• SY-100 Expression Pedal Shoot Out! Comparing the Roland EV-5, Boss EV-30, Moog EP-3 and Mission Engineering SP-1
  • SBC-1324 New Videos Posted!
  • BX-13 Do-It-Yourself Cooper tracing and silk screen available for download.
  • Roland Centerstage - Roland Makes !t Happen! 1984 Winter Namm - First time ever!
  • Boss SY-1000 All About Program and Bank Change Commands - Boss SY-1000 Webpage
  • Boss SY-1000 All About Program and Bank Change Commands YouTube Video
  • Email Blast Archive! 4 Years Plus of Email Blasts Archived.
  • Roland BC-13 Full review on YouTube
  • NEW Interior Photos - First time ever!
  • The Most Requested GR-700 Patch A breakdown of how to recreate the classic Roland GR-700 Factory Patch 3-5, "Lead II" as used by Glen Tipton of Judas Priest, adding a signature sound to the excellent track 'Turbo Lover'.
  • High Res PG-200 Manual (NEW) NEW! I tracked down a mint PG-200 Owner's Manual, newly posted.
  • Roland GR-500 MINT Stunning Photos As seen on Reverb! A really stunning example of a Mint Roland GR-500/GS-500 combination. Includes the very, very rare GR-500 case, never seen before!
  • The Swallow's Dream is a performance piece made only using sounds from the Boss SY-1000 with an Epiphone Dove Pro equipped with the Graphtech GHOST Acoustic Steel String Midi Kit.
  • Mastering Resynthesis with the SY-1000 This video shows how to record the master stereo output of the SY-1000 in the USB audio to a stereo track. In this way many tracks of guitar synthesizer can be recorded and layered to create a final composition.
  • Epiphone Dove Pro with Graphtech GHOST Midi Kit In this video I share a few insights about a Epiphone Dove Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Burst I purchased with the Fishman Sonitone and Sonicore System and the Graphtech GHOST Acoustic Steel String Midi Kit installed.
  • Roland GM-70 MIDI Polyphonic Expressions: Using the vintage Roland GM-70 with the Arturia Pigments Soft Synth with MPE MIDI Polyphonic Expressions
  • Roland GM-70 Alternate Tunings and MIDI Continuous Controllers: Using the vintage Roland GM-70 alternative tunings, and assigning MIDI continuous controllers
  • Roland Hardware GR-700: Vanguard to Synth Frontiers: Announcing the Roland GR-700! From the Roland Users Group, Volume 2, Number 4
  • Boss SY-1000 On The Run Sequence - Step By Step Tutorial - EMS Synthi AKS - Analog Recreation: This is a step-by-step tutorial showing how to recreate the famous 'On The Run' sequence from Pink Floyd's album The Dark Side of the Moon.
  • Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer Sequence Step By Step Dynamic Synth Tutorial: Tutorial on using the Sequencer in the Boss SY-1000.
  • Jeff Baxter - How I Became An Electronic Musician: Read this interview with guitarist Jeff Baxter from the first issue of the Roland User's Group Magazine.
  • Boss SY-1000: Resynthesis - YouTube Video: Multitrack Guitar Synthesis Recording
  • Boss SY-1000 Reaktor 6 - DIY Build Your Own Guitar Synth YouTube Video: Use Reaktor with the Boss SY-1000 to build your own software guitar synthesizer.
  • Korg MS-03 Forget MIDI! Forget the Hex Pickup! Direct Guitar to Analog Synthesizer with the mighty Korg MS-03 and the Arp Odyssey and Behringer K-2 (Korg MS-20)
  • Korg MS-03 Video - Demo of the RareKorg MS-03 with the (Korg) Arp Odyssey and the Behringer K-2 (MS-20 Clone)
  • Roland SPV-355 Guitar to Synthesizer Video - Roland G-303 Direct to the Roland SPV-355
  • Behringer K-2 Guitar to Synthesizer Video - The hidden Guitar Synthesizer in the Behinger K2!
  • GR-700 Tech Tips from Roland! Originally published in the Roland User Group magazine, Volume 2, Number 4.
  • GR-700 Performance Tips! Originally published in the Roland User Group magazine, Volume 3, Number 3.
  • Guitar Greats and the GR-700 Originally published in the Roland User Group magazine, Volume 2, Number 3.
  • Roland Hardware - GR-700 G-707 Originally published in the Roland User Group magazine, Volume 2, Number 3.
  • Synth Ethics Featuring the Roland GR-700 Tips on using the GR-700 from Mark Wood, Guitarist Magazine May 1985
  • Three Favorite GR-700 Patches By Steve Carnelli, Guitar PLayer June 1986.
  • Roland GR-700 Guitar Synthesizer Product Review By John Themis Guitarist May 1985
  • Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays Interview - 1989 Pat and Lyle interviewed during the height of the popularity of the Pat Metheny Group in Music Technology Magazine.
  • Pat Metheny Interview - 1985 Vintage interview from the era of 'First Circle', and 'The Falcon And The Snowman' - Guitarist Magazine
  • Pat Metheny Interview - 1984 Vintage interview from the Roland Users Group covering Pat's early career as musician and highlighting the Roland GR-300.
  • Boss SY-1000 Recreating the Pat Metheny GR-300 Solo Sound YouTube Video detailing tweaks to recreate the dramatic Pat Metheny GR-300 solo sound with the Boss SY-1000.
  • Pat Metheny - New England Digital Synclavier Demonstration YouTube Video Old Grey Whistle Test - Roland G-303
  • Pat Metheny with NED Synclavier Prototype YouTube Video Early Guitar Synthesizer Controller
  • Pat Metheny and the NED Synclavier Read Pat's notes on using guitar synthesizers and the New England Digital Synclavier.
  • Van Halen Michael Anthony Roland GR-33B G-33 Bass Guitar Synthesizer Solo YouTube Video From 1982 Largo and 1983 Devore In Concert Live Performance! FILTER SWEEPS!!! DELAYS!!!
  • Spicetone 6Appeal Guitar Processor Analog Hexaphonic Distortion Pedal The Spicetone 6Appeal is a modern take on the poly distortion, hexaphonic (hex) fuzz pedal.
  • GR-100 GR-300 Power Supply Repair New video on the one GR-100 or GR-300 or GR-33B power supply mod you MUST do!
  • Roland GR-D Interior Photos: First time on the web! Interior photos of the Roland GR-D!
  • Gibson Les Paul Custom LPK-1 Repair In depth step-by-step repair of the Gibson Les Paul with LPK-1 kit.
  • Roland G-303 A Fresh Look! Trevor Harley sent me these photos of his Roland G-303. The guitar was refinished with a flame maple top and back by the Canadian Luthier George Furlanetto. Note that the touch pads have been relocated below the bridge pickup.
  • Steinberger Time! Newly posted photos of a White Steinberger GL-4T-GR
  • Ultimate 24-Pin Custom Guitar Stunning photos of the most amazing custom built 24-pin guitar ever made! The solar system on the fret board and more!
