Has anybody got any specific information on the differences one can expect in terms of performance between the different Roland GK pickups on the market when using the raw hex signal via the various compatible BOSS units or breakout devices to drive MG3 Hex?
It’s been drawn to my attention that there are some differences in terms of output but that’s as far as I’ve dug in. I think it might be important information now that the GK-5 is set to supersede the GK-3, as the GK-3 did the GK-2A before it etc.
You must use a proprietary Boss device to decode the six channels.
This device will be expensive, it will introduce some latency… and all this for what? For the only perceived advantage of using a single TS cable.
You can not use a simple inexpensive break out cable with it and save the cost of the Boss device.
For those who care you can not combine your GK signal with your guitar cable, you will need two TS cables running to your guitar.
For Windows users it’s a no go IMHO. You can not have two ASIO devices working correctly in your DAW. I was told it might work with ASIO for ALL driver but that will introduce more latency in the system then the dedicated driver of your audio interface.
Personally I have purchased a backup GK-3 pickup just in case they will discontinue it.
I haven’t spent any time investigating the GK-5 alternative since I have a lot of GK2/GK3 guitars to begin with, but that was way beyond (read: worse) than i would have expected. Thank you for those insights. Now I have something to link to when the question pops up on my YT.
No GK 13 Pin devices will be produced anymore. Except SY1000 and GP10 (which is 10 years old) they do not have any other GK-13 devices so I guess that until SY1000 will be around (5 years old, announced December 2019) they might sell the warehouse quantities remained in a 1:1 fashion. For each SY1K 1 GK3 1 Cable GK. My tentative precognition of course…
However I have to add that if you get a guitar that mounts the GK-5 6 -KIT at the factory, you do not need an additional cable for normal PU, for those who care. I was shocked by GK-5, missing controls and no transport of normal pickup signal is a bold step in a certain direction. for GM-800 it made sense, IMHO a VG800 should have had a GK-5 Plus with the missing functions. By using a GKC-AD with your GK3 you can retain the best of both worlds. (and it cost less than replacing every single GK-3 you have)
I have the impression that HEX tracker still isn’t quite performing as well for the GK3 as it is for GK5. I’m still unable to put my finger on it but I think it has more to do with dynamics (strike/pressure) and gain levels, and less with note triggers or latency.
@Dutti67 was so kind to make me recordings of both pickups with the same setup on a GM800 (GK3=>GKC-DA=>GM800, and GK5=>GM800). I will analyse this soon as a I can and so an update will likely improve dynamics for GK3.
My direct cable works great. Could it be that the GM800 “favores” the GK-5 and killing dynamics for the GK-3? I mean the analog part is identical as far as I can tell.
It looks like it is as you described. With the GK-5 connected I have a huge dynamic range, while the GK-3 is almost “dead” and maxed out. The string sensitivity of both PUs is tuned and matched to the same levels in the GM-800.
I haven’t experienced any particularly noticeable problem with the GK-3 as of yet but I haven’t used it with a GK-5-compatible device like the GM-800 or VG-800, only the SY-1000 and GP-10. Is there any consensus on whether or not this is specific to the recent BOSS devices?
Hello Luk, I also have no problems with the GK-3’s when I’m using the SY-1000, GP-10, GR-55 or VG-99, just recently I noticed the difference of the GK-3 to the GK-5 on the GM-800. It might have to do with the GKC-AD unit upfront the GM-800 using a GK-3?
I tried to be as polite as possible. As said, while I understand GK-5 + GM800 i do not GK-5 + VG-800. However there’s a direction in there : For some guitarists virtual guitars is the way to go so you do not need your guitar pickups anymore. If you are the one using drop tunings, switching guitars that might fit well. I used the GK2A / GK3 buttons to switch pickups in Virtual Guitars or activate some control. At the beginning I was using it to switch presets but for that I was too accustomed using my foot… so I exchanged the function with Pickup position (which actually made me mad because with the simple addition of 5 Leds on the device and the corresponding circuit you could tell whih pickup position you are in).
Thanks Dutti! The current saying on vguitarforums is that with GK Kit you get normal guitar + Vguitar on the TRS serial cable. Ops. This is now confusing me. The diagram joins your normal output to the KIt box so I guess Vguitarforums might be right? I’ll ask some owner and let you know.
Hi, if I recall correctly, on vguitarforums we had a similar discussion. It was said that both GM-800 and VG-800 have a new ‘sensitivity’ settings depending on the pick up implemented , including when using GKC-AD. In any case I do not own any GM-800 or VG-800 so take this with a (double) grain of salt.
I’m thinking about installing a hex pickup from Paul Rubenstein.
I would be interested to know if anyone has ever used a hex pickup from Paul Rubenstein (Ubertar Hexaphonic Guitar Pickups) with the MG3Hex variant?
Hello Pasha, then it will be like they say on the Vguitarforums. I don’t have any built in version of the GK-5. I’m reluctant to pay more for the built in kit than for the attached PU (399 / 222 Euro). In the past it used to be the exact opposite (119 / 182 Euro)…
I don’t know, but I just don’t like 13pin cables. Hate them. Been using them forever, so when Boss did this with serial I was so happy. The big issue is the lame exclusion of audio in the regular mounting version. Most likely, they will come out with a slightly larger (more expensive ) version. My present workaround for a studio, is using one of those Amplug type things, which are abundant, and preamping the guitar-out so I can string a very thin heaphone cable along with the serial cable. I could just use two thick cables, but at least this solves that nagging issue to some degree…I also have the internal kit, but it’s such a permanent setup, I’ll take my time if I ever do install it. They charge too much for it, btw. To be honest, I really like the Gk-5 the way it is. I like that I can so easily attach it to anything with dual-lock velcro for studio use, and because it’s so light, it’s completely stable. So different than the GK-3/Gk-2
Dutti67, I just got confirmation that the guitars mounting the kit, ‘extract’ the standard PU signal and route it to the TRS cable out. Good to know. … even if the kit is really very expensive!
