Roland GK-Kit-GT3

If you are reading this, chances are you don't need to be convinced about how great guitar synths are and your only dilema is.... The standalone GK3 unit (Thomann item bumber 167114) or this Kit?

I have both on two guitars... and I have to say that the Kit is more practical and a better value while offering the same functionality. Consider this: with the standalone GK3 unit, even putting the guitar into the stand can be difficult as the controller gets in the way of guitar strap and the stand. You need to be extra careful when transporting the guitar ina gigbag or not-fitting hard case. With a fitted case, you will struggle with the extra bulk of the controller. And then there is the cable connecting the pickup and the controller. No matter how you mount it, it always gets in the way of playing.

Advantages:
This kit will blend in with your existing controls, it's less prone to damage, cable is hidden and doesn't get in the way - this is important as you will not be forced to drastically alter your playing technique by moving your palm elsewhere.

Advice:
- (Optional) Buy a dedicated guitar that's as similar as possible to your regular guitar. It doesn't have to be an expensive with top-range specs. Example - if you have an Ibanez RG Prestige, get a regular RG, if you have a vintage Gibson, get a similar Epiphone? Just make sure the neck is stable. I bought a second hand instrument.
You can, of course, install it on your only guitar, if you are dedicated to the idea of guitar synths and don't mind permanently altering the instrument.

- Make sure there is enough space between the bridge pickup and the bridge for the GK pickup.

- Make sure that guitar is thick enough to install the connector socket - Ibanez S with its razor thin edges is a no no no.

- Unless you are an expert on soldering, woodwork and electronics, have the pickup installed by a professional luthier, ideally a person with some experience with installing Roland pickups.

- Work with luthier to make sure the controls are where you want them - this can be tricky as your options may be limited by the guitar's cavities, but your still more free than with the normal GK3. This kit gives you option to mount the controls where you want them.
Remember, a properly mounted and set up divided pickup will enable you to use the full potential of the guitar synth.

Trick:
If you have a Roland GR-55 and Boss GP10, you can install the divided picku ?up-side-down? (the wiring will point downwards). Both GR-55 and GP-10 allow you to use the ?reverse? setting. The advantage of the upsidedown mounting is that your picking hand is less likely to accidentally touch the Roland pickup as it doesn?t protrude from beneath the low E string.

If you?re still unsure which unit to choose, the Kit or the standalone unit, check the vguitarforums.com.

The Gk-Kit-GT3 gives that professional factory fitted look to any guitar once fitted.
With only slight hands-on ability the GT3 is easily fitted to any guitar and in most cases fits into the original electronics cavities of your guitar, and of course if you are fitting this into a hollow body guitar (semi-acoustic or elctro-acoustic) then no alterations are required. The instructions are clear and concise and all the cable looms fit into pre-fabricated connection sockets that fit one way only, eliminating wiring errors.
The quality of the materials are second to none and are exactly what would be expected from any Roland equipment.
I have fitted two of these now, the first one into a Gibson ES335 jazz box over 10 years ago and have had fault and failure free operation, although I am a jazz purist and most jazz players would cringe at the thought of fitting something like this into their beloved guitars i have to say that having the ability to play strings in the background via my GR55 and holding these pads allows for some very creative and melodic lines, whilst giving the impression of having your very own personalised keyboard player on hand when ever the occasion warrants.
The second GT3 i fitted into a Les-Paul and although a little bit trickier installation wise the same failure free operation has been afforded.
The GT3 is compatible with all 13 pin synth and modelling equipment- not just Roland.
Over-all a very well built piece of kit enabling guitarists to blaze their way through the synth world.

I had the GK3 kit fitted to my Taylor T3 which I use with the Roland GR55, I had it fitted by a guitar tech. It is brilliant with the Roland GR 55. The actual unit comes with everything you need to fit it, you will need to choose your own volume knob to suite you guitar. So far I have no problems with it, everything works just as it should. I'm not sure I could have fitted it myself, it didn't cost much to have it professionally fitted. YouTube has plenty of clips showing step by step fitting instruction and the instructions that come with it take a bit of time getting your head around, but that's just me. A great bit of kit that works, tracking is perfect absolutely no issues. I can recommend this to anyone.