  • More PINK Please! Hamer Phantom A7 Nothing says vintage 80s guitar styles link a solid pin finish! Samuel Cuevas sent me a few photos of this very, very rare pink Hamer Phantom A7 Roland-Ready guitar.
  • Boss SY-1000 with Roland G-33 YouTube video with a demonstration of all 200 Bass patches for the SY-1000
  • BAK-1 Videos A new video on the BAK-1 Electronics card, plus comparison of the G-88 and G-77 electronics
  • BAK-1 Photos Newly posted photos of the BAK-1 Bass Guitar Synthesizer Installation Kit
  • Roland G-33 G-88 G-77 BAK-1 Vintage Analog Bass Guitar Controller Assembly - Comparison
  • G-77 Fretless First time on the web! New photos from Skylark of his pristine G-77 Fretless bass.
  • Clone 24-Pin Cable At long last there is a quality clone of the impossible to find Roland 24-pin cable. This is a quality, made in the U.S.A. cable produced by 'MagicTrashMan' in North Carolina. Check out the description and video on the cables page.
  • Roland GR-500 Mods - Part 1 Thanks to the Phantastic Jimi Photon who pointed me to the March April 1981 Polyphony magazine with the first list of Roland GR-500 modifications.
  • Boss SY-1000 All Bass Patches! Complete on YouTube (no talking)!
  • Read The Full Interview The year was 1983, and the Police were exploding on the charts. The inventive and adventurous Andy Summers was busy rewriting what a rock guitar player could be. The smash hit "Don't Stand So Close To Me" prominently featured the Roland GR-300, played by Andy with the Roland G-808. Volume 2, number 2, of the Roland Users Group magazine featured a great interview with Andy, reproduced for the first time on the web!
  • Read The Full Review Roland shifts direction in 1987, releasing the Roland GK-1 and GM-70. This combo said goodbye to Roland guitars and dedicated guitar synthesizers like the GR-300 and G-808 in favor of a system that could be mounted on any guitar, and used to control any MIDI synthesizer. Read Warren Sirota's review of the GK-1, GM-70, and the MKS-50 and MKS-70.
  • Roland GR-500 Mods and Tips! Electronic Musician magazine started life as Polyphony magazine, edited by young writer named Craig Anderton. Seemingly produced by on a single typewriter in the early eighties, this Polyphony article features insights and modifications for the Roland GR-500!
  • History of the Guitar Synthesizer Travel back in time, before MIDI, before the Roland GR-700, to the early 1980s, when the Roland GR-300 was the pinnacle of guitar synthesizer technology.
  • Steve Howe and Steve Hackett Prog Rock Guitar Titans Teamed up for GTR, Chart-Topping Band Centered around the Roland GR-700!
  • Steve Howe Roland Profile A detailed profile of Steve Howe, his Roland G-505 and GR-700 from the 1984 Roland Users Group Magazine
  • Boss SY-1000 Tutorial Videos New vidoes on setting up Guitar-To-Midi and blending normal guitar sounds with modeled sounds.
  • Washburn JB100 Profile A look at the Washburn Roland-Ready JB100. Detailed photos and videos!
  • Lyle Mays Remembering Lyle Mays - New YouTube Playlist with Unreleased Tracks from live Radio Broadcast
  • Boss SY-1000 Interior Photos and Unboxing Photos
  • Parker NiteFly SA with Factory Internal GK-2A Just Added! A profile of a Parker NiteFly SA with factory Roland GK-2A. Demos with Roland GR-100, GR-300 and GR-700.
  • Behringer Deep Mind 12 The New Roland GR-700? Vintage Sounds in a Modern Analog Synth
  • GR-300 Case Rare spotting of the Original Roland GR-300 Case!
  • Roland Ready Les Paul Photos of Bob Welch's Custom Shop Les Paul Paul with Roland electronics.
  • Peter Frampton With Roland G-303 Thank you Eric Fisher for finding this rare live video!
  • Picture This 30th Anniversary Release - Wayne Scott Jones Album from November 1989.
  • Converting the M-16C into an M-64C - Detailed tips on converting the M-16C into a M-64C with four times the memory capacity!
  • Roland G-33 Major Update! 18 new photos, PLUS 4 YouTube videos!
  • Switch Roland-Ready MIDI Guitar Complete details on the Switch Wild-IV, PLUS all the Switch Guitars!
  • Boss GP-10 and Hex Fuzz Details on great hex fuzz sounds from the Boss GP-10
  • Steve Hackett - Roland GR-500/GS-500 Performance - Please Don't Touch From the 'Please Don't Touch' tour, November 8, 1978. Great GR-500 showcase!
  • Vintage Roland GR-300 Review from Electronics & Music Maker - Nov 1981
  • Roland GR-77B for Reaktor - Download a modeled Roland GR-77B for Native Instruments Reaktor 5!
  • Roland GR-700 Blue - Remake with 'GR-300' blue finish, new handles, and handsome natural wood end blocks! Thank you Chuck Nin!
  • PG-200 - Updated NOS New-Old-Stock photos of the Roland PG-700, programmer for the Roland GR-700. Thank you Eric Rusack!
  • G-707 White Ever wonder what a G-707 would look like redone in a brilliant white finish? With Steinberger folding leg rest!
  • 3D Printing Vintage Roland Guitar Parts - 24-to-25 pin Plate - Courtesy of Jusin Casey
  • David Gilmour - Solo with Roland STK-1 and GR-700!
  • Moog Voyager XL (with Casio MG-510 Cameo) Space Music - Melodic Downtempo, Ambient, Ambient& PsyChill Mix.
  • Roland GM-70 Guitar-to-MIDI Converter - Review by Paul White, Music Technology Magazine, April 1987
  • Theme from M*A*S*H. Arranged using only the ARP Odyssey for all sounds, synths, drums, efx, etc.
  • Ibanez IMG2010 - Owned by George Benson. Rare 'Endorsee' finish with Silver hardware.
  • Arp Avatar Review by Paddy Kingsland. Vintage review of one of the very first analog guitar synthesizers, the Arp Avatar - Competitor to the Roland GR/GS-500.
  • 24-to-25 Pin Mounting Plate. You can download the newly posted '24-25.dxf' CAD file to make your own 24 to 25 pin mouting plate. I used the company Big Blue Saw to make my 24-to-25 plates from aluminum. The price for a single piece can be expensive, but if you order in quatity the price will drop considerably. Plus, they have specials from time to time!
  • Roland GR-100 Samples Sounds. The Roland GR-100 Owner's Manual has a list of "Factory Presets", Sample Sounds, at the end of the Owner's Manual. These sample sounds were intending to give some direction on how to use the GR-100, using features such as Filter Modulation, Chorus, and Vibrato, all served up with the classic hex fuzz sound the GR-100 is famous for. Check out this new YouTube video I posted which goes through the Sample Sounds to get a little flavor of what this vintage 'electronic guitar' synth sounded like!
  • SBC-1324 Roland 24 or 13 Pin Input to 13 and 24 Pin Output

