Roland GR20GK Owner’s Manual

Owner’s Manual

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 2–3, p. 4). 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.

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 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.

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 powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

001

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

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002c

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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008c

•Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Also, 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!

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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.

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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.

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012b

•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, the power-supply cord, or the plug has been damaged; or

•If smoke or unusual odor occurs

•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.

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014

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

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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.

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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.

101b

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

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102c

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

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103b

•At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC adaptor and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and other accumulations away from its prongs. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time. Any accumulation of dust between the power plug and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and

lead to fire.

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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.

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106

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

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107c

• Never handle the AC adaptor or its plugs with

wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

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108b

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

devices.

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109b

• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet (p. 10).

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110b

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

IMPORTANT NOTES

291a

In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the following:

Power Supply

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.

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.

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 inter-

ference.

352a

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

receivers.

352b

•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 off.

354a

•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.

Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.

355b

•When moved from one location to another where the temperature and/or humidity is very different, 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.

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, non-abrasive 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.

Repairs and Data

452

•Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs. Important data should always be backed up in another MIDI device (e.g., a sequencer), or written down on paper (when possible). During repairs, due care is taken to avoid the loss of data. However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be possible to restore the data, and Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

Additional Precautions

551

•Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of losing important data, we recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of important data you have stored in the unit’s memory in another MIDI device

(e.g., a sequencer).

552

•Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in another MIDI device (e.g., a sequencer) once it has been lost. Roland Corporation

assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

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.

562

•Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions.

•Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.

220

*All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Introduction

The GR-20 is a guitar synthesizer (guitar synth) which contains a high-quality sound generator and is designed for easy operation.

The GR-20 carefully analyses the pitch and volume of each string as it tracks the signals being output by the divided pickup (a pickup installed on your guitar which outputs a separate signal for each string), and uses this information to trigger its built-in sound generator. At the same time, a data stream interpreting your guitar performance can also be transmitted via the MIDI OUT connector, and used to play an external MIDI device, such as a sound module.

Main Features

•You can play more than 450 different types of synth sounds in the same way as when playing your guitar conventionally.

•In addition to playing the synth sounds by themselves, you can combine the normal guitar sound with the synth sound.

•When applying an external effects unit to the normal guitar sound, you can use the Mix In jack to mix the processed sound with the synth sound.

•The GR-20 can be used with any steel-string guitar on which a GK-3 or GK-2A (divided pickup; sold separately) can be correctly installed.

•The GR-20 can also be used with a bass guitar on which a GK-3B or GK-2B (divided pickup for bass guitar; sold separately) is installed.

•Built-in effects (reverb, delay, chorus) are provided for the synth sound, creating a rich and spacious ambiance. (p. 20)

•You can adjust and store settings such as attack and decay time, and effect depth. (p. 20)

•You can use the GR-20's two foot pedals to apply a Hold effect or Glide effect. (p. 15)

•Use the built-in expression pedal to control parameters such as volume or filter. (p. 16)

•Since your guitar performance is output as MIDI data, you can use your guitar to play an external sound module or as an input device for your MIDI sequencer. (p. 28)

•A guitar tuner is built-in for quick and accurate tuning. (p. 13)

