ELANTRIC - Roland US-20 "Magic Box Mod"- I/O External FX Loop, and Remote S1/S2

Started by Rhcole, April 14, 2011, 04:27:16 PM

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Rhcole



I used to own a US-20, sold it and rebought recently for the combo of the VG and the GR. It's about to go off to Elantric for mods.

When I owned it before, it precisely switched between the Axon and the Gr-33 I had at the time. One, the other, or both. No surprises. I used a Godin LGXT back then.

Now, whatever guitar sound is selected for the A pedal plays through whether I'm using the VG or the GR. So, if I have, say, a strat on the VG A voice and B is a COSM synth, and then the GR is a nylon string with a synth, the strat plays on all selections unless I switch the VG A voice off, either with a switch or volume pedal. This assumes that the VG is the box powering the US-20. If the GR is the lead dog, it Uses both COSM and mags as the sound that plays constantly.

I don't think the US-20 is broken, I think the Carvin may be wired differently than the Godin. Or is it something else? I suppose I never thought about the LGXT one way or the other back then, because it was the only guitar variable. I downloaded the US-20 manual, which most certainly is written in "Engrish" and didn't clarify matters for me.
I don't geddit...

Elantric

Read this thread for details of this standard US-20 behavior

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3494.msg23360#msg23360


QuoteHas anyone experimented with sending their normal guitar pickup signal out to any processing or gear BEFORE running it into the GR55 and let the 55 output be a final buffer stage to the amp rig???


Many options to achieve External FX processing for GR-55  ( like adding an FX Loop) is listed on this thread

GR-55 F.A.Q.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4006.0

If you prefer to leave your GR-55 stock  - you can insert any FX between your normal guitar out and the 1/4" input on GK-3

This can prove unwieldily for live use


I do these Mods to your Roland US-20 A/B/Y Selector ( this goes between your Guitar the GR-55 )


for $80 includes return shipping within the Continental US
Direct Guitar Out/in and External FX Mod for Roland US-20 - place up stream in front of the stock GR-55 /VG-99 13 pin Input
send me a PM (Elantric) for a shipping address
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3664.0







Gundy Keller (of Roland Germany) likes his
(me on the left, Gundy on the right)






http://www.rolandmusik.de/termine/aktuelles/gitarre/index.php

Rhcole

Thanks, Elantric.

US-20 went to UPS today, it'll reach you on Tuesday, so they say.

Rhcole

BTW,

Elantric's US-20 Mod is a great solution for quickly expanding the controls of your VG or GR unit. It's saved me from having to buy outboard MIDI controllers.

Bill Ruppert

I just received the "Magic Box" US-20  from Steve Conrad. (aka "Elantric")
It allows you to plug any 1/4 cable into the GR-55 as well as add a foot switch to change GK button functions.
It works like a dream.
Steve modifies the Roland US-20 to add these features and his work is flawless.
Steve is the owner of this forum.
I will up load pics and info this week.
Bill Ruppert

Elantric

Bill,
Thanks for the endorsement!

cedric

Wow! Can you help me to reach him... adress??

That seems a nice box for me!

Thank you very much!

Cédric ;-)

gumbo

Quote from:  cedric on October 01, 2012, 05:41:40 PM
Wow! Can you help me to reach him... adress??

That seems a nice box for me!

Thank you very much!

Cédric ;-)

Send a PM to Elantric, ( or Admin) and he'll no doubt explain things to you..

Cheers!
Read slower!!!   ....I'm typing as fast as I can...

Elantric

Cedric,
Your Inbox is full, so I can not send you details

Also you are in Canada, and at this time I only perform the US-20 mod to USA residents due to shipping/customs issues  -although that may change.

cedric

Ok. My inbox is ready now... Well,  don't see why it's a problem to send to canada... I bought many from the USA...

Customs is never a problem...


Elantric


JXWILL

Guys, what address should I use to send my us-20 for modifications?
Thanks, James



Quote from:  Elantric on October 01, 2012, 10:07:02 AM
Bill,
Thanks for the endorsement.

