VG-8 / VG-8EX FAQ

Started by Elantric, April 22, 2014, 10:16:51 AM

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Elantric


1995 Roland VG-8


1996 Roland VG-8 S1 Update card



1995 Roland VG-8 after being Expanded using the S1 Update card 



1998 Roland VG-8EX



VG-8 Frequently Asked Question




https://www.roland.com/us/products/vg-8/

https://www.roland.com/us/products/vg-8ex/

and review the owners manuals

https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG-8_OM.pdf
https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/VG-8EX_OM.pdf


Roland COSM LIBRARY - Full of Important Documents with real world examples of all features of Roland COSM Processors
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=88.0


VG-8 General discussion
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=118.0


VG-8 Reference Library
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=119.0

VG-8 Patch Exchange
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=122.0


VG-8 Librarian and Bulk Patch download here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=22
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=71

VG-8 VIO Guitar
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12989.0

Ebay VG-8 Deals
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13021.0

Yahoo VG-8 Group - and all the old discussions from 1998 still exist there:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/vg-8/info


Newbies must remember that in 1996 the Roland VG-8 was $2,500.00 MSRP , with a street price of $1,999.00 !!!


Any VG-8 can be updated  using the "S1" System Update card

VG-8 - Resetting the S-1 card for multiple upgrades - How do I do it?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=17497.0

VG-8EX  vs  VG-8 + VG8S-1 ?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11089.msg80958#msg80958


The "pick of the litter" is the VG-8EX
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/443

Its the one with the labels (Mod, Delay, Reverb, etc) above all foot switches





More VG-8 details are here:
http://web.archive.org/web/20050414090420/http://vg-8.com/upgrade




Web Archive from 2005 era log dead www.VG-8.com

Its worth while to navigate all known info on VGuitar circa 2005
http://web.archive.org/web/20050305053915/http://www.vg-8.com/

FAQ page:
http://web.archive.org/web/20050403210223/http://vg-8.com/faq



Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the VG-8EX and VG-8?
Where can I get an S-1 card?
Can I use the VG-8 and another GK device (GR-30, GR-09, GI-10, Axon, etc.) simultaneously?
Is it true that the distortion isn't the greatest on the unit?
What are piezo pickups?
What is the RMC modification?
Which should I buy? The VG-8 or GR-30?
How well does the VG-8 track?
Can I get a wireless unit for the VG-8?
What's a good price for a VG-8 new or used?
How do I download patches into my VG-8?
Someone told me that the VG-8 is or was discontinued, is it? was it?
Can the [Plus]EBow work with the VG-8? What exactly is a [Plus]EBow?
Have you seen any "bad" reviews of the VG-8?
What could be better about the VG-8?
If I'm playing my acoustic guitar with the VG-8, and the VG-8 is set do a different tuning from the one my guitar has, don't I hear sound in one tuning directly from guitar to ear and also sound in the other tuning from speaker to ear?
Is the VG-8 a MIDI guitar system? Can I use the VG-8 to trigger my Soundcard?
What about the future? Is there a VG-16 or something better coming along?

Questions and Answers:

Q: What is the difference between the VG-8EX and VG-8?
A: Check out this link for a list of differences.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11089.msg80960#msg80960


Q: Where can I get an S-1 card?
A: They are discontinued so they are hard to find so we provide a list of S-1 owners across the world or you can borrow Aure's via mail.



Q: Can I use the VG-8 and another GK device (GR-30, GR-09, GI-10, Axon, etc.) simultaneously?
A: Yes you can. You need to invest in the Roland US-20 Unit Selector. Note to RMC Poly Drive I users, this unit needs to be modified for use with your pickups.

For those able to build electronic equipment themselves, there is a DIY safe clone here.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=480.msg1919#msg1919


Q: Is it true that the distortion isn't the greatest on the unit?
A: The distortion is fine. You can get more than you'd ever want and with only a little tweaking I've been able to get the kind of warm distortion that people always think is coming from an old tube amp. The key for me has been to find a good mix between using the pedals for distortion AND the on board distortion on some of the amp sims. If you rely on only one or the other, it seems to be too mushy (amp) or too digital (pedals).



Q: What are piezo pickups?
A: Piezo (short for piezoelectric) pickups are devices based on "piezoelectric effect". They are usually made of a very thin slab of piezoelectric material (mainly ceramics) that, when flexed, is able to generate a very little current proportional to the energy (string vibration) that drives them. They ONLY WORK BY DIRECT CONTACT with the vibrating object they're designed to amplify, and are capable of transducing a huge amount of information (from very low to very high frequencies), that's why several list members are worried about piezo on tremolo units (hitting the whammy bar can cause a low frequency noise). Piezo is the technology behind a lot of items, from cigarette ligters to the famous C-ducer pickups.



Q: What is the RMC modification?
A: The modification is one that Richard McClish suggested for the VG-8 is a change of capacitor values in the analog "front-end" of the unit that attenuates subsonic frequencies which can otherwise enter freely and upset the performance of the overdrive and pitch shifter in some cases. This can be accomplished by a competent electronic repair tech.



Q: Which should I buy? The VG-8 or GR-30?
A: It depends on what you want to accomplish. The GR-30 is guitar synth, the VG-8 is NOT!! The GR-30 can produce more traditional sounds like trumpets, piano, drums, which the VG-8 doesn't. The VG-8 on the other hand, is a billion times more sensitive to play feel and subtleties in your playing than the GR-30. Since it works on the sound of your strings, you can do things like scratch your strings or bang your guitar and you will get sound, with the GR-30, the unit will just be confused.



