The V-Guitar is a new instrument that fuses a traditional Fender® Stratocaster® with Roland’s
cutting-edge technology.
The G-5 VG Stratocaster® can be used not only as a conventional Stratocaster
you to play a wide range of sounds using COSM technology such as those of humbucking
pickups or an acoustic guitar, simply by turning a single knob.
You can also instantly switch to an alternate tuning or the sound of a 12-string guitar without
touching the tuning pegs, allowing a single V-Guitar G-5 to fulll the roles of multiple guitars.
®, but also allows
What is the COSM?
Technology that simulates existing physical structures, materials, and the like using
dierent, virtual means is called “modeling technology.” COSM (Composite Object Sound
Modeling) is a technical innovation from Roland that combines a number of such soundmodeling technologies to create new and unique sounds.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 11) and “IMPORTANT
NOTES” (p. 14). 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.
Fender®, Stratocaster®, VG Stratocaster® and Telecaster® are trademarks of FMIC.
Roland and COSM are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
Company names and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their
respective owners.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of
ROLAND CORPORATION.
2
Panel Descriptions
Normal Pickups
These are the normal guitar pickups.
Mode
This switches the mode (tonal character) between normal guitar and modeling guitar.
Tuning
This switches from normal tuning to alternate
tuning or the sound of a 12-string guitar.
5-Way Switch
In normal guitar mode, this selects dierent
pickup positions. For the modeling guitar, this
switches between dierent tonal characters.
Page 8
Page 7
GK Pickup
This is the special V-Guitar
divided pickup.
Page 6
Tone Control
This adjusts the tone within the selected mode
(also functions as reverb control in acoustic
mode: p. 6).
Power Indicator
This light is blue when the power is on.
Page 5
Volume
With the volume control you are able to control the volume
level of the instrument in all modes.
Guitar Jack
Connect this to your guitar amp. The
power will turn on when a plug is inserted
into the guitar jack.
Page 5
3
Panel Descriptions
Tremolo Cover
This is the cover of the tremolo unit.
Electronics Cover
* DO NOT remove the Electronics Cover.
Doing so will result in a void of warranty.
Battery Cover
Install batteries here.
Battery Type: Four AA
Life: Up to 9 hours with high powered rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (2600 mAH – 2700
mAH). Life may be less with regular alkaline batteries. We recommend getting 8 high quality
rechargeable batteries, so you can always have one set charging while the other set is in the
guitar. When the batteries run low, the blue power indicator will begin to ash as a warning
and will eventually go out.
When the batteries are dead or even removed from the instrument, the guitar still functions as a Stratocaster®,
so you will never have a “gig emergency”.
When turning the unit upside down, take care to prevent damage to the buttons, knobs, etc. Also, be sure to
handle the unit with care so as to avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.
* 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:
• Incorrect handling of batteries, rechargeable batteries, or battery charger can cause leakage, overheating,
re, or explosion.
• Please use alkaline batteries or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries.
• When using rechargeable batteries and a charger, use only the combination of rechargeable batteries and
charger specied by the battery manufacturer.
• Batteries must never be heated, taken apart, or thrown into re or water.
• Carefully follow the installation instructions for batteries, and make sure you observe the correct polarity.
• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing dierent types of batteries.
• 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 cloth or paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge from
the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid inammation 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 aected area with running water if any of the
discharge has entered the eyes.
• Never keep batteries together with metallic objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.
• 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.
4
Turning On the Power
To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn o all the
units before making any connections.
Once everything is properly connected, be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their
power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment
failure.
When powering upTurn on the power to your amp last.
When powering downTurn o the power to your amp rst.
The power will turn on when a plug is inserted in the guitar jack.
* Before turning the unit on/o, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned
down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/o. However, this is normal and does not
indicate a malfunction.
* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required
before the unit will operate normally.
