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GK-13 Reference Knowledge => GK Mag Hex (GK-2A,GK-3) => Topic started by: chamav on April 15, 2008, 01:12:04 AM

Title: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: chamav on April 15, 2008, 01:12:04 AM
Hi,

has anybody tried to install an external GK3 on an acoustic guitar? I am considering doing so with a Yamaha LD-10.

I wonder if the Pickup cable is long enough to reach the back of the guitar and whether the space between the two holders is long enough to hang the guitar body.

Thank you
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Kostas Greece on April 15, 2008, 01:57:22 AM
Vasika den eimai sigouros an katw oi apostaseis metaxi twn xordwn einai idies me tin ilektriki. An einai idies fisika kai ginetai. Apla prepei na anoixeis dio tripes gia tis vides tou magniti, kai na valeis diplis opsews kollitiki tiania gia to ipoloipo sistima.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Kenmac on April 15, 2008, 02:11:39 PM
Yes, back when I was using my VG-8 I had, not a GK3, but a GK-2A pickup on my acoustic guitar. I had no problems with cable length.

Quote from: chamav on April 15, 2008, 01:12:04 AM
Hi,

has anybody tried to install an external GK3 on an acoustic guitar? I am considering doing so with a Yamaha LD-10.

I wonder if the Pickup cable is long enough to reach the back of the guitar and whether the space between the two holders is long enough to hang the guitar body.

Thank you

Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: guitarmandp on April 23, 2009, 11:45:20 AM
I currently have a GK-3 on a shop guitar. I was wondering if anybody has ever used one with an acoustic guitar? I was thinking of putting it on a dreadnaught or an ovation custom legend that I own.

Does it sound the same as it would if it were on a solidbody guitar?
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Kenmac on April 23, 2009, 02:58:44 PM
Well I don't have a GK-3 but at one time I put a GK-2A pickup on my Simon & Patrick acoustic when I used to have a VG-8 and it was kind of wild to be playing an acoustic and to have it come out sounding like an overdriven Les Paul or out-of-phase Strat.  :) One thing I'd advise against though is using alternate tunings on either the acoustic or the virtual tunings in the VG-99 because quite frankly the noise is quite cacophonus. Try it out and let us know how you like it.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: germanicus on April 25, 2009, 12:52:16 AM
Quote from:  guitarmandp on April 23, 2009, 11:45:20 AM
I currently have a GK-3 on a shop guitar. I was wondering if anybody has ever used one with an acoustic guitar? I was thinking of putting it on a dreadnaught or an ovation custom legend that I own.

Does it sound the same as it would if it were on a solidbody guitar?

Well sort of. I used it on a Variax 700 Acoustic. This is not really an acoustic guitar (although it looks like one), but it does use acoustic guitar strings. The vg99 modelling worked extremely well with it. The key thing to remember is that due to where you are placing the gk pickup, the guitar itself has very little influence on the tone you get out of the 99. If it were otherwise there would be too much variability from guitar to guitar for the COSM modelling to sound anything like their intended target instruments.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: sixeight on April 26, 2009, 08:35:27 AM
I came across this video of acousticon the other day. gives you a good idea of an acoustic with GK-3 attached. Doesn't sound very acoustic to me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5yu5MklRJY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5yu5MklRJY)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on April 26, 2009, 09:20:57 AM
Martin used to make one a couple years ago

It had a metal top and Factory installed GK-3A

Martin Alternative -X
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/10U-3876.htm
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elderly.com%2Fvintage%2Fitems%2Fimages%2F10U%2F10U-3876_body-front.jpg&hash=bd99a6b3e9532286879103d7b3eed48ccfdf9cc1)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: G on March 23, 2010, 10:33:55 AM
I'm interested in getting an acoustic guitar with a buffer preamp thingy (so it can plug in to an amp on stage), but I am curious if I can get it working with my VG-99 and hook up a GK-3 pickup to the bridge.

Anyone have any experience with this?
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: paults on March 23, 2010, 04:50:21 PM
Although I mainly use the VG for electric gigs, I also have an Ovation Custom Legend that I use for occaional acoustic gigs, with its pickup going into a GK3 and the VG99.  It works great - so well, that I like the sound of the COSM guitar better than the real pickup :)  I use it for layered guitars, 12-String, and MIDI it to a Roland XV5050 for strings, piano, etc.  

   
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: guitarmandp on April 18, 2010, 12:50:32 PM
I just installed a Roland GK-3 pickup on an Ovation and I notice a difference in sound between the Ovation and the Warmoth.

The Jazz guitar patches don't sound as warm, and the distortion sounds doesn't sound as heavy on the ovation as on my Warmoth parts guitar.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: paults on April 18, 2010, 08:38:26 PM
Yes, I have a GK3 on a Custom Legend, and the VG99 acoustic models sound really good to me.  Since the guitar has less sustain than a solidbody, electric models have less sustain than they would if the source guitar was a solidbody.

Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: bbob on December 31, 2010, 01:01:02 PM
Quote from:  paults on March 23, 2010, 04:50:21 PM
Although I mainly use the VG for electric gigs, I also have an Ovation Custom Legend that I use for occaional acoustic gigs, with its pickup going into a GK3 and the VG99.  It works great - so well, that I like the sound of the COSM guitar better than the real pickup :)  I use it for layered guitars, 12-String, and MIDI it to a Roland XV5050 for strings, piano, etc.  

   

Paults,

I am considering adding a GK3 to an Ovation Applause.  Any suggestions on the installation?  What strings are you using?  With the GK3 installed the guitar will probably no longer fit in the Ovation case.

Thanks.

