Roland Musical Instrument GK 3 User Guide

Owner’s Manual  
Thank you for purchasing the Roland GK-3 divided pickup.  
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:  
• USING THE UNIT SAFELY (page 2–3)  
• IMPORTANT NOTES (page 3)  
These sections provide important information concerning the  
proper operation of the unit.  
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good  
grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner’s manual  
should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and  
kept on hand as a convenient reference.  
Copyright © 2003 Roland CORPORATION  
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in  
any form without the written permission of Roland CORPORATION.  
 
355b  
When moved from one location to another where  
the temperature and/or humidity is very different,  
water droplets (condensation) may form inside the  
unit. Damage or malfunction may result if you  
attempt to use the unit in this condition. Therefore,  
before using the unit, you must allow it to stand for  
several hours, until the condensation has  
104  
Try to prevent cords and cables from  
becoming entangled. Also, all cords and  
cables should be placed so they are out of  
the reach of children.  
.........................................................................................................  
completely evaporated.  
106  
Never climb on top of, nor place heavy  
objects on the unit.  
Maintenance  
401a  
For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry  
cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with  
water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impreg-  
nated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. After-  
wards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a  
soft, dry cloth.  
.........................................................................................................  
108c  
Disconnect all cords coming from external  
devices before moving the unit.  
.........................................................................................................  
118  
Should you remove the parts of installation,  
make sure to put them in a safe place out of  
children's reach, so there is no chance of  
them being swallowed accidentally.  
402  
Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of  
any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration  
and/or deformation.  
.........................................................................................................  
Additional Precautions  
553  
Use a reasonable amount of care when using the  
unit’s buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when  
using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can  
lead to malfunctions.  
IMPORTANT NOTES  
291a  
In addition to the items listed under “USING  
556  
When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp  
the connector itself—never pull on the cable. This  
way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to  
the cable’s internal elements.  
THE UNIT SAFELY,” please read and  
observe the following:  
Power Supply  
558a  
To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the  
307  
Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off  
the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunc-  
tions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.  
unit’s volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer  
to use headphones, so you do not need to be  
concerned about those around you (especially  
when it is late at night).  
Placement  
559a  
351  
When you need to transport the unit, package it in  
Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other  
equipment containing large power transformers)  
may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change  
the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away  
from the source of interference.  
the box (including padding) that it came in, if  
possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equiv-  
alent packaging materials.  
562  
Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If  
using some other make of connection cable, please  
note the following precautions.  
352b  
Noise may be produced if wireless communications  
devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the  
vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when  
receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing.  
Should you experience such problems, you should  
relocate such wireless devices so they are at a  
greater distance from this unit, or switch them off.  
Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not  
use cables that incorporate resistors for connecting  
to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the  
sound level to be extremely low, or impossible to  
hear. For information on cable specifications,  
contact the manufacturer of the cable.  
354a  
Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it  
near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an  
enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temper-  
ature extremes. Excessive heat can deform or  
discolor the unit.  
3
 
 
Contents  
Main Features  
The GK-3 is a special divided pickup, which,  
when installed on an ordinary guitar, allows  
you to use the guitar to play the sounds of  
GK-compatible guitar devices (Roland GR-  
20 or VG-88 etc.).  
Attaching the GK-3 to the  
The pickup’s adjustable curve mechanism  
makes the GK-3 compatible with guitars  
with different fingerboard (string) curves.  
Included with the GK-3 are special  
holders, spacers, and other accessories,  
which allow you to easily attach the unit  
to any of a wide variety of guitar models.  
Attaching the Pickup with  
You can use the controller switches to  
control the various functions of  
connected GK devices.  
Attaching the Pickup with  
About the GK-3 Warranty  
Checking and Finely Adjusting  
Roland guarantees the GK-3 (and all  
included parts) to be free of defects in  
materials and workmanship. Contact your  
retailer or nearest Roland Service Center if  
repairs become necessary.  
Adjusting the Length of  
Roland cannot be responsible for any  
Attaching with Double–sided Tape  
damage caused to your guitar or the GK-3 as  
a result of your attempt to install or remove  
the GK-3. If you are not confident with your  
ability to properly install the Pickup or  
Controller unit (especially where drilling is  
involved), please contact your Roland  
retailer or nearest Roland Service Center.  
220  
*
All product names mentioned in this document are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of their  
respective owners.  
4
 
Panel Descriptions  
fig.0010  
Pickup Cable  
DOWN/S1 Switch  
6.  
Yoke  
7.  
UP/S2 Switch  
Power Indicator  
8.  
R Adjustment Screw  
GK Volume  
2.  
Select Switch  
5.  
GK Connector  
3.  
4.  
Normal Pickup Input Jack  
Divided Pickup  
1.  
Controller  
Pickup  
5. Select Switch  
1. Divided Pickup  
This pickup detects the vibrations of the  
guitar strings. It is attached between the  
guitar bridge and the bridge pickup.  
This switches between the output from the  
connected GK device and the normal guitar output.  
*
Changing the GK Volume function also changes the  
function of this switch. For more detailed  
information, refer to the Owner’s Manual for the  
GK device being connected.  
2. GK Volume  
This controls the volume of the connected  
GK device.  
6. DOWN/S1 Switch  
7. UP/S2 Switch  
The function of the S1 and S2 switches varies  
according to the GK device connected. For  
more detailed information, refer to the  
Owner’s Manual for the GK device being  
connected.  
*
Certain GK-compatible devices also permit the GK  
Volume function to be changed. For more detailed  
information, refer to the Owner’s Manual for the  
GK device being connected.  
3. GK Connector  
Connect the GK device to this connector.  
4. Normal Pickup Input Jack  
This jack is for inputting the guitar’s normal  
pickup signals to the GK-3. Connect using  
the normal guitar cable included with the  
GK-3.  
8. Power Indicator  
This indicates that power is being supplied to  
the GK-3. Power to the GK-3 is supplied by  
the connected GK device via the GK cable. No  
battery or other power source is required.  
5
 
