VG-88 - Recent used VG-88 purchase

Started by Ambnt1, November 21, 2012, 11:05:34 PM

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Ambnt1

I just recently got a used VG-88 for 200 bucks , I didn't realize I could have gotten a V2 for the same price , but I'm very happy with the V1. This unit sounds a LOT better than my GR-20 that cost me 400 many years ago. The tracking is virtually flawless compared to the GR-20. I know I've just started scratching the surface on what this thing can do . I most likely will be asking some questions from time to time about functions and upgrades , etc ...

Elantric

#1
QuoteI just recently got a used VG-88 for 200 bucks , I didn't realize I could have gotten a V2 for the same price , but I'm very happy with the V1.

Glad you are happy with the VG-88
If you contact Roland US, they typically can update the VG-88 to V2 for a nominal fee

If you search the web - the VG-88 V2 update files are out there  - along with plans to build the special cable to enable the VG-88 boot ROM to enter reflash mode   

BUT DO NOT ATTEMPT IT ON YOUR OWN.

Roland field upgrades pre 2003 were a very risky proposition, and the VG-88 "V2" upgrade had such a high failure rate with "bricked" units  - Roland had to remove the VG-88 V2 update files from their server, and for a while offered a free update service for registered VG-88 owners. This is because when a firmware update goes wrong on those early Roland products, the solution was a full motherboard replacement. and $$$.

contact Roland US for the current situation on updating your VG-88 to "V2" firmware

http://www.rolandus.com/company/press_releases/article/643

QuoteThis unit sounds a LOT better than my GR-20 that cost me 400 many years ago. The tracking is virtually flawless compared to the GR-20. I know I've just started scratching the surface on what this thing can do . I most likely will be asking some questions from time to time about functions and upgrades , etc ...
Not to single you out but -

We probably need a wiki - since Roland has not been able to educate the masses regarding the main feature of COSM processing V-Guitar systems for the past 17 years .


But remember these basic facts

With all Roland products, Anytime you encounter the term "COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) Processing " - this means near instantaneous zero latency processing - without the mis triggering or latency delays of typical MIDI guitars.
COSM is NOT MIDI.


http://www.roland.com/products/en/exp/COSM.html

QuoteCOSM: Composite Object Sound Modeling
Once a musical instrument generates sound vibrations, it reaches the human ear through various mediating, objects, each of which significantly affects the sound. The material and configuration of the instrument, the electric/magnetic amplifying system, the air and the reverberation of the room all affect the final sound. Sound modeling, the latest DSP technology, "virtually" reconstructs these objects. Roland's breakthrough Composite Object Sound Modeling (COSM) uses the advantages of multiple modeling methods and succeeds in accurately emulating existing sounds, as well as producing sounds that have never before been created.

Roland products with hexaphonic COSM processing which support guitar modeling, Alt Tunings with near zero latency:

1995 Roland VG-8 VGuitar floor unit ($2500 MSRP retail at release)
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/442

1998 Roland VG-8EX VGuitar floor unit ($1900 MSRP retail at release)
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/443


2000 Roland VG-88 VGuitar floor unit with support for normal guitars too ($1300 MSRP retail at release)
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/242

2001 Roland VGA-7 VGuitar Stereo Amp ($1500 MSRP retail at release)
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/251


2007 Roland VG-99 VGuitar system  with DUAL COSM modeling, Guitar to MIDI and support for normal guitars too ($1300 MSRP retail at release)
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/849


2007 Fender VG Strat ($1600 MSRP retail at release)
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep07/articles/fendervgstrat.htm


2011 Roland GR-55 with Guitar to PCM, Guitar to MIDI, and COSM modeling  ($699 MSRP retail at release)
(only the COSM section of the GR-55 has near zero latency, other modes will have latency delays)
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1148

2012 Fender/ Roland G5 VG STRATOCASTER ($1700 MSRP retail at release)
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1188

Ambnt1

Yep , thanks for that advice , I have read a few things about this on the site. I did do an upgrade on the GR-20 , very easy in my opinion , but after reading on this subject with the VG-88 , I think I'll pass and contact Roland . I'm rather savvy about this stuff , but .....

jshortz

Would you please post info about the GR-20 upgrade?
Thanks

Elantric

#4
QuoteWould you please post info about the GR-20 upgrade?

rolandus.com/support/eula/GR20v2.zip

jshortz

Thanks.
I dont have a sequencer so I guess the update doesnt apply.
The VG-88 looks like an interesting unit.
Would it work well with my GR-20?
Im looking into a Digitech Control 8 to avoid scrolling through the GR-20.
Thanks

Elantric

#6
Read the instructions - you may also use the Roland SMF Player app to install the MIDI SMF (*.mid) files.
  http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=DR-880&id=1812766

