Roland GK-2A User manual

Roland’
DIVIDED PICKUP
5OGK-ZA
Owner's Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Roland GK-2A divided pickup.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:
e USING THE UNIT SAFELY (page 2-3)
» IMPORTANT NOTES (page 7)
These sections provide important information concerning the proper
operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of
every feature provided by your new unit, Owner’s manual should be read in
its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient
reference.
Copyright © 2000 Roland CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of Roland CORPORATION.
JOA HENAS

|
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
THE
PREVENTION
OF
FIRE,
ELECTRIC
SHOCK,
OR
INJURY
TO
PERSONS
|
About
^
WARNING
and
/N
CAUTION
Notices
About
the
Symbols
The A symbol alerts the user to important instructions
or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
A | determined by the design contained within the
triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be used
improperly.
ÆA WARNING
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of injury or material
damage should the unit be used
improperly.
The Q symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
@) | must not be done is indicated by the design contained
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.
A CAUTION
* Material damage refers to damage or
other adverse effects caused with
respect to the home and all its
furnishings, as well to domestic
animals or pets.
The @ symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
e indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-
cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
Jtsassetest
mmtm
arenneren
m
ALWAYS
OBSERVE
THE
FOLLOWING
-~-t
iesite
A WARNING A WARNING
e
Before
using
this
unit,
make
sure
to
À
e
Make
sure
you
always
have
the
unit
Oo
read
the
instructions
below,
and
the
placed
so
it
is
level
and
sure
to
remain
Owner’s
Manual.
stable.
Never
place
it
on
stands
that
wath
sl
asthe
ose
ae
aaNet
E
Pedal
tonto
bas
acount
ec
coeds
could
wobble,
or
on
inclined
surfaces.
e
Do
not
open
or
perform
any
internal
savosovnovesonvovevanesocnoovvs
HEHE
ESET
EI
HHH
D
OME
PORE
ROLLE
PEDO
E
OEE
OES
DOOD
ER
ENED
ED
DONO
eHbenane
modifications
on
the
unit.
e
Do
not
allow
any
objects
(e.g.,
ea
hla
Oc
E
ge
be
hte
BINED
oe
oan
E
EE
flammable
material,
coins,
pins);
or
liquids
of
any
kii
er,
soft
drinks
e
Do
not
attempt
to
repair
the
unit,
or
ser
any
kina
ey
Boit
drinke,
=
ney eee eee etc.) to penetrate the unit. N
replace
parts
within
it
(except
when
A,
this manual provides specific instruc-
tions directing you to do so). Refer all '
AT
l
l
;
e
Immediately
turn
the
power
off,
and
servicing
to
your
retailer,
the
nearest
on
Roland
Service
Center,
or
an
autho-
Pe
Hes?
servicing
by
your
retailer,
the
BL
acne
ay?
nearest
Roland
Service
Center,
or
an
rized
Roland
distributor,
as
listed
on
:
dat
the
"Information"
page
authorized
Roland
distributor,
as
£
. .
ti
N
=
t
Í
listed
on
the
"Information'
page
when:
e Objects have fallen into, or liquid
e
Never
use
or
store
the
unit
in
places
N)
has
been
spilled
onto
the
unit;
or
s
been
s
e
unit;
that
are:
ay
=
;
oo
e
The
unit
has
been
exposed
to
rain
e
a
;
mY
ary
"A
oxtre
AQ
í
Subject
to
temperature
extremes
E
(or
otherwise
has
become
wet);
or
(e.g.
direct
sunlight
in
an
enclosed
NY
e The unit does not appear to operate
normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance.
vehicle, near a heating duct, on top
of heat-generating equipment); or
are
e
Damp
(e.g.,
baths,
washrooms,
on
wet
floors);
or
are
e
In
households
with
small
children,
an
adult
should
provide
supervision
until
Z
|
\
the
child
is
capable
of
following
all
the
rules
essential
for
the
safe
operation
of
the
unit.
e Humid; or are
¢ Exposed to rain; or are
e Dusty; or are
e Subject to high levels of vibration.

