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Related Gear => High Tech Guitars => Roland G5 VG Strat => Topic started by: Phaze on April 15, 2009, 06:55:46 AM

Title: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Phaze on April 15, 2009, 06:55:46 AM
Hi all.   I like a good project and enjoy thinking outside the box.  I'm acquiring a Fender VG Strat and wondering if there is some way to replace or modify the internal electronics and install an internal GK-3 kit so I can use it with my VG-99.  Has anyone attempted such a transformation?  Links to any resources will be appreciated.   Thanks!
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on April 15, 2009, 11:16:38 AM
http://www.fender.com/vgstrat/home.html (http://www.fender.com/vgstrat/home.html)

Below are the easiest methods to add an internal  Piezo GK setup to one of those.

GK Piezo Hex PU with External Electronics
===============================
RMC Piezo Saddles + RMC-Poly Drive II
http://www.rmcpickup.com/polydriveii.html (http://www.rmcpickup.com/polydriveii.html)
(As used with Breedlove Synergy Series)


GK Piezo Hex PU with Internal Electronics
===============================
RMC Piezo Pickups
http://www.rmcpickup.com/products.html (http://www.rmcpickup.com/products.html)

Graph-Tech Ghost Piezo Pickups
http://www.graphtech.com/ghost_info.php (http://www.graphtech.com/ghost_info.php)

Graph-Tech Ghost Hexpander Installation (Pics)
http://www.jimbobwan.com/guitar/hexpander.htm (http://www.jimbobwan.com/guitar/hexpander.htm)



G-5 VG Strat Wiring
https://www.web.archive.org/web/20150905162653/https://support.fender.com/service_diagrams/stratocaster/011-7500C_SISD.pdf
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: A2theT on April 15, 2009, 05:07:43 PM
hey sustainiac, these graphtec floyds look wicked!  do you think there would be any more latency compared to the GK-3?
i'd love to buy one over a GK just to streamline it.  tired of my guitar looking like a robot.  lol
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on February 11, 2011, 10:56:59 PM
Hi everyone,
This may be a dumb question, but can a VG strat be modified to have a 13 pin connector so it can be used with a GR unit?  I'm not sure what kind of pickup it has, but I assume it's the right sort of pickup.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: vanceg on February 11, 2011, 11:18:31 PM
The VG strat uses a GK pickup...so I suppose adding a 13 pin connector could be done.  I don't know what the electronics inside the VG strat looks like, though. I could imagine that it might be as simple as splitting out the individual lines from the GK pickup so that they run to the internal VG electronics and to a 13 pin connector (which you would need to route into the guitar to install) or you might even need to add a GK type preamp (which are available as part of the GK-3 internal kit or available from Roland parts department separately...not cheap though).

But, since a GR-55 has a COSM modeling engine inside it (likely even more full featured than the one in the VG strat) why would you want to do this?  The only advantage i could see would be so that you could send your COSM modeled VG strat sounds into the GK as "standard" guitar signal.  I'm thinking that just a Roland Ready strat might be a much simpler and just about as powerful an option for you.  Just thinking.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: MCK on February 11, 2011, 11:57:01 PM
Quote from:  vanceg on February 11, 2011, 11:18:31 PM
GK type preamp (which are available as part of the GK-3 internal kit or available from Roland parts department separately...not cheap though).

VanceG, if you've bought a GK preamp from Roland recently could you kindly share with us how much they were charging? I was about to buy a GK Kit to use the preamp in a project and didn't know the preamp is sold separately by the parts dept. Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on February 12, 2011, 12:07:53 AM
I recall $125 for preamp alone via Roland US Service Department.

Also Fender Service will sell you the RR Strat parts, including the GK PU with White Cover. It was $85 for PU alone - nothing else in 1998.


EDIT: Buy Internal GK-KIT-GT3 from Andertons UK for $135 with Shipping here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12060.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12060.0)

Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: MCK on February 12, 2011, 12:18:12 AM
Quote from:  Elantric on February 12, 2011, 12:07:53 AM
I recall $125 for preamp alone via Roland US Service Department.

Also Fender Service will sell you the RR Strat parts, including the GK PU with White Cover. It was $85 for PU alone - nothing else in 1998.

