Workshop

VG-99 V-Guitar System

Pickup Settings

2008 Roland Corporation U.S. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roland Corporation U.S. The trademarks listed in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which are separate companies from Roland. Those companies are not affiliated with Roland and have not licensed or authorized Rolands VG-99. Their marks are used solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated by Rolands VG-99.

VG99WS02

About the Workshop Booklets
Rolands VG-99 V-Guitar System is, simply put, the most powerful guitar processor ever made. Its the third and latest generation V-Guitar system from Roland, and it offers an astounding set of creative sound-making tools for the guitarist. Featuring dual COSM instrument and amp modeling paths, two independent multi-effects processors, massive realtime control options, guitar-to-MIDI conversion, and USB, the VG-99 is a guitarists dream machine, capable of creating sounds that are limited only by your imagination. Each VG-99 Workshop booklet focuses on one VG-99 topic, and is intended as a companion to the VG-99 Owners Manual.

Hot Links

Each Workshop booklet is meant to be read in order from beginning to end. However, if we mention an upcoming sectionand you see this arrowyou can click the arrow to jump there immediately.
About Pickups and the VG-99 Using a Divided Pickup with the VG-99
To use the VG-99s COSM instrument modeling (along with its related features such as alternate tunings and Poly FX) and Guitar to MIDI function, youll need a guitar with a divided pickup and a 13-pin output jack. This could be a guitar with:

About This Booklet

This booklet discusses setting up the VG-99 for use with a divided pickup such as the Roland GK-3 or a piezo system. Connecting the guitars normal output to the VG-99 is covered as well.
The trademarks listed in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which are separate companies from Roland. Those companies are not affiliated with Roland and have not licensed or authorized Rolands VG-99. Their marks are used solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated by Rolands VG-99.
a Roland GK-3 pickup (or similar)The GK-3 is
a user-installable divided pickup and control unit that can be easily mounted on most sixstring electric guitars, with no modifications necessary. The installation kit comes with everything needed to mount the pickup and the accompanying control unit. The GK-3 can be attached on many steel string acoustic guitars as well. (Rolands earlier generation GK-2A and GK-2 divided pickups can be used with the VG-99, too.)
Understanding the Symbols in This Booklet
Throughout this booklet, youll come across information that deserves special attentionthats the reason its labeled with one of the following symbols.
A note is something that adds information about the topic at hand.
a permanently installed GK pickup and
Guitar with a Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup Installed
controlssuch as the Fender Roland-Ready Stratocaster or a guitar thats had a Roland GK-KIT-GT3 Divided Pickup Kit installed.
a piezo-type divided pickup systemWith this setup, the guitars normal
bridge saddles are replaced with special saddles, each incorporating its own piezo-type (pressure sensitive) pickup. Each pickup has its own separate output, which is fed first to a preamp unit and then to a 13-pin jack. Piezo-type divided pickup systems are available from pickup manufacturers such as RMC, L.R. Baggs, and Graph Tech Guitar Labs. Instrument manufacturers such as Brian Moore, Breedlove, Godin, Carvin, and others offer guitars with this type of pickup system factory installed.
A tip offers suggestions for using the feature being discussed.
Warnings contain important information that can help you avoid possible damage to your equipment, your data, or yourself.
A divided pickup is also sometimes called a hex, hexaphonic, or polyphonic pickup.
By plugging in the divided and normal pickups separatelyPlug the
divided pickups output into the 13-pin GK INPUT jack and the regular guitars output into the VG-99s GUITAR INPUT jack.
When a plug is connected to the GUITAR INPUT jack, it overrides the normal guitar signal that arrives at the 13-pin connector.
See the VG-99 Workshop booklet Introduction to the VG-99 for more information on the benefits of using a divided pickup with the VG-99.
Using Regular Guitar Pickups with the VG-99
You can use the output from a regular electric or acoustic-electric guitaror any other electronic instrument for that matterwith the VG-99. Just plug its output into the VG-99s rear-panel 1/4-inch GUITAR INPUT jack. You wont be able to use COSM instrument modeling and its related features or the Guitar to MIDI function; those require a divided pickup. However, you can use all the rest of the VG-99s processing options, including COSM amps and effects. When using only the GUITAR INPUT, you should set the GK CONNECT setting to AUTO or OFF. This is discussed in the GK Connect section near the end of this booklet.

When you wish to blend the divided and normal pickup sounds, you should set the GK CONNECT setting to AUTO or ON. This is discussed in the GK Connect section near the end of this booklet.
The COSM GUITAR section in the VG-99 provides controls to adjust the levels of the modeled sound(s) and the normal pickup sound as desired in each patch. To learn more, see the VG-99 Owners Manual or the VG-99 Workshop booklet COSM Instrument Modeling.

