When at “ON” When at “OFF”

Illuminated

The effect (DELAY, CHORUS) can be
toggled on and off by stepping on
the Effects On/Off pedal.

DELAY and CHORUS are
not applied to the Normal
Pickup output.

➝➝➝

Extinguished

5

Operating Instructions

Panel Operations

In order to follow along with the instructions given here, you should start out by having
Master switched ON (press the MASTER On/Off pedal and confirm that the MASTER ON/
OFF indicator has lighted). Also, press the Effects On/Off pedal to switch OFF effects
(EFFECTS ON/OFF indicator extinguished).

fig.05

Select a tone.

1.

You can select
six different
wave types with
the TYPE knob.

3.

Adjust the tone with

2.

the COLOR knob.
This knob adjusts the tone.

The way in which it works
will vary depending on the
effect type selected.

Turn the LEVEL knob to
adjust the volume.

Adjust this while
switching the MASTER
On/Off pedal so that the
volume is roughly the
same whether Master is
on or off.

Turn the MODE knob

5.

to select one of eleven
effect modes.

This switches the
DELAY and CHORUS
settings.

Turn the EFFECT LEVEL knob to

6.

adjust the volume of the effect.
If raising the effect level

increases the overall volume
too much, try reducing the
volume with the LEVEL knob.

6

Press the Effects On/Off pedal to switch the

4.

effects on (EFFECTS ON/OFF indicator is lit).

Part Names and Functions

Front Panel

WAVE

fig.06

TYPE Knob

Select the tone.
SAW LEAD: Analog synth-type sound that is

perfect for lead guitar.

SQUARE: Analog synth-type sound perfect for

backing.

RING MOD:
SLOW GEAR:

SITAR: Sitar sound.
ACOUSTIC: Acoustic guitar sound.

Metallic, bell-like sound.
Sound that is effective for volume-

control performance techniques.

LEVEL Knob

Adjusts the volume.

COLOR Knob

These adjust the tone. Each TYPE works differently.
The following describes the basic function of each type.

TYPE Function
SAW LEAD: Clockwise rotation produces a brighter sound.
SQUARE: Clockwise rotation produces a brighter sound.
RING MOD:
SLOW GEAR:
SITAR:
ACOUSTIC:

Clockwise rotation increases the modulation frequency.
Clockwise rotation slows the attack.
Clockwise rotation increases the resonance effect.
Clockwise rotation changes the sound from a

highly resonant sound to a bright and lively sound.

7

Part Names and Functions

EFFECTS

fig.07

MODE Knob

Used to make settings for the Effect mode.

DELAY 1: Sets the doubling (similar to twin guitars).
DELAY 2–5: Progressively longer delay times.
DELAY+CHORUS 1–5
CHORUS: Selects chorus only.

: Adds chorus to the DELAY 1–5 settings.

EFFECT LEVEL Knob

Sets the chorus volume level in
CHORUS mode.
In other modes, this sets the volume
of the delay effect (the chorus
volume in DELAY+CHORUS mode
is not changed).

8

fig.08

Part Names and Functions

POWER Indicator

This lights up when the power is on.
If this gets dim or fails to light up when the

unit is running on battery power, it means
that the batteries are depleted.
Replace promptly with fresh batteries.

“Installing Batteries” (p. 2)

MASTER ON/OFF
Indicator

This lights up when Master
is on.

Master On/Off Pedal

Each press of the pedal switches
Master on or off.

EFFECTS ON/OFF
Indicator

This lights up when Effect
is on.

Effects On/Off Pedal

Each press of the pedal
switches effect on or off.

9

Part Names and Functions

Rear Panel

fig.9

NORMAL PU MIX Switch

When Master is on, this switch determines
whether or not the normal pickup sounds (or the
sounds input to the GUITAR RETURN) are mixed.

GK IN Connector

This connector is for connecting
your guitar with a GK cable.

By mixing the normal pickup sound,
you can create a sound that makes
your guitar sound come alive.

AC ADAPTOR Jack

This jack is for connecting an
AC adapter (BOSS PSA-series,
sold separately).
Using an AC adapter makes
possible long performances
with no worry about batteries
going dead.

GUITAR OUT Jack

Normal pickup signals input
through the GK-2A are output.

When a cable is
connected to this jack,
the output of the
normal pickup from the
OUTPUT jack stops.