Thanks. Great info!
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on February 12, 2011, 06:40:10 AM
Quote from:  vanceg on February 11, 2011, 11:18:31 PMBut, since a GR-55 has a COSM modeling engine inside it (likely even more full featured than the one in the VG strat) why would you want to do this?  The only advantage i could see would be so that you could send your COSM modeled VG strat sounds into the GK as "standard" guitar signal.  I'm thinking that just a Roland Ready strat might be a much simpler and just about as powerful an option for you. 
Thanks for the reply.  Yes, a RR strat would be simpler.  At the moment I don't have a guitar to drive the GR unit, so I was simply considering options.  The GR unit does have more features than the VG strat, so that's why I was wondering if the 13-pin signal could be taken from the VG and processed through the GR.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumbo on February 13, 2011, 12:36:58 AM
Here in Oz, the board from the GR internal pickup kit is available as a separate item, but as I once discussed somewhere else on the forum, it comes as a 'package' with the 13-pin socket.

The socket is available separately, but not the board....can't remember the price for the lot (think it was about AUD80)...the socket alone was a bit under AUD20...

...however, when you want to start buying the two multicore leads that go between the two, that's another story...seem to remember they were over AUD20 each...

I have no doubt that the VG-to-RR conversion could be done, but as a few people have said...it's probably easier to just find an old cheapo RR strat and upgrade the pickups, whatever....

..although I must admit that it all appeals to my sense of the ridiculously complicated..... ::)

(...slaps wrist, goes to kitchen to make a nice cup of calming tea.......)


Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on February 15, 2011, 02:10:27 PM
Thanks, gumbo.  Hope the tea was sufficiently calming. 
I wound up installing a GK-3 in another guitar.  Now I'm in business.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: audiotrax on February 15, 2011, 05:05:55 PM
I might be a bit late with this, but if you Google "Fender Service" they have parts and wiring diagrams in there in PDF format.  I found the ones for the Roland Ready Strat.  The VG should be in there.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: samandlyn on May 04, 2011, 07:08:10 PM
Hi guys,
Has anyone tried to attach the GK-3 pickup to a Fender VG Strat.
I spent all night last trying.    :'(First I removed the preinstalled Roland pickup on the VG, thinking I could use the same two holes in which to screw in the GK-3, only to find that to get the screws to hold it securely I had to put one of the plastic spacers under the holes .
I was trying to avoid the double sided tape thing.
But after all that, the GK-3 is in the wrong place such that the 1st and 2nd string just miss the yokes on the GK-3 pickup. :-[
I assume this won't work?

Thanks for any advice
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumtown on May 04, 2011, 07:57:41 PM
No, i have never tried that, but i am curious, isn't the VG strat Roland ready with an internal GK ? why would you want to remove it to fit an external GK-3?
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on May 04, 2011, 08:59:43 PM
Whacky as it seems, the Fender Roland VG Strat is a closed system, the only output is 1/4" phone.

Zero 13 pin connector.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: samandlyn on May 04, 2011, 10:42:23 PM
Quote from:  gumtown on May 04, 2011, 07:57:41 PM
No, i have never tried that, but i am curious, isn't the VG strat Roland ready with an internal GK ? why would you want to remove it to fit an external GK-3?

Gumtree,
Yes ,  as Elantric says the VG strat cannot connect to the GR-55 as it is.
It was a nice idea at the time, but now with the GR-55, the VG Strat's capabilities are markedly limited in comparison.
Still a great idea for the guitarist who is happy not to have to lug around another unit like the GR-55, and it will give you a few alternate tunings ( open G, drop D and DADGAD only) plus it will model a strat , tele, and humbucker for you.
But to be honest, I found I never used it other than as a single coil strat, so out comes the internal Roland pick up !
So  we are now spoiled by units like the GR-55.

IF I can get the damn thing to work right !!  :P
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: vanceg on May 05, 2011, 06:09:57 PM
Quote from:  Elantric on May 04, 2011, 08:59:43 PM
Whacky as it seems, the Fender Roland VG Strat is a closed system, the only output is 1/4" phone.

Zero 13 pin connector.

But, surely the PICKUP on there is a standard Roland GK-2 or GK-3 pickup.  The electronics inside aren't the same?  I suspected they used the GK internal kit and just routed the hex signal to another circuit board which contained the (limited) VG-modeling circuit.  No?

Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: samandlyn on May 05, 2011, 09:27:47 PM
Quote from:  vanceg on May 05, 2011, 06:09:57 PM
But, surely the PICKUP on there is a standard Roland GK-2 or GK-3 pickup.  The electronics inside aren't the same?  I suspected they used the GK internal kit and just routed the hex signal to another circuit board which contained the (limited) VG-modeling circuit.  No?