Q: How well does the VG-8 track?
A: The VG-8 doesn't "track" in the traditional sense of the word. It is actually processing effects on your actual string sound, not converting that sound into MIDI data. Speed metal players have no problem fitting in all those random notes! :)



Q: Can I get a wireless unit for the VG-8?
A: Currently THERE ARE NO SUCH UNITS unless you're ready to invest a lot of cash in a professional multichannel box (like the ones used for TV but heavily modified). The GK/Piezo out (13 pin connector) is made of 6 wires carrying AUDIO from the 6 strings, not midi or some digitalized stuff. In order to go wireless we need a 6 channel unit (7 if you also use the "regular" guitar out) plus several switches.

There is a DIY development project underway here. Active co-developers are welcome!



Q: What's a good price for a VG-8 new or used?
A: Probably around $600 used, $800 new. Often it is bundled with a GK-2A pickups which adds about $200. The VG-8 has excellent resale value, or at least it HAD good resale value before the VG-88 was announced.



Q: How do I download patches into my VG-8?
A: Some instructions are available.



Q: Someone told me that the VG-8 is or was discontinued, is it? was it?
A: In early 98 there was much talk of the VG-8 being discontinued. They sold their initial batch (slowly) and didn't know if it would be owrth to produce another. Rumor has it that Aure and the VG-8.com mailing lists letters to Roland Japan did make an impact on the decision not to abandon the VG-8 and to release the EX version which had 32 new patches and had the S-1 upgrade built in. In early 2000, Roland announced the VG-88 so V-Guitar is not going away anytime soon!



Q: Can the [Plus]EBow work with the VG-8? What exactly is a [Plus]EBow?
A: Yes!! Of course! Anything that makes your strings shake can make the V make a sound!



Q: Have you seen any "bad" reviews of the VG-8?

A: Well, no, I haven't ever seen a bad review of it. I'd really be surprised by one, its worst drawback is its high cost.



Q: What could be better about the VG-8?

A: Not all modifications are available with all models. That is, you can't set up a wah or distortion pedal or amplifiers in stereo, etc., with all models. This limits the number of virtual instruments(however, unusual or "unorthodox) that you can develop. Also, there is no option for pitch shifting with 12 string models. The VG8 inspires you to imagine more virtual instruments than you can program. The other "bad" thing about the VG8 is the lack of direct email support from Roland.



Q: If I'm playing my acoustic guitar with the VG-8, and the VG-8 is set do a different tuning from the one my guitar has, don't I hear sound in one tuning directly from guitar to ear and also sound in the other tuning from speaker to ear?

A: The amplifier is, in all casaes, intended to overwhelm the acoustic guitar sound. Sometimes even with my electric I'll hear the bleed through of my acoustic strings through the microphone, or with the vibrations on my body. I wouldn't advocate an acoustic guitar for the VG-8, although I know there are some music stores on the net that are pushing one.



Q: Is the VG-8 a MIDI guitar system? Can I use the VG-8 to trigger my Soundcard?

A: The VG-8 does not trigger MIDI, nor does it have a "thru" that would send the signal to a MIDI converter. On the other hand, it has great sounds that allow you to be much more versatile and expressive than just triggering keyboard sounds. Roland has marketed the VG-8 as a guitar emulation system to get away from the idea of MIDI guitar - a lot of players have already written that off forever. But, the VG-8 does have many keyboardy sounds, pads, synths, violins, bass, etc.



Q: What about the future? Is there a VG-16 or something better coming along?

A: VG-8's successor, VG-88 was announced in Winter NAMM 2000.


* VG-88 Gig Bag
by: drjoness2001
If you need a gig bag for your VG-88, I would suggest the Rok-Sak RS-1319.
I have posted a picture of my VG-88 in the gig bag if you want to see how it works. The bag is a little bit snug in the back, but overall it works great.
http://www.joness.com/vg88/index.htm




Posted by: ralph at 2005-01-09
Having just acquired a Godin XTSA, a VG-88 and a GR-33 - please can anyone let me know how to use the two units together? Currently I mix the output of the godin magnetic and piezo pu's with the synth using the synth mix toggle switch on the guitar - if I use the VG-88, how should I mix this with the output from the synth?

A: Roland US-20 A/B Y Selector, or the many third party GK 40 way selectors found here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=127.0



Elantric

#1

From VG-8.com

Roland substantially expanded the VG-8 V-Guitar System's options with this easy-to-use versatile software expansion: the VG8S-1. The VG8S-1 takes Roland's proprietary COSM technology to even greater heights. VG-8 owners gain instant access to four new instrument "models," seven new pickups, three new amps, new speaker models and a slew of new parameters and features. This is in addition to the current operating system. Sixty-four killer new preset patches are added that take full advantage of these exciting new functions.

The VG-8 EX is just the VG-8 S1 with an extra 32 preset in an E bank.

Correction - see here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11089.msg95525#msg95525
QuoteI have owned both 1st release 1995 VG-8 (with S1 update)   - and now a 1998 VG-8EX  - and IMHO its worth skipping all VG-8's and instead seek a genuine VG-8EX, as the VG-8EX has higher audio clarity, Fidelity and detail  - Reviewing the service manuals to both VG-8 and VG-8EX there are minor circuit updates on the VG-8EX and higher audio performance !

[edit]
Features:

Four new instrument models including the long-awaited "hollow-body" model for acoustic and acoustic/electric sounds
Seven new pickup models: Tele, PAF, P-90, Rickenbacker and more
Three new amp models: Soldano, master volume Marshall and Vox combo
Three new speaker models: 4x10 open back, modern stack, British combo
New effects: pedal-assignable "intelligent" pitch shifting and wah-wah
Easily user installed
In the wake of the overwhelmingly well-received VG-8 V-Guitar System, Roland is opening up the VG-8's options with a versatile software expansion: the VG8S-1. The VG8S-1 takes Roland's proprietary COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) technology to even greater heights. The System Expansion gives VG-8 owners instant access to four new instrument models, as well as an extensive collection of new and improved features for existing VG-8 instrument "models." The System Expansion adds another 64 killer new preset patches to the VG-8 that take full advantage of these exciting new functions.

