Roland GR-20 Guitar Synthesizer

Description

Like the GR-30 above, the GR-20 combines analog-digital converter, synth, and effects, all in one unit.  It’s extremely easy to use.  I opened the manual only to see which jack to plug the guitar into and I was up and running – just select a sound category ((Strings, Organ, Brass, etc.).  As I noted a string that required a more precise pick attack than the others I opened the manual and quickly found out how to set each string’s signal strength, boosted that signal, and everything was perfect.  This unit is much better than the earlier GR-30 and similar to the GR-33, except with less tweaking ability on the patches. Some of the advanced features might require more reading but if you just want to play guitar and synth patches, you’ll have everything set up in minutes.  With 469 built-in sounds, you’ll find the right sound for each song, and the tracking is far superior to anything I’ve ever used before.  For once, I can’t play faster than the synth.  Rather than write a long description, click here for Roland’s site.  Here’s a good overview of the unit on YouTube (link).  Originally sold for $729, bundled with the GK pickup.  I can’t imagine anything that will give you more power and versatility, while sounding great, for just $279.  Includes manual, power supply, and GR cable that connects the GR to your guitar.