    Back in 2009 I was approached by a very talented Canadian guitarist who wanted to be able to control both vintage Roland 24 pin GR-series synthesizers and modern Roland 13 pin GK-series synthesizers with one guitar, either a 13 or 24 pin guitar.

    The SBC-1324 is the unit I built to meet this need. The unit has both 13 and 24 pin inputs, and a master analog switch to select between the two. There are six amplifiers for each string input, used primarily to boost the 13 pin signals to the 24 pin format, but they can also be used individually to amplify any single string input, whether 13 or 24 pin.

  • Artist Highlight: Neal Schon

    Journey guitarist Neal Schon was frequently seen in the early eighties playing a Roland G-505 guitar paired with the GR-300. Schon is not usually thought of as a 'Strat' player, much less a guitar synthesist, but he makes great use of the G-505/GR-300. An outstanding track is the tune 'Valley of the Kings', using the 'Duet' mode of the GR-300.

  • Roland SIP-300 Fresh Photos! Super clean photos from an auction by Tone Tweakers.
  • Roland GR-300 Emulation with Kontakt 5 or Roland SR-JV80-04 / SRX-04 Ultimate Keys / INTEGRA-7. Download a complete Kontakt 5 patch and trigger a GR-300 with MIDI! Or check out a demo of the Roland GR-300 patch created by the legendary Scott Summers.
  • UX-20 - 13-Pin Splitter/Distributor with Buffered Guitar Input Schematic
  • Pat Metheny writes about on using the NED Synclavier Digital Guitar Option - First Time Online! From the 1984 NED Owner's Manual.
  • Steinberger XL2-GR Guitar Synthesizer Controller - Vintage Roland Ready Bass Guitar Synthesizer Controller
  • Pedulla MVP-S Guitar Synthesizer Controller - The phantom Roland Ready Guitar Synth Controller!
  • GK QuadBox Schematic Build your own GK QuadBox, 1 input, 4 output 13-pin Guitar Synth Signal Distributor - Combined US-20 and GKP-4 clone!
  • RC-1324-VR Roland 13-in to 24-pin Converter Detailed schematic on the acclaimed RC-1324. Control vintage 24-pin Roland guitar synths like the GR-700 and GR-300 with modern 13-pin controllers like the GK-3, GK-2A or the Godin series of guitar controllers
  • Modulus Graphite Blackknife Special Guitar Synthesizer Controller
  • Roland GR-700 Operating System Upgrade New Sounds! Faster Response!!
  • Do-It-Yourself DIY Roland and Ibanez Guitar Synthesizer Control Panel Overlays
  • The summer NAMM 1985 show was the year when MIDI became accepted as a standard across the industry, and guitar manufacturers unleased a variety of MIDI guitar products not seen since. From Roland to Steinberger to Ibanez to the ultra rare Octave-Plateau Voyetra MIDI guitar, MIDI was everywhere.
  • Detailed information on the vintage IBM-PC music production software from Voyetra. Voyetra is the same company that produced the Kat and Kitten analog synthesiers, the ground-breaking Voyetra Eight polyphonic analog synthesizer, and the ultra rare Octave-Plateau Voyetra MIDI guitar.
  • WBRA Public Television Music Video featuring Wayne Joness using Voyetra Sequencer Plus - Live Performance.
  • Vintage Interview with Jazz Fusion pioneer John McLaughlin about using the Roland G-303 guitar synth controller and the New England Digital Synclavier with Digital Guitar Option
  • Details on the amazing Synclavier II Digital Guitar
  • East Side West Side by John McLaughlin From the Album Mahavishnu - Transcribed by Steve Vai.
  • Vintage 1980 Full Page Roland G-808 Advertisement featuring Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake) - Who knew? Hard rock icon Bernie Marsden with a Roland G-808!
  • Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul "Studio Custom" Roland Ready Synthesizer Controller Update
    More pictures on the Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Roland Ready Synthesizer Controller page, plus an update on the number of models built.
  • Musico Resynator | Hexsynator  - 1980s Pitch and Envelope Tracking Synthesizer with Roland 24-pin Guitar Synthesizer Input - Detailed photo gallery from November 2017 fundraiser at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, CA.
  • Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul "Studio Custom" Roland Ready Synthesizer Controller
    Beyond the standard Roland offerings in the G-X0X series, there are vintage 24-pin Roland-Ready guitars for just about every niche: the Hard Rock Hamer A7, the traditional player's Zion Strat, or the cutting edge Steinberger GL-2T/GR.
