Alan Townsend looks at those little problems that arise even out of the most sophisticated and well-balanced electronic relationships. If you wish to contribute a problem, or even a solution or an idea, write to Alan at Input, Roland (UK) Ltd., (Contact Details).

GR TRACKING

Dear Sirs,

I have owned a GR-700 and G-707 guitar synthesizer since shortly after they were introduced and have been more than happy with their performance during that time.

Whilst having a discussion with one of your representatives recently in Jones and Crossland, Birmingham, he suggested I try a method now in use by various players of the GR-700 system, that is, using the guitar signal direct from the guitar itself. Having experimented, I find the method to be a better way of amplification of the guitar but the switching, between guitar and synthesizer is not easily enabled by one action, i.e. either footswitch or hand action. Could you possibly suggest a way of using this connection but with a switching solution.

As most electronic instruments are updated as aspects of 'Working on the road' are realised I wondered whether any such modifications had been made to the GR-700 since it's introduction.

Yours faithfully, Don Smith.

Dear Don,

I put your question to Mark Wood who takes care of our GR-700 demonstrations.

Mark also uses the signal direct from the guitar's jack output and he puts a dummy jack in the floor unit's guitar outputs to remove the guitar sound from the synthesizer. He usually uses a jack lead from this socket to the tuner so that his tuner is always ready for use.

The 'Master Volume' still controls both guitar and synthesizer sound while the 'Balance' now only controls synthesizer volume. The synthesizer can also be cut instantly with the mode switch.

Mark goes a stage further by using an FV200 stereo volume foot pedal to attenuate the synthesizer sound and a mono FV100 for the guitar. This system works very well for him (and his dancing has improved enormously).

There has, indeed, been a software update to the GR-700. This new EPROM allows the synthesizer to detect the pitch of the guitar string on the first cycle. (Until now it waited for the second cycle). The update, consequently, makes the GR-700 tracking even quicker.

The modification can be carried out by our service dept. They charge a nominal £10 and will keep your existing EPROM to be programmed for the next man.
AT.

MICRO SAMPLER

Dear Alan,

I have recently been fortunate to buy the Graphic Equaliser, Compressor and two Digital Delays in your Boss 'Micro Rack' system. I am extremely pleased with the quality of these small units for my Portastudio set-up and have absolutely no regrets in their purchase, I write to enquire whether you intend to market a Sampler unit like the DSD-2 pedal but in Micro-Rack system? I would be very interested in the unit if you did.

Yours, Andrew F, Baker.

Dear Andrew,

Take a look at the RSD-10 write-up in this Newslink. Leaflet in the post.
AT.

Catching the Bus

Dear Alan,

I thought I would write to thank you for the Playbus that you sent me. (Piers won the Winter Newslink crossword competition.) I hadn't used a headphone amp before and was quite surprised at the quality of sound that I can achieve with it. It's great! Thanks very much. I would recommend them to any one for practising or recording through an amp.

Yours gratefully, Piers Philo,

Board Order

Dear Alan,

I have a pedal board containing, in order, CS-2, DSD-2, SD-1, HM-2, BF-2 and CE-3. I was wondering if these are in the best configuration.

Yours, Mark McGowan

Dear Mark,

There are few rules as to which order you should place effects pedals. It is a matter of choice whether you should flange your overdrive or overdrive your flange. You correctly put the CE-3 last in the chain to take advantage of the stereo outputs.

My only other comment is that by putting the CS-2 before the HM-2 you will lose the touch sensitivity of the Heavy Metal pedal.

I enclose a Boss Dictionary which may give you some more ideas.
AT.