Power Indicator
This light is blue when the power is on, and gradually dims as the battery power decreases. The indicator
begins to ash when the battery voltage falls below a set level. Should the voltage drop even further, the
light will go o and use of all modeling modes will cease.
Should this happen, the N mode will still work, so you can continue to play your Strat without the
modeling and tuning features. If you allow the batteries to remain in the unit after depletion, you can
negatively impact the future performance of the alkaline batteries. They can also become a source of
noise.
* The time it takes for all functions to stop after the power indicator has begun ashing varies depending
on the battery type and temperature.
* Replace the batteries as soon as they are drained and the power indicator is no longer lit.
* Expected battery life under continuous use:
Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries: Approx. 9 hours
Alkaline batteries: Approx. 6 hours
These gures will vary depending on the specications of the batteries and the actual conditions of
use.
* ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR GUITAR WHEN NOT PLAYING FOR BEST BATTERY LIFE.
5
Selecting Modeling Modes
The mode knob lets you select either the normal guitar or one of the modeling
modes (tonal characters).
Here are the modes:
ModeExplanation
Normal (N)
Modeled
Stratocaster
(S)
Telecaster (T)
Humbucking
Pickups (H)
Acoustic (A)
In this non-modeling mode, your guitar uses its
three standard Strat pickups only and plays like a
standard Stratocaster® guitar.
In this modeling mode, the guitar plays with the
sound of a Stratocaster® guitar.
In the modeling mode, you now have the option
of a 12-string sound or several dierent alternate
tunings (p. 8).
In this modeling mode, the guitar plays with the
sound of a Telecaster® guitar.
In this modeling mode, your guitar plays with the
sound of two high output humbucking pickups;
one in the neck position and one in the bridge
position.
In this modeling mode, your guitar plays with the
warm, full sound of an acoustic guitar.
You can use the 5-way switch to switch between
variations including steel-string or nylon-string
acoustic guitar, and sitar.
S T R A T O C A S T E R
ORIGINAL
MADE IN U.S.A.
Contour
Body
S T R A T O C A S T E R
ORIGINAL
MADE IN U.S.A.
Contour
Body
“TELECASTER”
MADE IN U.S.A.
S T R A T O C A S T E R
ORIGINAL
MADE IN U.S.A.
Contour
Body
P
I
S
T
In the Acoustic mode the tone control functions as reverb control.
6
Selecting Modeling Modes
While in each mode, simply use the blade 5-way selector switch to switch
pickups as if you are playing the guitar type that you’ve selected.
5-Way Switch
Neck
Mode
Bridge
Bridge
Neck
Bridge
Neck
Bridge
Neck
Neck
Bridge
P
I
S
T
Wide Range
Bright Humbucker
JazzElectric Sitar
Nylon-String
Acoustic
Steel-String
Acoustic 2
Wide Range
This produces the fat sound typical of a larger number of coil windings than on
a conventional single-coil pickup.
Bright Humbucker
A conventional humbucking pickup places two coils side by side, causing
the high frequencies to be cancelled; however, this model produces a tone
that preserves these high frequencies while retaining the characteristics of a
humbucking pickup.
Jazz
This is a sweet sound that is ideal for playing jazz.
Wide Range
Bright Humbucker
Steel-String
Acoustic 1
7
Selecting Tunings
The “Tuning” control lets you choose among several dierent tunings and
12-string sounds, all at the turn of a rotary selector control. It’s great to know
you’ll no longer be needing multiple guitars laying around in dierent tunings
at the gig or in the studio.
TuningExplanation
Normal (N)In this mode, your guitar plays in standard tuning (E A D G B E).
Drop D (D)
Open G (G)In this mode, your guitar plays in open G tuning (D G D G B D).
D Modal (d)In this mode, your guitar plays in D modal tuning (D A D G A D).
Baritone (B)In this mode, your guitar plays as a baritone guitar (B E A D F# B).