That's what I thought , so I asked the question at the Roland support site.
Their reply was that the VG strat is not compatible with the GR-55.

Now what does that mean?

Are the electronics in the Roland pickups the same?

Maybe one of you electronics gurus on this site knows but I just had to accept their reply, hence I ripped out the VG strat pickup.

In any case , there was not room between the  bridge and the bridge magnetic pickup to install the Roland GK-3 next to the one that was there, so it was one or the other.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumtown on May 05, 2011, 10:25:09 PM
Doesn't the internal GK Kit pickup have the cable entry on the bottom rather than the side like the GK-3?
You may have to offset the pickup a few mm, you should be able to use the existing pickup.
I would be so bold to make the assumption the circuit board connector plug of the VG pickup is the same as the GK-3 pickup?
Maybe you can re-route the old GK pickup into the GK-3 and unplug the internal pickup connection?
Just so rambling random thoughts.... there must be some compatability with the VG and GK-3 pickups. :)
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on May 06, 2011, 10:29:38 AM
The Fender VG Strat has the identical Roland white hex pickup as the Fender "Roland Ready GK" strat.

Fender "Roland Ready Strat"
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stonemanstudios.com%2Fimages%2FRoland_ready_stratocaster.jpg&hash=5859b66d8f643865f3381912d4003bff8da54820)

Fender VG Strat"
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dv247.com%2Fassets%2Fnews%2Fdv247%2FFender-VG-Strat-midi-pickup.jpg&hash=9fc4b0da65fc40224bd9c06d96680f142dda7a7c)

To modify a Fender VG Strat for 13 pin output requires purchasing a Roland internal GK kit - connecting the existing Roland white hex pickup to the GK-Kit PC Board and a lot of wood work for carving out the 13 pin output jack.
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=235 (http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=235)


Here is the inside of a Fender VG Strat:

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftheteahaus.netfirms.com%2FJulia-2005%2Fnfpicturepro%2Falbums%2Fuserpics%2F10001%2FInnerA.jpg&hash=973f2c0441ed339633b9fb4773c882d30cfeedc7)
Its probably better to sell the VG Strat and get a Roland Ready Strat - any year, and swap the neck out for a Warmoth.



Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: samandlyn on May 07, 2011, 04:17:24 AM
Quote from:  Elantric on May 06, 2011, 10:29:38 AM
The Fender VG Strat has the identical Roland white hex pickup as the Fender "Roland Ready GK" strat.

Its probably better to sell the VG Strat and get a Roland Ready Strat - any year, and swap the neck out for a Warmoth.

Gumtown and Elantric,
thanks for your thoughts.
I should have asked the question before I spent 2 days and a lot of heartburn tablets doing the mod myself.
after drilling more holes and ripping out the old pickup I managed to do it, but it's not pretty !!

Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on May 08, 2011, 01:29:51 PM
Quote from:  samandlyn on May 07, 2011, 04:17:24 AM
Gumtown and Elantric,
thanks for your thoughts.
I should have asked the question before I spent 2 days and a lot of heartburn tablets doing the mod myself.
after drilling more holes and ripping out the old pickup I managed to do it, but it's not pretty !!
fwiw, I have a vg strat and a gr-55.  It would be fantastic if there was an easy way to get the two to work together.  I wound up just putting a gk-3 pickup on another guitar.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: samandlyn on May 08, 2011, 03:54:57 PM
Quote from:  DeRigueur on May 08, 2011, 01:29:51 PM
fwiw, I have a vg strat and a gr-55.  It would be fantastic if there was an easy way to get the two to work together.  I wound up just putting a gk-3 pickup on another guitar.

Now that I have done it I am glad I did. The possibilities of the GR-55 just blow the limited abilities of the VG Strat so far out of the water it's not funny. So there's no point leaving the old Roland pickup in the VG.  Some time ago I considered selling the VG strat because I hardly ever used its modelling anyway, but at the end of the day I kept it because it really sounds great as a single coil Strat.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on May 08, 2011, 05:20:03 PM
I'll probably keep my vr strat.  Even thought it only does a fraction of what the gr-55 modeling can do, it still covers a lot of territory in a convenient package.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: vanceg on May 10, 2011, 01:58:41 AM
If anyone else is attempting this modification: You might note that you don't have to buy the entire GK-Kit_GT3 (The GK-3 internal kit).  Instead, you could just order the main circuit board directly from Roland and not have to pay for the extra GK-pickup and other ancillary parts.  Just a thought.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumbo on May 10, 2011, 06:37:29 AM
You'd still need the 13-pin socket, mounting plate, and possibly some of the multicore leads and special multiplugs though.....otherwise you might find it difficult to hook it all up...

