Optimizing Roland GR-55 Guitar Synth Sensitivity: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 09/05/2025

The Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer is a powerful tool for expanding your sonic palette, offering a vast array of sounds and effects beyond the capabilities of a traditional guitar. However, unlocking its full potential requires a nuanced understanding of its sensitivity settings. Many players find themselves frustrated by inconsistent tracking or unwanted triggering of notes, hindering their creative workflow. Mastering the GR-55's sensitivity is crucial for achieving a seamless and expressive playing experience, transforming hesitant performances into fluid, expressive musical passages.

This lack of responsiveness can stem from several factors, including incorrect pickup configuration, improper settings within the GR-55's menus, and even subtle differences in playing technique. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to optimize your GR-55's sensitivity, ensuring your guitar playing translates accurately and responsively into the rich world of synthesized sound. Let's dive into the specifics and get you playing your best.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Roland GR-55
Safety Guidelines
  • Always back up your GR-55's data before making significant changes to its settings. This prevents accidental data loss if something goes wrong.
  • Experiment with settings gradually. Making drastic changes without understanding the effects can lead to undesirable results and frustration. Start with small adjustments and observe the outcome.
  • Understand the difference between the GR-55's various sensitivity parameters (velocity, aftertouch, etc.). Adjusting the wrong parameter will not solve your sensitivity issues.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access GK Settings

    • Navigate to the desired patch and press the 'Edit' button.
    • Use the page buttons (left/right arrows) to move to the 'System' page, then select 'GK settings'.
    Navigate to GK Settings: Use the page buttons (left/right arrows) to move to the 'System' page, then select 'GK settings'.Navigate to GK Settings: Use the page buttons (left/right arrows) to move to the 'System' page, then select 'GK settings'.
    Access GK Settings

  2. Adjust Pickup Distance

    • Fine-tune the distance between the GK pickup and strings (measured in millimeters). The default is often 10mm.
    Adjust Distance Setting: Fine-tune the distance between the GK pickup and strings (measured in millimeters). The default is often 10mm.
    Adjust Pickup Distance

  3. Optimize String Sensitivity

    • Set the sensitivity for each string individually. The presenter recommends starting with the maximum setting and reducing it only where necessary to reduce unwanted noise.
    Adjust Sensitivity: Set the sensitivity for each string individually. The presenter recommends starting with the maximum setting (100) and reducing it only where necessary to reduce unwanted noise.
    Optimize String Sensitivity

  4. Refine Velocity Response

    • Experiment with velocity settings to find the optimal balance. Pay close attention to the 'Low Velocity Cut' setting to minimize background noise from finger movements.
    Adjust Velocity Settings: Experiment with velocity settings to find the optimal balance. Pay close attention to the 'Low Velocity Cut' setting to minimize background noise from finger movements.
    Refine Velocity Response

  5. Customize Dynamics and Feel

    • Adjust the velocity dynamics and play feel presets to match your playing style. This is largely experimental, and the presenter offers limited concrete advice.
    Fine-tune Dynamics and Play Feel: Adjust the velocity dynamics and play feel presets to match your playing style. This is largely experimental, and the presenter offers limited concrete advice.
    Customize Dynamics and Feel

  6. Experiment with Nuance Settings

    • The presenter mentions 'Nuance' settings, but offers little guidance beyond suggesting experimentation.
    Experiment with Nuance Settings: The presenter mentions 'Nuance' settings, but offers little guidance beyond suggesting experimentation.
    Experiment with Nuance Settings

Read more: Fixing Loose Acoustic Guitar Tuners: The Toothpick & Glue Method

Tips

  • Start with maximum sensitivity and reduce it only if necessary to minimize noise. The presenter uses 100 for most strings, except string 6.
  • Pay close attention to the 'Low Velocity Cut' setting to eliminate unwanted background noise, especially when fingerpicking.
  • Experimentation is key for finding the optimal settings for velocity, dynamics, and play feel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Pickup Height

Reason: Improperly adjusted pickup height can lead to inconsistent signal strength and inaccurate tracking, resulting in poor response from the GR-55.
Solution: Adjust the pickup height to the manufacturer's recommendations or experiment to find the optimal distance for even signal transmission.

2. Ignoring Input Gain Settings

Reason: Setting the input gain too low results in a weak signal, while setting it too high causes clipping and distortion, reducing responsiveness and dynamic range.
Solution: Adjust the input gain until the signal meter shows a healthy level without exceeding the maximum threshold.

3. Overlooking the MIDI Channel Assignment

Reason: If your guitar synth isn't correctly assigned to the same MIDI channel as your GR-55, you won't get any sound, or the response will be erratic.
Solution: Ensure both your guitar and GR-55 are set to the same MIDI channel.

FAQs

My GR-55 is still missing notes or triggering unwanted ones even after adjusting the sensitivity settings. What else could be wrong?
Several factors beyond sensitivity settings can affect tracking. Check your GK pickup installation to ensure proper grounding and signal strength. A faulty or improperly shielded cable can also introduce noise and tracking issues. Try different guitar strings as their material and age can impact the signal. Additionally, ensure your guitar's output level isn't too high or low, and consider experimenting with different input buffers and gain settings within the GR-55.
Accurate tuning is paramount for achieving the best possible sound from your Roland GR-55. Getting those subtle nuances of your guitar's tone to translate perfectly into the synth requires precise intonation. For those seeking a superior tuning experience, consider checking out our guide on the best options for high-visibility guitar tuning devices available in 2024. This will ensure your GR-55 receives the accurate signal it needs for optimal sensitivity. Now, let's dive into optimizing the GR-55 itself...