Setting the Pedal and Switch Functions Assign

Chapter 2 Creating Your Own Settings (Patches)

The PLAY FEEL settings and their effects

nr: Normal

General picking, thus the standard set- ting for play.

Fi: Finger picking

The setting for when you want to per- form with the feeling finger picking provides. Sensitivity is a little higher than Normal.

Hd: Hard picking

This setting is for those who pick rath- er hard, and the sensitivity is a little lower than Normal.

*When there is a problem with the guitar’s arrangement, and the only places GK-2A/GK-2B’s divided pickup can be installed are too close to the strings, you may be able to improve the behavior with the settings in each patch.

SF: Soft picking

For picking that is a little weaker. Sen- sitivity is a little higher than Normal.

tP:Tapping play

When making use of many kinds of picking techniques, such as tapping play (or “right-hand play”), pulling- off, or hammering-on, this setting pro- vides very stable sound expression. The range of power that can be ex- pressed is a bit narrow.

nd: No dynamics

With this setting, no matter how hard or softly you play, you get uniform volume and tone. Use this setting with tones like Synth Lead or Organ when you want to transmit a feeling without expression.

Setting the Pedal and Switch Functions (ASSIGN)

You can assign various functions to an expression pedal (the optional EV-5) or foot switch (the optional FS-5U) connected to the GI-20, or to the GK-2A/GK-2B’s S1, S2, and GK VOL.

*When connecting a foot switch (the optional BOSS FS-5U) to the FOOT SW jack, you can use the optional PCS-31 connection cable to connect two foot switches. Only FOOT SWITCH 1 is operational when just one FS-5U is connected to the FOOT SW jack.

	PCS-31
white	red
FOOT SW 1 FOOT SW 2		FOOT SW 1	Expression
FOOT SW 1 FOOT SW 2		FOOT SW 1	Pedal
			Pedal
FOOT SW 1		Set the polarity switch
		as shown below.

FOOT SW 2

*Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-5; optional). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

Always make sure that the power to the GI-20 is turned off when connecting or disconnecting any foot switch or expression pedal. Connecting or disconnecting these devices while the GI-20’s power is on may cause malfunction in the GI-20 or MIDI sound module.

GI-20 specifications

The Roland GI-20 is a groundbreaking MIDI guitar converter that allows electric guitarists to explore the vast world of MIDI technology. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional guitar playing and digital music production, the GI-20 transforms standard guitar signals into MIDI data, giving players access to a wide array of synthesized sounds and virtual instruments.

One of the main features of the GI-20 is its ability to track the guitar’s pitch with high accuracy. Utilizing Roland’s advanced technology, the device boasts rapid response times and minimal latency, ensuring that every note plucked or strummed is translated into MIDI in real-time. This precision is crucial for guitarists who wish to maintain their playing style while experimenting with synthesizers and sampled instruments.

In terms of connectivity, the Roland GI-20 is equipped with a 13-pin connector, allowing it to interface seamlessly with compatible Roland synths, sound modules, and other MIDI devices. Additionally, standard MIDI outputs enable connection to MIDI controllers and computers, providing an expansive toolkit for music creation.

The user interface is designed with simplicity in mind. A large LCD display allows for easy navigation of settings, while intuitive controls help players adjust parameters on the fly. Guitarists can also customize their performance by altering the sensitivity levels, enabling them to fine-tune how the device responds to their playing style.

The GI-20 offers an array of built-in sounds that mirror the capabilities of traditional synthesizers. These sounds can be layered or split into different tones based on the player’s preferences, offering a variety of sonic textures to enhance compositions. Furthermore, the ability to save and recall user settings allows for quick access to preferred configurations during live performances.

Another significant characteristic of the GI-20 is its compatibility with a wide range of guitars, including both electric and bass guitars. As long as the instrument is equipped with the appropriate pickup system, the GI-20 can effectively convert its output into MIDI signals.

In summary, the Roland GI-20 is a versatile and innovative tool for guitarists seeking to expand their creative horizons. With its accurate tracking, extensive connectivity, user-friendly interface, and a wealth of sounds, it unlocks the potential for guitarists to dive into the realms of electronic music and MIDI composition. Whether in the studio or on stage, the GI-20 opens up a world of possibilities for musicians looking to blend traditional guitar playing with modern technology.