    But the classic, eternal, "Cadillac" of the series has got to be the Limited Edition 1985 Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul with the Roland LPK-1 Electronics. Every guitar was the product of Gibson's acclaimed Custom Shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kalamazoo made Gibson Les Pauls have been called the 'Holy Grail' of electric guitars. These vintage guitars combine all the craft and musicality with the feature-rich Roland LPK-1 electronics package, the same electronics found in the G-303 or G-808 guitars.
  • Jazz and the GR-50! Acclaimed Jazz Guitarist Brad Rabuchin rocks the Roland GR-50 in this track 39 Steps: A Spacewalk. This is Space Station MIR, a collaboration with Flugelhorn Horn genius and composer Michael Wetherwax, with Wayne Joness on keyboards and programming. Watch Now on YouTube.
  • BX-13 Micro Schematics Yes! At long last! The final schematic for the BX-13 Micro is available on the website! This design incorporates a VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) with an option to select either guitar or hex fuzz as the guitar signal, plus using controller 2 (resonance) as secondary control source acting as a EV-5 pedal.
  • At long last the Vintage Roland Guitar Synthesizer Resource site has a full profile on the Steinberger GL-2T/GR Guitar Synthesizer Controller, with unseen schematics, photos and video, with additional information on the GL-3T/GR and GL-4T/GR.
  • Musico Resynator | Hexsynator  - 1980s Pitch and Envelope Tracking Synthesizer with Roland 24-pin Guitar Synthesizer Input.
  • Korg Z3 Patch Editor Adaption for the Korg Z3  - Thanks to Korg Z3 user David for this free software download.
  • GS-500 Video Playlist featuring Terje Rypdal  - Luc Bertels hipped me to videos of Terje Rypdal using the Roland GR-500 and GS-500.
  • Roland GR-700 and GR-77B AB-700 Case  - Image gallery with 12 photos of the rare official Roland factory road case.
  • Xotica EA-1 with Roland Ready Guitar Graph Tech Ghost Pickups  - Detailed information on this very rare, Rland ready 13-pin Acoustic/Electric Roland guitar synthesizer controller.
  • Factory Blue Roland GS-500  - Last year while visiting Japan I stumbled upon a factory BLUE Roland GS-500 in a Tokyo music store! Check out the exclusive photos published for the first time.
  • Sounds of the GR-77B! New video posted featuring a layered bass combination of the Roland MKS-70 (same sound engine as the GR-77B) and the GR-77B.
  • Pat Metheny Extended Interview - I tracked down the original Guitarist Magazine, May 1985, and have posted the complete interview with Pat Metheny. The previous interview was an abbreviated version.
  • GR-300 Synthcheck  - A detailed 2000 word review from "The Complete Music Magazine", dated November 1980
  • Gibson Explorer  - Finally! A home for one of the rarer custom Gibson vintage Roland guitar synth controllers
  • Jimmy Page - Vintage 1985 magazine ad featuring the guitar legend and his G-707/GR-700 rig!
  • LPK-1 Installation Diagram thanks to John Doucette for emailing the scans.
  • GK-20 Schematic - 13-pin Guitar Switcher, Schematic ready for download
  • Filter/Buffer Schematic - Schematic ready for download.
  • Roland GR-700 and GR-77B Updates: From the Roland User Group Archives, a complete MIDI guitar and MIDI bass system profile!
  • Roland GR-77B Updates: Finally! The Roland GR-77B and G-77 pages have been updated. Be sure to check out the G-77 page as well.
  • Vintage Roland G-505 and GR-300 combination magazine advertisement.
  • GR-700 One Step Beyond!: From the 1985 Roland User Group Magazine
  • GR-700 4x Memory Expansion!: Easy to do, super DIY Memory Expansion!
  • Ibanez IMG2010 and MC1: Updated! High-Res Brochure from 1985
  • G-707 Steve Hunter: Vintage Product Review from 1985, Part 2!
  • G-707 Steve Hunter: Vintage Product Review from 1985, Part 1
  • GR-500 Steve Hackett: Vintage Product Review from 1978!
  • GR-500 Patch Sheet: Original Blank Patch Sheet
  • GR-500 - Solo Voice Tuning : Adendum on Tuning the Solo Section
  • GR-300 Filter Mod: LFO to Filter Modification
  • GR-300 Output Mod: Increase the output of your GR-300!
  • GR-55 Schematics, Service Notes: Full factory service notes for the Roland GR-55
  • Ibanez MIU8: Specs, photos, details on the rarest of rare!
  • MIU8 Schematics: Schematics and Service Manual (pdf)!
  • Korg Z3 Product Page: From early Product catalog!
  • Hamer A7 Guitar: Added to the guitar pages, a tribute to the Hamer Phantom A7! Tubo Lover rocks!
  • GR-500 24-pin Connector Change: Documentation of the change from the original, pin-type C24 connector to the much more common C24 positive (locking frame) connector.
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More about the RC-1324 Series

