Well done!!! You covered most of the important features without a lot of boring breakdowns that usually make me turn off a video a couple of minutes in. Thanks!!!
Simply magnificent. Nothing new or incredibly detailed, but the perfect video to understand limits and capabilities of both equipments and, moreover, the group they represent. Clever idea, my friend. And the way you chose to show the comparison and the simple edit makes it an even better, fundamental video. Cheers from Brazil!
Great. Now take it one step further and compare Fishman Triple Play wireless vs Midi Guitar 2. I am trying the later and chances are I Will try it with my friends band this weekend.
Tame Impala's Currents album is the only reasons why i want & need a GR-55 o.o It throws out a lot of the stock sounds and utilizes custom patches. The end guitar on the song 'Let It Happen', the mid-synth breakdown of 'The Moment' and the entire verses section of the 'Less I Know the Better' are all great representatives of the SHEER POWER of the GR-55! :D
It's an old concept that works really well. You could use guitar as an input 'oscillator' for the old modular synths too but I never heard many people doing it.
I'm definitely old school here, having cut my musical teeth in the 60s. I understand that the meaning of words does evolve over time but to me, the definition of a synthesizer is an instrument that creates sounds from whole cloth using oscillators, filters et al. So to me, the SY family are true synthesizers and the GR pedals are samplers. Feel free to disagree with me. They are both still marvelous devices.
Yeah that’s almost correct the only problem is that samplers by definition let the user record new sound into the sampler and then manipulate the sound technically the GR 55 is a PCM synthesis machine …so yes it’s using recordings of actual sound.. but you can radically change them and kind of make very unique sounds so not quite a sampler but maybe a sample playback machine ..kind of ..sort of
@@AndreCholmondeley So basically you repeated what I said and then incorrectly turned the conclusion on its head. The SY family uses oscillators to generate sounds; the GR family uses sampled sounds. Both offer a plethora of filters and effects to manipulate the sounds being created, but a device using sampled sounds, no matter what manner of manipulation is applied, is by definition a sampler, not a synthesizer. You can't look at green and tell me it's red.
@@jimmooney5223 Hey not trying to argue with you man- just clarifying to some people who might wanna know that most samplers let you load new samples into it. There is such a term as sample playback machine…. and for decades that’s been used to clarify when a machine cannot create a new sample. Sorry you took it personally -not trying to fight with you at all -your information was great, I was just clarifying that one word-- have a great day
It answered the important questions I had. 1 the 80’s GR 50 i was gonna use is probably to problematic sonically. 2 i want quick ready made samples. Primarily strings. 3 that’s the Roland. I don’t have time to program too much. Thank you
I have been using the GR-55 for years...the audio player feature is wonderful. Lots of flexibility. However combing the two might sound good together. My custom Carvin’s, have 3 outputs ..13 pin, standard and piezo.. Send GR-55 to PA and guitar out to amp.
@@healthyhappyhero It tracks pretty good. You have to dig in and tweak to get rid of ghost notes. I have an acoustic electric with a Gk-3 pickup too. So two guitar profiles I switch between. It takes some articulation practice to limit ghosts notes but is is doable and adds some flare to the guitar tone
I have the SY-300 and it is useful if you think of it as a guitar *signal transformer* or even shimmer-FX-box but certainly not as a synth-keyboard replacement. Most of the use will come out of slower lead guitar parts morphed into something else. The oscillators have a dirty characteristic to them that must be tamed; sometimes with cab impulses instead of merely slapping on FX. In this signal transforming mindset, some Vangelis/Jarre-style leads can be mimicked, but not as well as the original gear. Do NOT expect it to sound like a Prophet-V or a Roland Jupiter and you might find creative uses for it -- and I mean niche level creativity. It does have a slight bit of latency where it seems to snip off a bit of string-attack, but perfectly serviceable if you play at moderate and lower tempos (most music). Vibrato tracking is superb, so there is plenty of room for expressiveness. There are ADSR envelopes, but they seem to track sluggishly and without snap -- therefore you cannot pretend to play high-tempo eletro-style basslines that require a rapid&steep decay in the envelopes (basically repeating pluck sounding synth patches will NOT be convincing). If you approach it with a spirit of optimism and and your uses avoid its limitations, it can be useful and even inspiring. That being said, I would not want my guitar to sound like a piano or bell especially with the latency issues (and it looks weird). For those steep-decay tones, just play a keyboard or Yamaha-DX-ish. As for the SY-300', playing guitar through it does not look *too* unnatural -- it's just technology morphing the sustain of the instrument into the steam of saw/sine/square waves. However, there is an pretty ok synth bell tone in the SY-300 presets -- because it sounds stylistically synthetic, it's still not abnormal looking.
If you get the boss gx-100 and an sy-300 youd probably get any practical tasteful sound for your guitar. You can chain them together via midi as well. The gx-100 has a super intuitive and flexible effects chain you can manipulate with a touchscreen. Ditch the roland and get an old keyboard and chain that with the sy-300 via midi. Do I know for 100% that it would work? No but I think it would.