I do these Mods to your Roland US-20 for $80 includes return shipping within the Continental US



Gundy likes his




http://www.rolandmusik.de/termine/aktuelles/gitarre/index.php

gumtown

Quote from:  JXWILL on October 11, 2012, 10:32:33 AM
Guys, what address should I use to send my us-20 for modifications?
Thanks, James
You need to send a P.M. to Elantric or Admin
Click on his name below to send a message.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

Elantric

JXWill

Check your Inbox

damienmcgauley

Anyone in the UK supply modified US-20s?

celestmark

I'm still waiting on a reply if the GK-Expander is still available, but if its too long a wait I'll look at the US-20 mod option.

If I decide to go with Elantric's work, could I simply PayPal you (Elantric) the entire amount to purchase a US-20, get it  modded and then have it shipped to me? That would save some time and money.

Thanks!

mojo thorne

With this mod, is it safe to assume that the normal guitar input / FX loop is buffered?  I.e. - could I plug a non-GK guitar straight in to use the GR-55 amp and effects models without any signal loss?

Elantric

QuoteWith this mod, is it safe to assume that the normal guitar input / FX loop is buffered?  I.e. - could I plug a non-GK guitar straight in to use the GR-55 amp and effects models without any signal loss?

No - you must use a separate Buffer between your passive guitar and the "Guitar input" on the modified US-20 - for example any Boss pedal will function as the required buffer.


QuoteIf I decide to go with Elantric's work, could I simply PayPal you (Elantric) the entire amount to purchase a US-20, get it  modded and then have it shipped to me? That would save some time and money.

My Free Time is very sparse as well. Currently only doing mods on user owned US-20 that the user sends to me for the mod.

mojo thorne

Thanks for the quick reply!  I'll start checking for US-20's.  Seems like they can be had for around $100-120 pretty easily.  I'll send you a PM if that's the route that I decide to go.


KeldAmpworks

Hi - Just a quick note to the lady or gent who wanted a US-20 mod in the UK - I'm happy to do this, I run an amp repair shop part time - I'll post a link to the website through which you can contact me - if the mods don't mind?

Elantric, hope I'm not stepping on any toes here, but I'm not likely to be offering this to anyone in North America! Feel free to object! :)

Is the US-20 case steel or Ali?

I'd really like to put something together for DIYers to make a breakout box with filters and 6 string insert loop, similar to billbax's great offerings (but without the cool videos). I need this for my own live rig, but I haven't got round to drawing a schematic. I'll start a new thread and share everything if/when I finally do.

admin

Bassetrox,

I actually think this is a great idea, as I always wanted to have a community with "open source" hardware.
I have seen the cost of many desirable electronic hardware adapters get doubled when the global shipping costs and import tariffs get tallying up,   

If you read all the posts here (as I have) - we have already have a wealth of info, and a smart electronics tech/engineer can interpret and implement a local solution.



gregjon

Can you send this to me in Guam, USA zipcode 96921 ?

You could send it USPS Priority. Just fill out a simple customs form.

Thanks

Gregjon
Fender 50th Anniversary Strat with GK3 pickup.
Godin Freeway SA
Godin Multiac Nylon SA
Fishman Triple Play
GR-55
GR-20
SUGS Selector
RFX Midi Foot Control Pedal
Ipad Air, Apps: Bias, Jam Up Pro, Flying Haggis, Tone Stack, Audiobus, Garage Band,

Elantric

The hurdle is I'm selling a mod to your existing device - not a whole product.

It's best you contact others who sell similar type products as I only do this mod on  a customer supplied Roland US-20. I have none to sell.

Others are listed here

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=127.0

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9143.0

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9692.0

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9165.0

Rhcole

Hey Elantric,

Didn't PM because I thought this would be of interest to the group. Will your modded US-20 provide an FX loop for the COSM sounds on the GP-10? I would like to add a Slow Gear, it's a shame Roland left that out.

Elantric

No, FX Loop is for normal Mag PU Guitars only

Its rather clear from the info here:

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3664.0

Think about it - To add FX Loop for COSM Guitars would require a 7 conductor connection (6 String signals + Ground) minimum to feed 6 separate external FX processors - one per string.

If you do need that type of setup - look at the RMC Fanout box or Bill Bax Break out Box's here:
http://www.separate-strings.co.uk/
GK Accessories
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=72.0