10 BEST USES for your BOSS GM-800 Part 1/5

[@kevinsturges6957]

It sounds like they finally got all the tracking worked out with this one. Bravo Roland!

[@midiguitarist4140]

I second that - they have indeed (as long as you play close enough to the bridge).

[@jordon.melodiz426]

Man I love the sound of e pianos. Looking forward to the other parts

[@anneonym7346]

Man ! Great playing, taste and feel wow ! Congrats ! Serious musician and player here, talent comes before the synth ! And your playing this synth is awesome ! ❤🎶

[@midiguitarist4140]

Thanks for your kind words - I am glad you like it.

[@vicesquadpunk]

Thank you ✊🙂 regards from London 🇬🇧

[@midiguitarist4140]

You‘re welcome 🌻

[@midiguitarist4140]

Thanks for dropping by 🌻

[@DJCJ999]

Hey MD.. Is it possible to connect a synth pickup like the GK-3 and connect it directly into a pc and then use software only to play sounds? If yes what software and hardware would you recommend to achieve this. Fantastic demo 👍 subbed.

[@midiguitarist4140]

Thanks for the sub - for a GK-3 equipped guitar you will always need hardware as a MIDI converter but there is a software called MIDI Guitar 3 which allows you play your guitars into a PC via an audio interface and there it converts the guitar signal to MIDI. I just did a video on the new beta version of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4Lbd5l8hsuJpdUsi=dlCT6aMokzE7fUai Once inside the PC I can highly recommend a software called „Gig Performer“ which lets you configure custom signal/soundchains for studio and live use. I am planning to do a video on it soon. Have a great day making music 😀

[@marcuscurtismusic]

Great video

[@midiguitarist4140]

Thank you for your comment.

[@appclusiveplus]

Hi there, great series of videos! Today, I ordered a GM-800 and I am trying to figure out how to install a GK-5 on my ES-335 without drilling into the body (as it is shown in one of the BOSS official videos). In one of your videos, I thought I saw you with a similar (or identical) guitar. I was wondering how you installed the pickup. I would really appreciate your suggestions and help if you are willing to share this!

[@midiguitarist4140]

Hi and thanks for watching. There is a metal adapter that should come with the GK-5 which you place under the bridge and attach the GK to it. Here is a link where you see the adapter in the middle of the photo: www.musicstore.de/de_DE/EUR/Boss-GK-5-Guitar-Synth-Pickup/art-GIT0060799-000?campaign=GShopping/DE&ProgramUUID=rrLAqJarLjMAAAFl.gZyjI8h&gad_source=5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImqrwzajLhQMVcpCDBx2XiQZJEAQYASABEgKgGfD_BwE I hope that helps and I wish you lots of fun with the ES/GM-800 setup.

[@appclusiveplus]

@@midiguitarist4140 Thanks a lot for the speedy reply! I nearly cannot wait for the parcel to arrive and try it out ...

[@midiguitarist4140]

@@appclusiveplus I can relate to that - a new universe of sounds is on the way to you:-)!

[@patrickbuzzo1970]

Can you connect your instrument directly with a normal jack cable ? Thank you so much. Patrick

[@midiguitarist4140]

No you can’t - you need an instrument with a Roland GK-3 or GK-5 pickup or with RMC pickups like the ones I was using in the video. The GK-5 uses a special BOSS BGK cable and the other pickups use the Roland 13-pin cable.

[@patrickbuzzo1970]

@@midiguitarist4140 thank you very much. Greetings from Italy, Patrick

[@midiguitarist4140]

@@patrickbuzzo1970 You are welcome. best wishes, Eddie

[@alefenili]

Great Series! First time on your videos. Planning to get a GR-55 o GM-800 for my Godin guitar, but it's quite expensive to buy the ADC converter + new cable and GM-800. GR-55 would work more straight forward. How are you using the GM-800 with your Godin guitar?

[@midiguitarist4140]

Thanks for watching - glad you like the series. I use my Godin guitar in the intended way: the 13-pin cable runs into the GKC-AD converter and from there the BGK cable is connected to the GM-800. The GM is connected to my Metric Halo ULN-8 interface via the two analog outputs from the GM and the USB output from the GM is connected to my computer. In the computer I run Gig Performer 5 to handle additional synth sounds that are triggered by the GM and I mix everything with the software that comes with the audio interface (called MIO console). This is my dream come true setup though being a bit complex. I wish you lots of fun & success on your MIDI guitar journey - if you have further questions feel free to ask.