When I priced some of those individual components in Oz (last year) it was kind of looking like it was cheaper to buy a kit and then part out those bits you didn't want...  ......maybe... ???
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on May 10, 2011, 09:37:32 AM
In a past life, having been a factory authorized bench repair tech for all the major brands,  I tend to get 60% of my gear on ebay or scratch & dent "B" stock. I find "Pilot error" is responsible for 80% of returned music gear, and odd occasion when I purchase broken gear, i can typically repair it myself.

Last time I bought a GK-2A internal kit I paid $90 of ebay.

You will pay much more than retail price if you order up each individual component in the GK-Internal Kit separately through the Roland Customer service center.   

And know that Andertons UK sells GK-KIT-GT3 internal kits for $130 with free shipping
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: dsod on June 05, 2012, 05:40:22 PM
 >:(
Was excited to have some new sounds from a decent strat but I am getting some warbling om the lower strings in some of the tuning modes .
Is it just the Roland Pick up proximity to the string or ??  any help is appreciated. THanks

Dave
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on June 05, 2012, 05:47:42 PM
Not much help for the G5 here, since there is no 13 pin jack and all the G5 electronics are fine tuned and set by Roland at the factory.

The best you can do is to change the white hex Pickup height, or try different strings.

Many report the new Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinkys help. Try 10-46 or 10-52

Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on June 28, 2012, 06:14:33 AM
Hi dsod,
I have the earlier version of the VG strat.  If you tell me what settings you used, I'll see if I can reproduce it.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: cbcbasket on September 17, 2012, 11:59:02 AM
If anyone runs across a Stratocaster VG for sale in Sienna Sunburst/Cherry Burst, I want it! Send them to me!
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: nelcatjar on February 23, 2013, 11:23:46 AM
The Roland G5 Strat is a COSM powered Strat with built in modeled guitars and tunings. It has a GK pickup.  It has a 1/4 input, but no 13 pin input. http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1188/475 (http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1188/475)

The Roland GC1 Strat has a GK pickup, a 13 pin input and 1/4" input.
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1189/475 (http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1189/475)

Could a 13-pin connector be added to a G5?  Kind of like a G5+GC1 in a single guitar?
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on February 23, 2013, 11:42:47 AM
With enough money  - anything can be done.
http://www.parkerguitars.com/Signature-Series/ (http://www.parkerguitars.com/Signature-Series/)

If there was enough demand i might be entertained to create such a system - but since I have a day gig, I'd have to spend 6 weeks of my weekends  debugin it and $500 for a short PCB production run and stuff the parts on the board,   - then create installation instructions that only VERY few Luthiers today can comprehend ( witness the numerous luthiers who already contact me for Sustainic Installation help) - despite very clear instructions already  on the Sustainiac Site
http://www.sustainiac.com/ (http://www.sustainiac.com/)

, then I'd  offer to sell the kit with small adapter PCB  board for a reasonable $250 /ea - (to recoupe my effort) - then only sell two.

Ask Richard McClish how his profit margin is on the OPT-01 Filter board. He moves less than 4 a month.
Electronics in very low volume production volume is a battle, the production costs are  10 times more than when you order 5,000
And most consumers wonder why 13 pin gear is so crazy expensive. (hint: its because we represent only .001% of the Guitar Market) - maybe a whole lot less
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: TheGuitarPlayer on February 23, 2013, 05:07:02 PM
Quote from:  Elantric on February 23, 2013, 11:42:47 AM
With enough money  - anything can be done.
http://www.parkerguitars.com/Signature-Series/ (http://www.parkerguitars.com/Signature-Series/)
Not sure if you were getting at the Variax capability of the Belew model.  If you were, you should note that they don't build it with the Variax components anymore. Of course, you could have meant that they were just supremely equipped guitars...
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumtown on February 23, 2013, 05:34:12 PM
I don't think there could possibly be any more spare room inside a G5 strat.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumbo on February 23, 2013, 06:00:39 PM
Quote from:  gumtown on February 23, 2013, 05:34:12 PM
I don't think there could possibly be any more spare room inside a G5 strat.


