Dual modeling engines. Guitar to MIDI converter. Dual GT-Pro-class effects processor.
Item: ROLVG99
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67 People rated this product : 8 out of 10
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4 People wrote reviews |
Read all Roland VG99 V-Guitar System reviews... |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 10 out of 10
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Feature:
As far as features go this has more than any of it's ancestors. I was afraid some features would be taken out to make it easier to use (a common issue with roland's GR line.) But plenty of features have been added. The D-beam and ribbon controller are cool additions. I might miss the pedal board of the VG-88 but i've had a keyboard expression pedal and a dual switcher pedal kicking around here for a while and they plug right into the 99.
Quality:
I haven't had any serious problems with roland products, as of yet. The vg-99 looks a bit more delicate than the 88 or 8 though.
Value:
It seems like the price is jacked up on this at first glance, but it will take days or weeks to explore all the features. If your the type of guitarist who buys a lot of different axes and amps and the keeps them in your closet because there too valuable to use, this will definitely save you money.
Sound:
In my opinion roland and line 6 have been doing the most cutting edge work in guitar FX. With the VG-99, I have to say they've surpassed line 6 by a wide margin. The Range of sounds you can get with this is equal to at a guitar processor plus an analog synth and if have a midi module you can use those sounds as well. I suppose some could say "this vintage guitar and/or amp doesn't sound exactly like the one i hear on such and such recording." That's hard to argue. If you can't match the sound you need by tweaking with the 99 a bit, you probably don't know what your talking about.
Ease of Use:
They managed to make the new model really straightforward, without sacrificing power and options. Perhaps the best aid in this is the editor and librarian software. I'd like to give roland additional praise for supporting OS X as well. For some the issue of how and where to install the GK pickup might present a problem. A couple of points: A) You don't need to put this on your 7000$ vintage museum piece, any guitar with a decent setup will sound equally good. B) If your not handy with a drill and screwdriver you can use double sided tape.
Submitted: 5/3/2008
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9 of 9 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 10 out of 10
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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. |
Feature:
The updated OS firmware 1.04 (online from RolandUS.com) now offers better support for piezo pickups which have even better sensitivity to a user's playing sinse their detection of tuning is much more accurate. Thus if you get a guitar with piezo pickups builtin, you are definitely better off. I'd suggest the Carvin SH575 Synth Access guitar.
Quality:
It is very light weight with a very fine finish and compact design, but since so many LEDs are used [obviously designed with low-lighting stage use in mind], I hope their bulbs don't burn out anytime soon <g>.
Value:
I wish that I had known that the VG-99 specifically is designed (with an included connecting cable, and software/panel support for the FC-300 AND included it as a "bundle". As it is, I clearly "need" (and want) to buy it AND the "optional" PDS-10 stand, as rack mounting it (although screws were provided for that) is not that practical for me. Indeed, I'm using its shipping box as a pseudo-stand until I get a proper one <g>.
Desirability:
Since I could and did directly compare the design to my older VG-8EX (which I've now "retired"), I consider the LED display and overall compact "ergonomic" and _light weight_ design to be MAJOR improvements. It made LOTS of sense to separate the "embedded" pedals of the VG-8 into the much more versatile FC-300 foot controller, which I certainly intend to buy later, as well as the PDS-10 stand.
Sound:
The 24-bit sound quality is very dynamic in offering many "extremes" from very dry to wet effects. Checking out all of the presets, as I'm doing still now (just got it yesterday) with headphones is quite impressive! And having the D-Beam and Ribbon Controller used by some patches is also very easy to interact with.
Ease of Use:
My familiarity with the older VG-8EX gave me a "bias" in easily adjusting to the VG-99's interface (better display AND panel layout than before). I'm especially interested in its MIDI and/or USB MIDI/Audio support for use with its included Editor/Librarian and a PC DAW program (like SONAR).
Support:
I have only dealt with Roland via their website never having a technical problem with any of their gear except one, which I haven't yet gotten help about -- the LED display "died" on my 5+ year old XP-50, although I replaced its internal battery, it still doesn't work, but the instrument does still work fully otherwise. I had a similar problem my my Kawai GMega synth.
Overall:
It's already replaced my VG-8EX (which is still fully functional) and my GI-10 Guitar MIDI Interface, which are no longer needed! The "need" now for FERITE cores "wrapping/attached" to the GK cables (to eliminate/minimize) interference is a VERY smart design feature that was "considered" for the VG-8. Presumably, the ferite cores are sold separately as they DON'T come "pre-installed" on the new GK cables -- although it WAS on the one included with unit.
Submitted: 3/31/2009
Style of Music: folk, jazz, pop, progressive rock, techno
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1 of 1 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"Product and service were both excellent. zZounds was even better than expected." - customer on June 19, 2009
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