GR-55 F.A.Q.

Started by Elantric, February 12, 2011, 03:37:17 PM

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admin

#50
QuoteHow do I get a blank initialised patch, in order to be able to start from scratch?
See GR-55 Owners Manual Page 60

Here's how to initialize all parameters of a user patch. This is
convenient when you want to create a patch from scratch.
* You can't initialize a preset patch.
1. Select the user patch that you want to initialize (p. 16).
2. Press the [WRITE] button.
3. Use the PAGE [ ] [ ] buttons to select the INITIALIZE tab.
4. Press the [WRITE] button.
The screen will indicate "NOW INITIALIZING..." and the patch will be
initialized.
If you decide not to initialize, press the [EXIT] button.


But most find it useful to determine the Expression Pedal and Control Pedal assigns that work for your specific needs / situation - then Build a "blank"patch with these assigns built in - as a starting point for all patches you build yourself. It goes faster if you learn and use Gumtowns GR-55 Floorboard Editor.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2951.0
The USER banks area all have duplicate copies of the same patches found in the Factory Preset area  - so go ahead and create new patches, and over write whatever patches are in the USER patch area.

Review these two patches below as best examples of GR-55 Multi-Control. Due to the long patch delay (gap no sound) that occurs during each GR-55 patch change, many GR-55 users plan ahead use only one patch per song - and carefully design each GR-55 patch, so each can have several sounds available, just by moving the expression pedal or stepping on the GR-55 CTRL Pedal - all within the same GR-55 patch. I suggest try either of these linked below, see which one works best for you - then use one of these multi-control patches below as a starting point for your "GR-55 Blank patch" - which you can edit most effectively using GR-55 Floorboard Editor.

* GR-55 Ultimate Multi Control patch (solves the GR-55 long Patch change delay (with mute) issue)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5647.msg38806#msg38806

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7267.msg50612#msg50612


Elantric

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6744.msg48805#msg48805
MrChevy wrote>
Quote from: Mrchevy on August 08, 2012, 10:31:16 AM
Since the ONLY feature that can be assigned a HOLD function is the CTL pedal, there is no way to apply a hold command while the audio player is in use. This direct from Roland Tech support ( FWIW) The End  :(
    Hi all, this thread is a little old but I discovered something a few days ago that may or may not be news to anyone pertaining to using the HOLD function and still being able to use the audio player. The key is in my quote from Roland " there is no way to apply a hold command while the audio player is in use" BUT, I found you CAN apply the hold function and use the audio player. The key words are "while in use". If you apply the hold THEN turn on the audio player via the little audio player button, the audio player comes on in player mode, and you can use the select up and down, and the start stop functions as normal. However it seems the only way to release the hold while the player is going would be to use the CTL button to put it in the patch view and then change the patch, then go back to your original patch to get back to your original sounds. The audio player continues thru all this. Now, you will not be able to set another hold so there are still limitations but, in the case of my Pink Floyd Shine On patch, it's all I need where as now I can make an accompaniment wave file with the drum track and other backing elements, and continue on into part 2 where the drums come in. As Confucius said " Deer is mo den one way to eat a pussy cat".
  Anyway, still limited but, one less limit discovered and somewhat usable for some purposes. Hope this helps.

alvaro taboada

I need  help getting the GR-55s "Tap Tempo" function to work.  I have set the CTL to Tap Tempo in system/global. I have tried turning "Midi Sync" and "Midi Clock" off ...  Nothing I am doing seems to make the "Tap Tempo" CTL function change tempo.  Please Help!

Elantric

#53
QuoteI need  help getting the GR-55s "Tap Tempo" function to work.  I have set the CTL to Tap Tempo in system/global. I have tried turning "Midi Sync" and "Midi Clock" off ...  Nothing I am doing seems to make the "Tap Tempo" CTL function change tempo.  Please Help!
GR-55 Tap tempo
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7304.msg50911#msg50911


fparera

Can I ask how do you set up your GR55 to be used with Chapman stick.
Many thanks

Francisco

Elantric

QuoteCan I ask how do you set up your GR55 to be used with Chapman stick.
Many thanks
Basv or LPHoovercraft might be able to answer.

Also Emmit Chapman's site  has details on Stick with Gk-3 and GR-55 here:
http://www.stickist.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=4554

http://www.stickist.com/



admin

Suggest read the updated info on using Piezo Hex PU guitars (Godin/RMC/Ghost) in the GR-55 Docs in the Download area
Many GR-55 secrets to obtaining excellent results with Piezo PU's are contained there.

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=18

Also read the Godin xTSA Thread for suggested GR-55 Piezo settings
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7527.0

Also when browsing the Forum for info - observe the date of the post  - many posts here that are now over 2 years old may have "stale information" - its best to use posts in the "Reference Library" areas of VGuitarForums to use for valid working knowledge, without rumor or mis-information.

derfluss

Hallo, I have the godin Multiac with GK3 that was pretty good, but now I play a ParkerFly with Graphtec Piezo: on the guitar there are no possibility to change the banks of the GR55 (as it is on the GK3 pickups).. what can I do, if I want fast to change the banks on the fly? I thought I need a Midi Footpedal.. the cheepest that I can get was the rocktron MidiExchange. When I get it I was not really happy, it change only the presets up and down, but here I read it can change also banks?? Can somebode help me how I have to configure the GR55 (or the Rocktron) to get this effect: if I press Up/DOWN of the rocktron, I need to change ONLY beetween the banks, NOT the single presets!??
Thank you!!!