[@AntarcticGuitarEnthusiast]

@@midiguitarist4140 Hello great videos and straight forward explanations. I too have a 20+ yr old Godin Multiac SA that I used with a GR-55 for years then sold the GR-55 off as we all do sometimes...argh. But, watching you use the BOSS GM-800 changes my attention in it's direction. So, did I understand correctly that the Roland 13-pin cable MIDI from the Godin does not work well direct into the BOSS GM-800 without the GKC-AD converter (200+) here on the west coast of NorCali. The 13 pin cables are much less expensive on Amazon (short 10') as on Reverb they are almost 100 bucks (20') meanwhile you inspired me and the fire has been lit. BTW I work in ProTools and slave LPX to mostly use the drummers, drum machines and Omnisphere Peace and Maximum Respect ~ Loo 🙏

[@AntarcticGuitarEnthusiast]

@@midiguitarist4140 PS does it have to be a "Roland" 13-pin cable or will any 13 pin MIDI cable work? Sorry, it's been at least a dozen years since I have given MIDI guitar work another chance. I removed any and all MIDI cables from my world one day long ago. It's all MIDI via/over USB. into a Mac of course! Thank you very much for all your time and effort to then share. Fantastic! Peace and Maximum Respect ~ LW

[@midiguitarist4140]

@@AntarcticGuitarEnthusiastThanks for your kind words - I am glad that I could help rekindle your MIDI guitar fire. As for the 13-pin cables I have only ever used my Roland ones that came with my guitar synths, so I can’t tell you if other brands work (I didn’t even know up to now that other manufacturers make them). My guess is that as long as the plug fits the socket you should be good to go. Anyway, have fun exploring MIDI guitar further! Best wishes, Eddie P.S. Yes, you will need the converter...

[@beenay18]

Boss devices sound so thin like sound is coming from far far away. The sounds are not present at all. Is it because whole bunch of overtones are missing in each notes. Like there in no high end and low ends at all. People call it compressed sound but i dont understand if compressed sound sound like this.

[@ZoneTwelveOnline]

Just a curiosity question. Why didn't you use the Godin in the background? Wouldn't that be the guitar of choice?

[@midiguitarist4140]

Thanks for watching - I use the Godin when I want a hybrid sound (mix of guitar & synth), but for synth only use the Frameworks guitar is unbeatable as far as MIDI responsiveness is concerned.

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

Please recommend a hold pedal. Thanks

[@midiguitarist4140]

A BOSS FS-5U is perfectly fine, but if you use the GM-800 on the floor, you can use the inbuilt hold foot switch, too.

[@BossPeddler]

Hi Thanks for Video can you please tell me what stand you are using for the GM 800

[@midiguitarist4140]

Hi, it is a short mic stand, like you would use for snares or guitar amps. The GM sits on an old iPad holder which happened to fit exactly.

[@BossPeddler]

Thanks so much for prompt reply

[@andybrown6981]

Sound is lovely, esp the Steely Dan. Wow. Does the unit need a new pick up or is GK-3 okay?

[@midiguitarist4140]

Thanks a lot - you can still use your GK-3 equipped guitars, but you have to buy the separate BOSS GKC-AD module to connect them to the GM-800.

[@andybrown6981]

You would have tuned your bottom E and A differently for the patch to do the bass line in Van Halen

[@midiguitarist4140]

I used a capo in the 3rd fret and tuned the A-string sound an octave down inside the GM.

[@aldepi]

Great sounds, many congrats! Something I would like to see is how GM-800 can be played via a 5-PIN MIDI controller...I mean a Jamstik studio guitar for instance, or any MIDI keyboard too...

[@ramroid]

It’s 100% doable. You need to use a 1/8 Jack to midi cable. Then there are settings in the GM800 and the Jamstik software that need to be set. I’ve forgotten the details but it wasn’t hard and the latency etc is as good or better than the GK pickup. Or at least far better than the Bluetooth connection. Do a Google search. I’m sure the details are up in the VGuitar forums.