Plugging In

Divided Pickup
Using a Roland-compatible 13-pin cable (such as the one included with the VG-99), plug one end into the 13-pin jack on your guitar and the other end into the GK IN jack on the VG-99s front panel. The 13-pin cable supplied with your VG-99 may have a ferrite sleeve attached at one end. If so, plug this end into the VG-99s GK IN jack.
Blending the Signal from a Divided Pickup and a Regular Pickup
The VG-99 allows you to combine and blend the signals from a divided pickup and the guitars regular pickup. Combining signals can be accomplished one of two ways:
By sending your regular guitars output down the 13-pin cable along with
the divided pickup signalWhen using a Roland GK-3, GK2A, or GK-2 pickup, you can plug a short cable (included with the pickup) from your guitars output jack into the GK control unit mounted on the face of the guitar. (See the image on the previous page.) The control unit has a switch that allows you to select the divided pickup, regular pickup, or a mix of the two. If you have a guitar with a GK or piezo divided pickup system built in, it will usually be configured to send the normal guitar sound through the 13-pin cable along with the divided pickup sound.

To 13-pin jack on guitar

To VG-99 GK IN Ferrite sleeve

Regular Pickup

If you want to use your guitars normal pickupsand youre not sending the normal pickup signal along the 13-pin cableplug one end of a standard guitar cable into your guitars regular output jack, and plug the other end into the VG-99s rear-panel GUITAR INPUT jack.

Editing a GK Setting

You may need to make some measurements on your guitar for some of the following settings, so have a metric measurement tool handy.
Press SYSTEM, and then use the PAGE buttons to go to Page 1 in the display (the current page number is shown in the upper right-hand corner of the display). Press F3 (GK), and then use the PAGE buttons to go to Page 1 in the display.

To guitars output jack

To VG-99 GUITAR INPUT

Divided Pickup Settings

When using a divided pickup, there are a number of VG-99 parameters that must be set to optimize the pickups performance with the unit. These parameters are stored collectively as a GK Setting, and they include:
the pickup type thats usedYou can choose from the GK-3, GK-2A/GK-2,
or a variety of different piezo types.
Use the F4 knob or button to choose the GK Setting (1-10) youd like to edit. (The currently selected GK Setting is shown at the top of every GK SETTING screen.)
the guitars scale lengthThat is, the distance from the nut to the

bridge.

There is no save procedure when working with GK Settings. All the adjustments you make are saved automatically. 4
the orientation of the GK pickup and the distance from the guitars bridge
saddles to the pickupThese settings are only necessary for GK-type pickups, as piezo-type pickups are built into the guitars saddles.
Use the PAGE buttons to go to Page 2 in the display.
the picking sensitivity for each stringThis setting balances the volume
from string to string, and optimizes the input gain of each string for the VG-99s processing.
Be sure to take the time to make accurate divided pickup settingsthey have a very big impact on the VG-99s sound and performance, and are critical to achieving sonic nirvana with its modeled instruments. 5
Use the F1 knob or button to select the type of divided pickup in your guitar. Select from the following:
GK-3Choose this setting if youre using a Roland GK-3 pickup. GK-2AChoose this setting if youre using a Roland GK-2A or

GK-2 pickup, or a Fender Roland-Ready Stratocaster.
You can edit and name 10 different GK Settings, so you can quickly call up the unique divided pickup settings for multiple different guitars.
PIEZOChoose this setting if your guitar has a flat-response
piezo-type divided pickup.
PIEZO FChoose this setting if your guitar is equipped with
a piezo-type divided pickup manufactured by Fishman Transducers.
PIEZO GChoose this setting if your guitar is equipped with a
piezo-type divided pickup manufactured by Graph Tech Guitar Labs (such as the synth-access guitars offered by Carvin).
PIEZO LChoose this setting if your guitar is equipped with a
piezo-type divided pickup manufactured by L.R. Baggs (such as some synth-access guitars offered by Godin Guitars).
The 628 mm setting is displayed as LP, as this matches the scale length of a Gibson Les Paul guitar (24-3/4). The 648 mm setting is displayed as ST, the scale of a Fender Stratocaster guitar (25-1/2). These designations make it easy to quickly set GUITAR SCALE if youre using one of these popular guitar types. (24-3/4 and 25-1/2 are two of the most common scale lengths found on electric guitars in general, so one of these settings is likely to match your instrument, even if its not actually a Les Paul or Stratocaster.)
PIEZO RChoose this setting if your guitar is equipped with a
piezo-type divided pickup manufactured by the RMC Pickup Co. (such as the Brian Moore iGuitar, Breedlove Synergy, and some synth-access guitars offered by Godin Guitars).
If your VG-99 doesnt display all the piezo pickup options mentioned here, you need to update it to VG-99 System Version 1.04 or higher. The update is a free download from the VG-99 product page at www.RolandUS.com.
If youre unsure of your guitars scale length, heres how to determine it: use a ruler or tape measure to measure down the center of the guitars fingerboard from the leading edge of the guitars nut (where the strings pass over from the fingerboard to the headstock) to the center of the 12th fret. Then, double this measurement and youll have the guitars scale length. If you dont have a measurement device handy, you should be able to get the scale length information from the guitars manufacturer.
If your guitar is equipped with a piezo-type divided pickup but youre not sure of the manufacturer, try out the different piezo settings as you play, and then choose the one that has the most natural sound. 6