Elantric

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7472.msg79320#msg79320

mapperboy wrote>
A little more love for the GR-55 flying out from here:
I got the GR-55 because I kinda went full tilt away from straight acoustic with mike and acoustic with fishman (Taylor 314), but I was also wanting to pickup some bass experience.
I chose the GR-55 because of it's dual role modes (guitar and bass) and of course to dive into the whole world of PCM,COSM and effects thru the 13pin interface.
Now last night with my improv group I picked up my bass (a Godin A5 Ultra SA fretless) and forgot to switch modes.
I had a 'Martin Acoustic' patch dialed in.  Hmm guess what, it responded to all the bass strings in Guitar mode (including my low B 5th) and I didn't even bother to tweak the GK settings.  Later I did tune up for better matching the A5's RMC bass piezos.
The original guitar Martin patch had both a #177 (Steel-st.Gt) Model and the Normal PU turned on.  I eventually turned off the Model and just now just use Normal PU.
This setting along with a little bit of reverb and chorus gives a beautiful nice warm resonant fretless sound without reaching down, button-dialing to change modes, switching off and one again.
Love the versatility in the GR-55!

Elantric

#59
* GR55   "Guitar to MIDI" out to iPad Synths
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11097.msg81008#msg81008

Use Laptop as Virtual Expansion for Advanced Processing. ( VST/AU FX plugins)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1667.msg9135#msg9135


* Creating a gain "Gain Stomp Pedal"
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10609.msg80999#msg80999

* 13 pin jack to 1/4 in guitar cable?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5252.msg35915#msg35915


* Configuring standard output and Guitar Out
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4699.msg31672#msg31672



* Output of PCM sounds to PA and Guitar Pick-ups to Amp
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11135.msg81213#msg81213

* GR-55 Patch Re-mapping via MIDI video tutorial
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10567.msg76454#msg76454

* Troubleshooting Drums and Piano for GR 55
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11179.msg81509#msg81509

Add string dampers =  mistriggering be-gone
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8196.msg58201#msg58201

* How to upload/download User to User Patches
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3260.0

http://www.rolandus.com/go/gr-55_artist_patches/assets/gr-55_release_note_01.pdf


* GR-55 User Created Guitar Patch Exchange
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=67.0

* Get all the GR-55 Guitar Mode Forum Patches Here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3684.0


* GR-55 User Created Documents Downloads area
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=18


* Optimal GK Hex Pickup Settings.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1060.msg5412#msg5412




Modification to use the GR-55 as multi effects with any guitar
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4624.msg71924#msg71924



GR55 not saving all edits on user patches
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4548.msg30675#msg30675


* Gk 13 pin Accessories ( Splitters, Break out boxes, Sub Freq Filters, etc)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=13.0
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=127.0


* Fast method to reset the patch level

use the EZ edit to set overall patch volumes, then 'write them into memory' ...so that switching between patches keeps the same levels.


Latest on 13-Pin Cable Sources?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1584.0

Elantric

#60
GR-55 volume jump switching patches - solved![
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8375.0

Jim Wintringham wrote>

I was playing around with settings, to see what they do. I changed the SYSTEM HOLD assignment to "off" and found that in the off setting....the patch volumes jumped to "full on" volume when switching patches. Not nice! So I learned to have that setting to the "on" position, to keep things smooth when changing patches :)




How to Load GR-55 User patches from VGuitarForums
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3260.0

http://www.rolandus.com/go/gr-55_artist_patches/assets/gr-55_release_note_01.pdf

Elantric

Roland / Boss VG/GT/GR gear has implemented Control Assigns for 25 years

To get the most from the latest Roland gear - Learn how to use those Control concepts from the start by reading the numerous user created docs for the earlier Roland units here:

Roland COSM Reference Library
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=88.0

Quotef you want to obtain more incite and better explanations of how Roland gear works - review the OWNERS MANUALS for the earliest examples of current gear.

For example the GR-55 and GP-10 Owners Manuals sinply list all the various FX functions and Control Features, but totally omit any explanation or examples of how to actually use these controls or how they interact.

Here is the 1999 Roland VG-88 Owners Manual  - ITS A MUST READ!  - it lays a better foundation with explanations of how the Internal Wave Pedal and Expression Pedal Min/Max FX range,Assign Hold, etc,  work.
http://lib.roland.co.jp/support/en/manuals/res/1811457/VG-88_e5.pdf
 






Boss_GT-8 Brilliance.pdf
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88.0;attach=464


Boss_GT-x_Set-up_v02.pdf
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88.0;attach=462

More tips which are equally useful on the VG-99 / GR-55 / GP-10
http://www.xycl.de/en/guitar-effects/boss-gt.html


Elantric


There is a Wealth of Information within the many User created GR-55 Setup Docs which explain in depth how to set "Nuance", "Velocity " etc all GR-55 Owners need to read at link below:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=31
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=18

QuoteDescription: I've been compiling notes on GR-55 setups, my own hopefully practical spin on how to set things up. 