New instrument models include a long-awaited hollow-body guitar [HOLLOW ST] which delivers rich hollow body sound reminiscent of acoustic and electro-acoustic guitars like Ovations, mid-sized hollow bodies like ES-335s and full-sized hollow bodied electrics like the Gretsch Chet Atkins. As with other VG-8 guitar models, each string can be individually panned, providing even more spacious hollow body sounds.

Another great new option is the [HOLLOW & AMP] parameter, which uses hollow body modeling in addition to a guitar amp and speaker configuration modeling which provides the guitar characteristics associated with jazz, acoustic and fusion. These beautiful warm and mellow tones take the VG-8 into an entirely new realm.

The two other new instrument choices are the [DUAL AMP] and the [VIO GUITAR]. The Dual Amp mode lets the player program two completely different signal chains, each with its own amp/speaker configuration as well as the related parameters and blend them, much as guitarists do in the studio with various amplifiers. The Vio Guitar mode offers distinctive synth-like tonal variations by adding a comb filter to the VGM mode.

The VG8S-1 has a large collection of new features for all the VG-8 instrument models. Increasing the "pickup" options from three to ten, are seven new options: TELE (Telecaster), P-90 (Les Paul with P-90 pickup), PAF (Les Paul with PAF pickup), LIPS (Dan Electro), RICK (Rickenbacker), CHET (Gretsch) and SSH (single-coil active pickup). There are also three new amp variations: SLDN (Soldano), Modern Stack (Marshall with a master volume) and British Combo (Vox/Matchless). New speaker models include 4x10 open (Fender Super Reverb), Modern Stack (modern Celestions) and British Combo (Vox - 2x12 configuration).

But the new features don't stop there. A highly requested "wah" function has been added for use both as an auto-wah or with a pedal. The VG-8's polyphonic pitch shifting has been improved as well. Now the shift amount can be assigned per string to a pedal for whammy, B-bender and pedal steel techniques. "Intelligent" polyphonic pitch shifting is also available via the Polyphonic Harmonist feature. Now you can even have Polyphonic Pitch Glide, which varies the pitch shift amount per string. The pitch shifter is now available in HRM mode as well. For even more expressive potential, a variety of HRM parameters can be assigned and controlled with an expression pedal.

This versatile expansion kit includes everything you need to take your VG-8 to the next level. Since the VG-8 uses flash ROM for its system memory, incorporating the VG8S-1 couldn't be simpler. This user-installable expansion kit gives any VG-8 owner the opportunity to easily add new instruments, functions and patches.[/i]

Elantric

#2
1997 Roland VG-8 web site
All the Quicktime MOV Videos with VG-8 Sound examples ( Jeff "Skunk" Baxter) can actually still be downloaded if you click on each link here:


http://web.archive.org/web/19970615031055/http://www.rolandus.com/products/MI/MIprod_GP.html#VG-8



VG-8 - VIO Guitar :: The Rescue - VST plugin + GP-10 six channels audio approach
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12989.0

Elantric

#3
Link to archive of old R.U.G Magazine ( Roland Users Group)

http://web.archive.org/web/19970615022216/http://www.rolandus.com/rug/mag.html

1997 Roland VG-8 and Blues Cube
http://web.archive.org/web/19970615022740/http://www.rolandus.com/rug/features/nashville.html




by Kenneth Peters

Nashville is a songwriter's town, a mecca for music. Take a walk down Music Row and you'll pass studio after studio, all of them busy. Of course, the town is well known as the center of country music. But not everybody knows that Nashville has always been a haven for many other styles of music as well.

To get a feel for what really goes on behind those double glass doors, we spoke with several of the area's busiest and most talented music professionals. What we found was that from guitar pickers and songwriters to state-of-the-art studios, just about every type of Roland gear can be found in "Music-City U.S.A."



Steve Gibson has been at the top of the Nashville list for decades now. As one of city's busiest session guitarists, he's called to play on records of all styles. In his personable, gentle way, he's a real call-it-like-it-is kinda' guy who happens to be extremely well versed in the region's musical history.

"This is Nashville, and generally speaking country music pays the bills here. But there is a lot of other stuff that does get done that no one is aware of.

"The truth is that the first million-selling pop record was cut in Nashville in the '40s by Francis Craig, a dance band instrumental called 'Near You'. And people forget that during the late '50s and the '60s, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Brenda Lee, and Elvis cut records here.

"That extends into even the early '70s. I played guitar back then on all the England Dan and John Ford Coley records, real pop records. Jimmy Buffet, Dan Fogelberg, Linda Ronstadt--there's always been a real strong pop music business here, but it's overshadowed by the stereotypes that people have when you mention Nashville.

"The reason [for those stereotypes] is that the people like the Hee Haw people, the Nashville Network people--there's been no incentive for them to promote the other kinds of music here. That's not a criticism, that's what they do to run their businesses.

"But the fact of the matter is that there's always been a vibrant jazz music base here, a folk music base, there's all the contemporary Christian stuff that's real cool music, part of the Jewel record was cut down here and even Megadeath is in town doing their album.

"Even those people who make their living writing country songs or playing country music--scratch the surface, and you'll find they're capable of music other than straight-up country."Larry Chaney

Larry Chaney, another busy Nashville guitarist who credits minimalist musicians like Brian Eno as being heavy personal influences, is living proof of Gibson's sentiments. "I've been here 20 years and managed to make a living mostly outside of the mainstream [country music] that long."