A WARNING
+ Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)
Z\ CAUTION |
¢ Try to prevent cords and cables from
becoming entangled. Also, all cords AN
and cables should be placed so they
are out of the reach of children.
e Never climb on top of, nor place heavy S
objects on the unit.
* Disconnect all cords coming from
external devices before moving the
unit.
e Should you remove the parts of instal-
lation, make sure to put them in a safe Q
place out of children's reach, so there
is no chance of them being swallowed
accidentally.
For EU Countries
This product complies with the requirements of European Directives EMC 89/336/EEC and LVD 73/23/EEC.

CONTENTS
USING THE UNIT SAFELY.........2
FEATURES.........0eccessessesseesooseee 4
GK-2A WARRANTY .........+0000004
PANEL DESCRIPTIONG..............5
IMPORTANT NOTEG............000007
INSTALLATION .........ccccccsseeee 10
INSTALLATION NOTES. ..........cccssessees 10
1. Attaching the
Pickup Controller Unit..................... 12
Attaching the Divided Pickup with
PAO TS islet daphne e aie leloiies 12
Attaching the Divided Pickup with
Double-sided Tape/ScrewS..........065 13
2. Attaching the Divided Pickup.......... 14
Attaching the Divided Pickup
with double-sided tape .....ccee 14
Attaching the Divided Pickup
with SCreWwsS dishesrtaistactdsiteat gs dcacs nevlgphashdetcs 17
OPERATION POKHOHOCHOHHOHHEHCHCHHOROROOA 1 8
How to connect the GK-2A .... eee 18
SPECIFICATIONS...........scccseees 20
FEATURES |
Thank you for purchasing the Roland GK-2A, a
sophisticated guitar pickup and dedicated
synthesizer control system.
When properly installed, the GK-2A can turn
virtually any electric or acoustic guitar into a
controller for Roland’s GR Guitar Synthesizers.
* Wherever [GR] is mentioned in this manual,
it refers to either the Roland Guitar
Synthesizer or the Roland V-Guitar System.
e The GK-2A system consists of a guitar-
mounted Pickup and Control Unit used to
drive a Roland GR Guitar Synthesizer.
e The GK-2A’s compact design allows it to be
installed on just about any electric or
acoustic guitar,
* The GK-2A’s controls give you easy access
to the [GR]’s basic operating modes.
GK-2A WARRANTY
Roland guarantees the GK-2A (and all included
parts) to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship. Contact your retailer or nearest
Roland Service Center if repairs become
necessary.
Roland cannot be responsible for any damage
caused to your guitar or the GK-2A as a result
of your attempt to install or remove the GK-2A.
If you are not confident with your ability to
properly install the Pickup or Controller unit
(especially where drilling is involved), please
contact your Roland retailer or nearest Roland
Service Center.

PANEL
DESCRIPTIONS
(1) Devided Pickup
Center Marker
Yoke a
Pickup
(1) Divided Pickup
This Pickup detects the guitar’s string
vibrations. Carefully install the Divided Pickup
between the guitar’s bridge and the regular
bridge pickup.
(2) SYNTH VOL (Volume) Knob
The functions provided by the SYNTH VOL
knob will differ depending on the [GR] model
you are using.
Please refer to the owner’s manual for your
[GR].
(3) Power Indicator
(2) Synth Volume
Tt
(4) Normal Guitar Input Jack
(5) GK Connector
SYNTH VOL
GUITAR
DOWN/S1 UP/S2
SARTRE
(8)S2 Switch
(7)S1 Switch (6) Select Switch
Controller
(3) Power Indicator
This indicator lights when the [GR] and GK-2A
are connected using the C-13A/B cable.
(4)Normal Guitar Input Jack
Normal output signals from an electric guitar
are fed into the Controller Unit via this jack.
Use the supplied guitar cord.
(5) GK Connector
Connect the [GR] to this connector.