If youve selected GK-3 or GK-2A as the pickup type in Step 5, go ahead to Step 7. If youve selected a piezo-type pickup, skip ahead to Step 9.
Turn the F2 knob to set the scale length to match that of your guitar. The available range is 620-660 mm. If youre using a Fender Stratocaster guitar, press F2 to select ST. In the unlikely event that your guitars scale is outside the available range, set GUITAR SCALE to the setting thats the closest.
Use the F5 button to choose the GK-3/GK-2A pickups direction. If the GK pickup is installed so that the wire is coming from the guitars sixth string side (low E), select NORMAL. If the pickup is reversed, select REVRSE. (If youre using a Fender Roland-Ready Stratocaster, select NORMAL.) Use the F4 button choose the GK-3/GK-2A pickups phase. If the GK pickup is installed so that the wire is coming from the guitars sixth string side (low E), select NORMAL. If the pickup is reversed, select INVERS. (If youre using a Fender Roland-Ready Stratocaster, select NORMAL.)
The phase setting adjusts the divided pickups phase in relation with your guitars normal pickups. If the sound is thin or hollow when you blend your guitars normal pickup with a COSM instrument sound, try an alternate GK PU PHASE setting to see if that alleviates the problem. When the divided pickup sound is played by itself, the GK PU PHASE setting will have no audible effect. 9
The saddles on most electric guitars are movable, allowing each strings length to be adjusted slightly so that it plays in tune up and down the neck. This procedure is called adjusting the intonation, and its typically part of a standard guitar setup when your instrument is serviced by a repair technician. If you have the intonation adjusted any time after making the settings in Steps 10 and 11, make sure you revisit those settings and adjust them if necessary. 12
Roland divided pickupsas well as most non-Roland divided pickup systemshave two onboard switches for controlling various VG-99 functions remotely from the guitar. The S1,S2 POS setting allows you to reverse the control functions assigned to them if you wish. Press the F6 button to choose the desired setting: NORMAL or REVRSE. If youve selected GK-3 or GK-2A in Step 5, use the PAGE buttons to go to Page 3 in the display. If not, skip ahead to Step 12.

Use the PAGE buttons to go to Page 4 in the display.
Use the F knobs to set the distance from the GK pickup to each strings saddle (1st indicates the guitars high E string). To determine the distance, use your measurement tool to measure from the center of the GK pickup to the point where each string passes over its saddle.
Set the input sensitivity for each string. Begin by playing the guitars first string in open position (unfretted) at the maximum force that youd normally play at. Watch the meter in the display, and adjust the F1 knob so that the meter registers just short of its highest level at the maximum playing force. Then, play the other strings in open position one at a time and use the appropriate F knobs to enter the sensitivity settings for each.

GK pickup

Saddle
If youve chosen a piezo-type in Step 5, you can adjust the high and low frequency tonality of the pickups sound. To do so, use the PAGE buttons to select Page 5 in the display. Then, use the F1 and F2 knobs to adjust the LOW and HIGH sound parameters. Values in the + range boost the selected frequency, while - values cut it.
The goal is to adjust the LOW and HIGH parameters to achieve the most natural sound before the piezo pickup is processed by the VG-99s modeling and effects. You can do far more dramatic tonal adjustments later using the VG-99s various patch and global EQ controls. To start, wed recommend leaving the LOW and HIGH parameters at 0. After working with VG-99s processing a bit, you can always go back and tweak them later if you feel its necessary. 15
Enter the desired name for your GK preset:
To select a characteruse the PATCH/VALUE dial. To change to a different character positionuse the PAGE

buttons.

To insert or delete a character, or enter a blank spaceuse the

F1-F3 buttons.

To change the selected characters typeuse the F4 button. To change the selected characters caseuse the F5 button.
Thats itpress EXIT twice to return to the Play screen, or move on to the next section to name the GK Setting.
When youre finished, press the EXIT button twice to return to the Play screen.
The Play screen is the VG-99s home screen. Its the screen thats displayed after the VG-99 finishes its power-up sequence. Youll usually want to return to the Play screen when youre done editing any VG-99 functions.

Selecting a GK Setting

To select a GK Setting youve edited for a particular guitar:

Naming a GK Setting

You can name GK Settings to keep track of settings for the different guitars you use with the VG-99.
Navigate to Page 1 of the GK SETTING screens (see Steps 1-2 in Editing a GK Setting). Turn the F4 knob to select the desired GK Setting. (Alternately, you can scroll through the GK Settings by repeatedly pressing the F4 button.) Press EXIT twice to return to the Play screen.
Use Steps 1-3 in the previous procedure to navigate to Page 1 of the GK SETTING screens. (If youre still in another GK SETTING screen, simply use the PAGE buttons to navigate to Page 1.) Use the F4 knob or button to choose the GK Setting (1-10) youd like to name. Press F6 (NAME).
If desired, you can store specific GK Settings in VG-99 patches. This allows you to create patches for use with different guitars, and automatically switch the GK Setting without having to navigate to the GK SETTING screen. Well show you how in the next section.
Other Divided Pickup Settings
The following are global settings for any guitar connected to the VG-99s GK IN. To adjust these settings, first navigate to Page 1 of the GK SETTING screens (see Steps 1-2 in Editing a GK Setting).
PATCHWhen this is selected, the GK Setting is determined by that
chosen in the currently selected patch. Use this setting when you want to create different patches for use with specific GK-equipped guitars.
Saving a GK Setting in a Patch
Saving a patch overwrites the data in the selected destination patch. If the destination patch contains data you want to keep, select a different patch, or back up its data to a computer via USB before proceeding. To learn more about working with patches, see the VG-99 Owners Manual or the VG-99 Workshop booklet Patches. 3 4