...we haven't gotten into hollowing out the bouts yet..    ;D
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Kevin M on February 23, 2013, 10:47:09 PM
Quote from:  TheGuitarPlayer on February 23, 2013, 05:07:02 PM
Not sure if you were getting at the Variax capability of the Belew model.  If you were, you should note that they don't build it with the Variax components anymore. Of course, you could have meant that they were just supremely equipped guitars...

I think his point was more with regards to what is possible...at a cost!  I own a Vernon Reid signature Parker and have to admit that it is nothing short of spectacular to play. Granted it doesn't have the bells and whistles of any of the AB models, but it's definitely in another league.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: nelcatjar on February 26, 2013, 06:24:52 PM
Phrasing the question another way....

If it's the same GK pickup in G5, then the "GK Kit" could be added (with routing, carving out some space) and a G5/GC-1 switch to switch between the 2.

Man that sounds like a lot of trouble.  I don't know why I asked.

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcms.rolandus.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Fgallery%2Fgk_kit_gt3_parts_gal.jpg&hash=420fb41c4b9e4c0102a4a0a8b816c0dd33797e32)
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on February 26, 2013, 08:12:24 PM
It might be as simple as finding room in the G-5 to add the GK- Kit -internal electronics but get an 8 pin  ribbon cable Y Jumper to allow one Roland divided hex PU to feed both the G5 internal DSP board and the internal GK-3 board.

But if you accomplish that ,  I doubt there would be much tone wood left in the body.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Kevin M on February 26, 2013, 08:21:49 PM
Quote from:  nelcatjar on February 26, 2013, 06:24:52 PMPhrasing the question another way....

If it's the same GK pickup in G5, then the "GK Kit" could be added (with routing, carving out some space) and a G5/GC-1 switch to switch between the 2.

Man that sounds like a lot of trouble.  I don't know why I asked.

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcms.rolandus.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Fgallery%2Fgk_kit_gt3_parts_gal.jpg&hash=420fb41c4b9e4c0102a4a0a8b816c0dd33797e32)

I'm no an electronics expert by any means, but I suspect it's quite doable.  From my electronic-idiot viewpoint it seems like you'd 'simply' tap into the existing board to get the wires coming off the GK pickup (determining how to setup a switch here), add the GK guts, and presto!

Update: and you'd probably only want to have one or the other system on and engaged at a time, and then you'd have to work out the magnetic pu blend for both systems. Lots to consider...
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DF400 on February 26, 2013, 09:29:24 PM
I was recently looking at both the GC-1 and the G5 and also wondered why they made this either/or for 13pin access. It seems all the parts are in the G5. But what do I know, there could be impedance problems with splitting the signal or issues way beyond my layman electronic knowledge...
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on February 26, 2013, 09:49:41 PM
If the G-5 had the following features it would sell a whole lot more, and have stronger demand:

* GK 13 pin Output to drive VG-99 / GR-55 (only One mono 1/4" jack is provided on G-5) 

* If no 13 pin output, then why not a USB connection? Better still, a hexaphonic 6 channel audio interface with ASIO driver, separate channel per string.

* A method for users to define their own Alt Tunings. (you are stuck with the factory defined Alt tunings)

* A method for users to perform firmware updates ( Zero method exists for user installed updates on the G-5)

* a strong customer needs driven company that adds new features via firmware updates based upon market research (wait that's Line-6)
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: dsod on March 26, 2013, 05:47:20 PM
Quote from:  Elantric on June 05, 2012, 05:47:42 PM
Not much help for the G5 here, since there is no 13 pin jack and all the G5 electronics are fine tuned and set by Roland at the factory.

The best you can do is to change the white hex Pickup height, or try different strings.

Many report the new Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinkys help. Try 10-46 or 10-52
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: aliensporebomb on March 26, 2013, 05:52:45 PM
I take it you're using the stock strings shipped with the guitar?

