Roland's Oldest Guitar Synth

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at Roland's very first guitar synthesizer, the GR/GS-500 from 1977.

0:00 Intro Performance
1:36 Brief History
2:41 What is the GR-500?
7:16 Interlude: Play Me a Rainbow
8:27 ARP Avatar vs The Roland GR-500
11:35 Interlude: Cardboard Castle
12:43 In Popular Culture
14:17 Summary & Patron Outro

Links:

Wayne Scott Jones: https://gr300.com/"

A Selection of Roland GR/GS-500 Videos


Playlist:

1. Ryo Kawasaki & The Golden Dragon: Comes The Night - 1980

Jazz guitarist Ryo Kawasaki/川崎燎, Lincoln Goines, Buddy Williams & vocalist Barbara Morillo jam on Ryo's song Comes The Night in 1980 at Pit - Inn Jazz club in Roppongi Tokyo, Japan. The group is called Ryo Kawasaki & the Golden Dragon http://ryokawasaki.com/gs/ Here's link for Ryo's guitar synthesizer museum with detailed info and photos about his GS system. -- Ryo/川崎燎 plays his hand made guitar synthesizer accompanied by Lincoln, Buddy & Ilana. A huge rack of guitar synth modules can be seen behind him. 1980 in Tokyo.

2. Ryo – Featuring "Concierto De Aranjuez" [Full Album] (1982)

00:00 A1 Escena / Cancion Del Fuego Fatuo 04:48 A2 Adagio From "Concierto De Aranjuez"
17:32 A3 Introduction From "Schelomo"
19:47 B1 A Felicidade
21:51 B2 Marilyn
25:41 B3 Hawaiian Caravan
31:58 B4 Mercy Of The Dragon
37:11 B5 Twilight Song

3. Land Of A Thousand Autumns (Stereo Mix)
4. Genesis - Ballad of Big (Official Audio)
5. Hot Chocolate Every 1s a winner Album Version1978 HQ Audio

Korg Volca FM Midi Controlled by Casio DG-20 with Maxon DD1000 Dual Delay

video upload by SUBTOKYOSHOP Music Gears

"Korg Volca FM Midi Controlled by Casio DG-20 with Maxon DD1000 Dual Delay

Recorded with
*Korg Volca FM Synthesizer
*Casio DG 20 Digital Midi Guitar
*Maxon DD1000 Dual Delay"

Formlessness: Live Looping on Handbuilt MIDI Instruments (LEDs + Pure Data)

video upload by

"This is a video recording of an improvisation without form, and maybe even without rhythm. Created with self-made instruments. More info on this project can be found at the following links:

https://smomid.com/
https://www.instagram.com/smomid/?hl=en
https://smomid.bandcamp.com/"

Soothing Ambient Synth Meditation | Isochronic Tones for Deep Calm

video upload by Smomid

"Soothing ambient synth meditation, performed live on glowing handmade synthesizers. Gentle isochronic tones, slow pulsing filters and soft bells to help you relax, unwind and find deep calm.

Use this music for meditation, relaxation, stress relief, yoga, studying, focus, or winding down before sleep. Isochronic tones work through regular speakers, so you don’t need headphones (though they sound lovely with them).

Everything you hear is played live, with no loops or pre-recorded tracks. The rhythmic filter movements are synced to the tones, and the LEDs respond as the music evolves. I synthesized the bell tones as well. All the audio was created using Pure Data open source programming software.

🎛️ About the instruments
All the instruments used in this video were designed and handmade by me. The blue boxes I call Pyramidi and the guitar shaped instrument I call a Smomid. There is some info available about these instruments at my website: Smomid.com"

"InstaChord" Short Live !

video upload by KATSUNORI UJIIE Synth, Kbd & Music YouTube Channel

See the InstaChord label for addtional posts. It actually made an appearance at NAMM in 2023.

"インスタコードによるショートライブです。
インスタコード（InstaChord）は、楽器未経験者でも指1〜2本で簡単にコード演奏が楽しめる、日本発の画期的なオールインワンの電子楽器で、楽譜のコードを「1〜7」の数字（ディグリー）で表示・演奏するため、難しい指使いを覚えず直感的に弾けます。
ギターやピアノ、管楽器など128種類の音色を内蔵していて、軽量・コンパクトなボディにスピーカーとバッテリーを搭載し、ヘッドホンも使えます。

Short live performance using InstaChord.
InstaChord is a groundbreaking, all-in-one electronic instrument developed in Japan that allows even complete beginners to easily play chords using just one or two fingers. It displays and plays chords from sheet music using numbers '1 through 7' (degrees), so you can play intuitively without having to memorize complicated fingerings. It features 128 built-in sounds, including guitar, piano, and wind instruments. Its lightweight, compact body includes a built-in speaker and battery, and it is also compatible with headphones."