 
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
The GK-3 can be attached to and used with conventional electric and acoustic guitars. Please  
read the following precautions before installing the GK-3.  
Precautions Before Installing  
Do not use the GK-3 with 12-string  
guitars or guitars with other unusual or  
customized string setups, guitars strung  
with non-metal core nylon strings. The  
unit will not function properly with these  
instruments.  
If only the double-sided tape is used to  
attach the controller, shocks from rough  
handling during performances and from  
extended use will cause the tape to  
deteriorate, with the controller shifting  
out of position as a result. Also, if the  
finish on your guitar is less than perfect,  
you may discover that the finish is also  
removed when you later remove the tape.  
The supplied tape is intended to be used  
only very temporarily, to help you  
determine the optimum position for the  
controller.  
Make any adjustments to the guitar neck,  
string  
height,  
and  
other  
such  
modifications before installing the GK-3.  
Try placing the divided pickup and the  
controller unit on the guitar before  
actually attaching them to confirm that  
there will be no problem with the  
installation.  
With certain guitars, the space between  
the pickup at the bridge position and the  
bridge itself is too narrow to allow  
installation of the divided pickup. In such  
instances, it may be possible to attach the  
pickup by modifying the guitar (for  
example, by moving the bridge pickup  
more towards the neck to make room for  
the divided pickup); consult your guitar  
dealer.  
When using the screw to attach the  
controller, we recommend that you first  
attach the GK-3 temporarily using the  
special holder, then after confirming that  
there are no problems when actually  
performing with the unit, secure it with  
the screw.  
6
 
   
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
Confirm that the package contains all of the following parts for installing the GK-3.  
fig.1010e (Accessories)  
Cushion  
Flat-head Screw 3x16 mm  
Pickup Cushion  
x 1 (for installing  
the Controller)  
x 4  
(for installing  
the Divided Pickup)  
Wood Screw 3x20 mm  
x 2 (for attaching  
the Holder A)  
Pickup Spacer A  
Cap Nut  
x 2 (for installing  
x 1 (for attaching  
the Holder B)  
the Divided Pickup)  
x 2  
Spring  
Spring Washer  
(for adjusting the height of  
the Divided Pickup)  
x 1  
(for attaching  
the Holder B)  
x 2 (for installing  
the Divided Pickup)  
Pickup Spacer B  
Flat Washer  
x 1 (for attaching  
the Holder B)  
Double-sided tape A  
Pickup Holder  
x 3  
(for adjusting the height of  
the Divided Pickup)  
x 3 (for installing  
the Controller)  
x 1  
Double-sided tape B  
Pickup Spacer C  
x 4 (for installing  
the Divided Pickup)  
Rubber Sheet  
x 4  
(for adjusting the height of  
the Divided Pickup)  
x 2 (for attaching  
the Divided Pickup to  
the Pickup Holder)  
Holder A  
Holder B  
Rubber Tube  
x 2 (for attaching  
the Divided Pickup to  
the Pickup Holder)  
Screw 3x8 mm  
(for attaching  
the Divided Pickup to  
the Pickup Holder)  
x 2  
Clearance Gauge  
Adjustment Template  
Normal Guitar Cable  
x 1  
Screwdriver  
x 1  
7
 
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
Adjusting the Divided Pickup  
The surface of a guitar’s fingerboard is not flat, but describes a large arc from the first string to  
the sixth string, and the strings themselves are laid out in roughly the same curved  
arrangement. The divided pickup uses independent coils to pick up the vibrations of each  
separate string, so variations in the clearance between the strings and their corresponding  
pickups may result in discrepancies in sensitivity for each string. The GK-3’s divided pickup  
features a mechanism that allows you to adjust the curve outlined by the pickups, making the  
GK-3 compatible with different types of guitars.  
*
Be sure not to turn the adjustment screw too much.  
When raising the yoke, rotate the adjustment screw  
slowly clockwise, and stop turning the screw at the  
point where you feel further resistance. Continuing  
to turn the screw beyond this point may result in  
damage to the unit.  
1. Check the curve of the fingerboard on the  
guitar to which the GK-3 is to be attached.  
*
*
Refer to the guitar manual or catalog, or consult the  
guitar manufacturer.  
If you are not sure of your guitar's curve, attach the  
pickup to the guitar with the yokes left in the  
lowered position, then adjust the yokes after the  
pickup has been installed.  
fig.1020 (R Adjustment Diagram)  
2. Adjust the pickups with the supplied  
screwdriver.  
R Adjustment Screw  
Place the included adjustment template  
over the third and fourth string yokes,  
and turn the R adjustment screw to adjust  
the coil height.  
Adjustment  
Template  
The adjustment template features slits for  
setting “250R” and “300R” curves. If the  
curve for your guitar is “250R,” adjust the  
yoke at “250R” so that the yoke is at the  
same height as the template’s surface. If a  
curve of 300R is used, adjust the yoke at  
“300R” so that the yoke is at the same  
height as the template’s surface.  
When completely extended (i.e., with the  
adjustment screw turned fully clockwise),  
the yoke is set to approximately 184R;  
when the yoke is in the fully lowered  
position, the setting is approximately 400R.  
If the curve for your guitar differs from any  
of these settings, first adjust the settings to  
the nearest position that best matches your  
guitar, then fine-adjust the settings after  
installation of the pickup is completed.  
8
 