While he certainly plays his share of country music, Larry says he's "carved out his niche" doing what he calls "instrument disguise." His favorite tool for those sounds--and for more straight-ahead tones--is BOSS' GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor. Among other algorithms, the GT-5 contains the same amp-modeling technology found in Roland's flagship VG-8 V-Guitar System, which also models guitars themselves.



MODELING TECHNOLOGY GOES TO NASHVILLE

Naturally, the VG-8 is itself no stranger to Nashville clubs, stages, and studios. Case in point: the permanent guitar rig of maestro John Willis, who uses the system on "Gosh, everything." Willis is another extremely versatile guitarist who gets calls for R&B, gospel, country, etc.

"I generate guitars with the VG-8 and then run it through amps and speakers. I love the 12-string sound--I use that a lot 'cause then I don't have to sit there and tune a 12-string for half an hour! I've done a lot of things where I mix the sound of the VG-8 with the regular guitar sound coming off my preamps. I use the pedal and kinda A/B 'em--use one side in the verse, one in the chorus.

"I've used the dobro sound and I love the V-bender thing just to do fake steel licks--man, I wear that out. I use it on the dobro sound a lot to make it sound like a pedal 'bro. And every once in a while I'll do something weird, like make a low string go down a step...

"I really like the fact that you can move the pickups around. I haven't really used the synth portion of it as much as the guitar part, but I have used the flute sound, the soft horn, the synth bass soundÉ there's no tracking problem--you can really get some action happening.

"On an album by a guy named Rodney Atkins [no relation to Chet], the producer asked me if I had an electric acoustic. So I thought, 'Well, I'll use this!'--the VG-8 setting. And he loved it! Came out and said, 'How the hell were you doing that?!' Of course, I told him it was a professional secret and only I could do it! [laughs] I probably use [the VG-8] about 70% of the time."

What?! Not all the time?

"Some producers just like to see a real guitar. They come out and say, 'Hey, can you play a Strat on this?' or whatever. I've got a bunch of old guitars. But usually people hire me to do that silly John Willis thing that I do. And you know, people are pretty much open now. But I hide behind my racks and fool 'em with the VG-8 if I have to!"



RACKS AND NO RACKS

Willis uses several multi-effects processors, including a Roland SRV-330 for chorus effects, as does Steve Gibson, who classifies himself as "the kinda' guy who still resorts to a guitar and a cable and an amplifier whenever possible. Simple is better for me."

Of course, simplicity is relative. Says Gibson, "I've got the full rack set-up that I use like most of the guys in the business, with the Roland SRV-330 and RSP-550. I've also got an old analog Dimension D.

"I'll get the more portable version of this by just using BOSS stomp boxes, and for that it's distortion, chorus, and delay. I'll use those pieces when the situation doesn't require the full-blown rack deal."

When would that be? "There are applications when you want a sound that's bigger than life, something that takes up a lot of space and has a lot of depth and breadth to it. I use the rack when I'm looking for the spread stereo image, bouncing delays, or real deep chorusing--that kind of special effect. It's when you're cutting something that has more space, like a ballad, more of a pop record.

"On more of a rockin' thing or a country thing, something that's more of a straight-up solo or more aggressive, I'd prefer just to find a really good guitar and plug it into an amp, just dial in what I need at the amp and keep it as a mono signal."Mike Henderson

Mike Henderson is another guitarist who doesn't use a lot of "Halloween boxes," as they're called in Nashville--boxes that disguise the sound. But of course there is an exception: a BOSS reverb pedal.

His latest record, Mike Henderson and the Blue Bloods (you may have seen the write-up in People magazine), was the most added record in AAA four weeks in a row as of this writing. Mike describes the album as being "rockin' blues," but he also plays country and everything else.

BluesCube



Henderson's amp? The same one Steve Gibson and Larry Chaney choose, of course: Roland's BluesCube. "I'm really liking it in the studio a lot because it's so versatile, there's so many different sounds in it."

Larry Chaney has been using the BluesCube for both recording and live appearances. "Its design is to emulate a tube amplifier without the hassle of tubes, and it does a really good job," he explains.

Steve Gibson is even more excited: "There's a couple of things that were really appealing to me about the amp. This is the 60-watt version, the one that has the two 10" speakers; I find them tighter sounding in the bottom. I like the distortion preset feature, where I can set up a clean sound and two preset distortion/lead sounds and get to 'em with the flip of a switch. To my ear, I like what they have put into these presets from the factory.

"The other thing that I like about this amp is that sonically, I'd describe it as very fast--it responds quickly, it picks up a lot of audio detail out of the guitar that some of the older tube amps don't get. It gives me the best qualities of a high-fidelity amp but still has a personality and a color to it. It's the most impressive new piece of gear that I've played in a while."



SPEED

What's expected of a Nashville session guitarist? John Willis puts it succinctly: "You gotta be able to play anything, gotta be able to come up with a good part really fastÉ and you gotta be funny!

"I do some sight-reading once in a while 'cause I work with some arrangers who write stuff out, but reading isn't the biggest thing. I mean, obviously, you've gotta be able to read a chord chart, but what it is more important than anything else is being creativeÉ and being quick about it." And that's where the VG-8 shines, according to Willis. "I've got a bunch of sounds programmed, boom boom boom. I nail them, no sweat."

Speed is something every one of these guitarists mentioned.

In studio work, there simply isn't time to spend tweaking guitar sounds endlessly, whether it's a commercial, a television show, or even an album. And speed is particularly important for publisher's demos, where it's typical to go through five songs in a single 3-hour session--tracking, overdubs, everything.

Larry Chaney comments, "The nice thing about the GT-5 in the studio is that it's so user-friendly and fast--really efficiently laid out. You just dial up an amp type and some compression. In publishing demos, the songwriter has written a song for a specific artist, and it's your job to get close to that sound.

