SETTING IT UP : The GM-800 uses a brand new hi-tech GK-5 digital pickup system . They ’ ve also switched from a 13-multi-pin jack to a simple TRS cable . The first thing I needed to do was install the newly designed GK-5 serial pickup . The GK-5 is smaller and more compact than its predecessors . There are three ways it can be installed . You can use double-sided tape , mounting screws , or attach it with the included pickup holder . I chose the third option , attaching it to a PRS McCarty 594 Les Paul-style Bridge . The small housing attaches securely to the guitar strap button . It feels solid once you tighten it down . GK-5 also doesn ’ t require a particular guitar case once installed . The directions were good , but the demo and instructional YouTube videos were fantastic . Once I got the GK-5 pickup installed , I was ready to explore . FYI : there is also a separate GK-5B pickup for Bass players .
COMPATIBILITY : BOSS also makes two Backward / Forward compatible converter boxes for the GK-3 pickup system to honor owners of previous Guitar Synths . The GKC-AD GK Converter takes the 13-pin GK analog device and converts it to Serial Digital to access the new GM-800 . Likewise , the GKC-DA converts the next-generation GK-5 Serial interface to the classic 13-pin devices . So , hold on because your traditional gear just got an upgrade .
THE SOUNDS : GM-800 uses the ZEN-Core Sound Engine Featuring Flagship Roland Synthesizers . Internally , GM-800 has a capacity for 150 Scenes ( these are like Multi-presets with up to four sounds and a rhythm tone each ). The 100 Factory pre-installed Scenes are userconfigurable , and there ’ s room for 50 more . GM-800 comes fully loaded with 1,200 tones , 70 Rhythm sounds , and 90 different effect algorithms available for each Scene . There ’ s a virtually endless library of sounds via the advanced Roland ZEN-Core sound engine . It combines PCM synthesis and cuttingedge modeling technology . There are Pianos ,
Keyboards , Orchestral , Percussion , and all the modern Roland Synths . Also , GM-800 comes with BOSS Tone Studio editing software . Here , you can edit and organize all your sounds . Likewise , you can download and share your custom sounds via the BOSS Tone Exchange platform . On top of all that , you have access to another bazillion Sounds from the Roland Cloud . They ’ ve thought of everything .
IN USE :
After installing the GK-5 Pickup , reading the manual and watching BOSS ’ s instructional videos , I was ready to dive in . Scrolling through the sounds , I ’ m super impressed . They ’ re fantastic , and the tracking is spot on . There ’ s a quick adjustment for that on the pedal if you need it . You can assign individual strings to their own specific sounds . This is cool for orchestral and piano-type things . I loved playing Donna Lee on guitar and having it as a fretless bass like Jaco . This thing becomes super addicting as you scroll through the Scenes . I play a little keyboard , mostly programming in the studio . GM-800 speeds up my programming and allows me to play stuff so quickly that it typically takes an hour or so of editing .
Modern Worship becomes more synthheavy all the time . So whether I ’ m writing or recording , I can now be more creative and relevant . I can play great bass lines with legit sounds and all the Saw parts , and Pads , etc ., very quickly . Since the GM-800 also outputs MIDI , I can record and edit my parts afterward . I can easily reassign extra layers via MIDI to what I ’ ve recorded , allowing for even more creativity . The Tone Studio software helped me save the sounds I love and keep my favorites close and
BOSS GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer | Sound Examples by Alex Hutchings
easily accessible . The vast amounts of sounds to pick from makes this software a lifesaver . FYI : The GM-800 is a killer addition to any keyboard arsenal as a desktop synth . To describe my experience in three words : So Much Fun !
MY TAKEAWAY : Many of us spend our free time researching and looking at pedals and guitars for inspiration or that “ killer sound ”. Meanwhile , on the other side of the world , the guys at Boss have been researching and working night and day to create the ultimate Guitar Synth . Their diligence and hard work have paid off . The new BOSS GM-800 is a guitar synth in a class by itself . The expressive intelligent tracking , smaller footprint , ¼ TRS cable , and every Roland Synth sound make for a life-changing event .
Finally , as guitar players , we can use our skills and create like keyboard players . They ’ ve been using guitar samples and loops to imitate us . Now it ’ s our turn . I ’ ve never been so excited about a guitar synth , and I will write and record with it a lot in the studio . For live , it ’ s an excellent option for a smaller band with two guitars ; one could cover the keyboard parts . Of course , you could have it on your pedalboard for creative sounds .
For Bass players , the GK-5B pickup makes the most incredible Synth Bass patches available on the fly . Whatever your application , the GM- 800 is a worthy investment , even better with backward compatibility .
$ 749.99 www . Boss . info
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[ WM ] Affiliate Link Installing the pickup onto your guitar ( flat type ) BOSS GK-5 # 01
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