GK Connect

This setting determines whether the VG-99s GK IN jack is turned on, off, or switched automatically when a cable is plugged in. Use the F1 knob or button to choose the desired setting:
Set the GK Setting Mode to PATCH, as described above. Select the desired patch. Using the procedure described in Selecting a GK Setting, choose the desired GK Setting. Press WRITE, choose the desired user patch location with the PATCH/VALUE dial, and then press WRITE again.
OFFThis disables the GK IN jack, and enables the rear-panel GUITAR
INPUT jack. Use this setting when youre only using the VG-99 with a guitar with regular pickups thats connected to the GUITAR INPUT jack.

ONThis enables the GK IN jack. Use this setting when youre only
using the VG-99 with a guitar with a divided pickup.
AUTOWith this setting, the VG-99 automatically detects whether a
13-pin pin cable is connected to the GK IN jack, and adjusts the GK Connect accordingly. Use this setting if you alternate using a guitar with divided pickups and a guitar with regular pickups, or if youre using both jacks simultaneously.
If you change the GK Setting Mode back to SYSTEM, the GK Settings stored in patches are ignored, and the GK Setting currently selected on Page 1 of the GK SETTING screens is used by all patches.
GK Volume and Switch Functions
Rolands GK-3, GK-KIT-GT3, GK-2A, and GK-2 pickups as well as most Roland-ready guitars and third-party divided pickup systemshave a control knob and two onboard switches that allow you to control various VG-99 parameters directly from your guitar. On the GK-3/GK-2A/GK-2, the control knob is called GK VOL, while the switches are labeled DOWN/S1 and UP/S2.

GK Setting Mode

Use this to choose whether the GK Setting is set globally for all patches, or selected on a patch-by-patch basis. Use the F3 knob or button to choose the desired setting:
SYSTEMWhen this is selected, all VG-99 patches use the GK Setting
currently selected on the GK SETTING screen. Use this setting when youre using a single divided pickup guitar with the VG-99, or when you want to manually switch settings for different guitars.
The DOWN and UP designations on the switches refer to when you assign them to adjust a directional function, such as scrolling through patches or adjusting the patch level. When making assignments to them in the VG-99, the switches are simply called GK S1 and GK S2.

The End

We hope youve found this workshop helpful. Keep an eye out for other VG-99 Workshop booklets available for downloading at www.RolandUS.com.
On a guitar with a non-Roland divided pickup, the knob and switches may be labeled differently, with names such as synth volume for the control knob and program up and program down for the switches. From Page 1 of the GK SETTING screens, press F2 to select the GK FUNC screen. Here, you can select VG-99 parameters that are controlled by the GK VOL knob and S1/S2 switches.
Turn the F1 knob or press the F1 button to set the desired GK VOL behavior. Turn the F6 knob or press the F6 button to set the desired S1 and S2 switch behavior.
OFFThis setting disables the GK VOL knob or S1/S2 switches. ASSIGNABLE (PATCH)With this setting, the parameter (or

parameters) controlled are determined by settings made in each patch.
A specific parameterWhen a specific parameter is chosen, its
used globally by all patches.
Press EXIT three times to return to the Play screen.
For a listing of all parameters that can be assigned to the GK VOL knob and S1/S2 switches, see the VG-99 Owners Manual.
The control orientation of the S1/S2 switches is affected by the setting made in Step 9 of Editing a GK Setting.

Workshop

VG-99 V-Guitar System
Introduction to the VG-99
2008 Roland Corporation U.S. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roland Corporation U.S. The trademarks listed in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which are separate companies from Roland. Those companies are not affiliated with Roland and have not licensed or authorized Rolands VG-99. Their marks are used solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated by Rolands VG-99.

VG99WS01

About the Workshop Booklets
Rolands VG-99 V-Guitar System is, simply put, the most powerful guitar processor ever made. Its the third and latest generation V-Guitar system from Roland, and it offers an astounding set of creative sound-making tools for the guitarist. Featuring dual COSM instrument and amp modeling paths, two independent multi-effects processors, massive realtime control options, guitar-to-MIDI conversion, and USB, the VG-99 is a guitarists dream machine, capable of creating sounds that are limited only by your imagination. Each VG-99 Workshop Series booklet focuses on one VG-99 topic, and is intended as a companion to the VG-99 Owners Manual.
Inside the V-Guitar System
The V in V-Guitar stands for virtual. In computer terms, virtual means to use software to create something that doesnt physically exist, or to recreate something that exists in the real world in the digital realm. The VG-99 is essentially a computer, one thats dedicated to processing guitar sounds. Its software uses Rolands proprietary digital technology called Composite Object Sound Modelingor COSM for shortto process your guitar and turn it into a different guitar or another instrument, one thats created virtually, entirely within the VG-99. In addition to instrument modeling, the VG-99 uses COSM to create a multitude of different virtual guitar amplifiers and speakers, from vintage to modern. To add the icing on the cake, the VG-99 provides a staggering selection of effects to process your sound just the way you like it, including COSM models of classic stomp box effects. You can store all your sounds in 200 custom patches for later recall, and control sounds and patches in real time in a number of ways. Using USB, you can connect the VG-99 to your computer, where you can transfer audio and MIDI back and forth, and even edit and store patches using the VG-99 Editor software. With the Guitar to MIDI function, you can use your guitar to trigger external MIDI instruments such as a hardware synthesizer or a virtual instrument in a computer. The VG-99s versatile and convenient form factor makes it easy to integrate into a number of different environments. It works great as a table-top device in a recording studio, or it can be mounted in a rack with the optional RAD-99 rackmount adaptor. If desired, you can mount it on a stand for quick access in a performance. An integrated foot controllerthe FC-300 (shown in the image to the left)is available as well, which provides comprehensive foot control for switching patches and controlling an enormous variety of VG-99 functions.