Bob
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: paults on January 01, 2011, 12:00:26 AM
I use Adamas acoustic strings on it.  You're right about the case - I use a gig bag when the pickup is on the guitar.  I had enough string clearance to use velcro to mount it. 
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Jim Williams on January 01, 2011, 10:05:31 AM
I have a Charvel eletric accoustic with a GK3 and I am getting some cool rsults. I mounted it with thick double sided tape, the tape also muffles the vibration to the GK3. otherwise your strings will bleed together. The sounds are nice and more acousticly realistic. First you can get the sound of a real acoustic guitar (then add in the guitar to midi and WOW). Then when you use modeled acoustic guitars it has more of a ringing quality. when you model eltric models watch out for high gain sounds, the acoustic body will feedback more. Your modeled hollow body guitars will be more realistic also. I don't use it as my primary guitar it's not very practcial I use a few differnt guitars live but adding the acoustic is prety cool. I used to think it didn't matter what guitar you put a GK3 on but it does, you do get differnt tone on differnt guitars. I don't think Roland realy knew all the ins and outs of the VG99 when they shipped it out. I keep finding new stuff every time I start playing around with it. just keep trying new stuff and you will never need anythig elce.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: BDH on April 12, 2011, 05:26:13 AM
Hi I am new to this forum & glad I have found this. I have using guitar synths for sometime now and started with a Casio PG380 midi guitar. I have a Roland GR-20 and now a GR-55 which I have hooked to my Roland Ready Fender Strat. I am curious about mounting the GK-3 to a acoustic guitar & wondering if anyone else has done this and what could I expect as far as the install goes and the sound?  Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Brian
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: midiman on April 12, 2011, 05:42:13 AM
I have a GK3 installed on my Guild F4 and works great. I use blutac to hold both the pickup and the controls in place. I know its rec comended that you either use the screws or the double sided strips but I found feedback from the guitar occasionally affected the tracking. Blutac between the pickup and the body of the guitar seems to filter that out and my guild tracks as well as my Strat.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: BDH on April 12, 2011, 10:55:50 AM
Quote from:  midiman on April 12, 2011, 05:42:13 AM
I have a GK3 installed on my Guild F4 and works great. I use blutac to hold both the pickup and the controls in place. I know its rec comended that you either use the screws or the double sided strips but I found feedback from the guitar occasionally affected the tracking. Blutac between the pickup and the body of the guitar seems to filter that out and my guild tracks as well as my Strat.
Thanks for replying. I am surprised you put it on that Guild. I have a brand new Martin that I could not bring myself to think about that one, but I am going to try it on a older less expensive Takamine. Did you just mount the GK-3 right up next to the bridge and what settings did you use for yours?
Thanks
Brian
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: midiman on April 12, 2011, 04:44:23 PM
The main benefit of using blutac is that it dosent damage the bodywork at all. Of course it does have an impact on the overall tone of the guitar because it slightly dampens the sound but still sounds great. It is the instrument I play most of all so made sense for me to use it. In terms of mounting the pickup I do have it set close to the bridge. When I set the parameters for the GK3 on the GR-55, I set top E at 10mm from the bridge and then incremented it at .5 across the strings. Bottom E (Low) is set at 12.5mm. I also adjusted the string sensitivity's to get an even level across the strings. Top E is around 40 and bottom E around 90. Probably need to redo the blutac for the bridge as it has been on their for a long time.

The Takamines are not bad instruments so sounds like it might be a good combo. Give it a go and see how you get on.  :)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: BDH on April 12, 2011, 05:33:07 PM
Thanks alot for the info Midiman. That Blu-tack sounds good but I don't see it over here in the USA but I am sure there must be something comparable like perhaps plumbers putty or something.
Brian
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on April 12, 2011, 05:38:21 PM
get yer Blu Tack here:
http://www.amazon.com/Blu-Tack-Reusable-Adhesive/dp/B001FGLX72 (http://www.amazon.com/Blu-Tack-Reusable-Adhesive/dp/B001FGLX72)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: paults on April 12, 2011, 07:13:17 PM
I have one on an Ovation Custom Legend -  I used double backed tape for the pickup, and three small pieces of velcro to attach the controller to the face of the guitar, where I can easily use the knob and switches.   

Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gumtown on April 12, 2011, 09:51:13 PM
No-one's setup could be worse than what i tried..
I have this crappy blue coloured acoustic i brought for a play toy for my young daughter which i got for $4 off a local e-auction.
After trying to tune it, i decided it was not even worthy as a toy, since the fret board seems in the wrong place and the strings over the hole are about 20mm above the fretboard because of the banana neck, and it's thrown into a wardrobe and forgotten about. :-X

Meanwhile i buy a used GK-3 and GK cable on the local e-auction (because the price was right), only to find the GK-3 didn't work. :o
I open up the hex pickup to find the wiring had been ripped out, and someone had replaced the cable cover screw with a long one that pierced right through the cable to hold it in there to make it look intact (yet to place auction feedback on that one).
So i cut the cable back and re-soldered the wires back to the hex pickup, and Huray !! it works. :)

So after reading this thead, i decide to get out that crappy acoustic and slap on the GK-3 with some blu-tac, and what do you know, the guitar still can't be tuned but the sounds are freak'n awesome coming from this P.O.S instrument. The sounds aren't that much different from using a solid body guitar, and it was really strange hearing electric guitar tones being produced on an acoustic.
So i guess the quality of the instarument does not affect the GK tones that much, just so long as the thing stays in tune and has good intonation.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: BDH on April 13, 2011, 05:24:10 AM
Quote from:  gumtown on April 12, 2011, 09:51:13 PM
No-one's setup could be worse than what i tried..
Wow that is a amazing story gumtown!  ;D

Quote from:  Elantric on April 12, 2011, 05:38:21 PM
get yer Blu Tack here:
http://www.amazon.com/Blu-Tack-Reusable-Adhesive/dp/B001FGLX72 (http://www.amazon.com/Blu-Tack-Reusable-Adhesive/dp/B001FGLX72)
Thanks Elantric I often forget about looking on Amazon

Quote from:  paults on April 12, 2011, 07:13:17 PM
I have one on an Ovation Custom Legend -  I used double backed tape for the pickup, and three small pieces of velcro to attach the controller to the face of the guitar, where I can easily use the knob and switches.   

I am glad to see everyone is getting good results on a acoustic. I have always played my synths with my Roland Ready Strat and thought about that extra GK-3 sitting there and how it would sound on a acoustic.
Brian
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: paults on April 13, 2011, 07:59:00 AM
If you do a forum search for "Ovation", you'll see my previous posts, including a link to a Recording using the Reso model.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: BDH on April 13, 2011, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from:  paults on April 13, 2011, 07:59:00 AM
If you do a forum search for "Ovation", you'll see my previous posts, including a link to a Recording using the Reso model.
Thanks Paul, I listened your songs. Pretty good stuff I enjoyed it.
Brian
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Zummooz on April 14, 2011, 01:47:21 AM
Quote from:  gumtown on April 12, 2011, 09:51:13 PM
No-one's setup could be worse than what i tried..
Oh Yeah gumtown.....what about this one  :o

How about this hand built acoustic, hand made in the 1950's by my very late grandfather.

Just having a little trouble getting everything set-up correctly thou  :P    Ha Ha Ha Ha......

Still awaiting for my GR-55
But seriously, I've got a spare GK-3 that I'm about to toss on a Takamine elc/aco which the electric part never
wants to work properly anyway. Just tossed in a Seymour Duncan SA-1 pickup into it so can at least record it now.
So why not, toss a GK-3 on it. Might as well I say !

Cheers......... nothing like a good'ol hard laugh.  ;D ;D ;D

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi864.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fab202%2FZummooz%2F1603a1bb.jpg&hash=2e03ac0320da555f8aad96e1f6651b03c3d9ac08)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: ddlooping on April 14, 2011, 06:17:06 AM
Excellent.  ;D
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: midiman on April 14, 2011, 07:00:30 AM
I think you may need to raise the action a little  ;D
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: cptncatholic on June 05, 2011, 11:28:49 AM
I finally got to play with my GR-55 today. I installed the GK-3 on my Alvarez acoustic using the sticky tape. And got to play with it a little bit.