There is also the Boss GP-10, whose main point is guitar modelling, but it can also do some synth sounds. I own both GR-55 and GP-10 and use them alternatively. However, guitars with different pickups respond in a different way. I have two with built in Hex pickup - Godin xTSA + Godin ACS and a Roland GK-3 mounted on another guitar. So the tracking and modelling may depend also on the guitar you're playing, not just on the synth itself.
Having used the Gr-20, VG-99 and then the GR-55 as a musician for over ten years in several cover rock bands, your approach to your guitar playing means you must adapt to the synth and its limitations. The 5 -7 millisecond delay means you have to play ahead of the beat. Your attack has to be full off to shorten the response. Sounds counterintuitive, but it works (-50) The guitar modeling is great, straight out, with or without your regular guitar. The ability to blend your regular guitar with the synth is worth the price of admission. To be able to blend an organ, plus a 12 string guitar with your normal guitar at the same time, is awesome. The sub menus can get involved, but that's what the OM is for. I spent many hours tweaking and finding the sounds I was looking for and it was well worth it. As a 4 piece band, I've turned a lot of heads going after artists like Joe Cocker (brass), Elvis (strings), Moody Blues/Tom Petty (12 string) etc. Alternate tunings are awesome, especially for slide guitar. Your PICK ARTICULATION is everything, depending on the instrument covered. One of the best musical investments I ever made..p.s. The Librarian app works really good too for organizing presets for band gigs..
I used to own a GR-55, bought it for $800 Cdn had to sell it because I was broke. I loved it! I don't know if you can find them anymore? Boss SY-1000 caught my eye until I saw the price of $1500....nope!
Very informative -thanks. FYI, my guitar has a built-in 13pin output so I rented a GR-55 for a week while I was in Canada (they still rent stuff up there- lucky b*stards.) I loved it. Aside from the synth sounds the guitars sounds are awesome. Overall,I wrote a friend stating it was the greatest invention ever created. But its $800+tax...
Great video buddy! New subscriber ✌🏻 Just fitting the permanent install version of the pick up now so can’t wait to start messing around with the pedal! I feel like a lot of the sounds are a little dated and some a bit gimmicky but the possibilities for layered sound design with the mix of standard pick up and synth pick up are insane!
OMG! Thank you! I have been looking at purchasing the Roland Synth pedal for my guitar & bass. After watching your video I think I am going to purchase it!😎
When you have 3 OSC onboard - you CAN do ANY sound, and piano also - ANY)) GR55 alder model and does NOT have a polyphonic converter in input like SY-300, main difference.
This is exactly what I was looking for. I have been wanting to dip my toes into midi guitar to emulate other instruments/synths, but have been unsure on the best route. I'd love to know what you think the best midi pickup is for this application. Ideally something that works well live through something like the GR-55 but also into a DAW for tracking orchestral instruments, midi drums, piano, etc. I've heard/read both great and terrible things about the Fishman triple play so I've been hesitant to purchase one.
Excellent comparison dude! I'm recently looking at these synth modules for bass. I know Roland makes one of those MIDI pickups for bass, but can you still use the GR-55?
I like so much the SY 300 also the cheap 1000 is fine. The GR instead is a MIDI converter but now with JamOrigin you have the same without the exa pick up..
Thank you for the confirmation that I have of those 2 world of BOSS. I have my GP-10 and VG-8 and GI-10. Cheers! Don't know why there is no Thumb Up icon to click. Strange.
If you were recording an album, the gr 55 is all you need. I even use the drum patches playing patterns into a looper and recording them to fashion tracks with thereby avoiding the robotic feel of drum machines etc.
Hi Max, thanx for this really good comparison. There should be more clear information in internet like this! In the meantime (also because of your video !!) I got a SY 300 and as an absolute beginner I am not able to program patches like those that you played, the U04 "Strings", the U05 "Ghost lead" and especially the U97 "Jump". Can you please explain the corresponding settings in the SY 300? Thanx again and continue like this!! Greetings from Bavaria :-)
Hey Werner. It's hard to explain in a few words and requires some experience with sound design. Drop me a message via Facebook and i'll try to find a way to send you the presets
Great comparison video ...thank you !!.... I'd to give a shout out regards Godin guitars here..the LGXT or Godin Multiac Grand Concert SA work wonderfully with the GR-55 !!..:-))
Great video! However I have a few questions what is the tracking on these two, especially if you're playing faster? Also could you use your guitars input to record MIDI out?
very good review, it would be great if you could present a video comparing for example the gr55 with the mooer ge300, especially in terms of quality of sounds emulating different instruments, the mooer doesnt require a pick up, but are the sounds ok? and also curious about the virtual "sample modeling" software, any thoughts abut it ? thank you so
on a lower level of thought,, being that this thing can imulate a note (kinda' no matter where you play it, if i heard that rite),could it make your guitar sound in tune , even if it isn't , or possibly fix intonation issues , and if so ,why the hell doesn't every guitar player have one?????