About This Booklet

This booklet introduces you to the VG-99. Well give you an overview of what it is and what it does, and discuss its concept and application. Well also talk about some of the technologies that are part of the VG-99.
The trademarks listed in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which are separate companies from Roland. Those companies are not affiliated with Roland and have not licensed or authorized Rolands VG-99. Their marks are used solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated by Rolands VG-99.
Understanding the Symbols in This Booklet
Throughout this booklet, youll come across information that deserves special attentionthats the reason its labeled with one of the following symbols.

A note is something that adds information about the topic at hand.
A tip offers suggestions for using the feature being discussed.

COSM Instrument Modeling

With the VG-99s COSM instrument modeling, you can turn your guitar into a completely different instrument. That instrument could be:
Unlocking Instrument Modeling with a Divided Pickup
The VG-99 creates its virtual instruments by processing each of the guitars six strings individually. This is accomplished by using a special pickup on your guitar called a divided pickup, such as Rolands GK-3. This type of pickup is actually six separate pickups, one for each string. As you play, the signal for each stringalong with the output from your guitars normal pickups, if desiredis sent through a special 13-pin cable to the VG-99. Additionally, the divided pickups control section provides a knob and two switches that allow you to control various VG-99 functions remotely from your instrument, and a three-way switch for choosing the divided pickup, the normal pickups, or both. Six separate pickups, one for each string
an electric guitarInside the VG-99 are ten electric
guitar models, including Fender Stratocasters, a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Telecaster, a Rickenbacker string, a Gibson L4 archtop, and more. Each electric guitar model has pickups that sound just like the original articles, and you can shape the tonality of the instruments to taste with a powerful EQ. Theres even a Vari guitar model that allows you to construct your own custom virtual electric inside the VG-99.
an electric bassThere are two different electric bass models, the classic
Fender Precision Bass and Fender Jazz Bass.
an acoustic instrumentThe VG-99 features models
of five different classic steel string flat-top guitars, including a Martin D-28 and 000-28, a Gibson J-45 and B-25, and a Guild D-40. Theres also a nylon string guitar, a resonator-type guitar (think bottleneck blues), a banjo, and a sitar. As with the electric models, theres a variable acoustic instrument, where you can build your own guitar, with adjustable parameters such as body size and type, as well as mic and pickup settings.

Three-way switch for selecting GK pickup and/ or normal guitar GK knob and S1/S2 switches for controlling VG-99 functions Input for connecting the guitars normal output
a synthesized instrumentUtilizing digitally
created waveforms, the VG-99 can transform your guitar into something completely unique and un-guitar like. Use the Pipe model to make your guitar sound like a woodwind instrument, or the Organ model to impart, well, an organ-like quality. Among the many available synth voices is a spot-on model of the GR-300, Rolands classic analog polyphonic guitar synthesizer from the early 1980s.
For more information on COSM instruments, see the VG-99 Owners Manual.
13-pin output Anatomy of the GK-3 Divided Pickup
A guitars normal pickups sense the sum total of the guitars six strings, creating a single monophonic output. For this reason, they cant be used to drive the VG-99s COSM instrument modeling section.
Divided pickups are also sometimes called hex, hexaphonic, or polyphonic pickups.
Installing a Divided Pickup
The Roland GK-3 provides an easy way to add divided pickup capabilities to your favorite guitar. It can be easily attached to most electric guitars with no modification to the instrument, and it can also be attached to many steel-string acoustic guitars as well. (Rolands previous generation divided pickupsthe GK-2A and GK-2can be used with the VG-99, too.) Roland also offers the GK-KIT-GT3, a kit version of the GK-3 that can be permanently installed inside your instrument (professional installation is required).
Alternate Tunings and Polyphonic Effects
Once the VG-99 has each strings signals, it converts them to digital information so they can be processed individually with its digital brain. Besides transforming your guitar into any of the instruments described previously, applying processing to each string individually allows for some wild realtime pitch-shifting and effects options with COSM instruments, such as the following. Guitar with a Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup installed
Instant alternate tuningsAt the touch of a button, you
can instantly change your COSM instruments tuning to whatever you like. DADGAD, Open D/E/G/A, and various drop tunings are among the many presets, and you can create your own user tunings as well.
Another option is to purchase and install a piezo-type divided pickup system. These systems incorporate pressure-sensitive piezo elements in bridge saddles that replace the original saddles on your guitar. The output from the six individual saddles is then fed to a preamp with a 13-pin output. A piezo divided pickup system is necessary in applications where the GK-3 cant be used, such as with a nylon-string instrument, or with any instrument that has an unusually wide or narrow string spacing. A piezo system can also be installed on a standard electric guitar as an alternative to the GK-3. Pickup manufacturers such as RMC, L.R. Baggs, and Graph Tech Guitar Labs offer piezo divided pickups. In most cases, professional installation is required.