Batteries are fresh I take it?  I understand low batteries on these guitars produces unusual results.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Cecill22 on April 10, 2014, 01:09:29 PM
Owned a VG strat since 09, have hardly ever used it but when I did it worked fine. Picked it up the other day after not having played it in over 2 years and it only works in the Normal mode, ie none of the Roland stuff works. Changed the batteries and still no luck. Looked at the circuit board and all the connections and everything seems fine. Still have to take the picguard off and check under there. Did notice a weird thing about the battery compartment, where on one side there are only contacts at one end. See the attached pics to check this out. Seems weird to me. If there is anyone out there who can help, please let me know as I would like to sell this, as I just purchased a JTV 59 from Line 6, and it seems vastly superior to this Roland strat.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on April 10, 2014, 01:50:02 PM
I just checked the battery holder on my vg strat and it looks like yours is missing some contacts.
Can't imagine what could have happened to them.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Cecill22 on April 10, 2014, 02:01:43 PM
Do both sides of your battery holder look the same? Could you possibly send me a pic of each side. I would appreciate it. Any idea where I could get a new holder?
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on April 10, 2014, 02:03:19 PM
Fender VG Strat Service manual
http://support.fender.com/service_diagrams/stratocaster/011-7500C_SISD.pdf (http://support.fender.com/service_diagrams/stratocaster/011-7500C_SISD.pdf)

Battery Compartment is Fender Part #0073625000

QuoteAny idea where I could get a new holder?



Call Fender Customer Service

Fender Customer service in Arizona
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Attn: Consumer Relations Dept.
17600 N. Perimeter Drive, Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Telephone: (480) 596-7195
Fax: (480) 367-5262
E-mail: consumerrelations@fender.com




FWIW - the "AA" batteries are connected in Series

This side of Battery Holder looks good - see the contacts on each side of the battery compartment
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11026.0;attach=9072;image)



While this side of Battery Holder looks bad  - see the missing contacts on right side of the battery compartment. These are press fit into the plastic Battery holder and not connected anywhere else. Looks like they fell out of your Battery Holder at some prior point in time.
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11026.0;attach=9070;image)
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Cecill22 on April 10, 2014, 05:35:22 PM
Elantic,
Can you please send me a pic of both sides of your battery holder without the batteries? The side on mine where the contacts are missing appears to be totally different than the other three sides in regards to how the contacts are connected.
Thanks
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on April 10, 2014, 05:48:31 PM
its not my holder - those are your pics reposted.

Curious why one of your photos (Roland StratBattery1.jpg) shows all contacts present
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11026.0;attach=9072;image)
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Cecill22 on April 10, 2014, 05:57:23 PM
I have no idea what happened to the missing contacts, unless they came off when I changed the batteries. The side with the missing contacts is completely different than the other three sides in regards to how the contacts are placed in the holder. Tried to get the guy deriguer to send me a couple of pics, but no luck. Guess I'll just have to wait until I get a new one from Fender!! BTW, Fender will not allow you to order this part directly. You have to go to an authorized service center to order it, so I guess I will be vising Guitar Center tomorrow. Thanks for your help anyway!!
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on April 10, 2014, 06:00:47 PM
@elantric -  It holds 4 batteries.  One photo is of the back; the other of the front.

I've attached a photo of mine showing what it looks like with the contacts in place.
Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Cecill22 on April 10, 2014, 06:04:52 PM
Thanks so much. SO bizarre, I can't imagine how they came out!!
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on April 10, 2014, 08:32:25 PM
QuoteThanks so much. SO bizarre, I can't imagine how they came out!!
I can - the "missing pair of contacts  are actually just  one metal piece that is simply "press fit" into the plastic housing  - it makes contact between two AA batteries that are electrically wired in series.

With the batteries removed, this  "press fit"  metal battery contact piece may easily become loose and can fall out on a dark stage during a battery change (required every 3 hours of VG Strat use ) and you would probably never know what happened to the missing battery contact - if you were not expecting it to be an item which is easily dislocated from the plastic housing.

Assuming this Battery holder holds four  "AA" batteries wired in series ( +6VDC)  Its actually very similar to these

http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/6364754/4_AA_Battery_Holder_BH343.html (http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/6364754/4_AA_Battery_Holder_BH343.html)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.diytrade.com%2Fcdimg%2F1074412%2F24147566%2F0%2F1323173900%2F4_AA_Battery_Holder_BH343.jpg&hash=12517a6f5e157a9769833dc3e73265d4c6f7c8ec)

I order them from

Mouser  ($1.50)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mouser.com%2Fimages%2Fkeystoneelectronics%2Fimages%2F2476_tn.jpg&hash=678595d5dec048134f5879919a163d9423681323)
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/2476/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMupuRtfu7GC%252bVD20qOQUHEKVV%2fpkrbh1nE%3d (http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/2476/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMupuRtfu7GC%252bVD20qOQUHEKVV%2fpkrbh1nE%3d)




or


Digikey 


or


Jameco


or

All Electronics


But if you zoom in on the center of this pic - the OEM Hardware supplier's name (which is not Roland) is stamped into the center of the  plastic housing
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11026.0;attach=9072;image)

But if you are thinking of selling the guitar, it would be best to call Fender and place an order for a replacement Fender VG Strat Battery Holder - Fender P/N  #0073625000
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: mbenigni on April 11, 2014, 06:29:10 AM
Quote from:  Cecill22 on April 10, 2014, 06:04:52 PM
Thanks so much. SO bizarre, I can't imagine how they came out!!

