Roland GK-3 Guitar Divided Pickup

This replacement works like the original.

So this is my 3rd GK2A pickup I have on 3 guitars. The installation is very easy. I have seen an improvement in installation part Roland adding a mounting plate that screws into the hole of strap holder and the pickup screws into that so you don’t bother the finish on guitar. I have the first version of the Roland guitar synth the GR 1 and have seen a great improvement in the sensitivity of the pick up. I am satisfied with the way it tracks the strings. Of course certain sounds track better than others but it’s also the way you play. I don’t think it’s a good fit for bass I’ve tried and couldn’t really get it to do anything. I’ve seen the price come down and was very happy about that. This is not for every guitar or player but it gives great options and combinations to your sound. It’s a great value for the price as I have paid more in the past so I grabbed this one from Amazon without hesitation. Works great...

Have these on 3 guitars now

About 7 months ago I put one on my Les Paul, pretty easy to install. I use it with my SY-1000 every day, just noodling over my looper as I stroll through the presets. In fact, I use it so much my archtop feels neglected, and when I saw that it is somehow cheaper now than in January, I figured I would just get another one, although installation on a hollow-body might be more involved.Although I have had zero problems with the unit so far, I gotta say that I am not sure about long term. The main unit is plastic and feels a bit flimsy, and the jack for the 13-pin connector doesn't feel rock solid. I'm an old fart who plays sitting down so I will probably never stress it.The volume control could be a bit more logarithmic, there's not much middle ground between silent and full volume. And I do wish they had tucked the knob away from the outer edge of the unit - I have a tendency to brush it with my hand and turn the volume all the way down, making me thing I broke something in the signal chain.All very minor concerns, I have been very happy with the GK-3.

At age 59 I decided to try guitar synthesizer world with very limited knowledge. I bought GR-33 Roland. I was in love with the unit use Gk-2a. I turned 60 Time became an issue .sold GR-33 bought almost $500 more GR-55. within one month realized what a disappointment.It was too many sound in each group you had to constantly edit . Sold half price only 4 month old just the unit, buyer was a bass player who told me people don't need your pickup GK-3. I guess what they use is Gk-3B for bass. Buyer got a good deal because I by mistake send my Roland cable . but he told me to try GR-20 . He was right easy really no need for manuals. I used a goodin guitar. I mostly play nylon string. It is well built but input jack 13 pins was acting. BE Aware If you have goodin brand new buy an extra unit circuit board with both 13 pin and 1/4 jack because if your 13 pin acts all Godin reps only want to sell guitars not repair or parts. The local guitar repair shop decline to install a new 13 pin input jack and told me godin them self can't fix it .So far I tried to give some of my experiences to those that are new to this . I install around 12 of these type Pick ups, the last one was an Axon 101 pick up. THIS PICK UP WON'T WORK ON YOUR NYLON STRING GUITAR. That is why I mentioned Godin because you can play 13 pin with nylon string. If you are into guitar synthesizer to play moon light Sonata Piano sound using your Guitar think again. but it is very handy if you are one of those people who likes to right his/her own piece. If you are young and eager go for it . Axon is better although no longer is made specially when the latency is an issue the sound board is no match for Roland controller . This is a good pick up with a part for Les Paul type bridge. but I rather use guitars with single saddle . you see a tiny L shape part which is 1 mm. this is the most important part of your installation . IT IS 1 mm The distance between string and GK-3 pick up. closer you play one note receive two notes farther sensitivity problem. Therefore , if you use this jack on Les Paul remember IT IS 1 mm how you do it is your creativity. Those people on You tube use a guitar which set by experience technician. Don' expect you do it that easy Detail is the clue, it is exciting. Piano is challenging. my last installation was with Axon controller .I put GK-2a on Les Paul. Axon 101 pick up on Fender full attention to radias and use the L device. after you are done installing put on 20X magnifier to see push the L between string and your pick up . It should go in and out touching the pickup and string without lifting the string. super important. The GK-3 is good. After installing 10-12 of them I am convinced the 1mm and 20 mm distance between saddle and GK pick up are essential.. Keep that in mind, Like I said not that many choices you have. unless you want to install some other Technic such as GHOST graph tech which you can buy it in Amazon. However before making any decision look at your ability to install. Do it professionally cost money. After all this. This GK-3 is the easiest way to get in. Remember your guitar must use steel string magnetic. Now my vote which is a BUY. Good luck and Happy new year.

GR3 pick up needs to work with older rolling products should incorporate the GR2

The GK pickup is an Roland OEM part. It works great and the seller had the lowest price. The seller was great. The 4 star for value is only because Roland has you over a barrel on the price and you cant find one used that would save you enough money to justify buying one (used). Price issue is on Roland because its not super high tech anymore. Since releasing the original pickup over 20 years ago there has not been a single significant change (other than calling it a different name) to warrant the price, the technology is not new.

Had everything needed including detailed instructions for installation. This is a great product upgrade from the GK-2A and includes some extra features not previously included on the GK-2A. One such example is the audio jack cable that was ⅛ to ¼ is now solely ¼" to ¼" eliminating the need for a special cable to connect guitar output to the GK-3. Another example is the more secure mounting option of the GK-3 module to the bottom guitar strap post of the guitar. No use rating the performance of the divided pickup since most of this is attributed to the actual setup of the pickup and your own string height preferences. But Roland gives you everything and the instructive steps needed to get your rig up and running. The same quality I always expect from Roland products and once again, they pass with flying colors!