Pitch-bend effectsYou can change the pitch of an individual string or a
combination of strings using one of the VG-99s controllers. This allows you to create pedal steel and B-bender effects.
12-string emulationCOSM lets you turn your guitar into a 12-string,
with both fine and course pitch control of the secondary strings.
HarmonyPlay instant harmonies based upon a key and scale that you

determine.

Polyphonic effectsor Poly FX allow you to apply powerful
effects processing to each string individually. Available Poly FX include compression, distortion, octave, and Slow Gear.
So, Is It a Guitar Synthesizer?
RMC piezo pickups on a Breedlove steel-string acoustic guitar (left) and a Godin Multiac SA nylon-string guitar (right) If you wish to purchase an instrument with a divided pickup built in, guitar manufacturers such as Fender, Godin, Brian Moore, Breedlove, Carvin, and many more offer Roland-ready or synth access guitars. These instruments are factory-equipped with divided pickups and 13-pin outputs that can be plugged directly into the VG-99 or any previous V-Guitar System, as well as most Roland guitar synthesizers and guitar-to-MIDI converters. Because it alters the entire guitar sound, has synth-type voices on board, and interfaces with a divided pickup, the COSM instrument modeling in a V-Guitar System is often mistaken for a guitar synthesizer. Its not, however; COSM actually does all its modeling magic in real time using super-fast digital signal processing (DSP) chips to alter the guitars sound as you play. In this way, its more akin to using a multi-effects processorwell, actually multiple super-powerful multi-effects processors, all running at once.
13-pin jack on a Brian Moore iGuitar 4
Like the VG-99, a guitar synthesizersuch as Rolands GR-20utilizes string information from a divided pickup. However, it processes that information in a much different way. When a string is played and sensed by the divided pickup, the guitar synth determines the pitch of the string, and then it converts that pitch into digital information that triggers a sound engine, either internally in the guitar synth or externally via MIDI. As such, the guitar is only used as an input devicelike the keys on a keyboard synthto play sounds you call up on a menu, such as piano, strings, drums, and so forth. With the VG-99, the guitars string signals are the fundamental building blocks of the sound you hear, even when the realtime modeling process modifies that sound into something quite unlike a guitar. As a result, playing a COSM instrument always feels and responds just as naturally as playing your normal guitar, with every subtle, expressive nuance coming through.

COSM Amps to the Max

Once youve created a COSM instrumentor plugged your regular guitar into the GUITAR INPUTyou can amplify it virtually using a COSM amplifier model. The VG-99 offers 49 COSM amps, from vintage legends to modern classics. Each amp model offers uncannily accurate sound replication, as well as a set of familiar controls (volume, bass, treble, bright switch, etc.) as found on the real amp. The amps speaker systema critical component of any guitar amps soundis modeled as well, with a selection of five different virtual mics and variable mic positioning. (You can mix and match speaker types at will, or turn the speaker models off altogether if desired.)

Guitar to MIDI

While COSM instrument modeling itself isnt a guitar synthesizer, the VG-99 does have the ability to use the divided pickup signal to trigger sounds in an external synthesizer or sound module via MIDI. This is called the Guitar to MIDI function, and its basically like having a Roland GI-20 GK-MIDI Interface built in.
Connecting a Normal Guitar Without a Divided Pickup
If you like the sound of your normal pickups as isor you dont want to install a divided pickupyou can still use your guitar with the VG-99. Just plug its output into the VG-99s rear-panel 1/4-inch GUITAR INPUT jack. You wont be able to use COSM instrument modeling (including its alternate tunings and polyphonic effects) or the Guitar to MIDI function; those require a divided pickup. But you can use all the rest of the VG-99s processing options, including COSM amps and effects.
As mentioned earlier, the Roland GK-3 and other divided pickup systems allow you to send the guitars normal pickup output along with the divided pickup output over the 13-pin cable connection. The GK-3 control unit has an onboard switch to allow you to easily switch between regular guitar, divided pickup output, or both, and the VG-99 has internal mixing options to blend the sounds as well. For a detailed listing of the COSM amps and speakers, see the VG-99 Owners Manual.
Effects, Effects, and More Effects
REVERBCreate a sense of ambience with seven different reverb
effects, including hall, room, spring, and plate.
MOD 1 and 2These two groups feature 25 effects types, including
Phaser, Flanger, Slow Gear, Tremolo, Slicer, Octave, etc. Any one effect type can be selected for each group: MOD 1 and MOD 2.
NSThis effect is a noise suppressor to reduce hum and noise. FVFoot volume, controlled via an optional expression pedal, the
FC-300 Foot Controller, or MIDI.
For a detailed listing of the effects and effects parameters, see the VG-99 Owners Manual.
The VG-99 provides multi-effects to the gillseverything you need to sweeten, tweak, twist, and/or mangle your tone. The list of included effects reads like a history of Roland and BOSS signal processing, all under one hood. In addition, there are many COSM models of classic stomp boxes and effects units from other manufacturers. The effects are organized into different groups, and all groups are available simultaneously. One effect within each group can be selected at any one time. The effects groups are described as follows.