Contents
USING THE UNIT SAFELY......................................................................	2
IMPORTANT NOTES ...............................................................................	4
Introduction .............................................................................................	5
Main Features..............................................................................................................................................	5
Names of Things and What They Do.....................................................	8
Front Panel...................................................................................................................................................	8
Rear Panel ..................................................................................................................................................	10
Chapter 1 Play the Sounds! .................................................................	11
Preparing Your Guitar .............................................................................................................................	11
Connections ...............................................................................................................................................	11
Turning the Power On .............................................................................................................................	12
Adjusting the Output Level ....................................................................................................................	12
Adjusting the Input Sensitivity (GK SENS)..........................................................................................	12
Tuning Your Guitar (Tuner Function)...................................................................................................	13
Specifying the Output Device (OUTPUT SELECT).............................................................................	14
Selecting a Sound (Patch) ........................................................................................................................	14
Using the Knob to Select Patches................................................................................................	14
Using the Switches of the GK Pickup to Select Patches ..........................................................	15
Using the Foot Pedals to Select Patches .....................................................................................	15
Using an External Device Via MIDI to Select Patches .............................................................	15
Play the GR-20! .........................................................................................................................................	15
Using the Foot Pedal to Change the Pitch (GLIDE) ............................................................................	15
Using the Foot Pedal to Sustain the Sound (HOLD)...........................................................................	16
Using the Expression Pedal to Modify the Sound (EXP PEDAL) .....................................................	16
Turning the Power Off.............................................................................................................................	16
Chapter 2 Using the GR-20 with Guitar Effects..................................	17
Connections ...............................................................................................................................................	17
Switching between the Synth Sound and Guitar Sound ....................................................................	18
Using the GR-20 with a Multi-effects Unit ...........................................................................................	18
Channel (CH).................................................................................................................................	18
Patch Link Setup (PATCH LINK SETUP) .................................................................................	19
Chapter 3 Editing The Sounds.............................................................	20
Selecting a Sound to Start From .............................................................................................................	20
Use the Knobs to Adjust the Sound .......................................................................................................	20
Adjusting the Attack—ATTACK................................................................................................	20
Adjusting the Release—RELEASE..............................................................................................	20
Adjusting the Spaciousness of the Sound—CHORUS ............................................................	20
Adjusting the Reverberation—DELAY/REVERB....................................................................	20
Adjusting the Volume—LEVEL..................................................................................................	20

Contents

Editing Other Parameters........................................................................................................................	21
Adjusting the Brightness of the Sound—FREQ........................................................................	21
Adding a Distinctive Character to the Tone—RESO ...............................................................	21
Adjusting the Pitch —TRANSPOSE...........................................................................................	21
Adjusting the Playing Feel—PLAY FEEL..................................................................................	21
Selecting the Type of Glide Effect—GLIDE TYPE...............................................................................	22
Selecting the Type of Hold Effect—HOLD TYPE................................................................................	23
Selecting the Effect Controlled by the Expression Pedal—EXP PEDAL ..........................................	23
Storing the Sounds You Create (WRITE) ..............................................................................................	24
Chapter 4 Other Functions...................................................................	25
Copying Patches .......................................................................................................................................	25
Exchanging Patches..................................................................................................................................	25
Changing the function of the foot pedals (SW MODE) ......................................................................	26
Switch Mode 1 ...............................................................................................................................	26
Switch Mode 2 ...............................................................................................................................	26
Saving Patches and System Parameter Settings on an External Device (BULK DUMP) ...............	26
Loading Patches and System Parameter Settings From an External Device (BULK LOAD)................	27
Chapter 5 Connecting an External Sound Module or Sequencer..............	28
Connecting an External Sound Module or Sequencer ........................................................................	28
Setting the Transmission Mode...................................................................................................	28
Setting the MIDI Channel (BASIC CHANNEL) .......................................................................	29
Specifying the Bend Range ..........................................................................................................	29
MIDI Messages Transmitted by the GR-20 ...............................................................................	29
Local Control Off ......................................................................................................................................	30
Chapter 6 Appendices ..........................................................................	31
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset).....................................................................................	31
Calibrating the Expression Pedal ...........................................................................................................	31
Regarding GR-20 bass guitar support ...................................................................................................	32
Switching the GR-20 between bass guitar and guitar operation............................................	32
How the Bass Guitar and Guitar settings differ .......................................................................	32
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................	33
During Normal Performance Using the GR-20 Alone.............................................................	33
When Using the GR-20 with other MIDI devices.....................................................................	33
Other ...............................................................................................................................................	34
Patch List....................................................................................................................................................	35
User Patch List ..........................................................................................................................................	40
MIDI Implementation ..............................................................................................................................	41
MIDI Implementation Chart ...................................................................................................................	48
Main Specifications ..................................................................................................................................	49
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................................	50

Names of Things and What They Do

Front Panel

fig.0-01 (Panel Descriptions1)

1. BANK indicators

These indicators light to indicate the currently selected sound bank. If the bank has been switched from an external device (such as via MIDI or by the switches of your GK pickup), the indicator for the selected bank will light regardless of the position of the BANK knob.

2. [BANK] knob

Selects the sound bank. The banks are organized into ten categories of sound. Sounds you edit can be stored in the User bank (p. 24).

5. GK SIGNAL indicator

This indicator lights when a signal is received from the divided pickup.