A couple concerns I have are:
1. The Low E string - this one seems to be tracking the worst and I think it has to do with distance from the pickup. Not sure how to adjust that without shaving down the saddle a little or putting a spacer underneath that side of the pickup. Any thoughts?

Edit: Let me work through page 10 of the manual before anyone responds to this. ;)

2. The guitar case. The GK-3 makes it a tight squeeze inside the case. I'm wondering if I need to get a new case so that I don't put too much pressure on the guitar.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Beirne on June 06, 2011, 08:51:28 AM
I use some 3m putty...the kind you use to stick things to a wall or keep knicknacks from falling offof a shelf.
Easy to adjust the pickup height too , holds really well and comes off without hurting the finish.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gumtown on June 06, 2011, 12:42:45 PM
You may have noticed the GK-3 pickup has a tiny adjustment screw right in the middle to set the curvature of the pickup poles.
You should be able to flatten it out at bit.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: cptncatholic on June 06, 2011, 06:14:56 PM
Thanks for the tips! I tweaked the adjustment screw a little bit but I will keep working with it to see if I can get some better tracking. Going through the setup steps on page 10 helped tremendously. I really feel stoo-ped for not doing that first. ;)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: martintillyer on January 01, 2012, 06:23:28 AM
Hi All,

First post to this forum but I have been reading all the tips and tricks with interest. I completed my first gig with my GR-55 with the GK kit installed into my Takamine acoustic guitar. I have had the kit installed with all of the buttons up near the Takamine pre-amp to allow me to keep control of the volume and blends easily. I have attached a video below that someone took for anyone that's interested.

Thanks for all the advice! :-)

Martin

T-Set at Bar XLR - Englishman in New York (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxoaZ14CTvQ#ws)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: tekrytor on January 01, 2012, 11:35:36 AM
Nice sound Martin. Thank you for posting.

Have you posted any photos of your Takamine in the GK guitars area? It would be interesting to see where the GK buttons and pot are.

I clamped a GK-3 on my Ibanez acoustic "sorta-strat-like" AZ-10, but it is not pretty. Built in would be much nicer of course.

Cheers!
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: martintillyer on January 01, 2012, 03:25:20 PM
Hiya,

Please find a few photos attached so you can see where I put the relevant pots and switches. I'm really enjoying using it and it is really handy to be able to blend the Takamine pickup with the GR55 so that I don't lose the guitar's tone. I'm still putting the finishing touches to some of my patches but I've got a nice strings patch which just simply adds strings to the existing Takamine pickup.

All very exciting!  :)

Martin
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: melodymann on January 05, 2012, 10:24:00 AM
Nice Martin!
I'm very curious about the visual effect that seems to be responding to your music
on the tv monitor behind you. Where is it getting input from? I've tried with out
any success to get various visualizers in media players to react to a live sound. Any
info would be helpful.

Thanks

Terry
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: martintillyer on January 08, 2012, 04:20:59 AM
Hiya Terry,

I wish I could be able to show off an impressive way of display graphics to music in this post but the reality is, it's just a DVD playing on loop in the bar.

Sorry,
Martin
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Deacon Blue on January 09, 2012, 12:35:48 PM
Nice! I've always been a big Sting fan!
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Dmerrick on February 18, 2012, 02:27:25 PM
Wanting to get a GK pick up on a acoustic guitar. Was think about getting a Taylor as sweet water is having a 18 same as cash deal going. I have a Luther in my family who can install a GK PU and has on several of my guitars. My question is is a gk PU gonna work on this as the bridge is quit a ways away from the GK saddles. Http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargallery/electric/custom/s2111161076/ (http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargallery/electric/custom/s2111161076/)  an body have a suggestion on how they would mount a GK PU on this? How would the distance affect my GK PU VG 88 or 8 combo? I have each.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on February 18, 2012, 03:46:17 PM
Show this to your Luthier - as a reference for GK-3 PU location.
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elderly.com%2Fvintage%2Fitems%2Fimages%2F10U%2F10U-3876_body-front.jpg&hash=bd99a6b3e9532286879103d7b3eed48ccfdf9cc1)

I would use the GK-3 External and avoid drilling any holes in the top for controls.

In general  -its important to remember  Acoustic guitars with GK-3 ( or Piezo) hex pickups present a problem in live use when the connected GR/VG device is performing Alt Tunings - (for obvious reasons)

Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Dmerrick on February 19, 2012, 09:01:21 PM
Yeah I have a VG 8 and two 88 and four guitars with internal GK's my question is how important is it to have the gk PU from the bridge? Like the picture you have the PU is far away from where the bridge saddles are. Is this yours ? How well does it work?
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on February 19, 2012, 09:06:23 PM
That was a factory 2003 Martin Alternative-X GK guitar.
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/10U-3876.htm (http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/10U-3876.htm)
The GK pickup on that guitar is not too far away from the bridge at all - probably less than 20mm. its closer than many GK Strat installs Ive seen.

Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: tomtheguitarguy on February 24, 2012, 05:40:47 AM
Quote from:  Dmerrick on February 18, 2012, 02:27:25 PM
Wanting to get a GK pick up on a acoustic guitar. Was think about getting a Taylor as sweet water is having a 18 same as cash deal going. I have a Luther in my family who can install a GK PU and has on several of my guitars. My question is is a gk PU gonna work on this as the bridge is quit a ways away from the GK saddles. http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargallery/electric/custom/s2111161076/ (http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargallery/electric/custom/s2111161076/)  an body have a suggestion on how they would mount a GK PU on this? How would the distance affect my GK PU VG 88 or 8 combo? I have each.

I think you're confusing the bridge pins (the ones that hold the strings in the guitar), with the bridge itself - which is the bone (or plastic) saddle nut that he strings are crossing.  Putting the GK-3 right next to the bridge would but the saddle within required distance from the looks of it.

Tom
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: songwriter24 on August 28, 2012, 03:31:34 AM
Hi guys,
Okay, I suppose this must have been broached at some point in the past so please forgive me if it's been tackled in depth, but I promise you I've "had a good look round" and have'nt found a relevant thread!

I'd love, if it were possible, to fit my spare GK-2 onto my lovely Takamine Acoustic, but I just can't convince myself that it would work! :-)
Has anyone tried, or, even better, is anyone actually USING a GR-55 with an acoustic guitar?

As always, any help/advice would be gratefully received.......especially if it's of the positive kind, 'cos I really would love to find that I actually could create the sounds I'm so desperate to hear.

Thanks a million all.