Features and Specifications
Introduction
History
Links
Compatibillity List
Photos
Videos
Details
RC-1324-VR

RC-1324 Series 13-pin to 24-pin Converters

Features and Specifications:

  • 13-Pin Input to 24-pin Output
  • Recreates essential vintage 24-pin analog synthesizer control voltages (filter cutoff, resonance, etc.)
  • Rack mount, foot pedal, or table top enclosures
  • Use any Modern Roland-Ready, GK-2/GK-2A, GK-2B, GK-3, GK-3B or RMC equipped guitar to play any Vintage, 24-pin Roland Guitar
  • Works with Roland US-20 Unit Selector for Multiple Synthesizer System
  • Powered by 24-Pin Synthesizer so there is no need for External Power Supply
  • Incorporates circuitry and design concepts by GR-300 authority Mark Smart!
  • Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz.
  • Download RC-1324 Schematic

Introduction to the RC-1324 Series:

"I've been a Roland guitar synth user for a little over 20 years, and I've owned almost all of the units from the GR-300 to the virtual guitar units VG-8 and 88. The RC-1324 is the unit I've wanted for years! It bridges the gap between 13 and 24 pin devices flawlessly. The build quality is first rate and I swear my GR-700 tracks better with my 13 pin guitar than the 24 pin original. Outstanding; Fripp is gonna flip when he gets this!"

"Keep those Inventions coming...!"


Vernon Reid

I designed the original RC-1324 after receiving some requests to build a "reverse BC-13" a unit that would allow a modern, 13-pin guitar, to play a vintage 24-pin guitar synthesizer. The real push came when I got an email from Vernon Reid, an innovative guitar player whose work I admired.

As it turned out, Mark Smart had already suggested the basics of how to build such a converter, using op-amps to boost the 13-pin signals to the 24-pin level, plus supplying a +/- 7 volt power supply, appropriate for the modern Roland controllers. I refined the basic idea, adding essential control voltages for GR-300 parameters like filter cutoff, resonance and low frequency oscillator. Included is the current design is a hexphonic fuzz circuit, based on the design of the Roland G-202 guitar.

History

RC-1324-VR: 2013 "Red"

RC-1324-VR RED
RC-1324-VR Click to enlarge.