Do you have any very young children in the house?   :)
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Moja on November 24, 2014, 08:55:32 AM
I finally managed to add the GK-3 internal into my Fender VG Stratocaster.  Amazing sound(s) and versatility now.

Has anyone else done this ?
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on November 24, 2014, 09:17:26 AM
Congratulations- You are the 1st person I have heard who has added an internal GK kit to a Fender VG Strat.

Post more internal pics!
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on November 24, 2014, 10:49:53 AM
I'm curious if you implemented a "y" cable so one GK hex PU can feed both the internal VG DSP board AND the GK-KIT-GT-3 board at same time?
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Moja on November 24, 2014, 11:53:33 AM
The rear of the VG is like original.
The only visible alteration is the 13-pin connector in location where 1/4" Jack used to be. And a new guitar Jack in location where Roland Ready 13-pin are located.

I wanted to have my cake & eat it also.

Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Moja on November 24, 2014, 08:46:43 PM
Yes, it is' basicaly ' a" Y" cable.  Took several months to figure it all out.... Without blowing up the VG or the GR-55 ,  ha, ha....
Sadly, Roland never sent me detailed Schematics ! Geez, go figure.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: ProgMystic on November 24, 2014, 11:54:13 PM
Wow!  :D That looks fantastic. I love what you did with the 13 pin socket. It must be so versatile. Does the onboard processed signal go down the normal pick up lines on the 13 pin cable as well as out the 1/4 jack socket?
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Moja on November 25, 2014, 12:05:11 AM
Yes, the VG pickups (including VG modeled )go out through the 13-pin cable & 1/4" jack.
When plugged into the GR-55 , the VG DSP board is powered by the GR-55.  Of course I have to use a dummy 1/4" jack to enable the DSP .
         When stand alone, via 1/4" cable,  the VG DSP board runs off the Battery pack.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: dayn on November 25, 2014, 01:39:20 PM
Do you have a schematic, and/or even better some pics you can share showing the mod? I'd love to see under the hood what the extra connections are and how you installed the 13-pin in the strat jack. Thanks!
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: DeRigueur on November 25, 2014, 02:24:59 PM
+1
I have a vg strat (my avatar), too.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumtown on November 25, 2014, 02:36:26 PM
Quote from:  Moja on November 25, 2014, 12:05:11 AM
  Of course I have to use a dummy 1/4" jack to enable the DSP .
Do you know that the GK-Kit has an option to switch the 'jack socket power' when the GK/GR-55 power is applied automatically.
No need to use a dummy plug.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Moja on November 25, 2014, 07:14:21 PM
Ok here is a picture of the cavity. I has to figure out where/how to fit that GR KIT PCB .
Without destroying the integrity of the VG.
So I decided on this versions of two different VG Strats mods. Both dimilar but this Router way is the best I figure. ?

Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Moja on November 25, 2014, 08:50:50 PM
Thank you for the tip. I knew about it. But, I had to decide to focus on job at hand. How to Integrate RR with VG first right ?
   Power stuff was 2'nd priority.
     I was lucky to get two Fender VG guitars runing without blowing them or the GR-55 up . Ha, ha, lol

    No schematics was complex. But I designed a lot of Analog electronics stuff so I guessed well I guess ?

    I decided that I wanted my VGs to work without batteries when connected to a GR-55 , and internal battery when no GR-55 connection. Without blowing up either.
   So I decide to use the VG 1/4" jack to switch VG DSP board on or off.   It has a non ground , isolated jack switch to enable the VG's DSP board on/off.