Take it easy
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Cricket on August 28, 2012, 03:48:04 AM
Try here:

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1663.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=1663.0)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gumtown on August 28, 2012, 04:56:19 AM
it works very well, so long as you don't use nylon strings.
You can temporarily fit the GK-3 with some 'blutack' (plastercine putty).
Watch out for feedback using hi-gain models and drive.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on August 29, 2012, 02:40:26 PM
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145364 (http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145364)

Quote
I am using a GK-3 mounted on a Martin OM-28 to drive a Roalnd GR-33 synth. Works fine but I found that using PB strings that I could not get enough signal into the pickup from all strings as the radius of the pickup and the radius of the saddle are different so the low E and A strings in particular were a bit too far from the pickup. I have put DR Zebra strings on the guitar and that has solved the problem and tracking is now much better, but that has been at the cost of less impressive acoustic sound. It's a trade-off I can live with.

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthewoodshop.20m.com%2Fmusic%2Ftribeca-midi01.jpg&hash=750b9b0fc0369109e3531ce27326d05b5bf41acd)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthewoodshop.20m.com%2Fmusic%2Ftribeca-midi02.jpg&hash=4a153f55e0be761e2953d5d21f72df0ab4f1285b)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthewoodshop.20m.com%2Fmusic%2Ftribeca-midi03.jpg&hash=8b8429a865cdff4172239e4e9a827fe4741d37b8)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: songwriter24 on August 29, 2012, 11:02:36 PM
ELANTRIC, GUMTOWN, and CRICKET.........Thank you all, so very much, for taking the time to help me out!    :)
Appreciate it very much - and, Elantric, special thanks for the reassuring pics!  :)

Take it easy
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: germanicus on August 31, 2012, 02:11:38 AM
ive had good success with a gk3 on an 'acoustic' variax 700 strung with acoustic guitar strings.
This was done with 3m mounting tape. Can be removed without any trace and is solid as a rock.

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi644.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu166%2Fgermanicus2112%2Fvaxgk3.jpg&hash=20a908af3409caad97767077e5fadc0116a5441b)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Zummooz on August 31, 2012, 05:08:17 AM
Bugger the acoustic with the GK-3 .....   ;)

germanicus
What is that bloody beauty to the right  :o   :o
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on August 31, 2012, 06:00:59 AM
I recall Germanicus obtained one of the Rogue Electric  Sitars

http://www.music123.com/guitars/rogue-str-1-pro-electric-sitar-guitar (http://www.music123.com/guitars/rogue-str-1-pro-electric-sitar-guitar)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.music123.com%2Fderivates%2F6%2F001%2F299%2F530%2FDV019_Jpg_Regular_519273_R.jpg&hash=c45725d671e0317d11afd1e71f551ee58747180d)


Which is a copy of the 1966 Dan Electro / Coral "Vinnie Bell" Electric Sitar
http://www.vinniebell.com (http://www.vinniebell.com)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.danacountryman.com%2Fvinnie%2Fphotos%2FHindu.jpg&hash=f0d9a575ee8474bad637713ce317104c884274e8)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_sitar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_sitar)

- Hear one on many pop tunes (Games People Play, RedBone "Come and get your love", Stevie Wonder "Signed Sealed Delivered" , Steely Dan "Do it Again"

Pop Goes the Electric Sitar - Vincent Bell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfcwC11a0jQ#)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: germanicus on August 31, 2012, 01:18:01 PM
Elantric you have a good memory!

Apparently its out of production now?

Italia Modena makes a similar model.

We have good electric sitar models available in the variax and Roland VG99/Gr55, but its still fun to play the rogue.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: tekrytor on September 01, 2012, 05:56:46 AM
Subway Guitars in Berkeley, California will make you a custom Fat Dog electric sitar for a very reasonable price. Fat Dog is the proprietor and a real pleasure to talk guitar with. He's made guitars for many well known artists and his shop is a minefield of retro heaven relics and boneyard of the Signature,Tiesco, Kay and Airline classics.
Subway will build your eSitar on almost any body style you like and they love to do experimental Frankensteins a'la Burger King (your way).
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: paults on September 22, 2012, 06:13:09 AM
He has always had fun stuff - Next time you see him, suggest he update some of the title his webpage - it looks like it was last done in 2009, but the "New Estate Sale" pictures have 07-2012 in the jpg names.  If nothing else, removing the old year title names.  Hopefully, he already removes sold items, but he's losing many potential sales. 

Or, one sentence on the main page saying "If you see it,  I still have it." would help...
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gandolf on October 29, 2012, 05:40:10 AM
I know this is an old thread....but pics at bottom are relevant..

Just tried the gk guitar pickup I had on my acoustic....just with 2 big dollop of blu tack...worked fine... Very different sound pallet to bass mode....great stuff!

But interstingly I could hear the the sound of the acoustic coming through...but i have no other pickup on the guitar....I wasn't expecting that. ....but through the headphones I swear i could even hear the guitar body if I tapped it.....very strange...?? I might have to test that again one day.....
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Jim Williams on October 29, 2012, 08:21:11 AM
Did it to my Charvel acoustic.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: locorogue on October 30, 2012, 08:40:37 PM
Quote from:  songwriter24 on August 28, 2012, 03:31:34 AMHas anyone tried, or, even better, is anyone actually USING a GR-55 with an acoustic guitar?

The GR55 is working perfectly on my acoustic, i put the GK3 on my Ovation 2078TX, which is a very nice guitar by itself, even better plugged in. If my guitar was stolen, broken, etc, i'd rather have it be my Ovation than my $3k Tak.  Anyway, so far i found that the tracking seems better on my acoustic than my electric. And the tapping, hammer on & pull offs are more natural to me on the acoustic than the electric(go figure). It tracks wonderfully, i can "shred" as fast as i ever could on my electric, yet play as delicate as only can be done on an acoustic, and not use the synth if i choose not to, dual purpose perfected.

I've made custom bracket(GK3 holder) to use specifically with the Ovation, i'll have to upload some pics. It's an 1/8" aluminum plate, patterned exactly after the original GK3's steel mounting bracket, but lengthened to slide under the Ovations strap button(or probably any acoustic. Pretty cake job when you see it, but it did take a pretty good amount of time...

***Oh yeah, i see some are talking about that beautiful Sitar guitar...check this out(if you haven't already). Just saw Pat Metheny maybe two weeks ago...absolutely astonishing...check this link out, and not just because Pat Metheny could be considered one of the pioneers of synth with guitars...

Metheny & Mehldau - Jazzaldia Festival - The Sound of Water (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR-64Sdn_CM#ws)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Otto on November 02, 2012, 03:06:40 AM
Please let me know What's the problem i'll get if using GR-55 for Nylon Acoustic Electric Guitar?..
Cause i'm working every night at bars,cafe,restaurants with my nylon acoustic electric guitar..

I thank you so much for all info..

Otto.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gumtown on November 02, 2012, 03:33:39 AM
Quote from:  Otto on November 02, 2012, 03:06:40 AM
Please let me know What's the problem i'll get if using GR-55 for Nylon Acoustic Electric Guitar?..
Cause i'm working every night at bars,cafe,restaurants with my nylon acoustic electric guitar..

I thank you so much for all info..