The latest RC-1324 converter is the RC-1324-VR, "Red" which was built in a new, slightly larger enclosure, with the return of the top input trimmer controls found on the earlier RC-1324-PDL series. While I tried to keep all the features of the RC-1324 series purely functional, I added large, chrome handles on the RC-1324-VR series just to make the unit look cool when used with a Roland GR-100 or GR-300.

There is also a subtle difference between the unit made in 2011, and those made in 2012 and 2013. In the 2011 units, the guitar control voltage (#10) is zero. So if the 2011 RC-1324-VR is used with a GR-300, the output is always synthesizer only. The standard 1/4" output on the RC-1324-VR provided access to the guitar output. After receiving some user input, I designed the newer units with the guitar control voltage (#10) at 100%. With the 2012 units, it is possible hear the normal guitar signal through the GR-300. YouTube video of the 2012 "Red: RC-1324-VR with GR-300, and Roland GK-3 equipped Schecter Stiletto Classic.

Rather than the vintage, Roland 24-pin connector, some of the RC-1324-VR have on a feature suggested in 2008 by George Ludwig: a DB-25 pin connector with a special 25-pin to 24-pin cable. The use of the DB-25 pin output was liberating, I was able to use the unit with modified US-2 Turbo Unit Switchers, GR-700 with MIDI Input, and other synths, such as a Korg Z3 with a 25-input jack.

RC-1324-PDL-V5: 2012

The RC-1324-V5 was an attempt to roll back some of the features the RC-1324-PDL had acquired, and focus on the essentials. The V5 is essentially a V3 pedal with the improvements in the gain structure and hex fuzz circuit, but without the bass input switch, etc.

  • RC-1324 PDL V5 Owner's Manual

RC-1324-PDL-V4: 2011

RC-1324-PDL-V5 AND RC-1324-VR
RC-1324-PDL-V5 and RC-1324-VR
Click to enlarge.

The RC-1324-V4 was a revision of the previous unit, but there were no major new features added. While the previous units used the Korg/Yamaha pedal standard for the LFO pedal, etc. version 4 switched to the Roland EV-5 standard. Also, the input gain structure was changed to enable more gain, and different diodes were used for the hex fuzz circuit. Click here to watch a YouTube clip of the RC-1324-PDL-V4.

  • RC-1324 PDL V4 Owner's Manual

RC-1324-VX and RC-1324-VC: 2010

RC-1324-VX RC-1324-VX Rear RC-1324-VX Trimmers
RC-1324-VX. Click to enlarge.

The new RC-1324 converters came in two versions, the RC-1324-VX which featured an attached 24-pin cable, and the RC-1324-VC which used a more traditional 24-pin male connector, like the earlier RC-1324 and the RC-1324-PDL series. The top panel LFO modulation depth control returned to the design, and a new, dedicated 1/4" output for the guitar was added. The balance control for gtr/synth was always 100% from the vintage Roland synthesizer.

In an effort to simplify the wiring and reduce the size of the unit, the string input controls were configured as six small, precision input trimmers, built into the input board. To adjust the input level on the RC-1324-VX or VC, it is necessary to remove four screws and pull the input panel out slightly.

RC-1324-PDL-V3: 2009

RC-1324-PDL-V3
RC-1324-PDL-V3 Click to enlarge.

Towards the end of 2009, the last major revision of the RC-1324-PDL was released, version 3. Version 3 had some updates that had been requested when building the version 2 unit. Most notably, there is a bass or guitar input switch on the back, used to offset the string input signals by one position to accommodate the modern Roland bass pickup.

The mix/balance circuit was also changed, adapting the design of the mix/balance control in the GK-1. With this change, a pedal could be plugged into the RC-1324-V3 to change the guitar to synth balance. The hex fuzz output jack was redesigned as a tip-ring-sleeve insert jack, so a pedal could be used to control the hex fuzz level, or an effect could be inserted in the hex fuzz signal chain. Click here to watch a YouTube clip of the RC-1324-PDL-V3 with a Xotica BX-1 (GK-3) and the Roland GR-300.

  • RC-1324 PDL V3 Owner's Manual

RC-1324-VX-Prototype: 2009

RC-1324-VX Prototype
RC-1324-PDL-V2 Click to enlarge.

The first RC-1324-VX was a test prototype, made in the summer of 2009 to meet a specific need: I was writing an article for Premier Guitar magazine comparing the VB-99 with the GR-33B, and I needed a way for one bass to play both synthesizers at the same time. The RC-1324-VX Prototype was made to fit the bill: I used an output cable from a Roland GK-1 rig, and I included a bass input switch right on the top panel, so that a Roland GK-3B equipped bass could used. This unit did not have a LFO depth control, but required a Roland EV-5 pedal for LFO modulation. And the "mode" switch was specifically labeled for the GR-33B bass guitar synthesizer: "guitar" "duet" and "single VCO." And a foot switch could be plugged into control the mode as well, a feature find only on the RC-1324-VX-Prototype.

The RC-1324-VX also had a 13-pin through port, so that the bass controller could play both a vintage 24-pin synth and a 13-pin synth at the same time. The RC-1324-VX had a new, simplified hex fuzz circuit, based on the Roland G-202, but the distinguishing feature of the RC-1324-VX is the fact that the 24-pin cable is permanently attached to the unit.