The information in the GR-55 manual regarding setting up the unit is pretty minimal.   This doc is meant to supplement the manual with real-world experience.  I wanted to pull together all of the best info I could find in one place, instead of scattered over a bunch of posts in a bunch of forums. 

And, very specifically, I wanted a "cook book", i.e., a specific set of steps to follow to make a setting properly and consistently.

I hope you find this helpful.   Feedback welcome. 

Shawn

9/14, More readable .pdf uploaded.  Changed nuance setting descriptions.

Setup-Nuance - will help you confirm your Nuance is configured well.  If your Nuance is configured correctly, finger plucking will generate bell sounds, and pick usage will generate a steel string guitar sound.
Setup-Velocity - will help you confirm your Velocity is configured well.  It is built from a basic electric piano tone, which varies its timbre with your picking velocity.  Low velocity (picking softly) yields that sweet e-piano tone, almost like a bell.  High velocity (harder picking) yields the growling e-piano tone normally associated with banging hard on the keys.  If you cannot get BOTH tones from your GR-55 depending on how hard you pick, you have probably squished your "Velocity Dynamics" setting too low, and as a result, are not getting all the intended subtleties from the GR-55's tones.

Read Full thread and get the GR-55 test patches here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6972.0

Elantric

#63
To observe the GR-55 FX signal flow and query all settings and  routing for any specific patch:

(Use Gumtown's GR-55 Floorboard Editor and click "TOOLS"


and get the Patch Text Summary Report for the specific patch


Click "Change View" to obtain additional information

Elantric


Elantric


Elantric

#66
Jim Williams GR-55 PDF tutorial documents.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=26

True "Initialized" patches
« on: September 24, 2011, 08:26:54 PM  Jim Williams wrote>»
Here are the 2 initialized patches I mentioned in my PDF tutorial documents. the first one is for the structure 1 and the other is structure 2.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4568.0

If you own a GR-55 - you need this doc!
GR-55 FloorBoard Editor Help
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=86

admin

Download and Read ALL GR-55 Setup docs here - these are only available here at VGuitarForums and developed by our members 
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=18


Elantric


Elantric

Fix your Audio Ground Loop Buzzes and Noises
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2078.msg11723#msg11723

USB Noise - audio output has enormous noise with USB cable connected
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=367.0

admin

There's an old trick for achieving better GR300 COSM  sound on VG-99 (works for GR-55 and GP-10 too)


Read here:

Optimal GK TYPE Hex Pickup Settings.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1060.0
Quote# Hot Tip -  However note that Many VG-99 Patches may work better with a hotter string sensitivity. Often the GR300 emulation functions, or two handed EVH tapping styles respond better with a hotter "GK String Sensitivity" than "20-30" -  - more like "80-100"  - so the trick is  USE A DIFFERENT GK PU Memory Slot, and assign a different GK String Sensitivity setting for each GK PU memory slot. Use those PIEZO PU type memory slots  (even with a GK-3) and program several unique string sensitivities for the same guitar add 2 band EQ to taste.
The GK Settings can be specified individually for each PATCH. Use this setting when switching among multiple STRING SENSITIVITY SETTINGS as you perform.As with everything on the VG-99 - Adjust to taste! There is no wrong way - if it sounds good it is good.

admin

#71

Elantric

The Gk 13 pin cable is all analog, and prone to signal drop out, even brand new Roland GK cables, and often exhibiting a problem for just one string dropping out.

follow the instructions here first:

GK 13 pin Cable Maintenance Tips.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3132.0

admin

shawnb wrote>

Simply put, midi note + pitch bend = your played tone.  Pitch bend is critical performance data, and is used to capture legato, whammy, and slide as well as bending a note.

If you just delete it, it won't sound right.   

If you use chromatic mode, you won't get the pitch bend data, but you will instead find more extraneous notes.   These may be easier to clean.

FYI, the GR-55 uses the soft pedal CC, CC67, to communicate nuance, or attack velocity.   Low values for pick, higher values for finger style.   I believe notes + pitch bend + CC67 are all the performance data transmitted by the GR-55.

You are encountering one of the GR-55's weaknesses...    Pitch to midi.   

The OTHER thing to check is your pitch bend range, or PBR.   The PBR settings on your soft synth & GR-55 must match.   The GR-55's PBR is fixed at 24.   

Make sure your soft synth is set to 24 also.

There is a lot you can do to improve it, but there are many threads on this forum dedicated to these issues:

GR-55 - Some notes on GR-55 glitches...
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6878

Is your PICK giving you ghost notes?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4324

GR-55 Setups & Tone Configs that affect tracking
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6972.0




Elantric