Otto.
You will have a problem if you need to fit a GK-3 magnetic hexaphonic pickup and use nylon strings, if your nylon acoustic is fitted out with GK-Ready piezo pickups, you should be fine. The GR-55 has options for different 13 pin GK-Ready pickup types.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Otto on November 03, 2012, 03:13:24 AM
Mr.Gumtown.. I thank you so much for the info..
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Musicboxlessons on April 25, 2013, 01:32:39 PM
Hello there,
I have had a GK-3 PU installed on my Godin Multiac (hollow duet model).  I was getting some rattling and vibration from the pickup being on the guitar (installed with tape only).  I am looking to do a more permanent install with screws through the top of the guitar , UGH...., but i am unclear on how i need to do this.  In the manual it appears as though the pickup has no cusion underneath it and just uses springs underneath when using screws.  Is that really the way it is done.  One side note is that the clearance i have is pretty limited beween the strings and the body.  So i guess my questions are :

1. Do i just install the pickup with the screws and springs only?

2. has anyone had long term success with another method of install (not to psyched about screw holes in my top)?  And if so did you get any vibration and did you use cussioning of some kind to install?

3. on page 9 of the manual it says that if strings are bronze it should be installed 15mm from the "bridge".  I assume the mean string conntact point or saddle rather that the bridge itself.  Is that corect?

Thanks for any tips and help in this process.

Tim
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Musicboxlessons on April 25, 2013, 01:38:24 PM
One more thing, I only have 10MM of clearance between strings and top of guitar.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on April 25, 2013, 02:03:35 PM
QuoteI have had a GK-3 PU installed on my Godin Multiac (hollow duet model).  I was getting some rattling and vibration from the pickup being on the guitar (installed with tape only).

Its a shame you do not have the Multiac "SA" model with the RMC 13 pin Piezo preamp on that Godin

http://www.godinguitars.com/godinmultnylonsap.htm (http://www.godinguitars.com/godinmultnylonsap.htm)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.godinguitars.com%2FMultiac%2520SA%2520jack.jpg&hash=5f29d5d17100fee706b0b65dacc32cf6d0e2728a)


100's of GK-3 PUs are mounted to guitars (electric and Acoustic)  using nothing more than a strip of this under the GK-3 PU

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimagethumbnails.milo.com%2F035%2F910%2F907%2Ftrimmed%2F35910625_39719907_trimmed.jpg&hash=c6cec34c0527074eae39e541b318c82fc527bdd6)

Most hardware stores sell this.



(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthewoodshop.20m.com%2Fmusic%2Ftribeca-midi02.jpg&hash=4a153f55e0be761e2953d5d21f72df0ab4f1285b)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: thebrushwithin on April 25, 2013, 06:12:47 PM
I would recommend having a RMC Polydrive system installed.
My acoustic has this, and it is invisible and dynamite. But it may
be  early as economical to buy a used Godin Multiac, if you find a killer
deal.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: drjoness2001 on April 25, 2013, 06:23:12 PM
I had an Ovation Viper with internal GK-2, it worked pretty well.

Wayne
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Musicboxlessons on April 26, 2013, 08:54:48 AM
Thanks guys,
Ill give that tape a try and go from there.  As far as the Godin SA Multiac goes....I like the non SA Models of the multiac better personally.  I find that i like the pure acoustic sound out of the duet much better due to the hollow body, as well as i want a steel string and the SA is only available in a nylon model.  I tend to use mostly the guitars acoustic tone and add textures underneath like soft pads and the like.  I like the modeled electric sounds much better than the acoustic ones.  But i havent sat around and tweaked them either...... 

Ill post my results!

Thanks again.

Tim
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on April 26, 2013, 09:59:39 AM
Another method is "Sticky Tack" " Removable Adhesive Putty sold at Staples
http://www.staples.com/Elmers-Removable-Adhesive-Putty/product_419997 (http://www.staples.com/Elmers-Removable-Adhesive-Putty/product_419997)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d5.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2FStaples%2Fs0218803_sc7%3F%24splssku%24&hash=59088bb141e38df4c215d8781ffe89b3189f2bf3)

Might be a better choice than double sided foam tape, as the tape has an adhesive that may harm some guitar finishes over time.

More tips here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8328.msg59475#msg59475 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8328.msg59475#msg59475)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: KezzTCP on May 05, 2013, 07:41:13 AM
I bought my GR 55 complete with GK3, but also purchased a piezo loaded Godin LGXT at the same time - so, I've been chewing over which of my other guitars to fit the spare GK3 to.  Reading these posts, you've convinced my to load up my Ovation Celebrity CC44-FKOA (Koa).  Since buying the GR-55, I've hardly picked it up, yet was just loving playing it through my Zoom G9.2tt prior - gotto admit tho, I'm not looking forward to doing the install!
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: KezzTCP on May 08, 2013, 07:52:08 AM
Bottled it on the acoustic for now - decided to attach to my rarely used Les Paul 'Special' - just so I could try it out by attaching to the supplied bridge plate so as to avoid the need for drilling or sticking.  Have to say it was quite easy to install and set up using the wealth of insight on here.  So far so good - and it could turn this very unloved guitar into a bit of a work horse for a while.

Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on May 08, 2013, 09:22:07 AM
The Fishman Mounting brackets for les paul work well with Most Les Paul Specials and Les Paul Studios that have a Tune-o-matic bridge.

Anything that has a Tune-o-matic bridge, and sufficient room between bridge PU and the T.O.M. Bridge for the FTP Hex PU.

Problem guitars are many PRS guitars and the Les Paul versions that closely duplicate the '59 LP  (like current Les Paul Standards) - On these guitars the Bridge PU location is too close the bridge, and becomes a problem for the FTP Mounting kit  - Solution is remove and relocate the Bridge PU to make room for the FTP Hex PU.

Back to Acoustic guitars  - the hurdle for mounting the FTP PU will be the distance between the strings and the top of the guitar.

Many Acoustic guitars will have clearance problems
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: papabuss on September 01, 2013, 02:21:34 AM
New German BOSS Video and some nice sounds at the end...
ROLAND GR-55 Gitarren Synthesizer für Akustikgitarre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK0pIPbEoJE#)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Brendan250959 on September 08, 2013, 05:29:55 AM
Brilliant,
Any chance of getting these lovely sounds.
brendan@hochzeitsmusik.ch
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: papabuss on September 08, 2013, 01:18:25 PM
Brendan, do you mean the configuration shown in this video (Normal pickup=Acoustic/Steel guitar)?
Otherwise use it with your E-guitar, disable the Normal-pickup and choose a realistic/clean steel guitar in the Model section and add the PCM's.
P.S. The percussion sounds shown in the video that can be added with your acoustic guitar are of course amazing. ;)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: mojo thorne on September 10, 2013, 10:54:50 AM
Ok... so I my new-ish GK-3 is arriving today, and I plan to put it on my Takamine acoustic.  I've already checked the clearance and I have plenty of room under the strings.  In fact, I may need to use some of the shims to raise it up a bit.