"The GT-5 lets you configure the effects in any order, which means that you can use the synthesizer effects and run that into an overdriven amplifier," Chaney says. "All of a sudden it doesn't sound like a synth, it doesn't sound like a guitar, it's somewhere in between.

"You go, 'What is it? Is it a saxophone, a guitar, a voice?' So there are some pretty new effects in there that have probably never been used in combination before. The GT-5 combines sounds with a pedal board and an expression controller all in one unit--really the ultimate in convenience, I think."

But speed isn't everything. Willis stresses the importance of making use of your tools, not just playing the presets. Of the VG-8, he says, "Like all gear, you have to make it act like you want. Some people don't have the patience to make it act."



SONGWRITING

One of the studios you'll pass on your walk down Music Row is the new Starstruck Entertainment complex, a brand new building that houses what manager Robert DeLa Garza refers to as "ultra-ultra-ultra state-of-the-art" studios with SSL 9000 Series consoles, etc. As of this writing, they'd been open for just a couple of months and already recorded artists like Reba MacIntyre, Barry Manilow, and Vanessa Williams.Starstruck

The complex actually houses eleven different Starstruck companies, including a broadcast studio. De La Garza was still buzzing with excitement about a recent TV broadcast in which Michael W. Smith, Twyla Paris, Mark Chestnut and Reba MacIntyre had been uplinked to satellite and beamed all over the U.S.

One of those eleven Starstruck companies is the Starstruck Writer's Group, the publishing branch of the organization, which retains a staff of about 15 songwriters. To help them work, De La Garza and Mike Sebastian, who heads the division, set up no less than five writer's studios.

These rooms are there for the songwriter's pre-production work. "If they just want to do a good guitar/vocal, and don't want to fool with going to the studio, they can do that right there in those rooms," Sebastian explains. So each room is outfitted with "really everything you need to hit 'Record' and be in progress and create": a piano, a DAT machine, microphones, and a Roland VS-880 Digital Studio Workstation--which meshes so well with the needs of a songwriting studio that some of the testimonials read like ad copy!Starstruck Room

De La Garza explains, "We were trying to find something for the writers that would have great quality, and at the same time be easy enough to use so that they weren't scared of the technology and could work with it." Adds Sebastian, "We just wanted to give the writers something of quality--so they would feel like they could do a good demonstration for the publisher."

"So we searched and researched," De La Garza continues, "and when we saw the VS-880, it really fit into what we were trying to do--easy to use, got the sound quality, can do the eight tracks. And we were really excited about being able to layer eight tracks and use it as a 64-track matrix and mix to eight tracks. It works really, really well for the writers. We love the idea of having 999 levels of undo so that they wouldn't lose any inspiration as they were creating their stuff."

Adds Sebastian, "For the writers to be comfortable with it is real good in itself, because some of them don't like to take the time if it's too technical to learn how to use it. And at the same time, the VS-880 offered enough flexibility that our guys could get as creative with it as they wanted."

It's well known that one of the issues surrounding random access digital recording is storage; you don't just pop in another reel of tape. And managing the huge amounts of data generated by a staff of 15 writers might seem a daunting task. But the solution turned out to be simple; each machine was simply fitted with an external Iomega Jaz drive, which archives on removable 1 gigabyte cartridges.

"Conceptually, each writer has his own Jaz cartridge," explains Sebastian. "And when they come in and book the room to write, they go into the library, they get their Jaz drive, plug it into whichever of the five rooms they're booked at, and they go to work. At the end of their writing day, they go and put it back in the library and each writer's got their own catalog of Jaz cartridges going." Storage management problem solved.

There were other features that made the VS-880 attractive for this application. "We love the amp emulator effects. The original demonstration just blew us away--you plug a guitar into the back there, and via that little chip we're able to go to a Boogie or a Fender Twin or anything like that. I think there were some 20-odd different sounds we could go to, which is fantastic for the writer."

De La Garza summarizes, "The main thing--aside from the quality, which is great--is that it's a user-friendly box. It's very easy to catch on to, [the writers] have really taken to it, jumped in thereÉ which is a big thing for us. We were scared if we got too far out there and if the VS-880 was not user-friendly that they wouldn't use it. But just the opposite has happened; everybody's had real good experiences with it."



So next time you hear a tune written or recorded in Nashville, take a second listen. While the feel and style may be very familiar, what you once thought were "traditional instruments" could very well have been replaced by modern equipment that is creating a new instrument tradition. From BluesCube amplifiers and the BOSS GT-5 to the VG-8 V-Guitar System and VS-880 Digital Studio Workstation, Roland and BOSS gear is playing no small part in this revolution.

Elantric

#4
A Japanese site with Internal pics of VG-8EX
http://www.geocities.jp/mitsuba64/gk/vg8ex.html






CR-2032 Backup Battery


https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmitsuba64%2Fgk%2Fvg8ex.html&edit-text=
VG-8EX link to VG-8.com Back to cover
Intro 2003/12/06 Symbol

Although a little scary because it Nariso to the original brief description and misunderstanding the VG, word closest is kana "effector"?
String vibrations picked up by each string independently of the pick-up is processed by the algorithm selected by the VG output.
Its "algorithm" and the degree of "processing" is VG serving reason of VG VG (omitted following meaning unknown for).

In the electric seems algorithm to the processing of "until the recording with a microphone out the sound in the amplifier picks up sound in the pickup."
Specifically, it can pick up, amplifier head, speaker, microphone, effects of selection and configuration.
In the acoustic guitar seems algorithm can change the shape and size of the body.