6. [GK SENS] button

Press this button when you want to adjust the sensitivity to match the output of the divided pickup.

The system may malfunction if this adjustment is not made correctly. Please adjust this setting accurately to match your guitar (p. 12).

3. Display

Indicates the currently selected sound number. When you’re editing a parameter, the display indicates the value.

If you’ve edited the sound, the dot will light (p. 20).

4. [NUMBER/VALUE] knob

Use this to select the number of the sound you want to play. Use the [BANK] knob (2) to select a category of sounds, and use this knob to select a sound within that category.

This knob is also used to change the values of other parameters.

7. OUTPUT/FREQ indicator

This indicator lights when you edit the System parameter OUTPUT Select or the Patch parameter FREQ (p. 14, p. 21).

8. SW MODE/RESO indicator

This indicator lights when you edit the System parameter SW MODE or the Patch parameter RESO (p. 14, p. 21).

Names of Things and What They Do

9.PATCH LINK SETUP/TRANSPOSE indicator

This indicator lights when you edit the System parameter PATCH LINK SETUP or the Patch parameter TRANSPOSE (p. 19, p. 21).

10. MIDI CH/PLAY FEEL indicator

This indicator lights when you edit the System parameter MIDI CH or the Patch parameter PLAY FEEL (p. 18, p. 21).

11. [SYSTEM EDIT] button

Press this when you want to edit System parameters (p. 14, p. 18, p. 19, p. 26, p. 27).

12. [PATCH EDIT] button

Press this when you want to edit Patch parameters (p. 21).

13. [ATTACK] knob

Adjusts the speed of the attack (p. 20).

14. [RELEASE] knob

Adjusts the length of the release (p. 20).

15. [CHORUS] knob

Adjusts the chorus depth (p. 20).

16. [DELAY/REVERB] knob

Adjusts the delay or reverb depth (p. 20).

17. [LEVEL] knob

Adjusts the volume of the synth sound for each patch (p. 20).

18. [EXIT] button

Press this to cancel an operation, or to return to a previous state.

19. [WRITE] button

Press this button to write (store) or copy a patch (p. 24,

p. 25).

20.[TUNER] button

Press this button when you want to use the Tuner function (p. 13).

21. [EXP PEDAL] button

Press this button to select the function of the expression pedal (p. 23).

22. [GLIDE TYPE] button

Press this button to select the function of the Glide pedal (p. 22).

23. [HOLD TYPE] button

Press this button to select the function of the Hold pedal (p. 23).

24. GLIDE pedal

Press this pedal to apply the Glide effect to the sound (p. 15).

25. GLIDE indicator

This indicator will light or blink according to how you operate the GLIDE pedal.

26. HOLD pedal

Press this pedal to apply the Hold effect to the sound (p. 16).

27. HOLD indicator

This indicator will light or blink according to how you operate the HOLD pedal.

28. Expression pedal

Use this pedal to adjust the volume or to apply continuous change to the sound (p. 16).

When you operate the expression pedal, please be careful not to get your fingers pinched between the movable part and the panel.

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.

Names of Things and What They Do

Rear Panel

fig.0-02 (Panel Descriptions2)

29. GK IN connector

Use the included GK cable (or GKC-3/5/10 (sold separately) to connect this connector to your divided pickup.

*For details on connections to a commercially available GKcompatible guitar, refer to the guitar manufacturer or your dealer.

30. GUITAR OUT jack

This jack outputs the sound from the normal pickup of your guitar. Connect this jack to your guitar amp or guitar effects unit.

*This is available only if the output of your guitar is connected to the normal pickup input jack of the divided pickup.

33. [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob

Adjusts the volume that is sent from the output jacks.

34. MIDI IN/OUT connectors

These can be connected to external MIDI devices, allowing the GR-20 to send and receive MIDI data.

35. [POWER] switch

Turns the power on/off.

31. MIX IN R (MONO)/L jacks

The sound that is input to these jacks is mixed with the synth sound of the GR-20 and sent from the OUTPUT jacks (32).

If you have connected the GUITAR OUT jack (30) to an external effects unit, connect the output of your effects unit to this jack; the synth sound and the sound processed by the effects unit will be output together from the OUTPUT jacks (32) (p. 17).