I'm curious as to tried and trusted means of attaching the controller to the body of an acoustic without using the mounting plate.  I'm not interested in putting a second strap pin in it just to attach the GK-3, and I want to ensure that whatever I use can eventually be removed without harming the finish on the surface of the guitar.  I'm leary of using velcro, only because the adhesive on the back of velcro is usually at least semi-permanent.

I've read a lot about people using the mounting tap or blue tack / elmers tack to mount the pickup on guitars, but has anyone used these to mount the controller as well?  If so, do you periodically remove and replace the tape/tack to ensure it stays put when in use? 

I'm equally concerned with protecting the finish and ensuring that I never have one or both parts come loose during a gig. 
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: MeanMrMustard on November 18, 2013, 04:42:51 PM
Hello Everyone,

I am thinking of adding a gk3 pickup to one of my acoustics. I followed one thread that led me to the acoustic guitar forum. One post discussed the need to angle the gk pickup treble side closer to the bridge than the bass side of the pickup in order to have better tracking. Could someone elaborate as to the reasoning behind the need to angle the pickup? Why is it not best to have it parallel with the saddle and or bridge? Couldn't the need for this angle just be adjusted within the gr55 distance parameters?
Any thoughts concerning this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
MeanMrMustard
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: datsunrobbie on November 19, 2013, 05:35:37 AM
MeanMrMustard,
I'd have to guess the pickup was angled to optimize positioning of the strings over the individual pickups in the GK pickup, but it would mess with the scale length. I've always set the GK pickup as close to parallel to the bridge as possible.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: datsunrobbie on November 19, 2013, 05:50:00 AM
Quote from: mojo thorne on September 10, 2013, 10:54:50 AM
Ok... so I my new-ish GK-3 is arriving today, and I plan to put it on my Takamine acoustic.  I've already checked the clearance and I have plenty of room under the strings.  In fact, I may need to use some of the shims to raise it up a bit.

I'm curious as to tried and trusted means of attaching the controller to the body of an acoustic without using the mounting plate.  I'm not interested in putting a second strap pin in it just to attach the GK-3, and I want to ensure that whatever I use can eventually be removed without harming the finish on the surface of the guitar.  I'm leary of using velcro, only because the adhesive on the back of velcro is usually at least semi-permanent.

I've read a lot about people using the mounting tap or blue tack / elmers tack to mount the pickup on guitars, but has anyone used these to mount the controller as well?  If so, do you periodically remove and replace the tape/tack to ensure it stays put when in use? 

I'm equally concerned with protecting the finish and ensuring that I never have one or both parts come loose during a gig.


I don't know what it is made of, but on the back of the Sabine AX3000 tuners there is a "MagnaPad" that apparently uses magic to stick to the body of a guitar. The tuner has been out of production for years, but they show up on eBay fairly regularly. I really have no idea what the stuff on the back of the pickup is. What I do know is the stuff lasts for years, leaves no marks, and stays put until I want it to let go. I have one that is well over 10 years old and it still sticks great - and the tuner is still working perfectly. If anyone else has seen these tuners and knows what that stuff is, please post back - I'd love to find a sheet of that stuff.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--SBNAX3000 (http://www.zzounds.com/item--SBNAX3000)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: mojo thorne on November 19, 2013, 07:12:09 AM
Actually, I went the blue tack route and it has worked very well so far.  I used a few dabs of that to mount the pickup, which worked well because it allowed me to  set the right pickup height at both ends quickly and easily.  It's not the most attractive thing (the globs are a little wider than the p/u itself), but it's fully functional which is all that I really care about.  I used the double sided tape and a few of the foam rubber pads that came with the GK-3 to mount the controller.

I've played with this guitar a lot over the last month or so and it's been working out really well.  I had read a lot online about people saying that phosphor bronze or coated strings wouldn't work well, but I'm getting pleasing results using the same Elixir Polyweb strings that I've been using for years.  I bought a couple of packs of DR Zebras when I got the GK-3 just to be covered, but haven't tried them yet.

One thing that someone mentioned on this forum was that people tend to listen with their eyes a lot.  I run my rig straight into the board, and I have indeed seen some confused faces when I've dropped a lead using one of the COSM guitars through an amp model on the GR-55.  I'm going to try an experiment at the next gig and set up in front of another band's gear to see if the mere presence of an amp makes any impact.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on November 19, 2013, 07:53:26 AM
QuoteI've always set the GK pickup as close to parallel to the bridge as possible.

Agreed.
Its important to follow the Roland GK3 mounting instructions and setup details in both the GK3 Manual and GR55 Manual.

Use the photos posted earlier in this thread for ideal GK-3 mounting on an Acoustic guitar. Observe they mount the GK-3 as close to the bridge as possible.

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi644.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu166%2Fgermanicus2112%2Fvaxgk3.jpg&hash=20a908af3409caad97767077e5fadc0116a5441b)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: MeanMrMustard on November 19, 2013, 05:06:13 PM
Thanks for all the replies.

Has anyone used Velcro to mount the gk on an acoustic? I see that 3m makes a foam tape.
I know that what ever I use must be first of all removable, and second, be able to be built up enough to get it within the recommended distance from the strings. Can anyone share what is the best to use, as well as what not to use from prior experience? Some products may tout removability, but still might harm the soundboard surface. Can goo be gone hurt the finish?

Any thoughts would be appreciated
MeanMrMustard
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on November 19, 2013, 05:28:04 PM
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6875.msg47743#msg47743 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6875.msg47743#msg47743)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: timothybhewitt on November 20, 2013, 07:28:07 PM
Can anyone translate:
How is the GK module attached to the guitar?

and

How to deal with the PU being upside down?
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: timothybhewitt on November 20, 2013, 07:51:24 PM
Question #2 answered by looking at the GK-55 setup.  You can choose PU direction = Reverse.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on November 20, 2013, 08:28:48 PM
QuoteHow is the GK module attached to the guitar?

You can see some of the white double sided foam tape that holds the GK-3 Control box to the top of the Acoustic guitar here
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F3242013%2F1385008292_617981868_gk_acoustic.PNG&hash=eefb9db15ef715a60d9848ca3ed44625036b2b77)


(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F71IQlqjjF3L._SL1500_.jpg&hash=58ffac40f3af52c288f0bb8cc7a206f15076c276)
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Urethane-4026-Neutral-16-inch/dp/B00006IF7L (http://www.amazon.com/3M-Urethane-4026-Neutral-16-inch/dp/B00006IF7L)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: timothybhewitt on November 20, 2013, 10:04:13 PM
Thanks again - You've been a great help to me!

