Chapter 2 Creating Your Own Settings (Patches)

Pd: Patch Down

The patch number decreases each time the switch is pressed.

Pt: Patch Up/Down

The S1 switch is used for the Patch Down function and the S2 switch for the Patch Up function.

ou: Octave Up

All notes are raised an octave each time the switch is pressed. The pitches can be raised up to a maximum of two oc- taves.

*The pitches of notes currently being played are not altered.

od: Octave Down

All notes are lowered an octave each time the switch is pressed. The pitches can be lowered by a maximum of three octaves.

*The pitches of notes currently being played are not altered.

oC: Octave Up/Down

The S1 switch is used for the Octave Down function and the S2 switch for the Octave Up function.

*If notes transposed using the Octave Up/Down function are in registers that are unplayable with MIDI messages, the MIDI messages in the expressable range above or below that octave are transmitted.

H1: GR Hold 1

The sound being played are held while the foot switch is pressed.

By holding down the pedal, you can have the synth sound play without stopping, even as you change the position (the point at which the stringed is pressed against the guitar neck) or play discontinuous notes.

However, you cannot play two different sounds from the same string simultaneously.

H2: GR Hold 2

The sound being played is held the moment you press the foot switch, and continues to be held while you hold the pedal down.

The synth sound is not played during the hold, allowing you to hold chords played with the synth sound while you play the melody using the normal gui- tar sound.

H3: GR Hold 3

The sound being played is held the moment you press the foot switch, and continues to be held while you hold the pedal down.

Since you can still play the strings that aren’t being held, it means you can hold chords played with the fifth and sixth strings using the synth sound, while you play the melody with the first through fourth strings, also using the synth sound.

*If the hold function is assigned to two foot switches, and both switches are pressed, the hold function for the foot switch pressed first takes priority, and the hold function for the foot switch pressed afterwards does not have any effect.

u1: Glide Up 1/d1: Glide Down 1

When the foot switch is pressed, the pitch changes continuously up (down) to a semi tone. Release the pedal to re- turn to the original pitch.

u2: Glide Up 2/d2: Glide Down 2

When the foot switch is pressed, the pitch changes continuously up (down) to a whole tone. Release the pedal to return to the original pitch.

u3: Glide Up 3/d3: Glide Down 3

When the foot switch is pressed, the pitch changes continuously up (down) to a perfect fourth. Release the pedal to return to the original pitch.

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Roland GI-20 Pd Patch Down, Pt Patch Up/Down, Ou Octave Up, Od Octave Down, OC Octave Up/Down, H1 GR Hold, H2 GR Hold

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.