 
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
Attaching the Divided Pickup  
There are three ways to attach the divided pickup.  
Attaching the Pickup with Double-  
Attaching the Pickup with the Holder  
This provides the simplest way to attach the  
pickup to flat-top guitars.  
This is the simplest method for guitars with  
the bridge mounted on posts embedded in  
the guitar body.  
Attaching the Pickup with Screws (p. 12)  
This method features the benefit of allowing  
the pickups to be finely adjusted later on, but  
it is somewhat difficult to carry out.  
*
*
Do not place any unnecessary strain on the cable connecting the pickup and the controller. This may result in breaking.  
Do not bend or twist the pickup. Use particular care when removing the pickup.  
Attaching the Pickup with Double-Sided Tape  
*
When viewed from the front, the strings do not  
necessarily need to be aligned perfectly with the  
center of the yokes. Each string need only pass over  
some portion of its yoke.  
1. Place the pickup between the guitar’s  
body and strings, and determine the  
position for attachment.  
In principle, the pickup should be  
centered with respect to the six strings, as  
fig.1050e (Yokes and Strings)  
close to the bridge as possible.  
Forth String  
Fifth String  
Sixth String  
fig.1030 (Position of Pickup Attachment)  
*
If your guitar has a tremolo unit (whammy bar),  
then attaching the pickup at the bridge position may  
bring the pickup into direct contact with the tremolo  
unit. Position the pickup so that it will not interfere  
with operation of the tremolo unit.  
*
Be sure the divided pickup is correctly oriented. The  
cord from the pickup should emerge from under the  
sixth string.  
*
*
Attach the pickup about 15 mm (9/16”) from the  
bridge if your guitar is strung with copper, brass, or  
bronze wound strings, such as with an acoustic guitar.  
When you have determined the position  
in which the pickup is to be attached,  
Regardless of the guitar, do not position the divided  
pickup more than 20 mm (13/16”) from the bridge.  
mark the position with  
cellophane tape or other appropriate  
marking.  
a
pencil,  
fig.1040e (Position of Pickup Attachment (Side View))  
Maximum 20 mm  
9
 
   
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
*
The pickup spacers and the pickup cushions are  
attached to the guitar with double–sided tape. When  
affixing the tape, however, the tape’s thickness is  
reduced by 0.1 mm (0.004”) when the backing of the  
tape is removed. Therefore, when using several  
pickup spacers, take this fact into account and set the  
height slightly higher to compensate.  
2. Be sure the neck curvature and string  
height are set properly, then tune each  
string to its normal tuning.  
*
Changes in the string height following installation  
of the GK-3 pickup may cause the clearance between  
the strings and the pickup to change, which can  
result in poorer sensitivity.  
4. Remove the strings from your guitar.  
3. Adjust the height of the pickup.  
Insert the supplied spacers under the  
pickup until it is at the required height  
(do not remove the backing from the tape  
yet).  
5. Remove the backing from the tapes for  
the pickup cushion, the pickup  
spacers, and the pickup, and carefully  
attach the pickup to the guitar.  
There are three types of pickup spacers,  
“A” (3 mm), “B” (1 mm) and “C” (0.25  
mm); combine these as necessary to  
achieve the proper pickup height.  
The pickup height should be adjusted so that the  
distance between the pickup and the strings is about  
1.0 mm (0.04”) when the highest frets on the first  
and sixth strings are fingered. Check the height  
using the supplied clearance gauge (1.0 mm), and  
6. Restring and tune the guitar, then  
carefully check the height of the  
divided pickup once more.  
Measure with the clearance gauge to  
confirm that the clearances between the  
pickup and the strings are approximately  
1.0 mm (0.04") when you press the first and  
sixth strings at the highest fret, then finish  
up by making sure that the strings do not  
touch the pickup when you play the guitar.  
*
*
If the first and sixth string heights differ greatly  
when the highest fret is fingered, compensate by  
adding the appropriate half-width or one-third width  
spacers until the clearance for both strings is the  
same.  
7. Take the steps below if the height of  
the divided pickup is not right.  
1) Carefully examine the pickup in its  
current state, and add a suitable  
number of spacers if the pickup is  
too low, or remove one or more  
spacers if the pickup is too high.  
When using an arch-top guitar, put the  
pickup cushions under the pickup spacers.  
fig.1060e (Pickup Spacers)  
2) Remove the strings from the guitar.  
3)  
Remove the divided pickup from the guitar.  
*
Use care in handling the divided pickup; bending or  
twisting it may cause breaking in the coil elements.  
Carefully insert something thin and flat (like a table  
knife) under the Pickup from the sixth string side,  
then gently pry the pickup upwards.  
Pickup Spacer  
Pickup Cushion  
fig.1070 (Removing the Pickup)  
*
Adjust the pickup cushion thickness as required, for  
example by using two pickup cushions.  
10  
 
