GR20 - no synth sound

Started by feefop, November 19, 2016, 11:51:15 PM

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feefop

Just got a GR 20, using with an old GK2 pickup.  I get guitar sounds to go through when I set the GK2 to guitar, but no synth sounds.

I'm not using a Roland GKC 13 pin cable, but instead a cheap one off of ebay.  Is that the problem?

Thanks

nix808

#1
Maybe try doing a factory reset?

edit- also, here is a real similar thread:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=16281.0
Rock and Rock my boat, as long as you don't rock and rock my boat!hehe

Elantric

#2
To verify your 13 pin cable is suitable for Roland Boss GK 13 gear.
Use an ohmmeter and verify the DIN 13 male plugs have each individual internal wire connected in a 1:1 fashion for all 13 pins.

No shorted adjacent pins


Sadly many eBay cable are incorrect for Roland GK 13 use , as these were Kenwood /Clarion external CD player cable , and some can Cause damage to Roland /Boss gear.

whippinpost91850

#3
A lot of cables on eBay are for car stereos and do not work   Recommend a Roland cable or from our own  Primova ,Gumbo or Gittler

feefop

how do  I get ahold of these guys selling roland 13 pin cables?  Any other way besides private messages?

Thanks


feefop

Still having issues....have a roland gk13 cable now.


Using it with an older gk2.  On the synth setting I get a muffled guitar sound only, like the tone knob is all the way down.  Man, this is painful....any help?

Thanks

Elantric

#7
QuoteI'm not using a Roland GKC 13 pin cable, but instead a cheap one off of ebay.  Is that the problem?

Sad to inform - that cheap ebay Gk 13 pin cable might have damaged your GR-20

It shorts the +7VDC rail (pin #12 ) to ground,and "poof" goes the Roland GR-20

Be advised 90% of the ebay sellers for 13 pin Roland cables are actually reselling old Kenwood Ham Radio / car stereo CD changer cables and these can damage your Roland / Boss gear big time!

read this thread

Latest on GK 13 pin Cable Sources
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1584.0
QuoteAny other way besides private messages?




Straight to Straight 13 Pin Midi Cable with Locking Connectors, made with CA-0842 Shielded 13 Conductor Midi Cable.

Compatible with Roland guitar synths.

https://btpa.com/13-Pin-Midi/



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CPKKVSI/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w


feefop

really?  Wow, that reallly F'n sucks.  Could it be the GK2 itself?

I bought that 13 pin cable that was a kenwood cable, off a guy from ebay.  Can i go after him for selling me a cable that damaged my equipment? 

gumbo

Quote from: feefop on December 07, 2016, 09:29:02 PM
really?  Wow, that reallly F'n sucks.  Could it be the GK2 itself?

I bought that 13 pin cable that was a kenwood cable, off a guy from ebay.  Can i go after him for selling me a cable that damaged my equipment?


Sadly, I'll bet the fine-print will NOT be in your favor...
...you would probably have more chance of going at him through eBay for false advertising, but I wouldn't put money on that either.

..and as Yoda would say, "Sucks it does!"
Read slower!!!   ....I'm typing as fast as I can...

feefop


gumbo

That would be up to a Roland service call methinks.. :-\
Read slower!!!   ....I'm typing as fast as I can...

feefop

I paid $140 for it....probably cost that much to have it fixed, if not more...probably should just get another one, now that I thin more about it.

Just trying to get into the roland synths, and it's been a frickin' headache getting all the parts and now a nightmare with a fried GR20.  Maybe that's a sign to stay electric! :)

kenact

Quote from: feefop on December 10, 2016, 11:35:35 PM
I paid $140 for it....probably cost that much to have it fixed, if not more...probably should just get another one, now that I thin more about it.

Just trying to get into the roland synths, and it's been a frickin' headache getting all the parts and now a nightmare with a fried GR20.  Maybe that's a sign to stay electric! :)

If you're in the NYC area, I can recommend an authorized Roland Service Center in Brooklyn.

Amp & Guitar Wellness Center
1700 10th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215

(718) 369-7080
Godin Session & Montreal FTP, LGXT, LGX SA, Redline, ACS, A12, A11, A10, A4
Danoblaster Baritone w/GK-3
Gretsch Nashville, Viking
Fender Strats
Fret King Supermatic
Larrivee DV03RE
Parker Midi Fly
Seagull, S&P 12
VOX Phantom XII
GR-55, 33, 30, 20, GI-20, RC-50, US-20, VG-99, VP-7
Sentient 6
Cyr 7

feefop

I'm in the SF bay area....maybe I'll find out a cost for repair then sell in on ebay for parts.....what a frickin' mess this turned out to be.  I'm still pissed!

kenact

Quote from: feefop on December 11, 2016, 09:40:28 PM
I'm still pissed!

It's better to be pissed off than pissed on. :)

Before getting crazy, are you getting signals to the GR-20 from the GK2?

Have you done the factory reset?

Can you use the tuner on the GR-20?

Have you been able to set the sensitivity?

If so, which output are you using. For Mono, it should be the OUTPUT/R (MONO).

Have you tried adjusting the LEVEL?

If you're unable to use the tuner, what position is the GK-2 switch in, GK, MIX or GUITAR? to get synth sounds, it should be in GK or MIX.
Godin Session & Montreal FTP, LGXT, LGX SA, Redline, ACS, A12, A11, A10, A4
Danoblaster Baritone w/GK-3
Gretsch Nashville, Viking
Fender Strats
Fret King Supermatic
Larrivee DV03RE
Parker Midi Fly
Seagull, S&P 12
VOX Phantom XII
GR-55, 33, 30, 20, GI-20, RC-50, US-20, VG-99, VP-7
Sentient 6
Cyr 7