The Effects Chain

The order of the VG-99s effects can be changed at will. The COSM guitar path can be adjusted as well, allowing you to apply additional processing only to your guitars normal pickups, if desired. For example, this is particularly useful for applying traditional guitar effects and COSM amp simulation to the normal pickups, and not to the COSM instrument. Effects after the point where the COSM guitar path is placed will be applied to both signals.
COMPProvides compression and limiting effects. OD/DS30 different overdrive and distortion effects are provided here,
including models of legendary pedals and a plethora of BOSS classics. Theres even a custom setting for rolling your own fuzz.
WAHClassic wah models along with original wah effects and a
custom setting. Controlled via an optional expression pedal, the FC-300 Foot Controller, or MIDI.
Processing Times Two: Dual Signal Paths
Okay, now that weve detailed what the VG-99 offers in the way of sound processing, lets double it. Thats rightthe VG-99 provides two separate and independent signal paths, A and B. And every processing option weve described so farCOSM guitar, COSM amps, and multi-effectscan be set up and used independently on both the A and B paths. Thats an amazing amount of signal processing power!
EQShape your sound with a powerful four-band parametric

equalizer.

DELAYMultiple mono and stereo delay effects are provided here, as
well as reverse delay, and models of tape and analog units. You can also do sound-on-sound effects with the HOLD effect.
CHORUSAdd depth and richness with mono and stereo chorus

effects. 6

The VG-99s POLY FX can only be applied to one signal path at a time, A or B.
Dynamic Control: Adjusting the Mix Balance with Your Playing Dynamics
Dedicated front-panel buttons controls allow you to easily select, edit, and balance the A and B signal paths With the two signal paths layered together, its like playing two instruments at once, with separate amplification and effects to boot. Imagine a Gibson Les Paul through a raging stack layered with a chorused 12-string acoustic flat top.or a sweet Fender Stratocaster combined with a GR-300 synth sound.or a Gibson ES-335/Fender Twin Reverb combo with a Fender Jazz Bass layered on the lowest two strings. And, of course, you can always blend in your guitars normal pickup sound as well, giving you a third tonal option. The sound-shaping possibilities are nearly endless!

The Dynamic feature allows you to control the A and B signal paths with your picking dynamics. By adjusting how hard or soft you play, you can blend A with B (or vice versa), or switch between the two paths. This can be used for many expressive effects, from subtle to extreme.

Patch Me In

The VG-99 provides a total of 400 patches. 200 patches contain preset sounds that demonstrate various VG-99 features, while 200 user patches offer locations to store your own custom settings for later recall. Furthermore, patch categories allow you to organize patches by music style or 10 userdefined categories. Patches can be selected with the PATCH/VALUE dial, the FC-300 (discussed in a bit), or via program change commands sent from an external MIDI device. You can also assign five of your most-used patches to the front-panel DIRECT PATCH buttons for quick access.

Mixing it Up

To combine the A and B paths, theres an onboard mixer. As youd suspect, you can adjust levels and panning for each path as you like. But theres also a four-band EQ (separate from the effects section) that allows you to shape the overall tone of both paths, and additional reverb and delay effects are provided to add some final sweetening to your sound. The mixer also lets you route the A and B signal paths to any (or all) of the VG-99s multiple outputs.
Revolutionary Realtime Control
The VG-99 gives you a multitude of ways to control its sounds and effects in real time during performances. Up to 18 different parameters per patch can be assigned to various onboard buttons and controllers, as well as optional external footswitches and pedals. Nearly any VG-99 parameter can be controlledfor example, the pickup selection on a COSM guitar, the gain of a COSM amp, the rate or depth of an effect, etc. In many cases, multiple parameters can be assigned to a single button or controller, so you can make multiple adjustments with a single action. 7
One of the VG-99s mixer screens

CONTROL Buttons

Parameters can be assigned to the VG-99s two CONTROL buttons. This gives you handy access from the VG-99s front panel.
CTL 3,4 and EXP PEDAL Jacks
You can connect optional footswitches to the CTL 3,4 jack (two FS-5Us or one FS-6) and an optional expression pedal to the EXP PEDAL jack (EV-5, FV-300L, etc.).

F Knobs

GK Knob and S1/S2 Switches
As we mentioned earlier, the GK knob and S1 and S2 switches on the GK-3 control unit or a Roland-ready guitar can be used to remotely control various VG-99 functions.
Under the display are six F knobs. The F stands for function, and theyre normally used to adjust parameters on the VG-99s various editing screens. However, when the home screen is displayed, they can be assigned to control any six VG-99 functions of your choiceand these assignments can be saved per patch.