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
4) After removing the pickup, carefully  
remove the double–sided tape from  
the bottom of the pickup.  
7) Attach the pickup to the top of the  
spacer that is applied to the guitar side.  
8) Restring and tune the guitar, then  
check the height of the Divided  
Pickup again.  
Afterwards, you will need to adjust the pickup  
sensitivity when connecting to GK devices. However,  
you may find that the sensitivity level on the GK  
device is too high. In such instances, you may be able  
to correct the problem by widening the clearance  
between the strings and the pickup. Carry out Steps 1  
through 8 again to lower the Pickup height slightly.  
5) Adjust the height of the Pickup.  
If you wish to add a spacer, first  
completely remove the used double–  
sided tape from the top surface of  
the existing spacers, then add the  
new spacer. If you need to remove  
any spacers, remove the necessary  
number of spacers and completely  
remove the remaining double–sided  
tape from the top surface.  
*
6) Attach two pieces of the new  
double–sided tape B to the bottom of  
the pickup.  
How to Use the Clearance Gauge  
The divided pickup height must be adjusted so that the clearance between each string and  
the divided pickup is 1.0 mm (0.04”) when the highest fret is fingered.  
The clearance gauge supplied with the GK-3 is 1.0 mm thick; place the gauge between the  
strings and the divided pickup as shown in the figure below, then check and adjust the height.  
fig.1090 (Clearance Gauge)  
11  
 
 
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
Attaching the Pickup with Screws  
The steps for determining the position for attaching the pickup and for checking the height are  
*
The height of the strings from the body must be no less than 13 mm (9/16”) when the pickup is attached with screws.  
1. Determine the position for attaching  
the pickup. When you have determined  
the positioning, mark the position of  
the holes at each end of the pickup on  
the guitar’s body.  
5. Restring and tune the guitar.  
6. Adjust the height of the pickup.  
*
The pickup height should be adjusted so that the  
distance between the pickup and the strings is about  
1.0 mm (0.04”) when the highest frets on the first  
and sixth strings are fingered. Check the height  
using the supplied clearance gauge (1.0 mm).  
2. Remove the strings from the guitar.  
3. Using a drill or similar means, open  
pilot holes where the attachment  
screws are to go in.  
*
Afterwards, when connecting to GK devices, you  
will need to adjust the pickup sensitivity again.  
However, you may find that the sensitivity level on  
the GK device is too high. In such instances, you  
may be able to correct the problem by widening the  
clearance between the strings and the pickup, so try  
lowering the Pickup height slightly to see if this  
approach is effective.  
*
If the pilot holes are not made in the correct  
positions, then the pickup will not be attached in the  
correct position either. Use extra care when drilling  
the pilot holes.  
*
*
Make the pilot holes approximately 2 mm (0.08”) in  
diameter.  
*
If the springs are too long, use a pair of wire clippers  
to cut them to the correct size.  
Drill pilot holes slightly more than  
2
mm in  
diameter if the guitar body is made of a particularly  
hard material.  
4. Place the springs between the pilot  
holes and the pickup as shown in the  
figure below, then secure the pickup  
with the screws.  
fig.1100  
Wood Screw 3x20 mm  
Spring  
Pilot Hole  
12  
 
 
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
Attaching the Pickup with the Holder  
1. Attach the divided pickup to the holder.  
5. Restring and tune the guitar.  
fig.1105  
*
Tune the strings with the divided pickup adjusted to  
the optimal position (where all strings ride over their  
respective yokes).  
6. Adjust the height of the pickup.  
*
The pickup height should be adjusted so that the  
distance between the pickup and the strings is about  
1.0 mm (0.04") when the highest frets on the first  
and sixth strings are fingered. Check the height  
using the supplied clearance gauge (1.0 mm).  
Screw  
3x8 mm  
Rubber  
Sheet  
*
If the pickup ends up being too low, use two rubber  
sheets layered together.  
But the pickup still sits too low even after layering  
the two rubber sheets, then use the rubber tubes.  
Pickup  
Holder  
*
Tighten the screws until the pickup lightly presses  
down against the rubber sheet.  
fig.1105-2e  
2. Remove the strings and the bridge  
from the guitar.  
3. Lower the two bridge height  
adjustment screws of the guitar  
approximately 2 mm (0.08”).  
Screw  
3 x 8 mm  
*
If the bridge is of the type whereby the posts  
themselves are adjusted, then lower the post height  
by 2 mm (0.08”).  
Rubber Tube  
Pickup  
Holder  
4. Place the holder on the posts, then  
cover it with the bridge.  
fig.1105 (Attachment with the Holders)  
*
Afterwards, when connecting to GK devices, you  
will need to adjust the pickup sensitivity again.  
However, you may find that the sensitivity level on  
the GK device is too high. In such instances, you  
may be able to correct the problem by widening the  
clearance between the strings and the pickup, so try  
lowering the Pickup height slightly to see if this  
approach is effective.  
Bridge  
Pickup  
Holder  
Bridge Height  
Adjustment  
Post  
Screw of  
the Guitar  
13  
 