[@ramroid]

It’s 100% doable. You need to use a 1/8 Jack to midi cable. Then there are settings in the GM800 and the Jamstik software that need to be set. I’ve forgotten the details but it wasn’t hard and the latency etc is as good or better than the GK pickup. Or at least far better than the Bluetooth connection. Do a Google search. I’m sure the details are up in the VGuitar forums.

[@ramroid]

It’s 100% doable. You need to use a 1/8 Jack to midi cable. Then there are settings in the GM800 and the Jamstik software that need to be set. I’ve forgotten the details but it wasn’t hard and the latency etc is as good or better than the GK pickup. Or at least far better than the Bluetooth connection. Do a Google search. I’m sure the details are up in the VGuitar forums.

[@ramroid]

It’s 100% doable. You need to use a 1/8 Jack to midi cable. Then there are settings in the GM800 and the Jamstik software that need to be set. I’ve forgotten the details but it wasn’t hard and the latency etc is as good or better than the GK pickup. Or at least far better than the Bluetooth connection. Do a Google search. I’m sure the details are up in the VGuitar forums.

[@ramroid]

It’s 100% doable. You need to use a 1/8 Jack to midi cable. Then there are settings in the GM800 and the Jamstik software that need to be set. I’ve forgotten the details but it wasn’t hard and the latency etc is as good or better than the GK pickup. Or at least far better than the Bluetooth connection. Do a Google search. I’m sure the details are up in the VGuitar forums.

[@donhogan7129]

How are you getting any sounds from the GM88? What am I missing ,,,? I don't see a midi pickup.... I guss the guitar has 13 pin output and you're plugged into a 13 pin converter box? Please explain... and thanks for all your hard work on these videos,,, very impressive....D

[@midiguitarist4140]

Hi Don, thanks for watching and your kind comment. The guitar has RMC pickups and an inbuilt RMC Poly Drive I preamp, which indeed has a 13 pin output. This runs into the BOSS GKC-AD converter which then is connected to GM-800 with a BGK serial cable.

[@donhogan7129]

Thanks So much.... I have been working with guitar synths for about 10 or more years. My current rig is a Roland Fantom XR Rack. I use an Axon AX100 MKll to trigger the sounds and use a Yamaha midi pedal to call up presets. The rig works nice but is a pain to carry around. I'm looking into getting this GM800 if the natural sounds are realistic. I could use my gear at home and take the GM800 to gig with ""IF"" the piano , flute, organ, sax, violin, etc. all had lead sounds and were realistic. We might do a Bob Seger tune and need a convincing sax and acoustic piano. We might do a Marshall Tucker sound and need a good flute. and so on. You come the closest in your demo on that. Most reviews are all synth pads, weird sounds, things I'm not gonna do , or seldom. Have you , or do you have just actual instrument sounds replicated . piano, sax, flute, violin, cello , the list goes on and on and no one has done it that I can find. Sorry for the long winded reply,,,cheers,,, Don. @@midiguitarist4140

[@midiguitarist4140]

@@donhogan7129 You’re welcome - I think I know what you are after. The electric pianos and the organs are absolutely top notch in the GM, but I myself didn’t buy it primarily for the sounds but for the much improved playability and sensitivity compared to the Roland GI-20 that I had been using before. I recommend a hybrid approach which combines the GM with a laptop that runs Gig Performer as a host for additional sounds. The internal instruments in the GM are mostly ok but it depends what grade of realism you are seeking. It might be best if you tried the unit in a music store and checked the sounds for yourself. I hope that helps a little. Best, Eddie

[@mirokontio]

What kind of midi system this guitar has built-in? Or do you use GM-800 own pick up ?

[@midiguitarist4140]

It is an RMC (Roger Mc Clish) system with six separate pickups and an onboard preamp called Polydrive I - you can find the same system in Godin Multiac guitars.

[@mirokontio]

@@midiguitarist4140 Ok nice I have search a perfect midi guitar system but this is the first time I hear it is actually working like it should.

[@midiguitarist4140]

@@mirokontio I guess a Godin Multiac (which I will also play in my next video) with the BOSS GM-800 could be a very nice MIDI guitar setup for you as the responsiveness of the GM-800 is really great if you adjust the playing parameters correctly. Anyway I wish you a lot of fun playing MIDI guitar!

[@rickthebest]

Does it track and sound good even without gk pickups?