Any comments are most welcome.
Cheers
Bob
   
   
Quote from:  gumtown on November 25, 2014, 02:36:26 PM
Do you know that the GK-Kit has an option to switch the 'jack socket power' when the GK/GR-55 power is applied automatically.
No need to use a dummy plug.
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: hired gun on August 01, 2015, 06:16:44 AM
can i split the signal coming out of the pickup by means of making a 8 pin y female to two male 8 pins one going to the g-5a the other going to gk-3 will it work
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on August 01, 2015, 08:55:50 AM
Suggest read

Modifying a Fender VG Strat – is it possible to add a 13pin output
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1648.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1648.0)
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: hired gun on August 16, 2015, 04:32:04 PM
Quote from: vanceg on May 05, 2011, 06:09:57 PM
But, surely the PICKUP on there is a standard Roland GK-2 or GK-3 pickup.  The electronics inside aren't the same?  I suspected they used the GK internal kit and just routed the hex signal to another circuit board which contained the (limited) VG-modeling circuit.  No?
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: jbsplash on September 07, 2015, 01:47:45 PM
I'm wondering if anyone knows where a fella can find the software and instructions for adjusting and testing the VG module on a 2007 Fender VG Strat.  After reviewing the wiring diagram, it looks like there is a USB port and maybe some adjustment options to hot rod the guitar a little bit.  My VG has very low and uneven output all the way around and I'm looking for any feedback as to whether there is hope for my weak- link axe to be made whole.
Seems like there oughta be a number of possibilities- wishlist would include software upgrades and possibly a way to install a 13-pin output.
Anyone out there have any wisdom to impart???

Thanks!

JBS
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumbo on September 20, 2015, 07:33:15 AM
Hi JBS..
While some of your 'requests' are not off-the-shelf possibilities, a couple of us are currently working on some stuff with the VG and the 13-pin install ...  do not lose faith yet!!

As far as adjustment goes (given that the internals are basically the same as the G-5), here is a page from the G-5 Service notes that could (?) help your immediate problems..

Cheers,
Peter



Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Elantric on September 20, 2015, 08:04:48 AM
If you have weak output on a 2007 VG Strat contact both Roland and Fender

Roland Corporation U.S.
5100 S. Eastern Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938
Customer Service Tel: (323) 890-3700

Fender Customer service in Arizona
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Attn: Consumer Relations Dept.
17600 N. Perimeter Drive, Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Telephone: (480) 596-7195
Fax: (480) 367-5262
E-mail: consumerrelations@fender.com
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: tacman7 on April 11, 2018, 05:40:43 PM
I have a XTSA that I use with a GK-88 and I ordered a GP-10 but looks like it won't be here until May.

Big run on GP-10's?

I've got a Schecter that I'm going to put the GK3 that comes with the GP-10 on.


Just thinking...

Anyway I also have a G5 that I like. I was reading this thread:

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1648.0

Seems like I could add a switch to go from G5 to Roland ready functionality if I bought the circuit board from this kit:

https://www.roland.com/us/products/gk-kit-gt3/

Anyone tried this?

Waste of time?

I notice the G5 is going for a lot on ebay!

So are Roland ready ones though.

Could look around for a trade maybe.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: admin on April 12, 2018, 01:31:47 PM
You found the link to add the GK 13 pin output to the G5 use that info if you are comfortable with do it yourself Electronics
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1648.0
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: Akash on July 08, 2018, 02:06:15 AM
https://m.ebay.com/itm/13-PIN-DIN-FEMALE-CHASSIS-PANEL-MOUNT-CONNECTOR-ATARI-KENWOOD-ROLAND/390671564763?epid=2261183538&hash=item5af5d6ffdb:g:XyUAAOSw0e9Uso2b
Can I use this connector instead of the whole GK kit.
Quote from: Moja on November 24, 2014, 08:55:32 AM
I finally managed to add the GK-3 internal into my Fender VG Stratocaster.  Amazing sound(s) and versatility now.

Has anyone else done this ?
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: gumbo on July 08, 2018, 04:03:08 AM
Yes, you could, but it wouldn't work...

Even acknowledging that I have vested interests in 13-pin jacks, there is more to it than just fitting one to the edge of your guitar...you need the GK3 mainboard, some of the controls, and an (internal) y-cable to connect the existing hex pickup to TWO separate (and very different) systems..and even then, there is going to be:

A) a lot of work

B) a danger of frying something important if you don't know what you are doing...

The actual 13-pin jack is the easiest bit of the whole deal...read this complete thread in detail before doing / buying anything..

HTH
Peter
Title: Re: Roland G5 Strat / Fender VG Strat- can 13 pin connector be added? (like GC1)
Post by: admin on July 08, 2018, 09:22:25 AM
For Details on adding GK-KIT-GT3 to G5/VG Strat

start at 1st post
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1648.0

And read Moja's posts

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=11702