 
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
Checking and Finely Adjusting the Pickup Height  
Use the clearance gauge to confirm that the clearance between each string and the pickup is  
about 1 mm. If the gap is greater than 1 mm (0.04”), make fine adjustments to the height of the  
Attaching the Controller  
There are two ways to attach the controller.  
Attaching the Controller Unit with  
Attaching the Controller Unit with  
Double–Sided Tape and Screws (p. 16)  
With this method, the holder is secured  
using the guitar’s strap pin. This permits  
easy installation with no modification of the  
guitar required.  
This allows you to position the controller  
where you like on the guitar and, by not  
using the holder, reduce the thickness of the  
controller. However, attaching the controller  
with the tape and screw is difficult to do  
with arched top guitars.  
Adjusting the Length of the Pickup Cable  
Place the controller where it is actually to be attached to the guitar to check the pickup cable  
length. If the cable is too long, wind it up in the space behind the controller.  
fig.1110 (Adjusting the Pickup Cable Length)  
14  
 
     
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
Attaching with the Holder  
1. Remove three screws from the  
4. Attach holder “B” so that the guitar  
underside of the controller, then attach  
body is sandwiched between the two  
the GK-3 to holder “A.”  
fig.1120e (Attaching to the Holder)  
holders.  
fig.1140e (Attaching to the Guitar 2)  
Holder A  
Cap Nut  
Holder B  
Flat Washer  
Spring Washer  
5. Tighten holders “A” and “B” using the  
flat washer, the spring washer, and the  
cap nut.  
GK-3  
*
When attaching the GK-3 to an arched top guitar,  
place the cushion between the guitar and holder  
“A.”  
2. Loosen the guitar’s end pin, and insert  
fig.1150 (Spacer LP)  
holder “A.”  
fig.1130 (Attaching to the Guitar 1)  
GK-3  
Cushion  
Holder A  
Cap Nut  
Guitar Body  
Holder B  
3. Screw in the end pin.  
15  
 
 
Attaching the GK-3 to the Guitar  
Attaching with Double–sided Tape and a Screw  
1. Place the controller in an appropriate  
position on the guitar surface to  
determine where it is to be attached.  
Pay attention to the following points at  
this time.  
3. After attaching the double–sided tape  
A to the underside of the Controller,  
attach the controller to the guitar.  
fig.1160 (Double-Sided Tape)  
Install on a level surface.  
Position the controller so it does not  
interfere with your playing.  
If your guitar includes  
a
fine tuning  
control, position the controller so it does  
not interfere with operation of the fine  
tuning.  
Position the controller so you can  
comfortably operate the select switch, the  
S1 and S2 switches, and other controls.  
4. Secure the controller with the supplied  
screw (flat-head, 3x16 mm).  
fig.1170e (Securing with the Screw)  
Position the controller so that it does not  
place undue strain on the Normal Pickup  
Input jack, divided pickup, or GK  
connector cables.  
*
Make sure that the plugs connected to the GK  
connector and Normal Pickup Input jack do not  
stick out, as this may result in damage should undue  
strain be placed on the GK connector or Normal  
Pickup Input jack.  
2. Once the controller position has been  
determined, place the controller in  
position and carefully drill a pilot hole  
in the guitar body where the  
Put the screw (flat-head, 3x16 mm)  
through this hole.  
*
If you’d rather not drill a hole in your guitar, you  
can secure the Controller using only the double-  
sided tape or the holders. However, if only the  
double-sided tape is used to secure the unit, shocks  
from rough handling during performances and from  
use over an extended period will cause the tape to  
deteriorate, with the GK-3 shifting out of position as  
a result. Furthermore, if the finish on your guitar is  
less than perfect, you may discover that the finish is  
also removed when you later remove the tape.  
controller’s attachment hole is located.  
*
*
The diameter of the hole should be about 2 mm (0.08  
inches).  
Confirm that there are no other problems in  
attaching the controller before drilling the pilot hole.  
16  
 
 
How to Connect the GK-3  
*
*
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the  
power on all devices before making any connections.  
When connection cables with resistors are used, the volume level of equipment connected to the inputs (Normal  
Pickup Input jack) may be low. If this happens, use connection cables that do not contain resistors, such as those  
from the Roland PCS series.  
*
When all devices are properly connected, turn on the power to the various devices in the order specified below.  
Turning on devices in the wrong order may result in malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.  
*
The GK cable is a locking cable. When disconnecting  
the cable, do not pull on it with undue force, but  
instead release the lock and gently disconnect the  
cable. You can disconnect the cable simply and  
easily by holding down the locking portion with  
your thumb and gently pulling on the plug.  
1. Make sure that the power to the device  
being connected is turned off, then  
connect the device to the GK-3’s GK  
connector using the GK cable.  
fig.2010  
fig.2020  
GK cable  
GK IN  
GK device  
Connect the GK-3 only with  
dedicated GK cable (supplied  
with Roland GK-compatible  
devices and optional GK cables  
sold by Roland). Use of any other  
cable may result in damage or  
malfunction.  
17  
 
