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13 pin GR 55 or FI v3

TommyLuptak

TommyLuptak

Sep 4, 2017
165
147
#1
I have a Godin A5 Fretless with 13pin midi and a GR55 Roland synth pedal.

I’m thinking of getting the FI v3

should I? Or is my GR55 better???
This didn’t post and the FI V3 is on its way. But I’m still interested in some helpful comments.

thank you!!!!
Tommy L sends.
 
#2
Bass and guitar synthesis is going in multiple directions right now, to my mind they are all good. The Roland midi conversion systems offer direct access to a true path that is constantly improving but there are still significant latency issues as well as economic. Pedal options like the Future Impact, Source Audio C4 and from other makers like EHX, Boss, Roland and many others offer a more affordable option.
While those dedicated to the midi option tend to dismiss the pedal options they only do themselves a disservice doing so, there are fantastic sounds and options there.
 
#3
I have the godin A5 Fretless with the 13 pin midi access to my GR55.
Already spent the money a couple years ago. I’m wondering how that technology compares with FI V3 (which is on its way). I pulled the trigger and just ordered it.
I was looking for bass player comments that have used both and what they think of each one and how they compare. The new FI v3 $362.95 usd delivered. If it allows for a few usable patches that trigger well then I’m sure I will keep it.
 
#6
TommyLuptak said:
So sorry. Thought it was. I guess it just uses the 13pin cable to separate the individual piezos and other components.
Click to expand...
Correct, it actually carries far more detailed information than MIDI. The GR-55 unit can analyze that info to create the MIDI outputs, but the 13-pin link between the guitar and synth is far higher bandwidth than MIDI allows for.
 
#11
I was reading the info on the FI from Pandamidi. It's a different approach to synthesis than the Roland GK.

With the FI, any bass can connect to it, using a standard audio cable. It's "monophonic" in that it responds to a single note at one time. It references a MIDI input connector for uploading patches; it also says you can connect a MIDI controller to it and play it that way. It appears that the MIDI OUT port is actually MIDI through, meaning it will pass MIDI from an external controller to another synth, but won't transmit it's internal MIDI data (it's not clear to me exactly how they do it).

With the A4 SA and a GK interface, you need a special GK cable. Each individual string sends it's analog audio information to the GK (or in my case, the Roland GI-20), where it's converted to MIDI. This is a "polyphonic" solution, allowing up to 6 (for a 6 string guitar) unique tones to be played simultaneously. And, you can play multiple notes of the same patch (chords). That MIDI data can be transmitted to any MIDI device such as a keyboard, or a computer interface, or ?

IMO, here's no real comparison between these 2 systems, although they might be used for the same purpose. If you are looking for simplicity, at an affordable price, then the FI is the best choice. If you want to really get into MIDI, and the expense/complexity doesn't deter you, use the GK-based system
 
#14
4Mal said:
I used an A4 / SA and GR-20. Even on the 4 string I had to play and octave up and transpose and octave down for tracking. FI smoked the GR setup in that regard.
Click to expand...

The FI v3 arrived on Wednesday. I took it out of the box and looked at it.
I can't believe I haven't tried it yet. I'm the op. I guess I have two accounts here. Dang
Something went wrong on the log in. Lol
I have the 5 piezo on my A5 fret less (13 pin) and gr55 and now I have the FI v3.
I wasn't going to purchase the FI v3, but I couldn't remember why I haven't yet.
I guess 2-3 years ago I got the A5 fret less and someone here said to just set the sensitivity up on th gr55 and you'll be good. I guess it's like anything. You need all the ponies as there's no one trick pony.

I'll be back in a day or two with what I think. Going to be some tweaking to dial in the FI v3 sensitivity.
 
Last edited:
#15
I just pulled it out and played the FI V3

The GR55 has piano/horns/strings
Which sound smooth.

The FI v3 tracks. Damn it tracks real good. And open B (Bb) as I’m a 1/2 down no problem on many of the patches. Wow. It’s got that old synth sounds going on.

I can tell you this......
It’s not for sale. So happy to get it for 299 euro (about 363 usd the day I purchased) and delivered to my door in 3 days Florida USA from Budapest Hungary

tested with my Godin A5 Fretless with the output Jack on dual with half piezo half magnetic pickups.

A nice addition to my Arsenal
 
#17
Just received a Korg Toneworks G5 based on the mention above - interesting, quite a different beast. Might have more in common with the SY-1 in that it's not really a synth (no oscillators), but it can sure sound like one (creates its own waveforms from the input somehow). Limited, only 9 slots, but that's not necessarily a bad thing if the sounds are good. Should sound cool mixed with the others.
 

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