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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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?

Hobby

Folk Rock / Rock