 
How to Connect the GK-3  
*
Before playing, be sure to wrap the cable around the  
guitar strap near the end pin. This will prevent the  
excess strain on the cable that can end up damaging  
the guitar or the GK-3.  
3. Turn on the power to the connected  
GK device.  
The Power indicator on the Controller  
lights up. Now, when you play your  
guitar you’ll hear the sound of the  
connected GK device.  
fig.2040  
*
The power indicator lights up when the GK-3 and  
the GK device are properly connected with a GK  
cable and the power to the GK device is turned on.  
943  
*
Always make sure to have the volume level turned  
down before switching on power. Even with the  
volume all the way down, you may still hear some  
sound when the power is switched on, but this is  
normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.  
2. Use the included Normal guitar cable  
to connect the output jack on the  
guitar to the GK-3’s Normal Pickup  
input jack.  
fig.2050  
Normal  
Guitar Cable  
*
This connection is necessary not only for playing the  
guitar’s normal (straight) sound as well as the  
guitar’s straight sound mixed with the synthesizer  
sound, but also for connecting the guitar’s ground  
and the GK-3’s ground. Even if you are not going to  
use the guitar’s straight sound at all, always make  
this connection because of the noise reduction  
benefits it provides.  
18  
 
Specifications  
GK-3: Divided Pickup  
Controls  
GK Volume  
Dimensions  
fig.3020  
DOWN/S1 Switch  
UP/S2 Switch  
Select Switch  
Indicator  
Power Indicator  
Connectors  
GK Connector  
87.0 (3-7/16)  
Normal Pickup Input Jack  
Weight  
60 g / 3 oz  
Accessories  
Unit : mm (inch)  
Normal Guitar Cable  
Parts for installation  
Owner’s Manual  
102.3 (4-1/16)  
Options  
GK Cables: GKC-3, GKC-5, GKC-10  
GK Parallel Box: GKP-4  
Unit Selector: US-20  
*
In the interest of product development, the  
specifications and/or appearance of this unit are  
subject to change without prior notice.  
*…with yokes at maximum height  
Unit : mm (inch)  
19  
 
 
For EU Countries  
This product complies with the requirements of  
European Directive 89/336/EEC.  
 