  • YouTube clip RC-1324-VX Prototype General Overview.
  • YouTube clip RC-1324-VX Prototype with Roland GR-33B Vintage Bass Synthesizer and VB-99 Modern Synthesizer.
  • YouTube Clip RC-1324-VX Prototype detailed.

RC-1324-PDL-V2: 2008

RC-1324-PDL-V2
RC-1324-PDL-V2 Click to enlarge.

In the summer of 2008, feature creep began to take hold, and I was ready to increase the features of the RC-1324-PDL. The hex fuzz circuit board from the original RC-1324 came back in the new RC-1324-PDL-V2, along with the fuzz bright switch, separate hex fuzz output, and hex fuzz level control. Adding in the hex fuzz card took away the preset balance controls, as one of the balance controls was replaced with a hex fuzz level control.

RC-1324-V2 Rear Panel
RC-1324-PDL-V2 Click to enlarge.

By adding in the hex fuzz card, the RC-1324-V2 now had all the features of the original Craig Anderton upgrades: a brighter hex fuzz switch, a separate hex fuzz output, and the option of using a foot pedal to control LFO depth.

In the fall of 2008, George Ludwig asked me to make a custom RC-1324-PDL with an interesting feature: a DB-25 pin output, and a custom DB-25 to proprietary Roland 24-pin cable, a design that would be the defining feature of the RC-1324-VR, the last RC-1324 unit. Click here to watch a YouTube clip of the RC-1324-PDL-V2 with a Xotica BX-1 (GK-3) and the Roland GR-300.

  • RC-1324 PDL V2 Owner's Manual

RC-1324 Version 2: 2006

RC-1324-V2
RC-1324-V2 Click to enlarge.

After selling a few of the original units, I decided to make a few small changes in the next production run. The RC-1324 was being primarily used with the Roland GR-300, or GR-700, neither of which support pitch bend commands, so the original "pitch" control knob (control voltage 3) was removed, and in its place I added a volume control for the hex fuzz. It often seemed to me that the hex fuzz signal could dominate over the synth sound in the GR-300, and adjusting the hex fuzz volume would be useful.

The front and rear panel were swapped for a black faced front panel, and for good measure I also added a blue front panel power LED. Click here to watch a YouTube clip of the RC-1324-V2 with a Parker Nitefly guitar with factory Roland GK-2A.

  • RC-1324 V2 Owner's Manual

RC-1324-PDL: 2006

RC-1324-PDL
RC-1324-PDL Click to enlarge.

Thanks to the success of the shop in Culver City that was making the RC-1324 rack mount panels, I had to start to looking for an alternative enclosure. When I first happened on Lazer Image, it was a small store front operation with Dale, the owner, and one employee. I remember there was a white board with a job list, and tasks were assigned to "Donkey" or "Ogre."

In 2006 Lazer Image expanded, moving to a much larger location on La Cienaga Blvd in Los Angeles, and they primarily focused on large industrial projects. I realized how lucky I was to have Dale charging such a reasonable fee for the metal engraving he did on the first RC-1324. So in the fall of 2006 I decided to try a larger version of the two-toned cabinet used for the BX-13 to make a pedal version of the RC-1324. Since I now had a floor enclosure, I decided to add foot switches, plus two features not found on the rack mount: filter presets, and mix presets. The mix preset was great for switching from all guitar, to all synth, at the press of a switch. Something that was not possible with the GR-300 alone. The initial RC-1324-PDL did not have the hex fuzz circuit. Click here to watch a YouTube clip of the RC-1324-PDL with a Godin ACS Quilt nylon string guitar with the Roland GR-300.

RC-1324 PDL V1 Owner's Manual

RC-1324 Version 1: 2005

RC-1324-V1
RC-1324 Click to enlarge.

The first unit that I made, and sold to Vernon Reid, was a rack mount version. There was a hex fuzz "bright" switch to mimic the Craig Anderton modification of removing the filter capacitor from a vintage guitar controller to make the hex fuzz sound brighter, plus controls for filter, resonance, pitch bend, lfo, mode and a guitar/balance control knob. This unit was very much a blending of Mark Smart's circuitry, with the original G-303/808 circuits, and some other essential circuitry, like a specific circuit to scale the 13-pin volume control to the 24-pin level.

There were three small pc boards in the RC-1324, one for power, one for the hexaphonic fuzz, and one for the string amplifiers. On the real panel was the 24-pin output, plus a LFO pedal input, and a hex fuzz output.

RC-1324-V2
RC-1324 Click to enlarge.

The initial tests were done with a Brian Moore guitar, since that was the guitar Vernon was using, and I posted a video clip with the GR-700, since Vernon specifically mentioned he was to use his GR-700 with his modern 13-pin guitars. Click here to watch a YouTube clip of the original RC-1324 with a Brian Moore i2.13 guitar. This clip was made to demonstrate the RC-1324 to Vernon Reid.

The RC-1324 was a pretty new idea, and at the end of the year, I was contacted by someone from the Pat Metheny organization to build one for Pat. I built a unit, with a sticker on the back noting "Custom built for Pat Metheny," but never got a call from the guitar great asking how to use the unit!