12 String (12)
* To achieve the alternate tunings as described on the tuning control, tune your guitar to
correct standard tuning (E A D G B E). If you tune the guitar up or down (E at, for example),
the modeled tunings will transpose relative to the actual tuning of your guitar.
In this mode, your guitar plays with the lowest string tuned to D
(D A D G B E).
In this mode, your guitar is beautifully modeled as a 12 string, acoustic or
electric guitar.
8
About GK Pickup Height
Your Stratocaster® is set up at the factory for optimal performance. It may need adjustments from
time to time. For Fender setup guidelines please refer to the OWNER’S MANUAL FOR FENDER®
GUITARS. If you have misplaced your manual this information can be found on-line in the
“Support” section of www.fender.com.
Height Adjustment
Screw
GK Pickup
Once your guitar is properly set up you should make sure the distance between the top of the
GK pickup and the bottom of the strings is approximately 1 mm (0.04”) when depressing the
strings at the highest fret. The height of the GK pickup can be adjusted by using the Height
Adjustment Screws.
Height Adjustment Screw
9
Main Specications
V-Guitar G-5: VG Stratocaster®
ControlsMode, Tuning, 5-Way Switch, Tone, Volume
IndicatorPower Indicator
ConnectorsGuitar Jack
Nominal Output Level-20 dBu
Output Impedance2 k ohms
Recommended Load
Impedance
Power Supply
Current Draw
Accessories
20 k ohms or greater
DC 6 V: Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4,
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
230 mA (DC 6 V)
* Expected battery life under continuous use:
• Alkaline battery: 6 hours
• Rechargeable Ni-MH battery: 9 hours
* These gures will vary depending on the specications of the batteries and
the actual conditions of use.
G-5 VG Stratocaster® Owner’s Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR FENDER® GUITARS
Tremolo arm
Hexagonal wrench
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Special gig bag
10
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
* In the interest of product improvement, the specications and/or appearance of this unit are
subject to change without prior notice.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
About WARNING and CAUTION Notices
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 intended 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.
ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING
WARNING
Do not disassemble or modify by yourself
Do not open or perform any internal
modications on the unit.
Do not repair or replace parts by yourself
Do not attempt to repair the unit, or
replace parts within it (except when this
manual provides specic 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.
About the Symbols
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 aler ts 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.
WARNING
Do not use or store in the following types of
locations
• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g.,
direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle,
near a heating duct, on top of heatgenerating equipment); or are
• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet
oors); or are
• Exposed to steam or smoke; or are
• Subject to salt exposure; or are
• Humid; or are
• Exposed to rain; or are
• Dusty or sandy; or are
• Subject to high levels of vibration and
shakiness.
Avoid extended use at high volume
This unit, either alone or in combination
with an amplier 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.
11
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
WARNING
Don’t allow foreign objects or liquids to enter unit;
never place containers with liquid on unit
Do not place containers containing liquid
on this product. Never allow foreign
objects (e.g., ammable objects, coins,
wires) or liquids (e.g., water or juice) to
enter this product. Doing so may cause
short circuits, faulty operation, or other
malfunctions.
Turn o the unit if an abnormality or malfunction
occurs
Immediately unplug the cable from the
guitar jack, and request servicing by your
retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center,
or an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the “Information” page when:
• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has
been spilled onto the unit; or
• If smoke or unusual odor occurs; 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.
WARNING
Handle batteries carefully
• Batteries/rechargeable batteries must
never be recharged, heated, taken apart,
or thrown into re or water.
• Never expose batteries/rechargeable
batteries to excessive heat such as
sunshine, re or the like.
• Incorrect handling of batteries,
rechargeable batteries, or a battery
charger can cause leakage, overheating,
re, or explosion. Before use, you
must read and strictly observe all of
the precautions that accompany the
batteries, rechargeable batteries, or
battery charger.
• When using rechargeable batteries and
a charger, use only the combination
of rechargeable batteries and charger
specied by the battery manufacturer.
