GK-3 Divided Pickup attaches without drilling to any electric so it can work with the VG-99.

With three powerful new processors at its core, plus expressive performance controls such as a ribbon controller and dual D BEAMs. The light-sensing D Beam controller offers direct manipulation over a variety of preset options such as rotary speed (Slow/Fast). The VG-99 has a versatile housing that allows for on-stage, tabletop, or rack mounting, the Boss VG-99 V-Guitar synth system raises the bar in guitar-modeling and performance technology.

The GK-3 Divided Pickup attaches to any steel-stringed electric — no drilling necessary — and delivers accurate performance data to guitar synthesizers. The GK-3's slim-line design enables ideal placement on the guitar.

The VG-99 contains a wide range of guitars and amplifier models, and it even models two signal paths at once. For example, one virtual guitar could be a humbucker-equipped electric and the other a nylon-string guitar. Add to this the sound of the actual guitar being played, and it's possible to simultaneously have the sound of three different guitars playing simultaneously.

Modeled guitar, amp and effects paths can be active at the same time, or they can be dynamically switched or blended. Players can control the switching behavior between virtual guitars and/or amps by foot controllers, buttons on the unit, or according to picking dynamics.

The VG-99 includes an onboard guitar-to-MIDI converter for direct connection to keyboards, sound modules and soft synths, a digital out and a USB port for direct audio and MIDI connection to computers. The VG-99 also boasts an intuitive and state-of-the-art on-screen patch editor.

A Freeze feature onboard the VG-99 makes it possible to play a chord or a single note and have Freeze sustain it until you decide to let it end, giving guitarists controlled and unlimited sustain.

Each modeled guitar in the VG-99 can have its own tuning: the virtual humbucker electric could be tuned down four or five steps for a heavy sound, for example, while the nylon string could be tuned as a 12-string, and also tuned down four or five steps at the same time. Any user-defined tunings are also supported so the player can switch instantly between tuning setups without physically switching guitars or having to manually retune.

Versatile I/O, including USB, S/PDIF and XLR provide pro connections for virtually every type of music production and performance on stage to professional studio recording.

Roland VG-99 V-Guitar Multi Effects Processor System with GK-3 Pickup Features:

• VG-99 Guitar Synth
• 3 processors
• Ribbon controller
• Dual light-sensing D BEAM controllers
• Wide range of guitar and amplifier models
• Guitar-to-MIDI converter
• USB port for direct audio connection to computers
• On-screen patch editor
• Freeze feature for unlimited sustain
• User defined synthesized tunings
  
  GK-3 Divided Pickup
• Mounts easily on any steel-stringed electric without damage to guitar
• Features an adjustable curve design and pickup cable length
• Includes attachment plate for Les Paul-type guitars

If you can imagine it, the VG-99 can probably do it! Order now.

Roland VG-99 V-Guitar Multi Effects Processor System with GK-3 Pickup

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Average of 6 User Ratings

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Inspires Creativity

Posted by Doug from Lower Alabama on Nov 14, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Wanna-be rockstar for 30+ years

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Folk, Pop, Fusion

This machine's flexibility allows me to use it for live or recording applications. I can use my laptop and DAW to control this unit and a MIDI controlled vocal processor to form the core of my one man band setup. Extremely versatile...I can let my electronic soundman (laptop computer) select guitar and amp setups, tunings, you name it. I also use the FC-300 for real-time control.

The VG-99 allows me to experiment with different setups and tunings in a way not possible without a large assortment of instruments and electronics. This allows me to explore the creative possibilities in music in a new and exciting way.

You won't think it's a modeling system when you hear the sound quality placed on 'tape' or emanating from the PA system.

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The Magic Box That Does It All?