Did Darkglass Just Kill A Favorite Synth Pedal?

video upload by SavageFridays

See the announcement post here.

"Darkglass just added a full monophonic synthesizer to the Anagram, and this might be the bass synth I’ve been waiting for.

In this video, I dig into the new Axioma synth block, build sounds from scratch, test its tracking and arpeggiator, run through all 12 templates, and put it up against the MXR Bass Synth and my Moog Subsequent 25.

Is Axioma the new benchmark for bass synths? Does it replace the MXR? And how close can a bass guitar actually get to the real thing?

Chapters:

0:00 Intro
1:24 What is Axioma?
2:12 Oscillators, Filters & Arpeggiator
3:44 Tracking a Synth From Bass
10:57 12 Axioma Templates
14:27 Building Sounds With Anagram Effects
15:39 Axioma vs MXR Bass Synth vs Moog Subsequent 25
16:33 Final Verdict: Does It Replace Them?"

Darkglass Electronics Axioma: Monophonic Synthesizer

video upload by Darkglass Electronics

"An axiom needs no proof and a voice needs no permission to change history. Both are driven by conviction. Axioma, our long awaited mono synth plugin for the Anagram platform, is made of it.

More on Axioma: https://www.darkglass.com/en-eu/pages...
More on Anagram: https://www.darkglass.com/en-eu/produ...

Track:
Composed, interpreted, and produced by Sebastian Pinilla:
Soundcloud: / kylo-rec
Instagram: / kylorec

Co-writer: Jesse Mäläskä
Instagram: / jessemalaska
Youtube: / @jessemalaska"
Anagram´s AXIOMA Synth! Deep dive

video upload by Bass Fox aka Quincas Moreira

"Everything you need to know about the long awaited, highly anticipated new SYNTH block for the Darkglass Anagram!"

"Inspired by vintage synthesizers, our monophonic synthetizer plugin for Anagram lets you explore the sound of blending different wave shapes, mixing two oscillators, sub oscillator, shape the overall response with multiple filters, and turn notes into repeating patterns with the arpeggiator."

SpaceAxe - Recreating Retro Arcade Sounds ;;;;;Space Invaders;;;;;

video upload by TronixSynth

"Reproducing sounds from vintage arcade video games such as Space Invaders, Pac Man, Asteroids, Atari 2600, etc."

You cand find a previous model here, and the SpaceBass here.

Update: one more video:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Introducing Electric Neon Deluxe – pop and EDM guitar | Native Instruments

video uploads by Native Instruments

Playlist:
1. Introducing Electric Neon Deluxe – pop and EDM guitar | Native Instruments
2. Electric Neon Deluxe walkthrough | Native Instruments

"Electric Neon Deluxe builds on the Essentials version to bring more high-impact guitar energy to future hits. From rhythmic pulses that fire up the dancefloor to glossy leads that lift the chorus, it’s perfect for producers who want instant vibe without getting weighed down. Every sound slots cleanly into your mix – no endless tweaking, just polished and punchy parts ready for your next anthem.

Discover Session Guitarist – Electric Neon Deluxe: https://www.native-instruments.com/pr..."

Three Roland GR-300s AT THE SAME TIME!

video upload by WayneJoness

"What is the sound of three Roland GR-300s? Found out now! Video features the BT-1324 custom built for Bjorn Thorsrud of Smashing Pumpkins fame. The guitar controller is the Roland G-303."

https://gr300.com/GR-300.htm

🎛️ 🎹 Turning a Thrift Store Projector Case into a Daisy Pod Synth + Amp

video upload by Foggy Mountain Spaceship and TrimPath

"A synthesizer, an amplifier, and a Bluetooth speaker, all built into a vintage projector case from a thrift store. Sound generation runs on an Electrosmith Daisy Pod.

It's the companion piece to the Banjo-Synth (BS-1) I built in 2024. The BS-1 plays it, this box makes the sounds. It was challenging and a lot of fun to build, I hope you enjoy the video.