GUITAR RETURN Jack

This is an input jack for
connecting another effects
device, electric guitar, or
other instrument.

When connected to this
jack, you can use sounds
other than the normal
pickup when Master is off,
and for the Mix sounds
when Master is on.

(refer to p.11, 12)

OUTPUT Jack

This jack is for connection to a guitar
amp, another effects processor.

* The OUTPUT jack also doubles

as the power switch when the
unit is running on battery
power. The power comes on
when a plug is inserted into the
INPUT jack, and goes off when
it is unplugged. Unplug any
connected cords when the unit
is not in use.

10

Application Examples

Using in Combination with Other Effect Devices

fig.10

Guitar with GK-2A

or other

GK-compatible guitar

OUTPUT INPUT

External Effector

AC Adaptor

PSA-series
(sold separately)

Guitar Amp

11

Application Examples

Using in Combination with Another GK EFFECT (OC-20G)

fig.11

Guitar with GK-2A

or other

GK-compatible guitar

OC-20G

AC Adaptor

PSA-series

(sold separately)

WP-20G

AC Adaptor

PSA-series

(sold separately)

GK IN

Guitar Amp

US-20

12

Using in Combination with the GR-33

fig.12

Guitar with GK-2A

or other

GK-compatible guitar

Application Examples

AC Adaptor

PSA-series

GK IN

MIX OUT

US-20

Power Amp + Speaker

RETURN

(sold separately)

GK

guitar amp simulator: ON

GR-33

13

Troubleshooting

The power doesn’t come on.

❍

Is the external device connected correctly to the OUTPUT jack?

➔

Check the connections again.

* When running off batteries, the unit won’t switch on unless there’s something plugged

into the OUTPUT jack. This helps conserve the batteries.

❍

Have the batteries run down?

➔

Replace with fresh batteries (p. 2).

❍

Is the specified AC adaptor (PSA-series sold separately) connected
correctly?

➔

Check the connections again (p. 3, 4).

There is no sound/volume is too low.

❍

Is the other equipment connected correctly?

➔

Check the connections again (p. 3, 4).

❍

Is the volume turned down on the connected guitar amp, effects
processor, or other device?

➔

Check the settings on the connected equipment (p. 3, 4).

❍

Is the GK-2A correctly installed and connected?

➔

After reading the instructions in the GK-2A Owner’s Manual, check the
installation once more. Also, confirm that the guitar and the GK-2A have
been connected properly, using the supplied cable.

❍

Is the GK-2A’s SYNTH VOL turned down?

➔

Check to make sure the GK-2A’s SYNTH VOL is not lowered.

❍

Is the GK-2A’s selection switch set to “MIX?”

➔

When set to “GUITAR” or “SYNTH,” the necessary signals may not be
input to the unit, which may prevent sounds from being produced.

14

No effects are being applied.

❍

Is the GK-2A’s selection switch set to “MIX?”

➔

When set to “GUITAR” or “SYNTH,” the necessary signals may not be
input to the unit, which may prevent effects from being applied.

❍

No effects are applied to sounds input to GUITAR RETURN and normal
pickup sounds.

Noise is produced.

❍

Is the external device connected to the GUITAR RETURN jack working
properly?

➔

When the GUITAR RETURN jack is used, the signals input to this jack are
used instead of the normal pickup sound.

Troubleshooting

Therefore, noise may be produced when you’ve failed to switch on the
external device’s power, or you haven’t hooked it up properly.

❍

Is the GK cable securely connected?

➔

When connecting the GK cable, insert the connector completely, until it is
locked.

15

Sample Settings

SAW LEAD

fig.13

SITAR

fig.14

ACOUSTIC

fig.15

16

Specifications

WP-20G: GK EFFECT

Controls

Master On/Off Pedal
Effects On/Off Pedal
TYPE Knob
COLOR Knob
LEVEL Knob
MODE Knob
EFFECT LEVEL Knob
NORMAL PU MIX Switch

Indicator

POWER Indicator
(serves also as battery check indicator)
MASTER ON/OFF Indicator
EFFECTS ON/OFF Indicator

Connectors

GUITAR OUT Jack
GUITAR RETURN Jack
GK IN Connector
OUTOUT Jack
DC IN Jack (DC 9 V)

Nominal Input Level

-20 dBu

Residual Noise Level

-96 dBu
(GK IN: terminated, Effects: OFF, Normal
PU Mix: OFF, IHF-A, typ.)

