05/17/2024
Custom built dedicated Roland GK-3 Midi guitar. $1100 plus domestic shipping (sorry, no international shipping).
• Warmoth Chambered Maple Body with Maple Top
• TPFP Locking Bridge with Graph Tech Saddles
• Moses Graphite Strat Neck NS-27S
• Sperzel Locking Tuners S206BK
• Roland GK-3 GK-KIT-GK3Guitar Synth pickup
• Schaller Black Strap-Lock Strap Pins
• Innovative GK-3 Pickup Placement
• Innovative GK S1/S2 Toggle Switch
• Body-Through String Design for Maximum Sustain
Custom guitar synthesizer controller with only the 13-pin synthesizer package, and a very lean, simple look.
The body is a custom order from Warmoth guitars made of maple, chambered to reduce the weight. There are no conventional electronics in this guitar, the only pickup is a Roland GK-3 pickup, with 13-pin output reverse-mounted and the stock GK S1/S2 pushbuttons have been replaced with a customized pickup select toggle switch.
It includes a String Savers TPFP "Superbridge" with String Savers Graph Tech saddles. This is about the most sophisticated bridge you can find.
The feel of the neck is incredible. All graphite, stays in tune in any conditions, with a custom graphite nut as well.
Typically, Roland uses momentary push-button switches for the GK S1 and S2 switches. You can find these momentary switches on the popular Roland-Ready Fender Strats, and on the Godin Synth Access series of guitars. A few manufacturers, like Brian Moore, used a spring-loaded toggle switch to combine both switches together. Similarly, this guitar has both switches combined on a toggle switch, which opens up new control possibilities, particularly with the new Roland VG-99. I have a VG-99 and foot controller for sale too.
With separate S1 and S2 switches, each switch is either on or off. But with a toggle switch, you have the possibility of three control positions: S1 on, S2 on, or both off. This enables you to use the toggle switch as a virtual pickup switch, or use it control effects, alternate tuning, etc. This type of control is impossible with the standard momentary pushbuttons, and it does not work with the spring-loaded toggle switch design since the switch will automatically return to the center position. And, most importantly, this innovative design is backwards compatible with all the earlier Roland synths.
Setup is very clean and the action is low. There is some light pickup swirling on the front, from being played, light scratches, etc. but no major wings or dings in the finish. The guitar looks great.
