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GR-55: Guitar Synthesizer

A New Era of Sound, Power, & Performance

Features

The Roland GR-55 is a revolution in guitar synthesis, with features never before available in any guitar processor. In terms of speed, it’s the fastest ever. It’s also the most accurate, thanks to newly developed pitch-detection technology. As for sound, the triple-core generator houses a world-class array of virtual guitars, basses, amps, and synth voices, enabling tones and textures that have never been heard before. Onstage or in the studio, you can instantly access the GR-55’s huge library of ready-to-use sounds, from pop to rock and beyond, with quick-access category buttons. Welcome to a groundbreaking new era in guitar synthesis!

  • A revolutionary fusion of guitar synthesis and powerful COSM guitar modeling
  • Up to four sound sources at a time: two PCM synth tones, plus COSM guitar modeling and normal guitar input
  • Easy to use and easy to play with hundreds of great, ready-to-use sounds for rock or pop guitarists
  • Advanced Roland technology provides superb sound quality and lightning-fast processing
  • Over 900 of Roland’s latest fully editable PCM sounds, including pianos, organs, strings, vintage synths, and much more
  • COSM guitar and amp modeling
  • Two types of multi-effects engines, plus global reverb, chorus, and delay effects, and an onboard looper
  • Built-in USB audio player with foot control
  • Available with or without GK-3 Divided Pickup

A New Era of Sound, Power, & Performance

More Info

New Sound Possibilities

The GR-55’s powerful triple-core engine comprises two PCM synthesizers (with over 900 tones powered by the latest Roland synthesis technology) and COSM guitar modeling, featuring a virtual treasure trove of guitar, bass, amp, and synth models. Together, these combined technologies allow you to create unique, revolutionary sounds. The “Metal Synth Lead” preset, for example, combines two types of thick, brilliant synth textures with an overdriven solid-body/humbucking tone for incredible punch and power.

Lightning-Fast Tracking

Thanks to Roland’s decades of research and dedication to guitar synthesizers and powerful new pitch detection technology, the GR-55 is far and away the fastest guitar synth ever. Furthermore, the COSM guitar-modeling engine needs zero detection time, allowing the GR-55 to respond instantly and exactly as you play. The GR-55 detects pitch, velocity, and behavior for unprecedented response to your performance.

Instant Gratification

Get ready to rock…and fast! The GR-55 puts you instantly in touch with a huge library of amazing sounds, no editing required. The onboard lineup of ready-to-use presets (270, plus 297 user) takes the pain out of the process, with simple category buttons for finding the perfect sound fast. Choose from hundreds of great presets for pop, rock, and beyond, and kick-start your song or jam with unique, powerful sounds that will turn heads and raise fists.

Easy to Use

If you’re new to the world of technology, fear not. The GR-55 is powerful yet extremely friendly. For customizing sounds, the EZ Edit feature (made famous in the GT-10) and large LCD takes the guesswork out of the process. And for those who want to go deep, the GR-55 offers huge array of controllable parameters. Pros will appreciate the power of the GR-55 while beginners will love how quick and easy the unit is to operate.

USB Connectivity

The GR-55 conveniently bridges the guitarist to the desktop music production world with its two USB ports. The rear-panel port can be used one for MIDI/Audio data communication; the side-panel port is dedicated to real-time playback of audio files from a USB memory device (sold separately). The GR-55 provides foot control of USB audio playback so your hands never need to leave the guitar.

A New Era of Sound, Power, & Performance

Specs

Sound Generator
PCM: 2 tones
Modeling: 1 tone
Tones
PCM: 910 types
Modeling: 23 types (guitar mode)
17 types (bass mode)
Effects
MFX (Multi-Effects): 20 types
AMP (Preamp): 42 types
MOD (Modulation): 14 types
DELAY: 7 types
REVERB: 5 types
CHORUS: 4 types
EQ: 1 type
Patch Memory
Guitar mode
Preset: 270 + User: 297
Bass mode
Preset: 90 + User: 297
AD Conversion
24-bit (GK Pickup)
24-bit + AF method ** (Normal Pickup)
DA Conversion
24-bit
Sampling Frequency
44.1 kHz
Nominal Output Level
OUTPUT jacks: -10 dBu
GUITAR OUT jack: -10 dBu
Output Impedance
OUTPUT jacks: 2 k ohms
GUITAR OUT jack: 2 k ohms
USB Memory Audio Player
File Format: WAV, AIFF
Display
Graphic LCD 240 x 64 dots
Connectors
GK IN connector (13 pins DIN type)
GUITAR OUT jack (1/4-inch phone type)
OUTPUT L/MONO, R jacks (1/4-inch phone type)
PHONES jack (Stereo 1/4-inch phone type)
MIDI connectors (IN, OUT) (5-pin DIN type)
USB COMPUTER connector (supports Hi-Speed USB, USB MIDI and
USB Audio)
USB MEMORY connector (supports Hi-Speed USB Flash Memory)
DC IN jack
Power Supply
DC 9 V
Current Draw
700 mA
Accessories
AC adaptor
Owner's manual
Divided pickup (GK-3) (only for GK included model)
GK cable (5 m) (only for GK included model)
Options (sold separately)
Divided pickup: GK-3 (for guitar), GK-3B (for bass guitar)
GK cable: GKC-5 (5 m), GKC-10 (10 m)
MIDI foot controller: FC-300
Unit selector: US-20
Size and Weight
Width
405 mm
16 inches
Depth
244 mm
9-5/8 inches
Height
78 mm
3-1/8 inches
Weight
3.3 kg
7 lbs. 5 oz.
Maximum height: 106 mm, 4-3/16 inches (When the expression pedal is moved to the minimum).)
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
** AF (Adaptive Focus) method is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the A/D and D/A converters.
In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

Accessories

FC-300

MIDI Foot Controller

FC-300

Advanced control station for any performance-based MIDI instrument or device.

Click for Details

US-20

Unit Selector

US-20

Floor pedal unit to control and switch between two GK-compatible devices.

Click for Details

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Cakewalk product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.

You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.

In addition, we have a library of Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.

Support Documents

GR-55 TurboStart
GR-55 Brochure
GR-55 Leaflet

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Contact Us

Email

rolandmusiced@rolandus.com

Phone

323-890-3700

Mailing Address

Roland Corp. US
5100 S. Eastern Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938