Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Roland GK-related Winter NAMM Speculations

A lot of musicians and gearheads like me are excitedly awaiting the Winter NAMM 2015 show.  One company I'm curious about this year is Roland. Especially, their GK-related products.

Here are my speculations:

  • The VG-99 has been discontinued, which likely means a "replacement" of some kind is immanent (probably debut at 2015 Winter NAMM).
  • The GK pickups are due for a broadening of the product line, for example accommodating 7- and 8-string electric guitars, and 5- and 6-string basses.
  • The GR-55 was introduced in 2011, so it probably won't see a successor this year, largely based on Roland's historic product time lines at the bottom of this page: http://www.roland.com/V-Guitar/
  • Next-generation guitar modeling is due, I think. I use and love my JTV-69 USA. I've owned and loved the GR-55 with its models. It seems to me that guitar modeling in general is ripe for a "next-generation" tech advancement. Imagine something like an Axe-Fx2-level gadget for just guitar modeling. (The Axe-Fx handles amp/cab/effects modeling... really, better than anyone else... by leaps. But imagine something of that caliber and power for guitar modeling.) I think they could finally nail the elusive nylon string sound convincingly, and just about any stringed instrument, maybe even piano(!).
  • GK wireless. C'mon. It's just time.
  • Relatively affordable GK-ready 7- and 8-string electrics, maybe in partnership with Ibanez or Jackson. The Roland/Fender Strats look really nice. Imagine guitars of similar quality and price for 7- and 8-string players.
That's about it for GK-related speculations.

What are you hoping or expecting to see at Winter NAMM this year?

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