Roland VG-88 / GK-2A Reviews

On 2003-01-07, Kelly K rated this Roland VG-88 / GK-2A a 5...(3840)

Purchase: I acquired this unit at the Guitar Center for $800. I have used and researched many guitar effects processors, and finally have found one that I really enjoy using, as well as the way it sounds. One of the other things that really attracted me to it, was the ability to change alternate tunings on the fly. How many times have you wanted to play along with the song you really like, but can't because it is drop D tuning.
Pros: As I mentioned previously, the ability to change guitar tunings was a big thing for me, which no other effects processor that I've come across can do. Equally as important, is the modeling capabilities of the unit, not only as far as amps go, but also guitars as well. With this unit, you can get the sound of Hendrix classic strat sound just as easily as Jeff Beck's clean leads. You can make your electric sound like a 12-string acoustic. While it's not 100%, it's 80% plus there, and unless you have the money to buy all of the possible guitars and amps, $800 is a pretty good deal for what it offers.
Cons: Unless you buy the roland ready strat (which is a mexican strat, and they don't make the american standard roland ready ones anymore), you'll have to buy the gk-2a pickup and install it on you guitar. I had it installed on my music man axis sport without any problems. Don't try to use the adhesive because it won't stick and the pickup will eventually move out of position and will fail to operate correctly. Just get a pro guitar tech to do the job installing it (you have to drill to permanently intstall it).
Quality: This thing is made out of solid steel, and would probably still work even if a tank ran over it! Roland has always made high quality products that are generally designed to take abuse during normal gigs and such.

Review Summary: A few years ago, Roland came out with the VG-1 which was priced in excess of $2000. Now you can buy a much better sounding unit for about 1/3 of the cost. If you don't mind the inconvenience of having to install the pickup, this is the best unit which features modeling and tuning capabilities you will not find in any other guitar effects unit. It's very easy to use and intuitive, and is perhaps the best unit I have ever bought. And if you are afraid of screwing up your guitar, buy the roland ready strat and see how satisfied you are with it. You won't be sorry.

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