GR-09 GUITAR SYNTH TURBO FACTS
The new Roland GR-09 is an inexpensive Guitar Synthesizer featuring 180 high quality tones,
128 patches, 2 independent effects processors and Roland's exclusive high speed tracking technology.
The 180 tones (2 megabytes) have been hand-picked from Roland's extensive sample library.
The operations of the GR-09 have been consolidated to 2 easy to use dials to choose various parameters.
Assignable expression pedal per patch and multiple pedal operations make the GR-09 suitable
for live applications. The GR-09's 28 notes of polyphony accomodate even the most extensive
sounds like layers and splits. The sounds of the GR-09 can be expanded to 360 tones with the
optional GR9E-1 four megabyte expansion board.
Initializing
- While holding PEDAL 2, turn on the GR-09.
- Press + followed by EDIT/PLAY.
ROM Play
- While holding PEDAL 1, turn on the GR-09.
- Press EDIT/PLAY.
- Press EDIT/PLAY again to stop.
- Turn the unit off and on to return it to its normal state.
Tuning your Guitar
The GR-09 uses high speed pitch conversion to activate its internal sounds. It is for this reason, that proper guitar tuning is essential.
- Hold down the S1 button on the GK-2 or GK-2A, press PEDAL 1.
- Play each individual string. The left of the display will indicate what string number you have played.
- Tune your guitar to the display using the group of five LED lights and display as your guide.
- The right of the display indicates the current pitch. The middle light of these five LED's indicates proper tuning.
- Tune all your strings to the GR-09 using this method.
Playing Patches
There are two methods used to change patches on the GR-09: from the front panel switches and with the foot switches.
Front Panel method
- Use the +/- value buttons to select various patches.
Changing patches with the footswitches:
- Hold the S1 button on the GK-2 or GK-2A and press Pedal 2 entitled NEXT GROUP to change the group (A,b,C,d)
- Hold the S1 button on the GK-2 or GK-2A and press Pedal 3 (BANK DOWN) or Pedal 4 (BANK UP) .
- Release the S1 button and press Pedals 1-4 to choose the desired Patch.
Using Pedals for Pitch Bend or Modulation
The Pedals can be used to control Pitch Shift, Modulation, Hold 1 and Hold 2. Pitch Shift will raise or lower the pitch of the synth sound. Modulation adds vibrato to the current synth sound. Both the Hold 1 and 2 functions are used for sustaining the synth sound of the GR-09. The Hold 1 function will sustain currently active synth notes and let you play the guitar sound on top. The Hold 2 function will sustain only the currently held strings and let you play guitar or synth sound on top.
- Press the S2 button on the GK-2 or GK-2A.
- 'Pdl' will appear in the display.
- Pedals 1 thru 4 will now function as Pitch Shift, Modulation, Hold 1 and Hold 2.
- Press the S2 button to return to normal play mode.
Creating Custom Sounds on the GR-09
The GR-09 contains 128 patches, the first 64 of which are pre-programmed from the factory with various sounds. The last 64 sounds are initialized settings available for you to edit and change. A patch is made up of up to two samples called Tones. Patches also control various editing parameters involved with the Tones.
Choosing new Tones
- Choose Patch C11.
- Press EDIT/PLAY.
- Turn the MODE knob to PATCH EDIT 1.
- Turn the PATCH PARAMATER knob to MAIN TONE#.
- Select the new Tone (1-180) with the VALUE +/- buttons.
- Press EDIT/PLAY when completed.
Modifying Other Parameters
- Turn PATCH PARAMETER to the desired parameter for example - ATTACK.The ATTACK parameter controls how fast the sounds come in.
- Modify values with the VALUE +/- buttons.
Saving the Changes
- Turn the MODE knob to WRITE.
- Press VALUE + and - simultaneously.
