Using GR-55 - Totally new to MIDI

Started by cmguitar, November 14, 2017, 08:36:16 PM

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cmguitar

I'm totally new to using MIDI, and the reason I bought a used GR-55 is to use realistic effects  I can't get from regular pedals.  I am a utility player in a band and need to easily switch sounds while playing. The ones I really need for now are acoustic piano, B3, dobro, banjo, and various guitars.

I would like to be able to just hit separate buttons for each sound, rather than scroll through patches.

What's the best way to do this ? Use something like FC-300, or FC-200, etc?

Thanks in advance.

gumtown

Yes, a midi foot controller will do the job,
one trap with the GR-55 and patch change to consider, is that the GR-55 produces a half second audio dropout on patch change.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

cmguitar

Is there any advantage to using a Roland brand?

And when using this does one still have to get access to the GR-55, or  can it be in the backline, with just the controller in front on stage?

Thanks!

admin

Quote from: cmguitar on November 15, 2017, 07:06:46 AM
Is there any advantage to using a Roland brand?

And when using this does one still have to get access to the GR-55, or  can it be in the backline, with just the controller in front on stage?

Thanks!

The GK 13 pin cable length will dictate where the GR-55 resides - Longer GK Cables are prone to failures from mishandling / not wrapping correctly

GK 13 cable FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=19481.0

Use the MIDI controller that suits your entire Rig control needs

MIDI Foot Controller Comparison
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12355.0

MIDI Tutorial
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2977.0


Learn MIDI Controller Setup / debug
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2975.0

gumtown

You will need the GR-55 near you to access the Tuner, PCM Tone 'Hold', *.WAV file player, as these features are not midi accessible.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

whippinpost91850

#5
What's the cc number for the GR55 control pedal

admin

#6

whippinpost91850

Ok now I get it so live I can't easily send midi to turn on/off the control pedal. So my hard wired version is a better way to go for me. Well it does work pushing it on the GR55

cmguitar

Can't one use the switch or volume knob on the MIDI pickup,  and use a TS terminated cable from the 1/4 jack for normal pickups, or are you using only MIDI?

Again I'm a newb to the MID stuff :)

gumtown

#9
Quote from: whippinpost91850 on November 15, 2017, 06:37:42 PM
Ok now I get it so live I can't easily send midi to turn on/off the control pedal. So my hard wired version is a better way to go for me. Well it does work pushing it on the GR55
The concept is not to control the physical pedal through midi, but control the functions the pedal operates.
So if the CTL pedal operates "delay" on/off, you can control the 'Delay' on/off through cc# using an 'Assign', or directly control the delay using 'system exclusive (sysx) midi.


Quote from: cmguitar on November 15, 2017, 06:56:44 PM
Can't one use the switch or volume knob on the MIDI pickup,  and use a TS terminated cable from the 1/4 jack for normal pickups, or are you using only MIDI?

Again I'm a newb to the MID stuff :)
I must point out one misconception, the GK pickup is not midi, it is a hexaphonic analog pickup (one pickup per string), with two buttons and a knob.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=14088.0

The buttons (S1/S2) and GK Volume knob are assignable to do controlling functions, and they can also send midi cc# commands out from the GR-55.
The Roland box (GR-55) receives the hex pickup signal, and from there , processes the audio, and/or converts it to midi as 'guitar to midi' output from the midi port or USB port.

Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/