Nice video. As someone who was playing a Roland GR-300 guitar synth with the Roland G-707 guitar controller in the 1980s, I have yet to be impressed with any of the pedals that don't require the Roland hex pickup on the guitar. I had high hopes for the Meris Enzo pedal, but they all seem to be lacking the analog warmth that the GR-300 has. The Boss SY-300 comes close, but for its price, I don't consider it a good buy. I consider the GR-55 to be the natural evolution of the GR-300 and GR-700 guitar synths of long ago. Maybe the next generation of synth pedals will nail some decent analog emulation, but I just don't hear it yet.
Thanks for the great demonstration - if you want to see where guitar synths are at today, have a look at my series about the BOSS GM-800: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gx_mA5C-Lak.htmlsi=23PXM0pwiEQZDjgv
Been wanting to use my GR 55 for years. The power supply got stolen right after I got it. Roland doesn't make replacements, and knock off brand power supplies for that unit cost over $200. If I would have realized how much of a pain in the ass the GR 55 is with all its special cables and B.S. I would have got the SY 300.
Cheers for the info Max, very informative. In my personal taste the GR-55 is by far more versatile and the sounds/tones are better. Yes I concur - Only downfall is having to install the GK divided pickup. I know you screw the end part to the strap button but Do You have to drill/screw the padded adjustable clamp part? The actual pick up part comes with double sided tape adhesive? Cheers
Thanks! Yes, it is advised to fix the actual pickup with screws. But if you ask me, it works just fine with the tape. It will need a new piece of tape eventually but it's better than drilling holes in an expensive guitar
they have brought out another guitar synthesizer called gm800 in market which they call next generation guitar synthesizer. Can you tell me what is the difference between these and gm800? which one should I buy? gr55 or gm800?
Hey! I haven't checked the new GM-800 as it was literally released days ago. Honestly, I don't even have an option to test it anytime soon but I'd love to. It looks very promising. It usually takes very long for Boss/Roland to refresh their guitar synths lineup. I assume the development cycle is pretty long as well, so updates must be worth it. With that said, I'd go for a newer model
Hi, i got a gr55, surely Is the best sound sinth but it'a pity i broken my gk3 cause Is too much hard the move with that cable, i Will buy again all, cable Is not good, i Hope Roland think to create an esaphonic for humbucker Place
I've got the SY 300 And I recently got a sustainiac equipped guitar Haven't tried them together though Is there anyone out there whom has tried anything with this combination?
Great video, thanks. Any plans for an updated shootout w/ the SY-1000? Are any of these suitable for someone looking to create low-effort tabs for students via midi dump into GPT or Muse? Has the state of the art in polyphonic tracking improved sufficiently?
I don't the SY-1000, so I'm not planning videos with it... yet! As for using midi to create tabs, GR-55 can output midi but it's hard to tell how clean it's going to be. Chances are, using a mouse to write tabs from scratch might be faster than fixing all the ghost notes and tracking errors
I have been using a GR1 and even a gr55 from time to time and mostly use the instrument sounds of a sax, fiddle, organ, banjo, piano, flute, etc. Does the SY have those instrument sounds? I mostly need those when playing live. I don't need all the other polytones and synth type sounds. The gr55 was ok but fell short in a few areas. i am wondering if the SY 300 or even sy1000 would replace it for my needs?
Hello .. I have a question or rather a request for possible help. When I write notes in TAB via MIDI (I have a Godin guitar with a 13-pin input, I connect it to the Roland GR 55 and then connect it to the computer with a midi-usb cable) using a guitar, the program records the sound "c" on the 2nd string, threshold 1. I would like so that he would write the note in a different position on the fingerboard, eg string 4, fret 10. But it does not happen. So it's not good, because the piece is recorded in the wrong position on the fingerboard. Do you know something about it? Maybe there are some solutions .. Using the guitar, I write notes in TAB much faster and more conveniently. I have been looking for a solution for several months. I am asking for a possible answer. I would be very grateful for any hint. Best wishes. MiroslaV
Hey Miroslav. I know some apps like GuitarPro are capable of switching positions but it's been a very very long time since I wrote any tabs the last time.
Does the "MIDI Pickup" really send pure MIDI messages to the GR-55, or is a proprietary messaging? When or where does the pitch to MIDI conversion happen, in the pickup? If you had the pickup installed, can you use ANY MIDI sound module? Thanks
There's no conversion in the GK-3 pickup. It only generates a separate audio signal for each string. The conversion is happening inside of the GR-55 unit
@@MaxSoloMusic Thank You!! I am wondering; if you don’t like the synth sounds from the GR-55, that is you want to use a different MIDI module or engine….is there something or some device that’s physically smaller in size that read notes from GK-3 pickup and convert them into true MIDI note messages? It seems that this is proprietary? There’s nothing else that can do this correct?
@@vio4jesus There was a thing called Roland GI-10 that works with GK pickups. Probably discontinued now. Other than that Fishman has a couple of different MIDI units, check TriplePlay. I got one waiting for unboxing. Curious of what it's capable of myself
That wasn't too complicated. It took some time. Then I played it for a while and fine tuned it. With GR-55 if the pickup was fixed with a tape it can move. And that may require calibration again.