🧰 The Parts:
Electrosmith Daisy Pod
Vintage Argus Projector Box
CME H2MIDI Pro Interface
JBL Home Audio Speaker
Vangoa PS-01 Rechargeable 9V Power
ZK-502T Bluetooth Amplifier Board"

See this previous post for additional demos and details on the Banjo Synth.

CLICK FOR MORE »

ESK - Guitar + Erica Synths Steampipe

video upload by Metunar

"Feedback effect session. Guitar through an Erica Synths Steampipe physical modeling synthesizer.
Direct recording with soft mastering."

http://www.metunar.ch

A NEW KIND OF MODULAR STRING INSTRUMENT | ADDAC System - ADDAC120s FOUR STRINGS SERIES

video upload by DANIELE

"The ADDAC120s Four Strings Series is a eurorack-compatible electroacoustic instrument that integrates physical strings, custom pickups, and electromechanical control within a modular environment."

0:00 Intro
0:26 Headstock and bridge
0:42 Plectrums
2:06 Humbucker pickup
2:35 Quadraphonic pickup
2:59 Ebow
4:22 Rotary exciter
5:06 Strings mute
5:33 Resonators
6:13 Bringing everything together in the frame

Simple Melancholic Progression, w/ Some Improv Attached...

video upload by Tory Slusher

"The GUITAR SYNTHS I typically use nowadays...
https://www.starrlabs.com/product/miniz/
https://www.starrlabs.com/product/got...

I have a few albums on Bandcamp here:
https://toryslusher.bandcamp.com"

Starr Labs GoTar-3 & MiniZ

Thorny - LiveWire Sessions, Cambridge MA, 5-9-26

video upload by Thorny - Witherwillow Sounds

"My LiveWire session on Cambridge Community Television, the first live set where I played the fretless through a large pedalboard, along with the synths.

1. Malformations
2. Eclipse
3. Top of the Fog
4. Waking the God

directed by Beth Redmond Walsh
projection/post-production/audio recording David 'Deftly-D' Dodson
cameras by Koala Steamboat, William Day, David Clark

music copyright 2026 JD Ryan/Witherwillow Sounds, video licensed through Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives"

Roland GS500 and Gibson SG Supreme Session

video upload by heckenschreck

"A brief demonstration of the first (analog) Guitar Synthesizer by Roland, accompanied by Akai MPC-X and Roland System 100. On this occasion I compared it to my beloved Gibson…"

Roland GR-700 Analog Guitar Synthesizer SN 400310

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

Note the second MIDI port on back. No mention if it's MIDI In which the GR-700 lacked or a 2nd MIDI OUT/through.

This previous listing for one also has the extra port. Note the programmer port to the left is not MIDI, but for the PG-200. In this other listing it is referenced as MIDI IN port.

This one is in via MATRIXYSNTH reader Kerry.

CLICK FOR MORE »

?Gitaar & ?TR606 & RC500

video upload by Gijs Gieskes

https://gieskes.nl/instruments/?file=...
https://gieskes.nl/instruments/?file=...

00:00 ..
02:17 The cassette player
02:34 ..
04:34 Drums and Guitar with distortion
07:03 I gave you my song

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US-3X - Expanded Vintage and Modern Guitar Synthesizer Switcher

video upload by WayneJoness

"This video details the US-3X, a modern alternative I developed for the rare, vintage Roland US-2 in 2011."

https://gr300.com/US2.htm

"US-3X - Roland US-2 Alternative
In 2011 I made a one-off unit called the US-3X. The US-3X provided the inspiration for the Roland US-2 Turbo, but the US-3X still uses the original 24-pin connectors."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Arp Avatar Repair

video upload by Really Nice Audio

"You must check out Alex balls superb video demonstrating the true power of this Arp Avatar" [watch it here]

Roland GR-700 Guitar Synthesizer w/ Roland Case

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

"The Roland GR-700 Guitar Synthesizer is a high-quality instrument designed for musicians who want to explore new sonic possibilities. With 9 keys and a variety of input/output ports, including MIDI OUT and guitar input, this synthesizer offers endless creative possibilities. The inclusion of 3 memory cartridges (original sounds, additional sounds that came with it, and an essentially blank cartridge with one sound on it) and display screen further enhances its functionality. Includes 6 pin cable to connect to a programmer. Unit came direct from Japan with a converter, always used it, not sure it needs it."

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