Power Supply

DC 9 V: Dry Battery x 6, AC Adaptor

Current Draw

150 mA (9 V, with GK-2A)

* Expected battery life under continuous use:

Carbon
Alkaline : 6 hours
These figures will vary depending on the actual
conditions of use.

Dimensions

173 (W) x 158 (D) x 57 (H) mm
6-13/16 (W) x 6-1/4 (D) x 2-1/4 (H) inches

Weight

1.1 kg / 2 lbs 7 oz (including batteries)

Accessories

Dry Battery (LR6 (AA) type) x 6
Owner’s Manual
Roland Service (Information sheet)

: 2 hours

Input Impedance

1 M

Ω

Nominal Output Level

-20 dBu

Output Impedance

OUTPUT : 1 k
GUITAR OUT : 100

Recommended Load Impedance

10 kΩ or greater

Ω

Ω

Options

AC Adaptor : PSA series
Divided pickup: GK-2A (Roland)
Unit Selector : US-20 (Roland)
GK Connecting Cable: C-13B (10 m: Roland)

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

In the interest of product improvement, the
specifications and/or appearance of this unit
are subject to change without prior notice.

17

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Used for instructions intended
to alert the user to the risk of
death or severe injury should
the unit be used improperly.

Used for instructions
to alert the user to the risk of
injury or material damage
should the unit be used
improperly.

* Material damage refers to

damage or other adverse
effects caused with respect
to the home and all its
furnishings, as well to
domestic animals or pets.

intended

The symbol alerts the user to important
instructions or warnings.
The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within
the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left,
it is used for general cautions, warnings, or
alerts to danger.

The symbol alerts the user to items that
must never be carried out (are forbidden).
The specific thing that must not be done is
indicated by the design contained within the
circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be
disassembled.

The ● symbol alerts the user to things that

must be carried out. The specific thing that
must be done is indicated by the design
contained within the circle. In the case of the
symbol at left, it means that the power-cord
plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

001

• Before using this unit, make sure to
read the instructions below, and the
Owner’s Manual.

.........................................................................................

002c

• Do not open (or modify in any way)
the unit or its AC adaptor.

.........................................................................................

003

• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or
replace parts within it (except when
this manual provides specific
instructions directing you to do so).
Refer all servicing to your retailer,
the nearest Roland Service Center, or
an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the “Information” page.

.........................................................................................

004

• Never use or store the unit in places
that are:

• Subject to temperature extremes

(e.g., direct sunlight in an
enclosed vehicle, near a heating
duct, on top of heat-generating
equipment); or are

• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on

wet floors); or are

• Humid; or are

• Exposed to rain; or are

• Dusty; or are

• Subject to high levels of vibration.

..........................................................................................

007

• Make sure you always have the unit
placed so it is level and sure to
remain stable. Never place it on
stands that could wobble, or on
inclined surfaces.

..........................................................................................

18

008b

• Use only the specified AC adaptor,
and make sure the line voltage at
the installation matches the input
voltage specified on the AC
adaptor’s body. Other AC
adaptors may use a different
polarity, or be designed for a
different voltage, so their use
could result in damage,
malfunction, or electric shock.

.....................................................................................

009

• Do not excessively twist or bend
the power cord, nor place heavy
objects on it. Doing so can damage
the cord, producing severed
elements and short circuits.
Damaged cords are fire and shock
hazards!

.....................................................................................

010

• This unit, either alone or in combi­nation with an amplifier and
headphones or speakers, may be
capable of producing sound levels
that could cause permanent
hearing loss. Do not operate for a
long period of time at a high
volume level, or at a level that is
uncomfortable. If you experience
any hearing loss or ringing in the
ears, you should immediately stop
using the unit, and consult an
audiologist.

.....................................................................................

011

• Do not allow any objects (e.g.,
flammable material, coins, pins);
or liquids of any kind (water, soft
drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.

.....................................................................................

012c

• Immediately turn the power off,
remove the AC adaptor from the
outlet, and request servicing by
your retailer, the nearest Roland
Service Center, or an authorized
Roland distributor, as listed on the
“Information” page when:

The AC adaptor or the power-

•

supply cord has been damaged; or

•

Objects have fallen into, or liquid
has been spilled onto the unit; or

•

The unit has been exposed to rain
(or otherwise has become wet); or

• The unit does not appear to

operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance.