36. AC Adaptor jack

Connect the included AC adaptor (BRC-series) here.

Use only the attached power-supply cord. Also, the supplied power cord must not be used with any other device.

32.OUTPUT R (MONO)/L (PHONES) jacks

These jacks output the GR-20’s synth sound combined with the sound that is input to the MIX IN jacks (31). If you’re making connections to a monaural amp, use R (MONO) jack.

The L (PHONES) jack can also be used as a headphone jack (stereo). (However, if headphones are connected to L (PHONES) jack, you cannot simultaneously use R (MONO) jack as an output.)

If nothing is connected to the GUITAR OUT jack (30) or MIX IN jacks (31), the guitar’s normal pickup sound will also be mixed into this output.

37. Cable hook

Loop the AC adaptor cable around this hook to prevent the cable from being accidentally disconnected.

38. Security Slot ()

http://www.kensington.com/

Chapter 1 Play the Sounds!

Preparing Your Guitar

•In order to use the GR-20 you will need a guitar that has a divided pickup (GK pickup) such as the Roland GK-3 or GK-2A, or a bass guitar that has a bass guitar divided pickup such as the Roland GK-3B/GK-2B, which can independently output a separate signal for each string.

•For details on installing the GK pickup, refer to the manual that came with your GK pickup.

•Notes may be sounded incorrectly if there are string buzzes due to improper neck curvature or buzzing frets, or if the octave adjustment (intonation) is incorrect.

Various guitar manufacturers sell GK-Compatible guitars that have a pre-installed GK pickup or contain equivalent functionality. For details, contact your guitar dealer or a guitar manufacturer.

In order to use the GR-20 with a bass guitar, follow the procedure described in Chapter 6 Appendices “Switching

the GR-20 between bass guitar and guitar operation (p.

32)” to switch the GR-20 to bass guitar operation.

Connections

fig.1-01(Connection)

Stereo set,	Synthesizer amp (keyboard amplifier, PA system, etc.)
radio-cassette player, etc.

To AUX, LINE IN

L	R	Guitar amp /
L	R	guitar effects
		guitar effects
	L	R

Stereo headphones

The (L) MIX OUT jacks can also be used as dual stereo headphone jacks. Also be aware that you cannot simultaneously use one jack as a LINE OUT while using the other as a headphone jack – that is, you can't use a monaural plug and a stereo plug at the same time.

AC adaptor (BRC series)

Guitar with GK-3 / GK-2A / other GK-Compatible guitar or

Bass guitar with GK-3B / GK-2B

*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

*The volume of your amp should be raised only after you have turned on the power of all your other equipment.

*If you’re outputting in monaural, connect the cable to the R (MONO) OUTPUT jack.

*To prevent the inadvertent disruption of power to your unit (should the plug be pulled out accidentally), and to avoid applying undue stress to the AC adaptor jack, anchor the

power cord using the cord hook, as shown in the illustration.

fig.1-02(Cord Hook)

Chapter 1 Play the Sounds!

Turning the Power On

Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.

1.If you've connected a device to MIX IN, turn on the power of that device.

2.Turn on the power of the GR-20.

After you’ve turned on the power, you’ll be ready to play when the panel indicators and the display reach the state shown in the illustration. This state is called “Play mode.”

Before the GR-20 enters Play mode, it will indicate whether it is currently in guitar mode or bass guitar mode.

•Guitar mode: “ ”

•Bass guitar mode: “ ”

*For details on how to switch between guitar mode and bass guitar mode, refer to p. 32.

*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.

fig.1-03(Play Mode)

3. Turn on the power of your amp.

Adjusting the Output Level

Use the [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob on the rear panel to adjust the output level of the GR-20.

Turning the knob toward the right (toward MAX) will increase the volume. With the knob turned all the way to the left (toward MIN), the volume will be zero.

* Normally, you should set this near the middle of the range.

fig.1-10(Level)

Adjusting the Input

Sensitivity (GK SENS)

You’ll need to adjust the input sensitivity of each string according to your picking strength and how the divided pickup is installed.

If this adjustment is not made correctly, the system won’t work properly. You must perform this adjustment to ensure that you’re taking full advantage of the GR-20’s capabilities.

