Troubleshooting, Pitch doesn’t change smoothly

Chapter 5 Appendices

Troubleshooting

If there is no sound or other operational problems occur, first check through the following solutions. If this does not resolve the problem, then contact your dealer or a nearby Roland service station.

The volume fluctuates from one string to another

❏Are the “SENSITIVITY” settings correct for each string?

→Adjust the settings as required. (p. 11)

❏Is the GUITAR/BASS switch on the rear panel set correctly?

→Switch to GUITAR if you are using a guitar; if using a bass, switch this to BASS. (p. 10)

❏Is “BEND RANGE” (p. 23) set to “1” or “2”?

→When matching with sending and receiving, use as large a value as possible.

The sound doesn’t vary when the settings are changed

❏Is the setting being changed one of the parameters that can be made independently for each string, and is the setting affecting only a particular string?

→Use [TUNER (STRING)] to select “ALL.”

Pitch doesn’t rise when using Pitch Glide (or the expression pedal Pitch function)

❏Functions that vary pitch continuously may experience a limited range of change during rising pitch due to the register.

→If a limitation is encountered, use with a narrower width of change. (p. 22)

Pitch doesn’t change smoothly

❏Is “BEND RANGE” (p. 23) set to “Chromatic Type 1– 3”?

→Set BEND RANGE to anything other than Chromatic Type for patches that require continuous changes in pitch. (p. 23)

❏Is data being sent in the Poly mode (p. 14) ?

→When transmitting in the Poly mode, pitch changes during chord performances are in semitone steps. Play with single notes, or use the Mono mode to send data.

❏Is the Bend Data Thin function (p. 31) in use?

→Using this function may result in a slight loss of smoothness when pitch changes, even during normal play. Do not use the Bend Data Thin function when it is not needed.

❏Is BEND RANGE MAX (p. 32) or BEND RANGE (p. 23) set to anything other than 24?

→With BEND RANGE MAX set to anything other than 24, if Glide Up/Down 5–8 or Pitch Bend 3 or 6 is used in Assign (p. 19), then changing the pitch by an octave causes retriggering.

Set BEND RANGE MAX and BEND RANGE to 24.

No sound from the external sound module

❏Do the MIDI channels for sending and receiving match?

→Make sure the MIDI channels match. (p. 14)

❏The volume level of the external sound module may have been lowered by a MIDI Volume message (Control Change No. 7) sent from the GI-20.

→Raise the volume on the GK-2A/GK-2B.

❏Make sure the volume on the GK-2A/GK-2B or the expression pedal has not been turned down too low.

→Use the controls to increase the volume.

❏Is “STRING MUTE” (p. 26) set to “On”?

→If “STRING MUTE” is set to “On”, note messages cannot be transmitted. Please change it to “Off.”

❏The value of Bank Select in “PRG CHANGE” (p. 25) is set to the value that does not match the sound module.

→Check the Patch setting on the GI-20 and the specifications of the Bank Select on the sound module.

The external sound module plays only one string (some strings can’t be heard)

❏Is the GI-20 using the Mono mode to send data to a sound module which cannot simultaneously receive data on six MIDI channels?

→For such sound module, send data in the Poly mode. (p. 14)

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.