Besides there is also a synth-based algorithm, it is also a big feature can or distort or pitch change in each string independently.
Sound output All told is very broad.
The bottom line of the sound of VG-8.Com V-Guitar Audio Files may be helpful because some listen in.
• "VG-8" and "VG8S-1" and "VG-8 XPANDED" "VG-8EX" 2003/12/06 Symbol

VG primary is "VG-8", "VG8S-1" will be released as a kit to extend the subsequent algorithm, or the like.
State add a "VG8S-1" to "VG-8" is "VG-8 XPANDED".
"VG-8EX" is functional to the "VG-8 XPANDED" s product to the increased preset patch from Although it with a different from the foundation.

Founder and EX is on the appearance different is "V" mark of the color and character of the body of the logo.
Mark of the first generation but blue EX is or was written the effect name on top of the 1 to 3 of the foot SW on an orange.
Also, of course manual different.

I is VG obtained first to notice that the thing that had been sold as "EX," but after a while, "XPANDED".
But contact the retailer was lingering on mutual understanding in or did not understand the charge's Roland (^ ^;
By the way, Yu referred to as "XPANDED" was to know for the first time in that was in the answers from Roland at that time.

Have at Son GR-55 and VG-99 retired because were obtained. 2013/08/03 postscript
Main specifications and appearance 2003/12/13 Symbol

Try some excerpts from the specification manual.

-Tone number of presets: 160
User: 64
Memory Card: 64
And connection terminal (0dBu = 0.775Vrms)
· AUX input (mono / stereo) (- 10dBu)
Guitar output (mono) (- 20dBu)
· GK input and mix outputs (mono / stereo) (balance -10dBu / unbalanced -16dBu)
Headphone output, external SW (1/2)
Expression pedal · MIDI input and output, memory card · AC input and power: AC100V
Power consumption: 13W
- Dimensions: 504 (width) * 293 (D) * 76 (height) mm
Weight: 4.7kg
- Accessories Dedicated cable: C-13A (5m)
· AC cord owner manual tone list driver setting flyer Warranty


Where viewed from above. Orange V logo EX of proof (laughs)
Whether the width does not fit into the big because the 19-inch rack and 504mm is a drawback? (^ ^;


Place as seen from the rear. It is a trapezoid do.


Expansion in the vicinity of the terminal (left). GK IN of the looks in the middle is DIN13Pin.
Stereo correspondence of AUX IN is something's a useful balance of corresponding MIX OUT also nice (Haato)
GUITAR OUT outputs a raw guitar sound that Tsui via GK line.
EXT SWITCH terminal are two of the SW and use the Y-shaped branch line in the TRS type Tsugeru.


Expansion in the vicinity of the terminal (middle). Character of "BULK / PGM ONLY" to the MIDI terminal.
MIDI is wonder if you hold down the bulk dump and PC # just in case that the only of SysEx?
Memory card use the company's M-512E (sold separately).


Expansion in the vicinity of the terminal (right). Hup to expanding here I (^ ^;
- Open to view

"What why people open?"
"It is because there is a screw in there!"
"Man of the Roman !!"
(When in Rome, do as the Roman's do")
I think that a variety of opinions is one arrow, but this time because the dust of the liquid crystal display unit is clean so was worrisome (^ ^;
The first to open is because I wanted to see the next day ... simply obtained while the icing on the cake (^ ^ ;;
This time I tried to incidentally commemorative photograph.


The screws removed 18 and finished the opening of VG (^ ^)


The bottom side. Transformer in the upper left corner. Power base in the lower left corner. Main foundation to those of the right.


The upper side. The upper left corner of the black and square of the rotary encoder. Center on the SW for the foundation and for liquid crystal base and the LED for the foundation. Foot SW foundation of down.

Relatively easy impression to reschedule for the 19 inch rack so that the farewell to another infrastructure applications.
Foot SW unit lack Resona also because only seven of wiring separation is difficult.
However 3U is impossible since the 14cm and some Shi include the brackets 12cm alone operation and display basis of other than the foot SW?

Once, I thought the person who did is present I Are (^ ^;
Nice that can be diverted to the panel that it is this way (^ ^)
I became to the original to determine from the appearance is the first generation VG-8.


Enlargement, in particular meaning without any sacrifice to the transformer mania and battery Mania from the bottom side. Battery CR2032.


Operation and display unit other than the foot SW is about 14cm in inclusive bracket.

By the way, cleaning was the purpose of this completed only by shoe in the air duster (^ ^)


Before cleaning of the liquid crystal display unit (left) after cleaning (right). Now clean (^ ^)


· Roland M-512E

Roland genuine memory card.
64 tone and system of VG-8EX In CARD A11 ~ B84 can save.

Privately Ijitta tone usually are stored in here instead of the USER area of ​​the body.
But VG-8EX is a little inconvenient USER A-11 at the time of every start-up is selected (^ ^;
The live for there is also such a thing is sorted to the USER area.

In addition, VG-8EX is also a little inconvenience can not change the algorithm at the time of tone editing.
Sound making so I keep putting together the sound of each algorithm to near the end of the card are starting from there.


(Left) table. 64kB Raschig. (Right) back. Look in the upper left is protected SW for writing protection.


Appearance of the front and rear mounting.

Previously it gonna companies had prepared their own memory card.
Like disappeared seems was forced situ in the general-purpose memory card of a recent (^ ^;


· V-Library

Honke do not know somewhere it but VG-8.com from available free sound management software.
VG-8 S1 or the corresponding OS that has been specified in for the VG-8EX is used in Win95 but I Win98SE.
Connection with the VG is MIDI.

Screen is like → ( image to the direct link in the VG-8.Com Library is) on the right side of the window is the left side of the window in the Patch Set.
Patch Set is for management in the tone set that corresponds to the USER A11 ~ B84 of the body.
Library is for the management of a hierarchical structure using the folder regardless of the body.

