VG-88 and GR-55

Started by jshortz, November 15, 2013, 09:33:20 AM

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jshortz

Im thinking of replacing my Digitech RP1000 with an VG-88 to use with my 55.
I use the Digitech mainly for clean and lead sounds.
Is the VG-88 and good match with the 55?
Thanks for suggestions.

Bill Ruppert

Get a VG-99
Much better all the way around

Elantric

#2
Bill is right the VG-99 is superior

Todays street prices (look at Guitar Center Used
http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedGear/index.cfm
VG-99 = $650

VG-88 = $250, but is 14 years old and alt tunings "flutter" and the models are rather flat sounding compared to the VG-99


But I predict in 2 months there will be yet another new VG to consider  - but my crystal ball is foggy regarding price. 


Make a list of your requirements first!

Myself, mobility plays a larger priority for my current live music performances, as I play in a trio at coffee house songwriter showcases.   So my Tyler Variax or Acoustic 700 + two ipads+Blueboard+Irig Pro+Fishman tripleplay all fits in my old netbook case and setups in 30 seconds.

No 13 pin cables and wireless midi and ipad reliabilty is huge.

Using IK BlueBoard with JamUp Pro  -  review with crucial MIDi setup info
http://www.musicappblog.com/irig-blueboard-review/
     



datsunrobbie

Not to discourage buying new gear, but why not just run the GR-55 for COSM guitars? Is there something you want that the VG-88 (or VG-99) does and the GR-55 does not do?  Will you be using it for recording, live performance, both? I don't have experience with the RP1000, but it is obviously designed to be stepped on. The VG-99 will need an FC300, FCB1010, or some other controller pedal if you're gonna be running it with your feet.

I've owned all 3, and if choosing just one I'd definitely go with the VG-99. There are several posts comparing the VG-8/88/99. They all have their own unique bits, like the VIO model in the VG-8, Filtered Bass on the VG-88, and d-beam on the VG-99.  Sometimes I think Roland intentionally removes one or two really cool features when they release a new device just to keep the old ones from getting resold. I know there are folks on the list that refuse to give up the older ones because there are specific voices that the VG-99 did not include.

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=231.msg699#msg699
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1319.msg6828#msg6828

Elantric

Agreed.

Eventually these "what should I buy?" threads tend to become rather like:
"should I part my hair on the left or on the right" type questions.

Only you can decide what works for you.

Before you buy something - - search Ebay Completed Auctions first - just to see if you can re-sell something that does not work well for your needs.

Myself I live too far away from a Guitar Center - so I might buy  / sell gear just to say I tried it.     

datsunrobbie

Another option I forgot to throw out there is the Roland VGA-7 amp. It's an 85 pound monster with most of a VG-8 or VG-88 built in, and they seem to be accumulating at Guitar Center. One thing I like about the VGA-7 is that if the 13-pin connection quits you can plug in with a standard 1/4" guitar cable - you lose the guitar modeling and alternate tunings, but you still have the amp modeling and effects. The GR-55 sounds great through the effects loop.

used "roland vg" at Guitar Center:
http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedgear/index.cfm?page=1&sort=price&dir=asc&srch&q=roland%20vg&distance=100

Toby Krebs

Better start some serious weight training and upper body strength exercises if you are going to move that amp once a week or more. Great sound but stupid heavy.

jshortz

Will my GR-55 act as a midi to usb interface to access the Veditor for a VG-88 or do I need a midi to usb cable or interface?
Thanks

Elantric

No

You need a separate midi interface.

Gr55 will not pass third party VG88  sysex

jshortz


Elantric

#10
If you want to save some $$ - I like these

All will work as PC/Mac MIDI Interface for VG-88 Control / VG-88 librarian.

$11 USB to MIDI I/O Cable from Meritline.com
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8393.0

and my new crown of low cost versatility in a USB- MIDi I/O

ESI MIDIMATE II - USB 2.0 MIDI Interface Cable $29.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=invoice&A=details&Q=&sku=746076&is=REG

The MIDIMATE II from ESI/Ego-Sys is a USB 2.0 MIDI interface housed in a convenient cable form. The two MIDI connectors will function in the standard configuration of MIDI In and MIDI Out, but the interface also automatically detects the incoming and outgoing MIDI signals and assigns them appropriately. This means the interface can deliver 32-channels of either input or 32-channels of output if required.

[ So this cable can act like a MIDI Input Merge box, or a MIDI Output Thru Box for iPad+CCK ]

The interface is compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7 (32-, 64-bit) and Vista (32-, 64-bit), as well as Mac OS X. The interface works instantly after being plugged in to the computer, with no driver installation required. [ i.e, Will also work with iPad / Android]
USB MIDI interface with 2 MIDI connectors, each can work as independent input or output
High-speed connection to USB 2.0 or 1.1 equipped PC or Mac computer
Bus powered - requires no external power supply
No driver needed for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS X


jshortz

Thanks for the suggestions.
I have  VG-88 on the way and I downloaded this program.
By the way do I need to plug in the midi in and out with the VG-88 to work this program?
Sorry for the lack of knowledge here.I do have my 55 sounding good thanks to the forums help.


https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=13

Elantric

QuoteBy the way do I need to plug in the midi in and out with the VG-88 to work this program?

Correct. Just be advised the VG88 is 14 years old and requires older version of Windows to load and run VG88 Librarian. It worked best with Win98

jshortz

Im running Windows 7 Pro.
I hope it works.

Elantric

#14
As i said - the VG-88 Organizer app is now 14 years old,
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=10

and the best chance you might have to run it is to be sure you are logged in as  Administrator and be sure to click " Run as Administrator" .



Elantric

VG-88 with GR-33 Demos