Off to Home Depot tomorrow. :P
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: animo0001 on January 09, 2014, 12:29:48 AM
Hi ! I've installed GK3 on my Tburton and have a question about the distance that should be betweeen strings and the pickup? Is it allowable that low E have a bigger distance than high E? Does it has influence on voice?
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Machh_2 on January 09, 2014, 05:23:26 AM
Very nice video and patches...

btw: very nice gears on the shelf behind him...

Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on January 09, 2014, 08:54:19 AM
QuoteHi ! I've installed GK3 on my Tburton and have a question about the distance that should be between strings and the pickup?
Is it allowable that low E have a bigger distance than high E?

Sure - this impacts the strings to string level  / sensitivity balance

more here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10302.msg74236#msg74236 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10302.msg74236#msg74236)


QuoteDoes it has influence on voice?

No
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: animo0001 on January 10, 2014, 01:44:52 AM
Thanks a lot ! The answer was very helpful  :)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on March 09, 2015, 05:02:30 PM
http://youtu.be/KtjqmZ_SKcs (http://youtu.be/KtjqmZ_SKcs)

Unboxing of the new Boss GP-10 Guitar Effects Processor and installation of the GK-3 pickup on an acoustic electric guitar.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: duffy on September 18, 2015, 10:27:17 PM
Hey guys has anyone used the GR55 with a GK3 on an acoustic guitar? Say something like a OOO Martin.I think it should work but I'm just checking.I used the GK3 with acoustic strings on a Godin before and there wasn't any problems.Thanks for the input in advance.
Duffy
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: sixeight on December 05, 2015, 06:00:11 AM
Crafter TMVS. This is still my main guitar. Best compromise between acoustic and electric guitar sound. The combination of the ma28 model on the GP-10 and the piezo on this guitar still give the most satisfying acoustic tone. Tried the variax acoustic 700, but sold it again. Tried a Taylor T5 in a shop. Sounds similar to this guitar. But the Crafter has better looks.

(https://s25.postimg.cc/kp922rcnz/IMG_7115.jpg)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on January 21, 2016, 09:02:50 AM

But a few folks here use
Thomastik-Infeld KR116 Classical Guitar Strings: Classic N Series steel Rope Core Set W/Nylon Tape Trebles E, B, G, D, A, E Set - which allow Nylon string guitars to use GK-3 or FTP mag divided PU's
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F91r62yYZ30L._SL1500_.jpg&hash=62940af2a7f2e6af34b79f814e2fcf077497540d)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F91hrFA0ztJL._SL1500_.jpg&hash=4edd0f35dae706866670d80305ac0c24a9d251bd)

http://www.amazon.com/Thomastik-Infeld-KR116-Classical-Guitar-Strings/dp/B00162VU7I (http://www.amazon.com/Thomastik-Infeld-KR116-Classical-Guitar-Strings/dp/B00162VU7I)

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=16921.msg121321#msg121321 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=16921.msg121321#msg121321)
One of the amazing things about the above mentioned Thomastic Infeld KR116 strings is that they have a steel rope core. This means they will work with conventional magnetic pickups, including Roland GK type pickups. I've also fitted these strings to my Glissentar which made a remarkable difference to the playability of the instrument. A Roland GK pickup can then be used on the Glissentar, it works perfectly, even if one of the dual course strings is slightly out of tune.

If you play Fretless Guitar Be sure to read
http://www.unfretted.com/fretless-guitar-neck-fingerboard-strings-and-other-hardware/ (http://www.unfretted.com/fretless-guitar-neck-fingerboard-strings-and-other-hardware/)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: aardvark5 on September 25, 2016, 05:13:23 AM
I recently bought the GK GT3 Kit to fit into my Yamaha Acoustic that I bought around 1972 and the strings don't line up.
I've always said that my Yamaha plays better than my many electrics but now I know why, the strings are closer together.
There is only 3mm difference (electrics 52mm string to string) and my acoustic is 49mm but the difference trying to line up the pickup is massive.

So do Roland make a pickup that fits acoustics with the strings closer to each other?

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disturbinthepeace.co.uk%2Fpics3%2Fgt3yamaha.jpg&hash=8d1cd361c510507ec2368fe43a46dc134207a100)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gumbo on September 25, 2016, 05:54:31 AM
To my knowledge, No..   :(

..try installing your pickup parallel to the bridge.. ;)

HTH
Peter
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: aardvark5 on September 25, 2016, 08:31:41 AM
Quote from:  gumbo on September 25, 2016, 05:54:31 AM
To my knowledge, No..   :(

..try installing your pickup parallel to the bridge.. ;)

HTH
Peter

It was a good shout but no coconut

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disturbinthepeace.co.uk%2Fpics3%2Fgt3yamaha2.jpg&hash=6e9a41d14d06a53aa667fbc4af01dae414327a13)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on September 25, 2016, 08:47:57 AM
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=41


(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F2822013%2F1381423482_388838483_Mag_Hex_Measurements_zps72792ce4.png&hash=a14a345e85efe163e7728eda6510dfc0322b6489)
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: aardvark5 on September 25, 2016, 09:28:20 AM
Quote from:  Elantric on September 25, 2016, 08:47:57 AM
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=41

So basically it should work even if I've only got a little bit of the string going over the pole?
I don't want to butcher my beloved 44 year old Yamaha if it isn't going to work.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on September 25, 2016, 09:31:54 AM
QuoteSo basically it should work even if I've only got a little bit of the string going over the pole?

Correct , just compensate and balance the string volumes using the GK String Sensitivity controls on your GK Processor
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: aardvark5 on September 25, 2016, 10:21:01 AM
Quote from:  Elantric on September 25, 2016, 09:31:54 AM
Correct , just compensate and balance the string volumes using the GK String Sensitivity controls on your GK Processor

thanks
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on September 25, 2016, 10:36:32 AM
 Also note that when mounting the GK pick up with cable emerging below the high E string in that manner will require the GK PU settings on your GK processor to be set to "reversed" and observe the multi colored wires are extremely fragile
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: aardvark5 on September 25, 2016, 02:40:23 PM
Quote from:  Elantric on September 25, 2016, 10:36:32 AM
Also note that when mounting the GK pick up with cable emerging below the high E string in that manner will require the GK PU settings on your GK processor to be set to "reversed" and observe the multi colored wires are extremely fragile

Thanks again
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: mooncaine on September 25, 2016, 09:56:39 PM
You might consider slanting it more, and maybe slanting the other way, so your high strings are on the part that's closest to the bridge.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: aardvark5 on October 07, 2016, 12:59:02 PM
It's actually bad news, the pickup touches at least 3 of the strings and I can't adjust anything.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on October 07, 2016, 01:12:00 PM
What specific make / model  hex PU are you using?
(https://reverb-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/s--CFytHcB4--/a_exif,c_limit,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_auto:eco,w_620/v1456282756/cq2gzm7ebq6bjkss3dj4.jpg)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F2822013%2F1381423482_388838483_Mag_Hex_Measurements_zps72792ce4.png&hash=a14a345e85efe163e7728eda6510dfc0322b6489)
the old Yamaha G1D  (Axon AIX-103) has lowest profile height
https://www.manualowl.com/m/Yamaha/G1D/Manual/152435?page=4


full report
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=41


My 2 cents - using GK Processor (GR-55, GP-10, VG-99) with any Acoustic Guitar can be a daunting experience - and dont expect great results during DSP Alt Tuning for live use. 
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: aardvark5 on October 16, 2016, 04:54:44 AM
Quote from:  Elantric on October 07, 2016, 01:12:00 PM
What specific make / model  hex PU are you using?