Quote"GR-20 System Update"
"Note: You will need to back up all User data that you wish to keep before"
"updating the GR-20."
"Tools Needed:"
"1.  GR-20"
"2.  Update MIDI files"
"3.  MIDI cable"
"4.  Sequencer that is capable of play SMFs"
"Update Procedure:"
"1.  With a MIDI cable, connect the MIDI Out of the sequencer to the MIDI In of the GR-20."
"2.  While holding down SYSTEM EDIT, PATCH EDIT and EXIT, turn the power on."
"3.  When the display shows                  send the first update file"
""_0000000.mid.""
"Note: The last two digits of the .mid file being played will be displayed as"
"the file is received, and the BANK LED will display the progress."
"4.  Once the file has been received, the PATCH LINK SETUP/TRANSPOSE"
"LED will light as the data is being written into memory."
"Note: The BANK LED will display the progress."
"5.  Once the file has been successfully written to memory, the"
"OUTLINE/AMP/FREQ LED will light."
"6.  Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each of the remaining files."
"7.  After the last file is sent, the check sum will alternate in the display."
"8.  Turn the GR-20 off."
"9.  Power on normally to resume normal operation."
"Adjusting the EXP Pedal"
"After performing the update the EXP Pedal may not function correctly.  If this is"
"the case for you, follow these steps to recalibrate the pedal:"
"1.  While holding TUNER, EXP PEDAL, and GLIDE TYPE, turn the power on."
"2.  While holding EXIT, press the HOLD pedal repeatedly until PU is displayed."
"3.  Move the EXP Pedal all the way to the heel position and press WRITE."
"4.  When PD is displayed, move the EXP Pedal all the way to the toe position"
"and press WRITE."
"5.  When EP is displayed, turn the power off."
"6.  Turn the unit on to resume normal operation."

Elantric

#7
QuoteThe VG-88 looks like an interesting unit.
Would it work well with my GR-20?

Yes - After you obtain a Roland US-20 GK13 A/B Box
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/61

QuoteIm looking into a Digitech Control 8 to avoid scrolling through the GR-20.

Another path is use a MIDI cable from the VG-88 MIDI Out to the GR-20 MIDI In - then use the VG-88 as your main foot controller and use it to change presets on the GR-20 via MIDI.

jshortz

Will I still be able to access the VG-88 sounds?
Im very new at this.The GR-20 and my Freeway SA have really impressed me and my bandmates since we have no keyboard player and it really fills in a ton of sound.
Thanks

Elantric


jshortz

Im not sure how I would access the sounds from the 88 and the GR-20 individually without the A/B switch.
Thanks for your help.

Elantric

QuoteIm not sure how I would access the sounds from the 88 and the GR-20 individually without the A/B switch.

Thats right - you need a A/B Switch
That is what the Roland US-20 does. It even includes two short 13 pin cables to make all the connections.

Details here:
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/61

Baldeagle

Hi everyone, I need to pick brains here, got a chance of a second-hand VG-88, have a GR-55 at the moment, but it won't
do what I need,-alternative tunings, the VG-99 is just too damned expensive, will the VG-88 do the trick, and do I need a GK pickup with it?
You don't know what you've got, till it's gone"- Joni Mitchell

Elantric

QuoteI need,-alternative tunings,

Cool,

Quote....will the VG-88 do the trick,


Yes,

Quoteand do I need a GK pickup with it?

Yes (of course)


Download all VG-88 resources here:

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=19

mbenigni

Quotehave a GR-55 at the moment, but it won't
do what I need,-alternative tunings

Can you clarify?  The GR55 definitely can do alternate tunings.

Quotewill the VG-88 do the trick, and do I need a GK pickup with it?

If you have a GR55, then I'm guessing you already have a GK pickup.  Are you just trying to determine whether you can get away with selling the pickup?  You'll definitely need one for any of the above - GR55, VG88, VG99.

Elantric

#15
Marc is correct - the GR-55 does all the same alt tunings as the VG-88.

Only advantage of VG-88 is the ease of COSM Modeled Alt Tuning / Pitch of each string is assignable to a separate MIDI CC# for each string - for possible use as a Pedal steel or "B Bender  emulation 

But the GR-55 does much same thing

Find User created GR-55 Alt Tuning patches here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=77.0

Baldeagle

The GR-55 patches which feature 12-string guitar, (Ricky) are brilliant, when I go into edit-turn on the Alternative Tuning
Switch to on, the sound abruptly changes from 12-string  jangle, to what is obviously a 6 -string with chorus-change it back to regular tuning, and your back to a Ricky 12 sound-very annoying, not what I want.
You don't know what you've got, till it's gone"- Joni Mitchell

bassman4d521

If I remember correctly the GR-55 can't do both alternate tunings AND 12-string at the same time.

aliensporebomb

It can't.  Only the VG-99 can do that.
My music projects online at http://www.aliensporebomb.com/

GK Devices:  Roland VG-99, Boss GP-10, Boss SY-1000.