*Once you make this adjustment, it’s stored within the GR-20; you won’t need to make it again. However, you should perform the adjustment again after changing the strings or adjusting the action of your guitar, or before using a different GK guitar.

*If you’re using a bass guitar, you can use the following table to convert the string names and indications you see in the display while performing the procedure below.

6th string → B string

5th string → E string (4th string on a conventional four-string bass)

4th string → A string (3rd string on a conventional four-string bass)

3rd string → D string (2nd string on a conventional four-string bass)

2nd string → G string (1st string on a conventional four-string bass)

1st string → C string

1.Press the [GK SENS] button.

2.Play only the 6th string.

The left side of the display will show “6,” indicating that you played the 6th string.

The right digit will show the GK SENS setting. The BANK indicators will function as a level meter and show the strength of the guitar signal.

*If the left digit of the display does not show the number of the string you played, press the HOLD pedal or GLIDE pedal

several times to make the desired string number appear.

fig.1-04(GK SENS)

Level Meter

3.Adjust the sensitivity.

Turn the [NUMBER/VALUE] knob to adjust the sensitivity. The sensitivity will increase as the number in the right of the display increases. Adjust the sensitivity so that all of the level meter indicators light briefly when you pick a note strongly.

Chapter 1 Play the Sounds!

*You can also use your GK pickup's UP/S2 button and DOWN/S1 button to adjust the sensitivity in the same way.

4.Perform steps 2–3 for strings 5–1 to adjust the sensitivity of all strings.

5.Press the [GK SENS] button or [EXIT] button.

The GK SENS settings you made are stored in the GR20k, and you will return to Play mode.

*The decimal point in the display will blink while the setting is being stored. Don't turn off the power during this time.

*If you turn off the power before returning to Play mode, the settings you made will not be stored.

If you’re using a bass guitar, the number shown at the left side of the display will be as shown in the following table.

Displayed No.	1	2	3	4	5	6

4-string		1G	2D	3A	4E
bass		string	string	string	string
5-string		1G	2D	3A	4E	5B
bass		string	string	string	string	string

6-string	1C	2G	3D	4A	5E	6B
bass	string	string	string	string	string	string

Tuning Your Guitar

(Tuner Function)

Since the GR-20 analyzes the pitch of each string in order to determine the sound it should produce, you must tune your guitar accurately.

*If your guitar is mistuned, the sound produced will be out of tune, and the system will not operate correctly.

1.Press the [TUNER] button.

The [TUNER] button will light, and the Tuner function will be on. The lower two digits of the current reference pitch will be shown for approximately two seconds in the display. Then you will be able to tune your guitar.

Example: When the pitch is set to 440Hz

fig.1-05(Reference pitch)

*You can also turn on the Tuner function by pressing the HOLD pedal and GLIDE pedal simultaneously.

2.Use the [NUMBER/VALUE] knob to adjust the reference pitch.

If you turn the [NUMBER/VALUE] knob slightly, the current reference pitch will be displayed for several seconds. By turning the [NUMBER/VALUE] knob during this time, you can adjust the reference pitch.

*You can adjust the reference pitch in a range of 427 Hz–452 Hz.

When the GR-20 is shipped from the factory, this is set to 440 Hz.

*The reference pitch you specify will be stored when you exit the Tuner function. Be aware that the setting will not be stored if you turn off the power before doing so.

3.Cleanly play an unfretted note on the string that you want to tune.

The display will indicate the note name.

fig.1-051

C	F#
C#	G
D	G#
D#	A
E	A#
F	B

4.Tune your guitar.

Watch the indicator in the panel, and tune your guitar so

that only the green indicator in the middle is lit.

fig.1-06(Tuning)

too low

too high

5.Repeat steps 3–4 to tune each string of your guitar.

6.Press the [TUNER] or [EXIT] button to exit the Tuner function.

The reference pitch you specified will be stored, and you will return to Play mode.

*The decimal point in the display will blink while the reference pitch is being stored. Don't turn off the power during this time.

Chapter 1 Play the Sounds!

Specifying the Output Device

(OUTPUT SELECT)

Here you can specify the type of system connected to the OUTPUT jacks. This setting allows the GR-20 to internally optimize its sound for the type of playback system you are using.

* This does not affect the sound that is input to MIX IN.