Adults must provide supervision in places where
children are present
When using the unit in locations where
children are present, be careful so no
mishandling of the unit can take place. An
adult should always be on hand to provide
supervision and guidance.
Do not drop or subject to strong impact
Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)
12
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
CAUTION
Manage cables for safety
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.
Avoid climbing on top of the unit, or placing heavy
objects on it
Never climb on top of, nor place heavy
objects on the unit.
Disconnect everything before moving the unit
Disconnect all cords coming from external
devices before moving the unit.
Handle batteries carefully
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. 4).
• Carefully follow the installation
instructions for batteries, and make sure
you observe the correct polarity.
• Avoid using new batteries together with
used ones. In addition, avoid mixing
dierent types of batteries.
• Remove the batteries whenever the unit
is to remain unused for an extended
period of time.
• Never keep batteries together with
metallic objects such as ballpoint pens,
necklaces, hairpins, etc.
• 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.
CAUTION
Handle leaking batteries carefully
• If uid has leaked from a battery, make
sure not to touch it with your bare
hands.
• If any of the leaking uid gets into your
eyes, the loss of vision may result. Do
not rub your eyes; use clean water to
ush them thoroughly. Then, promptly
see a doctor.
• Burning of the skin or dermatitis may
result if uid has gotten onto your
skin or clothing. Use clean water to
ush aected areas thoroughly; then,
promptly see a doctor.
• Using a soft cloth, carefully wipe any
remaining uid from the inside of the
battery compartment. Then, install new
batteries.
Keep small items out of the reach of children
To prevent accidental ingestion of the
parts listed below, always keep them out
of the reach of small children.
• Included Parts
hexagonal wrench
13
IMPORTANT NOTES
Power Supply
• To prevent malfunction and equipment failure,
always make sure to turn o the power on all your
equipment before you make any connections.
Power Supply: Use of Batteries
• When installing or replacing batteries, always turn
this unit o and disconnect any other devices you
may have connected. This way, you can prevent
malfunction and damage.
• The life of the supplied batteries may be limited,
since its primary purpose was to enable testing.
• Please use alkaline batteries or rechargeable Ni-MH
batteries.
Placement
• Using the unit near power ampliers (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.
• This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of
such receivers.
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications
devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the
vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when
receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing.
Should you experience such problems, you should
relocate such wireless devices so they are at a
greater distance from this unit, or switch them o.
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place
it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside
an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to
temperature extremes. Also, do not allow lighting
devices that normally are used while their light
source is very close to the unit (such as a piano
light), or powerful spotlights to shine upon the
same area of the unit for extended periods of time.
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
• When moved from one location to another where
the temperature and/or humidity is very dierent,
water droplets (condensation) may form inside
the unit. Damage or malfunction may result if you
attempt to use the unit in this condition. Therefore,
before using the unit, you must allow it to stand
for several hours, until the condensation has
completely evaporated.
• Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to
remain on this unit for long periods of time. Such
objects can discolor or otherwise harmfully aect
the nish.
• Do not paste stickers, decals, or the like to this
instrument. Peeling such matter o the instrument
may damage the exterior nish.
• Do not put anything that contains water on this
unit. Also, avoid the use of insecticides, perfumes,
alcohol, nail polish, spray cans, etc., near the unit.
Swiftly wipe away any liquid that spills on the unit
using a dry, soft cloth.
Maintenance
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of
any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration
and/or deformation.
Additional Precautions
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using
the unit’s buttons, sliders, or other controls; and
when using its jack. Rough handling can lead to
malfunctions.
• When 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.
• To avoid disturbing others nearby, try to keep the
unit’s volume at reasonable levels.
• 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.
14
For EU Countries
For China
15
For EU Countries
This product complies with the requirements of EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
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 limi ts are designed to provide r easonable protection a gainst harmful interfe rence 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.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B limit.
Any unauthorized changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
For Canada
NOTICE
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
AVIS
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
For C.A. US (Proposition 65
WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm, including lead.