Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal

Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer Workstation

Step into a limitless universe of sound design completely controlled by your favorite stringed instrument. The Roland GR-55 is a revolutionary, high-performance guitar synthesizer processor that merges breakthrough pitch-tracking synthesis with advanced COSM physical instrument modeling. Engineered for boundary-pushing guitarists, progressive bassists, and professional studio session players across the UAE, this floor-based powerhouse allows your guitar to accurately trigger everything from vintage analog synthesizers and cinematic orchestral strings to authentic acoustic instruments and legendary amplifier configurations.

Dual PCM Synthesis Engines Paired with COSM Modeling

The sonic architecture of the GR-55 features a massive triple-core processing network. It houses two independent PCM digital synthesis blocks packed with over 900 premium Roland preset tones, including thick pads, piercing lead synths, acoustic pianos, and modern electronic textures. Running parallel to these PCM engines is a dedicated COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) system. The COSM block lets you digitally morph your physical guitar's core character instantly into virtual vintage stratocasters, acoustic 12-strings, heavy-duty resonators, sitars, or a massive wall of classic tube amplifiers and effects pedals.

Ultra-Fast Tracking and Real-Time Pitch Detection

Historically, guitar synthesis struggled with noticeable tracking lag and glitching notes. Roland solves this completely in the GR-55 through a sophisticated combination of high-speed digital signal processing algorithms and a specialized 13-pin divided pickup interface. The system detects the pitch, dynamics, and picking velocity of each individual string completely independently. This achieves near-instantaneous tracking speed, ensuring that rapid lightning-fast solos, complex jazz chords, and subtle acoustic finger-picking styles translate flawlessly into tracking synth data with zero humanly perceptible delay.

Integrated Audio Player, Looper, and Comprehensive Floor Controls

The GR-55 serves as a complete standalone performance environment for solo gigging musicians in Dubai and studio track producers in Abu Dhabi. It features an onboard phrase looper that provides up to 20 seconds of multi-layer recording time, allowing you to lay down a synthetic pad rhythm and solo over it with a COSM electric lead patch simultaneously. Additionally, the integrated USB host port lets you play back backing track audio files (WAV or AIFF) directly from a flash drive, completely managed via the heavy-duty footswitches and rugged integrated expression pedal.

Key Product Benefits

Triple-Core Multi-Engine: Run two independent PCM synth layers alongside a COSM modeled instrument/amplifier chain simultaneously for massive sonic depth.
Massive 900+ Preset Library: Access premium internal sounds including vintage keys, orchestral brass, organs, and cutting-edge dance synthesizers.
Flawless 13-Pin Divided Tracking: Provides lightning-fast pitch detection per string, eliminating dynamic delay and artificial tracking glitches.
Independent Audio Pathways: Route your normal electric guitar tone through standard 1/4-inch jacks while streaming massive synth layers out through separate stereo outputs.
Tour-Grade Floor Console: Features four assignable multi-function footswitches, an integrated expression pedal, and a high-contrast backlit LCD matrix for stage tracking.

Official Technical Specifications

Internal Sound Generator: 2 x Independent PCM Synthesis Engines plus 1 x COSM Modeling Core
Total Factory Presets: Guitar patches: 270 Preset + 297 User; Bass patches: 90 Preset + 297 User
PCM Synth Tones: 910 premium internal production instruments
Effects Routing Matrix: Multi-Effects (MFX): 20 types; Chorus: 4 types; Reverb: 7 types; EQ: 1 type; Guitar Amp Modeling: 42 types
Onboard Phrase Looper: 20 seconds maximum recording duration (PCM layer multi-track overdubbing supported)
Physical Analog Audio Inputs: 1 x GK 13-Pin Divided Input Port; 1 x 1/4-inch Guitar Return Jack
Physical Analog Audio Outputs: Main Output L/Mono & R (1/4-inch phone jacks), Guitar Out Jack (1/4-inch dry signal pass-through), Phones Output (Stereo miniature 3.5mm jack)
Digital & Control Interfaces: MIDI Input and Output (5-Pin DIN), USB Computer Port (Type B supporting USB MIDI and Audio), USB Memory Port (Type A for flash drive tracking)
Display Layout: High-visibility graphic backlit LCD matrix (240 x 64 dots format)
Power Supply Requirements: 9V DC Regulated power block drawing 700 mA minimum continuous current (Included standard accessory)
Physical Dimensions: 405 mm Width x 244 mm Depth x 78 mm Height
Net Unit Weight: 3.1 kg

Common Customer Questions Answered

Can I plug my standard 1/4-inch guitar cable straight into the GR-55 to play synth sounds?

No, you cannot trigger the internal PCM synthesizer engines using a standard 1/4-inch mono guitar cable alone. To unlock the pitch-tracking synthesis, you must use a specialized hexaphonic divided pickup, such as the Roland GK-3, and connect it to the GR-55 via a dedicated 13-pin GK cable. However, you can plug your standard 1/4-inch guitar cable into the unit to utilize the internal multi-effects and COSM amp modeling engines completely standalone.

What does the "Guitar Out" jack on the back of the pedal do?

The Guitar Out jack is a highly useful, transparent dry signal pass-through. It allows you to isolate your physical guitar's natural, un-synthesized acoustic or electric voice and route it straight out to your traditional on-stage guitar amplifier or pedalboard. This lets you run a dual-rig configuration, sending your massive synth pads to the house PA mixers while your core rock guitar crunch continues to scream through your regular amplifier speakers.

Can the GR-55 function as a digital studio audio interface for computer recording?

Yes, absolutely. The GR-55 features a high-fidelity built-in USB audio and MIDI interface. When you connect the Type-B USB port straight into your PC or Mac laptop, the unit can stream your fully mixed stereo synth performances, modeled guitar tracks, or raw MIDI notes straight into your favorite DAW software, removing the need for a separate external audio converter box.