Information  
When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as  
shown below.  
MEXICO  
IRELAND  
PHILIPPINES  
IRAN  
AFRICA  
EGYPT  
Casa Veerkamp, s.a. de c.v.  
Av. Toluca No. 323, Col. Olivar  
de los Padres 01780 Mexico D.F.  
MEXICO  
Roland Ireland  
G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc.  
339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue  
Makati, Metro Manila 1200,  
PHILIPPINES  
MOCO, INC.  
G2 Calmount Park, Calmount  
Avenue, Dublin 12  
Republic of IRELAND  
TEL: (01) 4294444  
No.41 Nike St., Dr.Shariyati Ave.,  
Roberoye Cerahe Mirdamad  
Tehran, IRAN  
Al Fanny Trading Office  
9, EBN Hagar A1 Askalany Street,  
ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis,  
Cairo 11341, EGYPT  
TEL: (55) 5668-6699  
TEL: (02) 899 9801  
TEL: (021) 285-4169  
PANAMA  
SINGAPORE  
ISRAEL  
ITALY  
SUPRO MUNDIAL, S.A.  
Boulevard Andrews, Albrook,  
Panama City, REP. DE PANAMA  
TEL: 315-0101  
TEL: 20-2-417-1828  
Swee Lee Company  
150 Sims Drive,  
Halilit P. Greenspoon &  
Roland Italy S. p. A.  
Viale delle Industrie 8,  
20020 Arese, Milano, ITALY  
TEL: (02) 937-78300  
Sons Ltd.  
REUNION  
SINGAPORE 387381  
TEL: 6846-3676  
8 Retzif Ha'aliya Hashnya St.  
Tel-Aviv-Yafo ISRAEL  
TEL: (03) 6823666  
Maison FO - YAM Marcel  
25 Rue Jules Hermann,  
Chaudron - BP79 97 491  
Ste Clotilde Cedex,  
CRISTOFORI MUSIC PTE  
PARAGUAY  
NORWAY  
LTD  
Distribuidora De  
JORDAN  
Roland Scandinavia Avd.  
Blk 3014, Bedok Industrial Park E,  
#02-2148, SINGAPORE 489980  
TEL: 6243-9555  
Instrumentos Musicales  
J.E. Olear y ESQ. Manduvira  
Asuncion PARAGUAY  
TEL: (021) 492-124  
REUNION ISLAND  
TEL: (0262) 218-429  
AMMAN Trading Agency  
245 Prince Mohammad St.,  
Amman 1118, JORDAN  
TEL: (06) 464-1200  
Kontor Norge  
Lilleakerveien 2 Postboks 95  
Lilleaker N-0216 Oslo  
NORWAY  
SOUTH AFRICA  
TAIWAN  
That Other Music Shop  
TEL: 2273 0074  
ROLAND TAIWAN  
URUGUAY  
(PTY) Ltd.  
11 Melle St., Braamfontein,  
Johannesbourg, SOUTH AFRICA  
KUWAIT  
ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.  
Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung Shan  
N.Road Sec.2, Taipei, TAIWAN,  
R.O.C.  
Todo Musica S.A.  
Francisco Acuna de Figueroa 1771  
C.P.: 11.800  
Easa Husain Al Yousifi Est.  
Abdullah Salem Street,  
Safat, KUWAIT  
POLAND  
MX MUSIC SP.Z.O.O.  
UL. Gibraltarska 4.  
P.O.Box 32918, Braamfontein 2017  
Johannesbourg, SOUTH AFRICA  
TEL: (011) 403 4105  
Montevideo, URUGUAY  
TEL: (02) 924-2335  
TEL: 243-6399  
PL-03664 Warszawa POLAND  
TEL: (022) 679 44 19  
TEL: (02) 2561 3339  
LEBANON  
THAILAND  
VENEZUELA  
Paul Bothner (PTY) Ltd.  
17 Werdmuller Centre,  
Main Road, Claremont 7708  
SOUTH AFRICA  
PORTUGAL  
Chahine S.A.L.  
Theera Music Co. , Ltd.  
330 Verng NakornKasem, Soi 2,  
Bangkok 10100, THAILAND  
TEL: (02) 2248821  
Musicland Digital C.A.  
Av. Francisco de Miranda,  
Centro Parque de Cristal, Nivel  
C2 Local 20 Caracas  
Gerge Zeidan St., Chahine Bldg.,  
Achrafieh, P.O.Box: 16-5857  
Beirut, LEBANON  
Tecnologias Musica e Audio,  
Roland Portugal, S.A.  
Cais Das Pedras, 8/9-1 Dto  
4050-465 PORTO  
PORTUGAL  
TEL: (022) 608 00 60  
TEL: (01) 20-1441  
P.O.BOX 23032, Claremont 7735,  
SOUTH AFRICA  
TEL: (021) 674 4030  
VENEZUELA  
TEL: (212) 285-8586  
VIETNAM  
QATAR  
Saigon Music  
Al Emadi Co. (Badie Studio  
& Stores)  
Suite DP-8  
ROMANIA  
40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street  
Hochiminh City, VIETNAM  
Tel: (08) 930-1969  
EUROPE  
P.O. Box 62, Doha, QATAR  
TEL: 4423-554  
ASIA  
FBS LINES  
Piata Libertatii 1,  
AUSTRIA  
535500 Gheorgheni, ROMANIA  
TEL: (266) 364 609  
CHINA  
Roland Elektronische  
Musikinstrumente HmbH.  
SAUDI ARABIA  
Roland Shanghai Electronics  
aDawliah Universal  
AUSTRALIA/  
NEW ZEALAND  
Co.,Ltd.  
Austrian Office  
RUSSIA  
Electronics APL  
5F. No.1500 Pingliang Road  
Shanghai 200090, CHINA  
TEL: (021) 5580-0800  
Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 8,  
A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA  
TEL: (0512) 26 44 260  
MuTek  
Corniche Road, Aldossary Bldg.,  
1st Floor, Alkhobar,  
SAUDI ARABIA  
3-Bogatyrskaya Str. 1.k.l  
107 564 Moscow, RUSSIA  
TEL: (095) 169 5043  
AUSTRALIA  
Roland Shanghai Electronics  
Co.,Ltd.  
(BEIJING OFFICE)  
10F. No.18 Anhuaxili  
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100011  
CHINA  
Roland Corporation  
Australia Pty., Ltd.  
38 Campbell Avenue  
Dee Why West. NSW 2099  
AUSTRALIA  
BELGIUM/HOLLAND/  
LUXEMBOURG  
Roland Benelux N. V.  
Houtstraat 3, B-2260, Oevel  
(Westerlo) BELGIUM  
TEL: (014) 575811  