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
(6) Select Switch
The functions provided by the Select switches
will differ depending on the [GR] model you
are using.
Please refer to the owner’s manual for your
[GR].
(7) S1 Switch
(8) S2 Switch
The functions provided by the 81/82 switches
will differ depending on the [GR] model you
are using.
Please refer to the owner’s manual for your
[GR].

IMPORTANT NOTES
i Sensitivity Adjustment e Before playing, be sure to wrap the cable
around the guitar strap near the strap hook.
¢ To properly drive the [GR] with the GK-2A, This will eliminate any unnecessary strain
you must adjust the height of the Divided on the cable or the GK-2A.
Pickup and the sensitivity of the [GR].
These adjustments are very important if you
want to take full advantage of the [GR]'s
superior tracking ability.
Please read the GK-2A and [GR] owner’s
manuals.
m C-13A/B cable
© Be sure to use the C-13A/B cable to connect
the GK-2A to the [GR]. Using any other
cable may cause unnecessary problems.
eiee eee © t t H d
e The C-13A/B is a locking-type cable which
cannot be disconnected unless it is unlocked.

IMPORTANT NOTES
E Divided Pickup
¢ To avoid damage, be sure there is no
unnecessary strain on the cable that connects
the Pickup and the Controller.
e Never bend, twist or otherwise place undue
pressure on the Pickup. Be especially careful
when removing it. Also, make sure no force
is applied to the ‘yokes.’

IMPORTANT NOTES
in addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2-3, please read and
observe the following: ,
Power Supply
Before connecting this unit to other devices,
turn off the power to all units. This will help
prevent malfunctions and/or damage to
speakers or other devices.
Placement
Using the unit near power amplifiers (or
other equipment containing large power
transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate
the problem, change the orientation of this
unit; or move it farther away from the source
of interference.
Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight,
place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it
inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise
subject it to temperature extremes. Excessive
heat can deform or discolor the unit.
To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the
unit ina wet area, such as an area exposed to
rain or other moisture.
Maintenance
For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a
soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly
dampened with water. To remove stubborn
dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild,
non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure
to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry
cloth.
Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or
solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility
of discoloration and/or deformation.
Additional Precautions
Use a reasonable amount of care when using
the unit’s buttons, sliders, or other controls;
and when using its jacks and connectors.
Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
When connecting / disconnecting all cables,
grasp the connector itself—never pull on the
cable. This way you will avoid causing
shorts, or damage to the cable’s internal
elements.
When you need to transport the unit, pack it
in shock-absorbent material. Transporting
the unit without doing so can cause it to
become scratched or damaged, and could
lead to malfunction.

INSTALLATION
Before installing the GK-2A , read the following “INSTALLATION NOTES.”
INSTALLATION NOTES
e Even when properly installed, the GK-2A e Double-sided tape or Velcro fasteners are
will not work with 12-string guitars, guitars
with unusual or customized string setups,
nylon-string guitars, gut-string guitars, or
bass guitars.
lf your guitar has a tremolo arm (whammy
bar), attach the arm before setting up the
GK-2A.
Before removing the tremolo arm from your
guitar, set the Select Switch on the GK-2A to
the “GUITAR” or “SYNTH” position.
Adjust the neck (truss rod) and the height of
the strings if necessary before installing the
GK-2A.
Try placing the Divided Pickup and the
Controller Unit on the guitar to see if they
are compatible before actually attaching
them. lirst use the double-sided tape to
ensure that there is no problem with
installation, then secure the Controller with
the screw provided.
10
unreliable for secure, long-term installation.
Also, if the finish on your guitar is less than
perfect, you may discover that the finish is
also removed when you later remove the
tape. The supplied adhesive tape is intended
to be used only very temporarily, to help
you determine the optimum position for the
pickup. The Velcro fastener is meant for
those who intend to frequently remove and
reattach the GK-2A.
If there is no room for the Divided Pickup
between the guitar’s bridge pickup and the
bridge itself, you would be better off
modifying your guitar. (If possible, move a
bridge pickup closer to the neck to make
room for the Divided Pickup.)