......................................................................................

013

• In households with small children,
an adult should provide super­vision until the child is capable of
following all the rules essential for
the safe operation of the unit.

......................................................................................

014

• Protect the unit from strong
impact. (Do not drop it!)

......................................................................................

015

•

Do not force the unit’s power-supply
cord to share an outlet with an unrea­sonable number of other devices. Be
especially careful when using
extension cords—the total power
used by all devices you have
connected to the extension cord’s
outlet must never exceed the power
rating (watts/amperes) for the
extension cord. Excessive loads can
cause the insulation on the cord to
heat up and eventually melt through.

......................................................................................

016

•

Before using the unit in a foreign
country, consult with your retailer,
the nearest Roland Service Center, or
an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the “Information” page.

......................................................................................

Read this information ”USING THE UNIT SAFELY“

19

019

• Batteries must never be recharged,
heated, taken apart, or thrown into
fire or water.

.........................................................................................

101b

• The unit and the AC adaptor should
be located so their location or
position does not interfere with their
proper ventilation.

.........................................................................................

102d

• Always grasp only the plug or the
body of the AC adaptor when
plugging into, or unplugging from,
an outlet or this unit.

.........................................................................................

103b

• Whenever the unit is to remain
unused for an extended period of
time, disconnect the AC adaptor.

.........................................................................................

104

• Try to prevent cords and cables from
becoming entangled. Also, all cords
and cables should be placed so they
are out of the reach of children.

.........................................................................................

106

• Never climb on top of, nor place
heavy objects on the unit.

.........................................................................................

107d

• Never handle the AC adaptor body,
or its plugs, with wet hands when
plugging into, or unplugging from,
an outlet or this unit.

.........................................................................................

108b

• Before moving the unit, disconnect
the AC adaptor and all cords coming
from external devices.

.........................................................................................

109b

• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the
power and unplug the AC adaptor
from the outlet (p. 3).

..........................................................................................

110b

• Whenever you suspect the possibility
of lightning in your area, disconnect
the AC adaptor from the outlet.

..........................................................................................

111: Selection

• If used improperly, batteries may
explode or leak and cause damage or
injury. In the interest of safety, please
read and observe the following
precautions (p. 2).

1

• Carefully follow the installation

instructions for batteries, and
make sure you observe the correct
polarity.

2

• Avoid using new batteries together with

used ones. In addition, avoid mixing
different types of batteries.

3

• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is

to remain unused for an extended period
of time.

• If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of

5

cloth or paper towel to wipe all remnants
of the discharge from the battery
compartment. Then install new batteries.
To avoid inflammation of the skin, make
sure that none of the battery discharge
gets onto your hands or skin. Exercise the
utmost caution so that none of the
discharge gets near your eyes. Immedi­ately rinse the affected area with running
water if any of the discharge has entered
the eyes.

6

• Never keep batteries together with

metallic objects such as ballpoint pens,
necklaces, hairpins, etc.

..........................................................................................

112

• Used batteries must be disposed of in
compliance with whatever regula­tions for their safe disposal that may
be observed in the region in which
you live.

..........................................................................................

20

IMPORTANT NOTES

291a

In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 18–20,
please read and observe the following:

Power Supply: Use of Batteries

301

• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line
noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system).

302

• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is
normal, and is not a cause for concern.

303a

• The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power consumption is
relatively high. Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.

304b

• Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices.
This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.

306b

• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited, however,
since their primary purpose was to enable testing.

307

• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will
help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.

Read this information “IMPORTANT NOTES”

Placement

351

• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power trans­formers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit;
or move it farther away from the source of interference.

352

• This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in
the vicinity of such receivers.

355

• To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet area, such as an area exposed
to rain or other moisture.

21

IMPORTANT NOTES

Maintenance

401a

• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly
dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non­abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

402

• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of
discoloration and/or deformation.

Additional Precautions

553

• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s buttons, sliders, or other controls;
and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.

556

• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector itself—never pull on the
cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s internal elements.

558a

• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s volume at reasonable levels. You
may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you
(especially when it is late at night).

559a

• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including padding) that it came
in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.

22

For EU Countries

This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC.

For the USA

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.

For Canada

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

NOTICE

AVIS

23

G6017300