Example of its use 1: also save management transferred from VG in the Patch Set to save is captured the tone Library.
Use Example 2: Transfer the tone that earned in the Library to VG side by side in the Patch Set.
Use Example 3: replacement of the timbre Nde the Patch Set multiple read.

The tone name to be displayed even VG, algorithm, put your own explanation in addition to the comments.
Because except algorithm that can be changed in the V-Library troublesome input work at VG I or come in handy (laughs)
Because from VG-8.com many Patch Set available interesting just try them (^ ^)

A little shame can not interact directly with CARD.
Also, avoid because CARD → USER or vice versa can be easily operated by VG side's a comfortable (^ ^)
Anyway thanks to the author like <(_ _)>

The Twangler


Elantric


Elantric

#7
https://web.archive.org/web/20040824081559/http://www.vg-8.com:80/Members/aure

Aure Prochaska's VGuitar rig 2004 

Aure ran VG-8.com from 1996-2006


VG-88 (GTV-88R)
VG-8 (GTV-8EX-R)
GI-20
XV-2020
Virus Access Rack XL
M-Audio USB Midisport 8x8/s
This is what I have on the floor:

Hold Pedals for the GI-20
SGUS-3 GK-Switcher
2 EV-5's (VG-8, VG-88)
My MIDI setup is some variation of the following:


Here's the back of the VG-8:

and the back of the VG-88:







https://web.archive.org/web/20040823163025/http://vg-8.com:80/Members/aure/superboard/


The cases are guitar cases which I gutted and then lined with truck bed liner, and then glued foam in all around for a very snug fit. All the cables coming out of the V-units are right angled. Quarter inch jack right angles are George L connectors, and the GK cables are modified to a right angle by a friend of mine, Thomas Nordegg, Steve Vai's guitar tech ($25 a piece, if you'd like to get your cable right-angled). All the cables are cut to length so there's no extra to get tangled. Cables are bunched by Nylon sleeving. The two guitar cases come apart and I have 9 plugs to remember when hooking them back together. The GT-6, VG-8, VG-88, and GR-33 are all centrally controlled by a MIDIMan Midisport 4x4 (hidden in the middle) and all output into a Midiman mixer so I can hand the sound guy just one output (stereo or mono). I use the GKP-4 instead of the US-20 because I have three units and since they're controlled by MIDI, I just send a mute patch to a certain device if I want it off. The middle stompbox is a blackened BOSS stage tuner, which is an essential part of any rig. All those dots on the devices help me know what are outputs and inputs and the pedals are all white because they're covered with glow-in-the-dark tape.

Comment

admin

Quote from: JMG on June 01, 2018, 07:23:12 AM
If you have a factory/genuine/real VG-8EX, would there be any reason for you to want to have a VGS-1 system expansion card,




No - the VG-8EX already has all the S1 updates, as well as a bit higher grade audio performance  - better signal to noise ratio.

details

VG-8  / VG-8EX FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11090.0


QuoteIf so, which cards would be useful and why?  ???  a VG8D-1 Traditional Country Folk Blues Jazz sound library card, a VG8D-2 Modern 1 Rock Metal Fusion sound library card, or any other card?

Download those VG-8 / VG-8EX patches contained in those cards here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=23

use these VG-8 apps to load them
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;cat=22

Pr0ject2500

Hi,

  I'm a bit late to the party, but I just managed to get my hands on an S1 version of the VG8 and it is great. I need to route it through my axe fx ultra and was wondering if there are any patches that are empty. At times I need the unit's sounds, but there are patches I use on the ultra where I don't need to use the VG8. Any help in this regard would be great. Another question also: is it possible to use the aux in. on the VG8 as a guitar in?
  Thank you.


admin

https://encyclotronic.com/synthesizers/roland/vg-8-r1631/

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VG-8 V-Guitar System
   
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» SPECIFICATIONS | IMAGES | VIDEOS| SHOP
Description
The Roland VG-8 is a breakthrough guitar processor that uses advanced modeling technology to emulate the most popular guitars and amplifiers in music history. Using Roland's Composite Object Sound Modeling (COSM) technology, the VG-8 combines multiple "sound objects"—like double-cutaway guitar bodies, vintage tweed amplifiers, and humbucking pickups—to create a perfect reproduction of these components that can be played from any steel-stringed guitar with a Roland GK-2A pickup. The VG-8 also has a built-in polyphonic pitch shifter for creating 12-string guitars and open tunings as well as a complete digital effects processor and parametric EQ.

128 Preset Patches, 64 User Patches

VGM (Variable Guitar Modeling) provides multiple sound object models including guitars, pickups, amps, cabinets, microphones and even mic placement

HRM (Harmonic Restructure Modeling) for creating new synth-type sounds No tracking delay – through the GK-2A pickup, the VG-8 converts the actual waveform produced by each string into a totally new sound in realtime

Polyphonic intelligent pitch shifter for 12-string guitars, open tunings, bass guitar emulation, etc.