My 2 cents - using GK Processor (GR-55, GP-10, VG-99) with any Acoustic Guitar can be a daunting experience - and dont expect great results during DSP Alt Tuning for live use.

Apologies I didn't reply sooner.
I've bought the GT3 kit for it but I'm now going to put it in a spare Strat I have.
I've also taken on board your experience with tracking and to be honest I don't think I can stand up and play an acoustic for 2 hours compared with an electric.
Sitting down it plays better than all my guitars but standing up I have to adjust my body and limbs a lot.

Thanks for all the advice.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gumbo on October 16, 2016, 07:10:03 AM
Quote from:  aardvark5 on October 16, 2016, 04:54:44 AM

Sitting down it plays better than all my guitars but standing up I have to adjust my body and limbs a lot.

Thanks for all the advice.

Yep, know what you mean about that...that's why I seem to have a houseful of Strats and my old jumbo 12-string is somewhere else..

Let us know how you get on with using the GK with the Strat.

Cheers,
Peter
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: aardvark5 on June 26, 2017, 11:44:51 AM
I decided not to ruin my Fenders but instead my mate has got loads of spare Fender parts and we threw this together one Sunday afternoon about 4 months ago. I've been gigging for 47 years and owned scores of guitars but this is the best guitar I've ever played. Having that guitar plus all the accurate sounds in the GR55 I'm now in guitar heaven.

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmpoole.co.uk%2Fpics%2Ffendermidi3b.jpg&hash=35fe5ce664b4fc5b0ef736bb41f2f4977471c143)

I would still like to mount an Hex pickup on my acoustic, do you think if I mounted it on a plate over the soundhole it would function correctly?
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gumbo on June 26, 2017, 04:44:22 PM
...Distance from the bridge for the GK pickup is critical..
..my prediction is "No"..   :(

No doubt others will chime in..

Regards,
Peter
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: gumtown on June 26, 2017, 09:50:21 PM
Quote from: aardvark5 on June 26, 2017, 11:44:51 AMI would still like to mount an Hex pickup on my acoustic, do you think if I mounted it on a plate over the soundhole it would function correctly?
I will chime in and say mounting over the sound hole serves no use for a magnetic pickup, only an acoustic pickup.
Best mounted as close to the bridge as possible.

BTW: This might seem obvious,
but make sure your strings are not nylon, only steel or bronze strings work with magnetic pickups
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Elantric on June 26, 2017, 10:08:06 PM
If you seek triggering synths with acoustic guitar as controller

Get a new computer and run Jam Origin MIDI Guitar app and trigger softsynths

Like Paul Dreissen

https://youtu.be/N-WwEnowU2A



https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7530.msg148102#msg148102


Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: MrSparkle on October 03, 2017, 09:24:33 AM
Quote from: Elantric on June 26, 2017, 10:08:06 PM
If you seek triggering synths with acoustic guitar as controller

Get a new computer and run Jam Origin MIDI Guitar app and trigger softsynths

Like Paul Dreissen

https://youtu.be/N-WwEnowU2A



https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7530.msg148102#msg148102

I've got to say that MIDI Guitar 2 is incredible.

I still like the 13-pin triggering for the alt. tunings and splitting outputs, but straight soft-ware MIDI conversion, it's right there. Pretty impressed he's just mic'ing the signal.
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: admin on November 14, 2017, 09:49:41 AM
Many ask if they can install a GK-3 hex PU on a Nylon String Classical guitar


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91r62yYZ30L._SL1500_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91hrFA0ztJL._SL1500_.jpg)

Thomastik-Infeld KR116 strings work  - these are strings that can be installed on a Classical Guitar and also works with all magnetic pickups 
https://www.amazon.com/Thomastik-Infeld-KR116-Classical-Guitar-Strings/dp/B00162VU7I
QuoteQuestion: can these strings be used with a magnetic pickup?
Yes they can. The strings have a steel rope core. I believe there is a jazz player who uses these on his electric guitar. These strings have great timbral consistency from low to high. Usually there is a stark difference between the d and g, not so much with these strings.


https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1209752
Hurdle is the string spacing of most Classic guitars is much wider than the FTP or GK-3 pickup
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8612.0
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F2822013%2F1381423482_388838483_Mag_Hex_Measurements_zps72792ce4.png&hash=a14a345e85efe163e7728eda6510dfc0322b6489)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fold.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F3232015%2F1448060335_858624166_AcmeGuitarWorksGeneralCallahamStratBridgeSpacing1.jpg&hash=5e81b2c9d64b6569124fb8ee7629ff81330a1657)

Or consider a laptop running Jam Origin MIDI Guitar
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7530.0
https://youtu.be/N-WwEnowU2A
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: Brion on February 03, 2021, 05:36:01 PM
I use it on two different acoustics, (and three electrics).
It's the BOMB-DOT-COM!!!!
PERIOD!!!
DO IT!!!
Title: Re: GK-3 & Acoustic Guitar?
Post by: shannonrichards on December 12, 2023, 05:11:01 AM
Quote from: admin on November 14, 2017, 09:49:41 AMMany ask if they can install a GK-3 hex PU on a Nylon String Classical guitar


(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91r62yYZ30L._SL1500_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91hrFA0ztJL._SL1500_.jpg)

Thomastik-Infeld KR116 strings work  - these are strings that can be installed on a Classical Guitar and also works with all magnetic pickups 
https://www.amazon.com/Thomastik-Infeld-KR116-Classical-Guitar-Strings/dp/B00162VU7IYes they can. The strings have a steel rope core. I believe there is a jazz player who uses these on his electric guitar. These strings have great timbral consistency from low to high. Usually there is a stark difference between the d and g, not so much with these strings.


https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1209752
Hurdle is the string spacing of most Classic guitars is much wider than the FTP or GK-3 pickup
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8612.0
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F2822013%2F1381423482_388838483_Mag_Hex_Measurements_zps72792ce4.png&hash=a14a345e85efe163e7728eda6510dfc0322b6489)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fold.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F3232015%2F1448060335_858624166_AcmeGuitarWorksGeneralCallahamStratBridgeSpacing1.jpg&hash=5e81b2c9d64b6569124fb8ee7629ff81330a1657)

Or consider a laptop running Jam Origin MIDI Guitar
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7530.0
https://youtu.be/N-WwEnowU2A

Nice work. I would love to see more of your work.