[@midiguitarist4140]

It does indeed - I find the tracking to be better than with the GK-3. Possibly this is because the direct string contact of the RMC pickups.

[@rcruz262]

You can do this with a Nylon string?

[@midiguitarist4140]

Yes you can if you equip it with RMC pickups and an RMC Poly-Drive preamp: stores.soundislandmusic.com/rmc-acoustic-system/?page=2 If you watch the third video from this series, you can see me using two nylonstring guitars that are equipped this way (a Manzanita & a Godin Multiac). From the Preamp you get a 13-pin output which you connect to a BOSS GKC-AD converter and from there you connect the BOSS BGK cable to the GM-800. I hope that helps.

[@rcruz262]

@@midiguitarist4140 So you added this to your nylon electric? So you replaced the original preamp and pickups with the RMC?

[@midiguitarist4140]

@@rcruz262 In the Frameworks guitar you see me play in the first video it was already installed: www.frameworks-guitars.com/en/ In the third video I play a Godin Multiac - it had the RMC system pre-installed aswell and in the second video I play a Mountain steelstring which had no pickup/preamp originally - there I had a luthier install the 6 single pickups that lead from an output jack with a special cable to the external RMC preamp called Poly-Drive II. The same goes for the nylonstring Manzanita guitar that I use in the second part of that video.

[@kojackkossakamvwe]

Hello ! What is your guitar model ?

[@midiguitarist4140]

As I wrote in video description: a Frameworks Modern Classic - here is the link: www.frameworks-guitars.com/en/

[@kojackkossakamvwe]

Merci beaucoup

[@giutaraemro5858]

I can use it without pickup

[@midiguitarist4140]

If you meant your comment as a question - no, you have to have a guitar with a MIDI pickup and a Roland 13-pin cable output or use the BOSS GK-5 pickup for electric guitar.

[@carlosliras3460]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@debraplowe6607]

I just returned the GM 800, AD box, and retired my GK2A which did perform as good as the new G5. Almost bought my Godin LGX SA back as I was soooo excited about this new Roland/Boss equipment. My first synth was the Roland GR 30, my last unit was the Terratec Axon MK2, which I loved, but they went out of business. BUT HERE'S THE PROBLEM! Roland would not send me a verification code to register my 800. Sent email over twenty times, tried password reset, new account, but to no avail. They NEVER would send a verification code. After two weeks of grief, absolute frustration and the loss of about $100 in return shipping, extra cables etc. etc. I gave up. How nice it would have been to be able to email someone for support, or heaven forbid, talk to a live human. Been playing for over fifty years and have decided to stay with the acoustic. How disappointing. ARE YOU LISTENING ROLAND!!!

[@midiguitarist4140]

I am sorry to hear that you had such a bad user experience with the Roland support, but I don’t really understand the problem. I hadn’t registered my GM until today so I just did so by signing up at Roland Backstage, registering the unit and logging out again - it took me about a minute and no verification code was required - just the serial number which is on the unit.

[@debraplowe6607]

Appreciate your condolence. Backstage had support, downloads, future drivers etc. which stated the need to register, ergo my issue. Every attempt to create an account failed with the message of a verification code being sent to my email. Never happened. So... who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters. No way to contact them. Zip. Nada. Your videos were great and the unit seemed fine. Support and manual were found seriously lacking. @@midiguitarist4140

[@ERMAV]

I am baffled that you had a problem with boss. When I had a problem with my gm800 freezing from a firmware upgrade they bent over backwards and sent me an advanced replacement. So I have had the exact opposite response from boss, the absolute best!

[@debraplowe6607]

I COULD NOT REGISTER THE UNIT. Without registration, no downloads, no video support etc. etc. etc. Fill out email, "we'll send you a verification code." After twenty some attempts, and days, no response. How is it that no one can comprehend this? And if I can't call them, can't email them, how exactly do you communicate?

[@midiguitarist4140]

@@debraplowe6607 Merry Christmas to you and I am still sorry for your disappointment with the Roland support. I was able to download the driver and BOSS Tone Studio before I purchased the unit - I installed them on a laptop which I took to the music store where I connected it to the GM-800 and tested the whole GM/computer setup before my purchase. So please forgive me that I still can’t quite understand your problem.

[@donhogan7129]

I meant GM800......LOL