P.O.Box 2154, Alkhobar 31952  
SAUDI ARABIA  
TEL: (03) 898 2081  
SPAIN  
Roland Electronics  
de España, S. A.  
Calle Bolivia 239, 08020  
Barcelona, SPAIN  
TEL: (93) 308 1000  
SYRIA  
TEL: (02) 9982 8266  
Technical Light & Sound  
TEL: (010) 6426-5050  
Center  
NEW ZEALAND  
Roland Shanghai Electronics  
Co.,Ltd.  
(GUANGZHOU OFFICE)  
2/F., No.30 Si You Nan Er Jie Yi  
Xiang, Wu Yang Xin Cheng,  
Guangzhou 510600, CHINA  
Tel: (020) 8736-0428  
Rawda, Abdul Qader Jazairi St.  
Bldg. No. 21, P.O.BOX 13520,  
Damascus, SYRIA  
CZECH REP.  
K-AUDIO  
Kardasovska 626.  
CZ-198 00 Praha 9,  
CZECH REP.  
Roland Corporation Ltd.  
32 Shaddock Street, Mount Eden,  
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND  
TEL: (09) 3098 715  
SWEDEN  
Roland Scandinavia A/S  
SWEDISH SALES OFFICE  
Danvik Center 28, 2 tr.  
S-131 30 Nacka SWEDEN  
TEL: (0)8 702 00 20  
TEL: (011) 223-5384  
TURKEY  
TEL: (2) 666 10529  
CENTRAL/LATIN  
AMERICA  
Ant Muzik Aletleri Ithalat  
Ve Ihracat Ltd Sti  
Siraselviler Caddesi Siraselviler  
Pasaji No:74/20  
Taksim - Istanbul, TURKEY  
TEL: (0212) 2449624  
DENMARK  
HONG KONG  
SWITZERLAND  
Roland Scandinavia A/S  
Nordhavnsvej 7, Postbox 880,  
DK-2100 Copenhagen  
DENMARK  
Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd.  
Roland (Switzerland) AG  
Landstrasse 5, Postfach,  
CH-4452 Itingen,  
Service Division  
22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen  
Wan, New Territories,  
HONG KONG  
ARGENTINA  
Instrumentos Musicales S.A.  
Av.Santa Fe 2055  
SWITZERLAND  
TEL: (061) 927-8383  
TEL: 3916 6200  
U.A.E.  
(1123) Buenos Aires  
ARGENTINA  
TEL: (011) 4508-2700  
TEL: 2415 0911  
Zak Electronics & Musical  
FRANCE  
UKRAINE  
Instruments Co. L.L.C.  
Zabeel Road, Al Sherooq Bldg.,  
No. 14, Grand Floor, Dubai, U.A.E.  
TEL: (04) 3360715  
Parsons Music Ltd.  
8th Floor, Railway Plaza, 39  
Chatham Road South, T.S.T,  
Kowloon, HONG KONG  
TEL: 2333 1863  
Roland France SA  
TIC-TAC  
4, Rue Paul Henri SPAAK,  
Parc de l'Esplanade, F 77 462 St.  
Thibault, Lagny Cedex FRANCE  
TEL: 01 600 73 500  
BRAZIL  
Mira Str. 19/108  
P.O. Box 180  
295400 Munkachevo, UKRAINE  
TEL: (03131) 414-40  
Roland Brasil Ltda  
Rua San Jose, 780 Sala B  
Parque Industrial San Jose  
Cotia - Sao Paulo - SP, BRAZIL  
TEL: (011) 4615 5666  
INDIA  
FINLAND  
NORTH AMERICA  
UNITED KINGDOM  
Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd.  
409, Nirman Kendra Mahalaxmi  
Flats Compound Off. Dr. Edwin  
Moses Road, Mumbai-400011,  
INDIA  
Roland Scandinavia As,  
Filial Finland  
Roland (U.K.) Ltd.  
Atlantic Close, Swansea  
Enterprise Park, SWANSEA  
SA7 9FJ,  
CANADA  
COSTA RICA  
Elannontie 5  
Roland Canada Music Ltd.  
JUAN Bansbach  
FIN-01510 Vantaa, FINLAND  
TEL: (0)9 68 24 020  
(Head Office)  
Instrumentos Musicales  
Ave.1. Calle 11, Apartado 10237,  
San Jose, COSTA RICA  
TEL: 258-0211  
UNITED KINGDOM  
TEL: (01792) 702701  
TEL: (022) 2493 9051  
5480 Parkwood Way Richmond  
B. C., V6V 2M4 CANADA  
TEL: (604) 270 6626  
GERMANY  
INDONESIA  
Roland Elektronische  
PT Citra IntiRama  
J1. Cideng Timur No. 15J-150  
Jakarta Pusat  
Musikinstrumente HmbH.  
Oststrasse 96, 22844 Norderstedt,  
GERMANY  
Roland Canada Music Ltd.  
CHILE  
MIDDLE EAST  
BAHRAIN  
(Toronto Office)  
170 Admiral Boulevard  
Mississauga On L5T 2N6  
CANADA  
Comercial Fancy S.A.  
Rut.: 96.919.420-1  
INDONESIA  
TEL: (021) 6324170  
TEL: (040) 52 60090  
Nataniel Cox #739, 4th Floor  
Santiago - Centro, CHILE  
TEL: (02) 688-9540  
GREECE  
Moon Stores  
KOREA  
TEL: (905) 362 9707  
STOLLAS S.A.  
No.16, Bab Al Bahrain Avenue,  
P.O.Box 247, Manama 304,  
State of BAHRAIN  
Cosmos Corporation  
1461-9, Seocho-Dong,  
Seocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA  
TEL: (02) 3486-8855  
Music Sound Light  
155, New National Road  
Patras 26442, GREECE  
TEL: 2610 435400  
U. S. A.  
EL SALVADOR  
Roland Corporation U.S.  
5100 S. Eastern Avenue  
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938,  
U. S. A.  
TEL: 211 005  
OMNI MUSIC  
75 Avenida Norte y Final  
CYPRUS  
Alameda Juan Pablo  
Edificio No.4010 San Salvador,  
EL SALVADOR  
,
MALAYSIA  
HUNGARY  
Radex Sound Equipment Ltd.  
17, Diagorou Street, Nicosia,  
CYPRUS  
TEL: (323) 890 3700  
BENTLEY MUSIC SDN BHD  
140 & 142, Jalan Bukit Bintang  
55100 Kuala Lumpur,MALAYSIA  
TEL: (03) 2144-3333  
Roland East Europe Ltd.  
Warehouse Area ‘DEPO’ Pf.83  
H-2046 Torokbalint, HUNGARY  
TEL: (23) 511011  
TEL: 262-0788  
TEL: (022) 66-9426  
As of May 1, 2004 (Roland)  
 
 

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