Posted by Pod from Minneapolis, MN on Nov 11, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: All kinds

I tried this box at a local after hearing Bill Ruppert's astonishing demo of this box. As a former owner of the old Roland GR100/300 system I was intrigued also at the GR300 modeling in this box as I do miss some of the GR features. I also was very interested in the first VG system when it came out, but waited instead. This seems to be the ticket. The box having 400 patches was just the tip of the iceberg, I noticed that the clean tones ranged from uber squeaky clean to bluesy and almost overdriven, the distortion ranged from Boogie-esque singing leads to SRV style raw grit to detuned monster grunge. The synthy-sounds range from dreamy futuristic atmospheres that sound like a soundtrack to a movie all the way to 70s analog synth sounds to sounds I've never heard out of a guitar before. I feel that the unit will probably best be used live with the footpedal. Also, the GK3 pickup may not fit well on some guitars. The sheer range and profundity of sounds may have some feeling option anxiety and not every patch will be to everyones taste - in Rupperts' case he erased every factory patch and started from scratch - your mileage may vary. Several patches had bass assigned to the E and the A string and the remainder as acoustic or 12 string and that would be terrific for writing or playing with a drummer as a duo. The guitar I tried this system out was a Roland ready stratocaster the store had and monitoring was thru JVC monitoring headphones. The sound quality of the unit would be perfect for recording. I suspect gigging would really need a full range amp to get the most out some of the more otherworldly sounds. It would be hard to compare this to any other existing guitar or effect because in a sense a single guitar can become many guitars with the VG99. I definetely am looking forward to getting one of these.

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Modeling for a New Generation

Posted by LeadSoundz69 from Knoxville, TN on Jul 28, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock/Metal

While a bit expensive, this is perhaps the best modeling unit out there. Everything works as it should, and it sounds fantastic. It's not a midi synth, so there isn't any tracking issues. I'm using it with my Les Paul and I'm loving every minute of it. Not only do you get two full blown GT-Pro effects processors, but you get to model two different guitars at once, PLUS mix that with your actual guitar. The best models are the nylon guitars and the fully modeled GR-300. You can also use the unit as an amp/effects modeler for any electric guitar, including intelligent harmonizers and a digitech whammy model. When used with the GK-3 or other 13-pin guitar (or piezo equipped guitar) you can delve into alternative tunings, and when you understand you have two completely seperate modeled sounds you can work with, the possibilites are endless. A nice bonus: all COSM amps have a "solo" channel you can use for bringing the sound to the front.

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Roland VG 99

Posted by Jerry from Orange County, CA on Jul 9, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Popular

What a disappointment. The excitement and anticipation to purchase the new VG 99 was almost unbearable. I waited 11 months to finally get my hands on one. I figured I could really lighten up my load and get at least the same sound that I have now. I'm currently using a VG 8EX (I have two) and a GR 20 with a US20 and I buy a lot of Roland gear.

The new VG 99 seems much easier to program than the VG 8 plus it's got a USB port so you can easily save and backup your patches to your computer. It also has a couple of junk gimmicks that you'll never use, like D Beam and some slide gizmo.

The biggest problem with the VG 99 is that it just sounds bad. Who ever put together the preset patches did a horrible job. I couldn't find more than three or four that I halfway liked. Way too many alternate tunings. This was definitely not the case when I brought home my first VG 8 nine years ago. I was hooked within an hour and I'm still hooked. I intended to use the 30 day trial period to really put this thing to the test, but after two hours, I couldn't wait to box it up and return it. I've been tweaking some of my patches on my VG 8 for years to get them just where I want them and I didn't see anyway to ever come close to duplicating these sounds with a new machine that sounds so poorly right out of the box.

I hate to dis Roland because they are such a leader in the musical instrument industry, but I can't believe that they are going to sell many VG 99's.

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VG-99 Does All

Posted by StratGuy from Frisco, TX on Jun 27, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Roock

I have sold all my pedals because this product does all the effects needed for my playing. Up to 400 presets that you can get creative on making your own sounds.

Robert Frisco, TX

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Roland VG-99 V-Guitar Multi Effects Processor System with GK-3 Pickup

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