1. Press the [SYSTEM EDIT] button a number of times until the OUTPUT/FREQ indicator lights.

fig.1-07(OUTPUT SELECT)

2. Use the [NUMBER/VALUE] knob to change the setting.

Guitar amp

fig.1-071

Use this setting if you’ve connected the GR-20 to a guitar amp.

Line

fig.1-072

Use this setting if you’ve connected the GR-20 to a keyboard amp, mixer, headphones, or recorder.

* If you’re using a bass amp, use the Line setting.

3.Press the [EXIT] button.

The setting will be stored, and you will return to Play mode.

*The decimal point in the display will blink while the setting is being stored. Don't turn off the power during this time.

*If you turn off the power before returning to Play mode, the setting you made will not be stored.

Selecting a Sound (Patch)

What is a Patch

A “patch” is a sound you play on the GR-20; in addition to the type of sound, a patch also contains settings for effects such as reverb and chorus.

The GR-20’s patches are organized into ten banks by type, with the patches numbered within each bank.

In Play mode, the BANK indicator and the display show the patch that is currently selected.

You can edit the settings of a patch to your taste, and store edited patches in the USER bank (p. 24).

You can use any of the following ways to select a patch.

Using the Knob to Select Patches

1.Use the [BANK] knob to select the type of sound you want.

From the ten sound banks and the user bank, select the bank that contains the sound you want to use.

2.Use the [NUMBER/VALUE] knob to select a sound within the bank.

Turning the [NUMBER/VALUE] knob will change the number shown in the display, letting you choose from

various sounds within the selected bank.

fig.1-08(Sound Select)

Chapter 1 Play the Sounds!

Using the Switches of the GK Pickup to Select Patches

In Play mode, you can use the UP/S2 button and DOWN/S1 button of the GK pickup to select the next or previous number.

When you reach the upper or lower limit within a bank, you will move to the next bank.

fig.1-09(S1/S2)

Using the Foot Pedals to Select Patches

When shipped from the factory, the GR-20’s two foot pedals are assigned to the Hold function and Glide (Pitch Bend) function respectively. You can change these assignments so that the foot pedals will select patches.

For details, refer to Changing the function of the foot

pedals (SW MODE) (p. 26).

Using an External Device Via MIDI to Select Patches

You can connect an external device (e.g., multi-effects unit) to the MIDI IN connector, and select patches on the GR-20 by operating the external MIDI device.

For details, refer to Using the GR-20 with a Multi-effects Unit (p. 18).

Play the GR-20!

Let’s get started playing the GR-20. Check the following points.

1.Make sure that the GR-20 is in Play mode (the state it’s normally in immediately following power up).

In some cases, you won’t hear any sound if the GR-20 is not in Play mode.

2.Set the select switch of your GK pickup to the “GK” position (on the GK-2A, the “SYNTH” position).

If this switch is set to “GUITAR,” the normal pickup sound will be output. If this switch is set to “MIX,” the synth sound and the guitar normal pickup sound will be mixed and output.

3.Turn the volume of the GK pickup to the right.

This volume controls the synth sounds of the GR-20.

fig.1-11(GK-3)

Using the Foot Pedal to Change the Pitch (GLIDE)

You can press the GLIDE pedal to change the pitch of the currently playing synth sound smoothly.

The type of change will depend on the sound, and you can also adjust the change to your taste (p. 22).

fig.1-12(GLIDE)

*The GLIDE indicator will blink while you are pressing the pedal.

Chapter 1 Play the Sounds!

Using the Foot Pedal to Sustain the Sound (HOLD)

You can press the HOLD pedal to sustain the synth sound you're playing. The effect will depend on the sound, and you can also adjust the effect to your taste (p. 23).

fig.1-13(HOLD)

*The HOLD indicator will blink while you are pressing the pedal.

Using the Expression Pedal to Modify the Sound

(EXP PEDAL)

You can use the expression pedal to continuously vary the volume or tone of the synth sound.

The effect will depend on the sound, and you can also adjust the effect to your taste (p. 23).

fig.1-14(EXP)

Turning the Power Off

When you’re ready to turn off the power, be sure to do so in the following order.

1.Turn off the power of your amp.

2.Turn off the power of the GR-20.

3.Turn off the power of the device connected to MIX IN.

+ 36 hidden pages