A Perfect Companion: The FC-300
D Beam and Ribbon Controller
The VG-99 offers two realtime controllers previously only seen on keyboards and grooveboxes: a D Beam and a ribbon controller. These two controllers give you exciting realtime control possibilities not normally associated with guitar performance.

D Beam

The D Beam is an invisible infrared light beam that emanates from the VG-99s D Beam controller. When you pass your hand over the D Beam, the assigned parameter or parameters are adjusted.
The FC-300 MIDI Foot Controller offers the ultimate control for the VG-99. With five patch selection switches, two bank switches, two control switches, and two expression pedals, its the perfect integrated foot controller for the VG-99. Theres even an onboard display that shows VG-99 patch info. And when the VG-99s tuner is activated, the FC-300 display switches to a tuner screen. If the onboard pedals arent enough, the FC-300 has rear-panel jacks for connecting up to six optional footswitches or up to three optional expression pedals for additional realtime control. (Various combinations of both switches and pedals can also be configured). Its simple to connect the FC-300 to the VG-99: just use a single CAT 5 Ethernet cablethe type of cable used for networking computersto connect the RRC2 jacks on each unit. The CAT 5 cable provides two-way communication with the VG-99, and allows the VG-99 to provide remote power to the FC-300, so theres no fussing with an AC adaptor or batteries. 8

Ribbon Controller

The ribbon control is a touch-sensitive strip on the right side of the VG-99 panel. When you run your finger along the strip, the assigned parameter or parameters are adjusted.
The FC-300 can also function as a full-featured MIDI controller, providing Program Change, Control Change, note, and System Exclusive control for any MIDI device.
The VG-99 Editor and Librarian
The VG-99 Editor software allows you to edit, save, and load VG-99 patches using an intuitive full-color graphic display. The VG-99 Librarian provides a way to organize patches in groups. The Editor and Librarian comes on the CD-ROM included with the VG-99, and they can also be downloaded at www.rolandus.com.

Nearly any assignable VG-99 parameter can be controlled via MIDI commands sent from an external device, such as a MIDI sequencer, keyboard, or another VG-99. Additionally, you can send numerous MIDI commands to the MIDI OUT jack from the VG-99s various controllers and the FC-300.

Audio Outputs

The VG-99 Editors main screen
Audio/MIDI Interface Functionality
The VG-99s rear panel provides multiple output jacks to connect to any desired destination. The MAIN OUT jacks utilize 1/4-inch jacks, while the SUB OUTS provide a balanced output on XLR connectors. Theres also a S/P DIF DIGITAL OUT, as well a PHONES jack for connecting headphones. Audio signals in the VG-99 can be freely assigned to any combination of MAIN, SUB, and DIGITAL outputs via the mixer, either globally or per patch. When youve plugged a guitars normal output into the VG-99, its unprocessed signal is available at the GUITAR OUTPUT jack. With the VG-99 USB Driver installed on a compatible Windows or Mac computer, you can use the VG-99 as a USB audio and MIDI interface. This allows you to record and playback audio through the VG-99 with digital audio workstation (DAW) software, and transfer MIDI information with MIDIcapable software, such as a MIDI sequencer. If you have a divided pickup installed on your guitar, you can use the Guitar to MIDI function to play software-based virtual instruments.
The VG-99 features a USB jack that you can connect to a personal computer for data exchange.
Connecting the VG-99 to a computer requires installation of the VG-99 USB Driver on the computer. For the latest driver version of the USB driver, check the VG-99 downloads page at www.rolandus.com.
The VG-99s flexible USB routing allows you to record the VG-99s total sound, or record a dry, unprocessed signal to DAW software while monitoring the sound with COSM amps and effects during recording. When its time to mix, you can play the dry audio back through the VG-99s COSM amps and effects, and then re-record the result on another track. This is a process known as reamping, and it gives you the ability to adjust guitar sounds to match your needs at mixdown, rather than having to commit to them ahead of time.
Of course, you dont have to use all this power at once, but its good to know its there when you need to kick in the afterburners. Ready to take a ride? The VG-99 provides the highway to take your guitar playing headlong into the 21st century.

The End

We hope youve found this workshop helpful. Keep an eye out for other VG-99 Workshop booklets available for downloading at www.RolandUS. com.

No doubt about it, the VG-99 is a guitar processing powerhouse. With its amazing COSM soundshaping ability, powerful multi-effects processing, realtime control options, and USB connectivity, this is a digital guitar tone machine like no other. They say that less is more, and thats often true. But the processing power in the VG-99 is so massive that we cant resist offering a hypothetical combination of things that can be done in a single patch:
Two different COSM instruments, each with altered tuning, 12-string,
detune, and harmony (blended with the normal guitar sound if desired)
Three different overdrive/distortion effects Two different COSM amp/speaker rigs Nine (!) different four-band parametric EQs Three different reverbs Three different delays (or five if you dont mind giving up two EQs) Two different compressor effects Two different wah effects Two different chorus effects Guitar to MIDI conversion USB audio/midi interfacing with a computer
Whew. If you can settle for only seven four-band EQs and three delays in this hypothetical patchwe suspect thats probably enoughyou can add in a bunch more effects options, too.