Roland G-5 VG Stratocaster Electric Guitar

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Thanks to the Roland COSM system, this genuine Fender Stratocaster can tap into a myriad of stringed instrument sounds and tunings at the turn of a dial.

What's special about this item?

Feature: What it does:
COSM electronics Models pickups, alternate tunings, 12-string tones
Alder body Light weight with a wide tonal range
Synchronized tremolo Fully adjustable vintage vibrato tailpiece
Maple neck Bright tone, full sustain and strength

Roland rewrote guitar-tech history with the debut of COSM technology, which first appeared on the pioneering VG-8 guitar-modeling system. Today, the G-5 infuses a coveted Fender Stratocaster with advanced features realized by Roland's COSM technology. In addition to offering all classic Stratocaster sounds and functionality, the G-5 provides a world of electric and acoustic guitar tones recreated by COSM -- including instantly accessible alternate tunings and 12-string sounds for all COSM guitar tones! The Roland G-5 also offers a built-in library of coveted modeled pickup tones, and, thanks to COSM technology, also enables unique "ideal-performance" pickups, such as a humbucker with ultra-wide tone and a single coil with full, bold tone.

Classic Strat, Next Frontier

Since pioneering the GR-500 guitar synth in 1977, Roland has been dedicated to developing the ultimate electronic guitar. A perpetual and continuous quest for the next-generation guitar led to electric-guitar giant Fender(R). Now, collaborating with Fender, Roland proudly introduces the next era of electronic guitar: V-Guitar!

Features

- Classic Stratocaster infused with COSM technology
- Modeled pickups onboard, including unique pickups such as ultra-wide humbucker ("Bright Humbucker") and full, bold single coil ("Wide Range")
- Instantly accessible alternate tunings and 12-string sounds through COSM guitar tones
- Simple and easy operation based on the Stratocaster design concept
- 22-fret neck with read more medium jumbo frets
- American inline tuning keys
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Color variations
Type 1 (G-5-BLK):
- Body Color: Black
- Neck:1-piece Maple neck
Type 2 (G-5-3TS):
- Body Color: 3-Tone Sunburst
- Neck: Rosewood (Fingerboard) on Maple

Common specifications

Body: Alder
Neck:
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (24.1cm)
- Backshape: Modern "C" shape
- Scale Length: 25.5" (64.8cm)
- Number of Frets: 22
- Fret Size: Medium Jumbo

Pickups: Single Coil type x3, Divided type x1
Bridge: Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo

Controls:
MODE knob: 5-types
- N: Normal (non-modeling mode)
- S: Modeled Stratocaster
- T: Modeled Telecaster
- H: Modeled Humbucking Pickups
- A: Modeled Acoustic guitar

TUNING knob: 6types
- N: Normal tuning
- D: Drop D
- G: Open G
- d: D Modal
- B: Baritone
- 12: 12-string guitar

TONE Control knob, VOLUME knob, 5-Way switch

Indicator: Power indicator
Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
Output ImpedanceL: 2 k ohms
Recommended Load Impedance: 20 k ohms or greater
Connector: Guitar Jack (1/4" phone type)
Power Supply:
- Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4, or
- Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
Current Draw: 230 mA (DC 6 V)
Expected battery life under continuous use
- Alkaline battery: 6 hours
- Rechargeable Ni-MH battery: 9 hours
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories Included: G-5 VG Stratocaster(R) Owner's Manual, OWNER'S MANUAL FOR FENDER(R) GUITARS, Tremolo Arm, Hexagonal wrench, Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4, Special gig bag

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (7 ratings)
Submitted June 2, 2014 by James P in Pickerington, OH

"Swiss Army Strat"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is a the perfect tool for cover bands. The various textures will get you through most anything. The operative words are "get you through". It's a basic Strat, good in every way, but a little tougher to play than my Jap Strat. However, the variety of sounds will win every time. I bought a Factory 2nd and new G5 simultaneously intending to return the lesser candidate. Surprisingly, the Factory 2nd had no flaws, made a nicer presentation, played better, and was $400 less. Perhaps, it was a demo used at vendor shows. The G5 is labeled "Made in Mexico" but I was told the components are re-badged American. I have no reason to suspect otherwise. The neck feels like a Standard Strat C-shape, maybe a little chunkier profile. Finnish looks great. The alder (I think) body had one glue seam that was barely visible, therefore not one-piece body. The magnetic pickups are nothing special, but I hardly use them anyway. The Roland pick-up has far more advantages with tuning features and a Strat model that is as good or better than the magnetics. I am fond of the Tele model for a pure Leo sound. Add 12-string tuning and get something reminiscent of Rickenbacker chime. A humbucker model rounds out the palette for mid-range dirt. Mind you, the sounds are close, but not perfect. Since it's a working tool, it's for the listener who usually can't discern the difference. Also, I bought a second battery pack from the Roland Factory. Found out the hard way a battery change read more is time consuming (middle of set). Yes, I should have started the gig with good batteries .. . The battery configuration is four AA's snapped into an assembly (battery pack) that then slides into the back of the body. A second battery pack with fresh batteries is always nearby for a quick change. To share my perspective, when G5 arrived 6 months ago I immediately started thinking in terms of swapping out pickups and neck for an ultimate guitar. Then changed my mind thinking it is great for what it is - a Swiss Army Knife. Maybe not a principle instrument, but a valued addition for band work. And in that spirit, it is a noble beast. The Roland electronics may be dated in 10 years, but longevity is for vintage instruments. In the meantime, G5 will get well used.

Musical Background:
Amateur old school, started 4 decades ago.

Musical Style:
Christian, R&B, Classic Rock, and Jazz
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