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musical instrument details

1970s Roland G-808 Vintage Electric Guitar Synthesizer Set Japan w/ GR300, GM70

Estimated price for orientation: 3 399 $

Category: Roland GR300 Key
Class:











Description
Brand: Roland Dexterity: Right-Handed
Model: G-808 / GR-300 / GM-70 / GK-1 String Configuration: 6 String
MPN: Does Not Apply Exact Year: 1970s
Body Type: Solid Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
UPC: Does not apply


Up for sale, a 1970's Roland G-808 vintage electric guitar synthesizer package, complete with the GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer, GM-70 converter, and GK-1 pickup! Built at the famed Fujigen factory in Japan, the Roland GR-300 synthesizer and G-808 guitar combination was the original flagship of the early 1980s Roland line, and it was this combination most prominently featured in advertising promoting the breakthrough Roland guitar technology. While more people are familiar with the G-303 guitar thanks to Pat Metheny, the G-808 was the premium model, with neck-thru construction, gold hardware, and more. The G-808 was simply one of the best guitars available at the time, and sold with the GR-300, an enduring classic and arguably one of the finest guitar synthesizer system ever designed.In many ways, the original GR-300 and G-808 combination was a continuation of the earlier GS-500 and GR-500 guitar and synthesizer combination. These two systems used the same 24-pin cable, but the GR-300 is a more streamlined system than the earlier GS-500/GR-500. As a pair, the GR-300 and G-808 offer a level of playability that had been promised since the introduction of the guitar synthesizers. Most notably, when players pick up a G-808, they do not have to adjust their style to play this expressive system (or sacrifice the quality of their instrument for that matter), as the G-808, with its high end hardware, neck-thru construction, and ebony fret board was as good as any mass-produced guitar on the market.G-808 Guitar:Sporting a maple and mahogany neck-thru body, with ash and walnut wings, affectionately referred to as "hippie sandwich" construction, this G-808 guitar has a quick attack and impressive natural sustain that translates through the stock neck pickup and upgraded Dimarzio bridge pickup. Another upgrade over the stock configuration is a Kahler tremolo system and locking nut, perfect for wild whammy bar use with stable tuning.The neck has a medium C profile, with a 1 11/16" nut width, and a fairly flat fretboard radius making for a very quick playing experience. The ebony fretboard boasts its 22 original frets, which show some light play wear, particularly under the plain strings, which gradually dissipates by the 12th fret. The truss rod responds as it should, the neck has ideal relief, and the instrument plays cleanly up the neck with no buzzing or dead spots. The headstock sports the aforementioned locking nut, which necessitated removing the truss-rod cover, a gold GR logo (reportedly meaning Greco / Roland), and the original set of Gotoh tuning machines which turn smoothly and hold pitch well.In terms of cosmetic wear, the G-808 bears some light play wear along the surface of the instrument, with no dings, dents, or scratches that are really worth noting, as this guitar has been well cared for over the last four decades! A hardshell case is included.
GR-300 Polyphonic Guitar Synth:
This GR-300 is in remarkably good shape for being a floor based unit, with barely any wear on the enclosure.
Features:
 6-voice polyphony 2 oscillators per voice VCOs (voltage controlled oscillator) are directly harmonically locked to each string, but can be tuned separately VCF (voltage controlled filter, low pass) -24 dB per octave, with envelope modulation (attack and sensitivity) Low Frequency Oscillator, for Vibrato Effects Built-in foot switch controls the VCO mode (single/dual), VCO harmonize pitch (detuning of the VCO's), and VCF mode (on, bypass, or inverted) Pedal control input for the VCF The GR-300 can output either the guitar, the synth, or a mix of the two Synchronized, flashing LED status indicators Dimensions: 15.7" (W) 11.4" (D) 3.9" (H) Response Time: 3.32 msGm-70 Guitar to MIDI Convertor with GK-1 Interface:
The Roland GM-70 was the first stand alone Guitar-to-MIDI converter built by Roland. Many longtime GM-70 users insist that the GM-70 is still the best guitar-to-MIDI converter ever built.Like other modules produced by Roland during this time, the GM-70 sports a smart fluorescent blue display, calling to mind high-end Lexicon units of the same period. The GM-70 is flexible and easy to use as well.
After a decade of building their own proprietary guitar synthesizers and guitar synthesizer controllers, Roland changed directions with the release of the GK-1 Synthesizer Driver and the Roland GM-70. The GK-1 and GM-70 were frequently packaged together as the new Roland guitar synth system that worked with any guitar, and enabled the guitarist to play any MIDI synthesizer.
Features:
 128 Patches, each with four "Branches" (A to D) Two editing methods to create a branch: General Edit and Individual Edit. Supports assignable MIDI control numbers from 0 to 95, MIDI Poly and Mono Modes CV #3 (Whammy Bar) supports "Absolute" or "Center" modes of operation Up to 4 continuous controllers from guitar, plus 3 position mode switch 2 - Assignable foot switches (Roland FS-5L, FS-5U or similar, not included) 1 - Assignable foot pedal (Roland EV-5, not included) Guitar volume control simultaneously transmits MIDI volume (controller 7) Stereo input for one synthesizerThis package set includes everything you need to get your guitar synth setup running, and comes neatly wrapped up in a vintage leather suitcase which fits the whole rig surprisingly well. Also included is a printout of the original manual and schematic.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be $100, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!