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Sound:
I had this professionally installed on a Fender reverse strat at Union Music in Worcester, MA. I own a Roland VG-8EX and a Roland GR-20. I can get every guitar sound I need through the VG-8, and the variety of sounds/styles I can get via the GR-20 have reinvigorated my playing and my recording.
Feature:
The pichup itself needs to be professionally installed unless you are an extremely gifted luthier/woodworker/electrician. Union Music spent many hours on the phone with Roland as the installation directions were not exactly explicit. For example, in the Fender, a block needed to be installed/glued on the back cavity for the installation of the pickups electronics. That said, I think if you are going to buy a GK pickup, buy the one that can be installed IN a guitar that is going to provide the action/playability to get the most out of the GK pickup.
Ease of Use:
The actual pickup is easy to use, but as far as the manual and installation are concerned, well, see FEATURES. As I was leaving with my guitar, the technician said," I have never been more terrified doing an install than I was with this guitar. The first drill hole was horrifying, knowing it was the first time I had ever attempted to drill a hole where if I screwed up, I would ruin the instrument."
Quality:
I am hopeful that this will last as long as the guitar. I feel strongly that properly installed, this pickup would be road/gigging worthy. I am not sure if I could say the same regarding the GK pickup that is attached via double tape.
Value:
If you are considering a GK/synth addition to your current setup, this is a great value. When you consider that a Roland Strat is $649, and it is nothing more that an entry Strat with a Roland pickup, why not step up and have the pickup installed professionally on a better guitar? The pickup was $229, and the installation was $190. I now have a guitar I enjoy very much, that sounds like a Fender when I am just playing through an amp, and can sound like anything I need through the Roland pickup/box.
Manufacturer Support:
I am going to give Roland a 4 for the manual, and the fact that they really do not have much of an idea how this kit is going to be installed in different guitars. I will also give them a 10 for all the time they spent on the phone with Union Music as far as the subtle aspects of the installation.
The Wow Factor:
This has no "sex appeal." That said, I wish it came in white to match my pickguard. Now that I have this as part of my setup, I do not think I could do without it. I do not play keyboards, but with a flick of the switch on my guitar, I CAN! I played a recording for my buddy, and the first thing he said was, "Who played the sax?" Is there anything better?
Overall:
This is the only synth option short of purchasing a Godin,etc. This has totally energized my playing and my recording techniques. I find that I set up my Fostex BEFORE I set up the synth and plug in, just in case I stumble on a sound or an idea. I have not done this in 20 years! If you are only a guitar player and would like to add strings/brass/organ/piano/drums/sitars/banjos,etc to your recordings, then this is the way to go.
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