Chapter 1 Try Playing Some Sounds

•MIDI PLAYBACK (p. 17)

•BEND DATA THIN (p. 31)

•RECEIVE CONTROL CHANGE DATA THIN (p. 32)

•BEND RANGE MAX (p. 32)

•USB DRIVER TYPE (p. 33)

These parameters are saved to the GI-20 the moment you change the settings values.

Patch Parameters

•GUITAR SEL (p. 18)

•PLAY FEEL (p. 18)

•ASSIGN (p. 19)

•PRG CHANGE (p. 25)

•BEND RANGE (p. 23)

•TRANSPOSE (p. 23)

•STRING MUTE (p. 26)

•MONO/POLY (p. 14)

With patch parameters, the Write procedure (p. 26) is used to save the settings values to individual patches after changes are made to the settings.

How to Switch Patches

Switch patches by pressing [PATCH/VALUE] in “Play mode” (p. 16).

●Each time you press [PATCH/VALUE ▲], the patch numbers are switched one at a time in ascending order, from 01 on up to 50.

●Each time you press [PATCH/VALUE ▼], the patch numbers are switched one at a time in descending order, from 50 down to 01.

When Not Switching Patches

With the GI-20, patches can only be switched in Play mode. When switching patches, turn the PARAMETER knob to return to Play mode.

Each of the GI-20’s patches at the time the GI-20 is initially purchased is set for compatibility with GM sound modules.

Setting the sound module to GM mode when using a GM-compatible sound module allows you to enjoy a variety of sounds with the GI-20, just as at the time it was purchased.

GM (General MIDI) is a set of recommended standards covering the way sounds are played by MIDI sound module, the arrangement of internal sound lists, and other aspects involving production of sound with sound generators. GM- compatible MIDI sound generating devices are called GM sound modules, and these devices are capable of reproducing essentially the same musical performance, regardless of the manufacturer or type of device.

About the Display

The following information is displayed when the GI-20 is in Play mode.

Patch Number

Dot

Lights up when the settings are changed.

Flashes while data is being stored.

When the content displayed is three or more digits long, the displayed is scrolled as shown below.

(Ex.) 440.0 Hz

13

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Roland GI-20 owner manual How to Switch Patches, When Not Switching Patches, About the Display, Patch Parameters
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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.
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