Differences between GK-2B and GK-3B bass pickups?

Started by mapperboy, June 21, 2014, 09:15:31 AM

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mapperboy

Can a Roland bass geek give me details as to the real differences between the older GK-2B and the most recent GK-3B bass pickups?
I know the switch/cable/interface blister that mounts on the bass is a different package and GK-2B lacks of the pin 9 connection but otherwise?
I see some GK-2Bs online for a good price and trying to decide if its worth grabbing one.
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No such thing as free time.
No such thing as down time.
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gumtown

If you read the GK-2B user manual http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=manuals&p=GK-2B
It appears to use the same pickup as the GK-3B with adjustable poles for string spacing.

The only major difference I know of is the normal pickup input, GK-2B = 3.5mm jack, and GK-3B = 6.5mm jack.

I always have problems misplacing the original 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapter patch lead,
so I made a few out of regular moulded angled 6.5mm (1/4") patch leads cut in half with 3.5mm plugs soldered to one end.
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mapperboy

Thanks gumtown! (Also my sincere continuing thanks for creating and maintaining Floorboard!)

I went ahead and ordered the used working GK-2B for $90.

I would like to double check the schematic and PCB details cause it's going into surgery for a bass project I have in mind.

Do you know a source for the GK-2B Service Notes (which usually has a schematic included)?
"No such thing as spare time.
No such thing as free time.
No such thing as down time.
All you got is life time. Go!"
- Henry Rollins

gumtown

Here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=73.0

The only difference between guitar and bass versions are some filter roll-off component values and the pickup,
otherwise they are of the same components.
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luca9583

#5
Quote from: gumtown on June 22, 2014, 03:17:45 PMHere
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=73.0

The only difference between guitar and bass versions are some filter roll-off component values and the pickup,
 otherwise they are of the same components.

@gumtown do you know if that filter roll off happens in the board or in the pickup itself?

Also, do you know if the GK-2B has slightly narrower spacing than the GK-3B or do they have the same spacing? The GK-2A for example is narrower than the GK-3A

Also, do we know the precise spacing of the sensors on the GK-2B or GK-3B?

The reason i ask is that i'm thinking a GK bass pickup could match up well to the fan of my multiscale guitars because the string spacing from string to string when following the angle of the mutiscale bridge is 15mm, which could work with a GK Bass pickup (which would need to be removed from housing to see the sensors and also connected to a GK guitar board if the filtering would be an issue).

gumtown

The GK-3B has adjustable pickup pole widths with them in two groups of three poles, which can be slide in/out for wider/narrower string spacing.
The User manuals have measurements in them
GK-3B
https://www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/gk-3b/owners_manuals/

GK-2B
https://www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/gk-2b/owners_manuals/

the pickup part seems to be the same one on the GK-2B and GK-3B

The difference in GK-3 vs GK-3B is the amount of gain, the filter roll-off is done in the processing unit of the modeler.
So it will be a juggle of selecting the pickup type, and the settings for GK sensitivity, but for a guitar, if the processing unit has bass/guitar modes, always use guitar mode.

FWIW/FYI: The connector that goes from the pickup into either the GK-3/GK-3B, or the relevant GK 3/3B internal kits is all the same size.
          but different size between GK-2x & GK-3x.
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gumbo

Quote from: gumtown on February 11, 2024, 02:17:27 PMFWIW/FYI: The connector that goes from the pickup into either the GK-3/GK-3B, or the relevant GK 3/3B internal kits is all the same size.
          but different size between GK-2x & GK-3x.

GK-3 uses 8-pin JST ZH Series (1.5mm pitch)

GK-2 uses 8-pin JST PH Series (2.0mm pitch)

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