High-speed digital effects processing including reverb, chorus, hexa-pan, delay and parametric EQ – all simultaneously



» SPECIFICATIONS | IMAGES | VIDEOS| SHOP
Images

» DESCRIPTION | IMAGES | VIDEOS| SHOP
Videos

Search YouTube for the VG-8 V-Guitar System
» DESCRIPTION | IMAGES | VIDEOS| SHOP
Technical Specifications
Type: Digital
Synthesis: Physical modelling, Virtual Analog
Oscillators
Oscillators: *
Osc Modulation: Envelope, Knob, Pedal
Oscillator Notes:
* Dependent on Algorithm
Envelopes
Envelopes: 1
Evelope Paramerters: Attack, Decay
Filters
Filters: 1
Filter Modulation: Envelope, Knob, Pedal
Polyphony & Tuning
Polyphony: 6
Tuning: Atonal, Micro, Standard
Modes: Polyphonic
Patches
Patches RAM: 64
Patches ROM: 64
Storage: Internal, RAM Cartridge, ROM Cartridge
Editing: MIDI
Effects
+chorus,delay,reverb
Case
Case: Pedal
Keyboard: Metal
Controls: Buttons, Knobs, Mod - Wheel 2, Modulation 1/4" Jacks, Pedal - Control, Pedal - Volume
Display Type: LCD, LED, Backlit
Display Count H: 160, 8
Display Count V: 64, 3
Display Notes: Dot LCD, Segment LED
Dimensions (WxDxH): 594 x 293 x 76 mm
Weight: 4.7 kg
Connections
Audio Output Connections: 1/4" Phone Jack, Mono Out, Stereo Main, Stereo Headphone
Audio Output Count: 5
Inputs: 2 x 1/4 "
MIDI Ports: IN, OUT
CV Ports: CV IN
Power: 15 w
Production
Year Released: 1995
Year Discontinued: 2003
Design Notes:

+Subsequent releases with the VG-8EX and S-1 models expanded to an additional bank of sounds and 64 more presets. The original could also be user expanded with the same specs.
Manuals & Documents

User Manual
Product Links
Company Product Sites:
  • www.roland.com
    Pricing
    MSRP List Price: $2,500 - convert
    Retail Street Price: $1,999 - convert
    Used Price: $80-$209 - convert[/i]

admin

#12
Allan Holdsworth Rig 1999

Roland VG-8  . Yamaha DG-80 Amps

Allan worked with Gary Cook on this rig

http://www.garydanielcook.com/bio.htm
http://web.archive.org/web/20090820064542/http://www.garydanielcook.com/bio.htm


http://threadoflunacy.blogspot.com/p/material-real-gear.html

hippietim




mchad


This is my VG-8 Down Under. I think it is the EX variant. The patches go up to E84 (including VIO Guitar) which I think makes it a VG-8EX???

majestic girl names

admin

#17
Quote from: mchad on October 23, 2020, 10:49:19 PM
This is my VG-8 Down Under. I think it is the EX variant. The patches go up to E84 (including VIO Guitar) which I think makes it a VG-8EX???

majestic girl names

Actually that is an original VG-8 which has been upgraded with the S1 firmware update board

compare with a genuine VG_8EX below


chrish

Quote from: mchad on October 23, 2020, 10:49:19 PM
This is my VG-8 Down Under. I think it is the EX variant. The patches go up to E84 (including VIO Guitar) which I think makes it a VG-8EX???

majestic girl names
,S1 upgrades offers the same features as an EX however I believe the ex has a slightly improved sample or processer bit rate resulting in higher dynamic range and some say less hiss.

Member Headless did a side-by-side comparison and did not notice any significant difference between the two units.

pfrancz

Dear VGuitar:
     We looked into the archives after we sent a request out for the VG-8 EX upgrade files and instructions, so kindly created by Tim Noonan. Thank you again Tim. Great work on your part. we have used them previously. We located the .mid files and the instructions.

With Tim's permission, we are reaching out here to ask if we can post them in the files section of the forum. Aure and Tim or list holders, please weigh in.

We will collect everything and send them in. I know they were posted previously, and I don't know why they are not in the file section. Possibly the owner removed them as intellectual property. We understand. Thanks again for the help,

hippietim

Quote from: pfrancz on July 06, 2021, 01:21:56 PM
Dear VGuitar:
     We looked into the archives after we sent a request out for the VG-8 EX upgrade files and instructions, so kindly created by Tim Noonan. Thank you again Tim. Great work on your part. we have used them previously. We located the .mid files and the instructions.

With Tim's permission, we are reaching out here to ask if we can post them in the files section of the forum. Aure and Tim or list holders, please weigh in.

We will collect everything and send them in. I know they were posted previously, and I don't know why they are not in the file section. Possibly the owner removed them as intellectual property. We understand. Thanks again for the help,

Sorry, I just saw this.  I'm Tim Noonan and you are welcome to post the program I wrote no problem.

admin

Quote from: hippietim on November 24, 2021, 07:10:46 PM
Sorry, I just saw this.  I'm Tim Noonan and you are welcome to post the program I wrote no problem.

Does this update essentially allow a 1st generation VG-8 to become a VG-8 S1?

Or,?

hippietim

Quote from: admin on November 24, 2021, 07:18:11 PM
Does this update essentially allow a 1st generation VG-8 to become a VG-8 S1?

Or,?

Yeah, it's a program I wrote years ago because so many people were having difficulty upgrading their VG-8s due to MIDI timing and buffering. You still need an S1 card.

admin

VG-8 $80
https://www.buya.com/Item/Details/ROLAND-VG-8/lite/e6e0faf06f724cf290a14d113ab7b9ce

As is
EFFECT EQUIPMENT: ROLAND MODEL VG-8, PEDALBOARDS AND POWER SUPPLIES, CARD BATTERY LOW, LED SCREEN SHOWS LINES



TrainWreck

#24
Quote from: hippietim on November 24, 2021, 07:10:46 PMSorry, I just saw this.  I'm Tim Noonan and you are welcome to post the program I wrote no problem.

Was this program ever uploaded to the Downloads section?  I've been looking around for it but don't see it anywhere. 

Tim, if I understand correctly this is a program that loads the EX midi files into the VG-8, correct?  I have been having trouble loading the EX files with midiox and I'm hoping your program will do the trick.
---
Edit:

Disregard.  I was able to load the files using Roland's SMF update utility.