  • RC-1324 V1 Owner's Manual

Compatibility List:

The RC-1324 circuit has been tested with a wide variety of 13-pin guitar synthesizer controllers. The RC-1324, like the Roland GR-300, works best with magnetic pickups, either the GK-2A or the GK-3 package. With the most recent RC-1324-VR ("RED"), I observed that the input level for the Godin LGX-SA is less than the Roland GK-3. Input levels were around to 10 o'clock to 11 o'clock position. If the ideal input level is exceeded with a Roland GK pickup, the GR-300 becomes overly sensitive, making it difficult to play cleanly. With the LGX-SA, if the ideal input level is exceeded, there is no input. If the input is too high, the red string LEDs on the GR-300 will not light up, or indicate any input signal. YouTube video clip on input levels.

An additional note, on the Godin Multiac Nylon SA, there is a ground loop (hum) produced when using the 1/4" output from the guitar at the same time as using the 1/4" output from the GR-300.

Roland: GK-2A, GK-3 and Roland-Ready Strat, and any guitars with Roland GK-2, GK-2A or GK-3 electronics, such as the new Roland GC-1 guitar.

Godin: Multiac Steel SA, Multiac Nylon SA, LGX-SA

Fender: Roland-Ready Stratocaster (GK-2A Electronics Package)

Brian Moore: i2.13

Links to more information:
  • Mark Smart's original GK-2A to GR-300 circuit.
  • RC-1324 V1 Owner's Manual
  • RC-1324 V2 Owner's Manual
  • RC-1324 PDL V1 Owner's Manual
  • RC-1324 PDL V2 Owner's Manual
  • RC-1324 PDL V3 Owner's Manual
  • RC-1324 PDL V4 Owner's Manual
  • RC-1324 PDL V5 Owner's Manual

Photos:

RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR
RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR
RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR
RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR
RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR RC-1324-VR

RC-1324 Series Video Introduction:

01 -Play Vintage Roland GR-300 with any 13-Pin Guitar

More than 30 years after its introduction, the GR-300 remains the gold standard in analog guitar synthesizer technology, with virtually flawless tracking and no latency. Its organic, responsive analog sound has made it an essential tool for guitar players like Pat Metheny, Andreas Oberg, Robert Fripp, Andy Summers and others.

The RC-1324-VR is a bridge between modern 13-pin equipped Roland Ready guitars and classic, vintage 24-pin analog guitar synthesizer technology like the GR-300.

02 - Parker PM-10 with Roland GR-700

The Parker PM-10 guitar is the controller, with a RC-1324-VR converting the modern 13-pin format to the vintage, 24-pin synth format. The GR-700 has a DB 25-pin input, so the RC-1324-VR plugs directly into the GR-700.

I multi-tracked the GR-700 with Digital Performer, using the GR-700 to play strings, analog pads, bass and more.

The tune is "James" by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, from the PMG album Offramp.

03 - RC-1324-VR with Roland US-2 Turbo

The US-2 Turbo is a modified Roland US-2, designed to be used with the RC-1324-VR, 13 to 24 pin guitar synth converter. .

To be compatible with the RC-1324-VR, the rare, 24-pin connectors have been replaced by common, DB 25-pin connectors. Just like the RC-1324-VR, this allows the US-2 Turbo to be used with commonly available 25-pin cables, in place of the ultra rare, very expensive proprietary Roland 24-pin cables.

04 - Built-In Hex Fuzz Distortion Circuit

The RC-1324-VR also has its own hexa fuzz distortion sound. Unlike the earlier RC-1324-VC or VX, there is now a multifunction, tip-ring-sleeve jack for the hexa fuzz distortion. .

By plugging a standard 1/4" guitar cable into the first "click" you can output the hex fuzz sound for additional processing. The hex fuzz sound is always available, even when using the RC-1324-VR with synths the like GR-700, which did not include the hex fuzz sound.

05 -NEW! Custom 10' Cable

The RC-1324-VR ships with a D-sub 25-pin output, and a special D-sub 25 pin to 24 pin Roland proprietary connector. The cable is the Belkin F3D, high-speed, shielded data-grade cable, superior to the original unshielded Roland cable. I have been using Belkin as my replacement cable when rebuilding Roland cables for years, without any failures.

The cable is 10' long, but it can easily be lengthened by using readily available Belkin cables with male and female 25-pin connectors.

06 - G-303 and GK-3 Controller Side-by-Side Comparison Plus Fernandes Sustainer GR-300 Demo

While there has been no improvement in analog guitar synthesizer technology since the GR-300 premiered in 1979, guitar fabrication and construction techniques have continued to make strides.

Check out this comparison of an original Roland G-303 guitar and a Fernandes Sustainer equipped Dragonfly Elite.

07 - RC-1324-VR Input Levels with Godin LGX-SA and GK-3

The RC-1324 circuit has been tested with Roland GK-2/2A/3 magnetic divided pickups, and piezo based systems, like the RMC/Godin/Brian Moore guitars.

As shown in the video clip, the input window for the Godin LGX-SA is smaller than te Roland GK-3, and the input control needs to be below 50% (12 o'clock position). Also, the G-202 style hex fuzz circuit in the RC-1324-VR does not work with signals from the piezo pickup.

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