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Roland G-33/G-88 (Ibanez MC-800)

S

Stifflip

Jan 20, 2006
183
2
#1
I know that the Roland G-88 basses sound well, play well and are as rare as hell. And I know Nathan Watts owns one, and that's the main reason I want one. I found a little information after thorough googling, and this page has been so far the best source (great pictures there, BTW).

Now I need your opinions. Does anybody own one and happen to have some pictures to gloat with? Or better yet, does anyone know if there's one for sale? Last time (15 minutes ago) I checked eBay, there were none and I didn't expect there to be any. :(

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
 
#3
old post, will probably fall on deaf ears.
but I owned one back when jesus was hand carving uprights. actually it was the cheaper version g-33 (set neck, rosewood fretboard) sounded great and was a great toy. BUT the damned E & A strings always had a tracking error delay and it went a little haywire when you played two notes at once.
hows that for resurrecting an old post
 
#4
There's a bunch of pics I found today on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32992083@N00/510371470

A mate of mine bought one of these Roland G-88 Basses over today, with the GR-33B Synthesizer and cables as well. It's a really strong feeling guitar, nice action. Can't wait to plug it in and see how it sounds :)

Basically everything you see on here:

http://www.joness.com/gr300/GR-33B.htm

Youtube links:


Wish I could find more videos - maybe we can make one this week :)
 
#5
I didn't even remember this thread existed until I subscribed to another thread. I'm still gassing for one, but fortunately cannot afford one at this time.

RedLeg, do you know if the tracking problems were specifically in the bass you owned or was it just something typical to this model?
 
#6
Techniques are improving dramatically. Why not the VB-99? No tracking issues. You can use your own bass, add a pu and there you go:

http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=1000&ParentId=116

http://www.bassplayer.com/article/roland-vb-99/feb-09/92743

image_03_M.jpg


http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=648&ParentId=55

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#7
Well, it's not that much about the MIDI integration but the general vibe and feel of the bass. Maybe it's just useless nostalgia, but I do like those basses and would like to lay my hands on one some day.
 
#11
Old thread, but I own G-88, 24-cable and GR-33B. I just love it!!! =) As a regular electric bass its absolutely great and in combination with the GR-33b its a KILLER! The quality overall is exeptionell
And regarding the trackingrpoblems this setup is sone of the fastest! (13 ms or so)
If you have trackingproblems with your gear there are a lot of ways to fix it so it gets close to perfection. Use pretty fresh string for one. The only tracking problem i´ve experienced is the open E, where the analog device gets a bit confused. =) But besides that note its just lovely!

BUY ONE! and please feel free to ask anything about it.
 
#12
I've had a G88/G33B set since I purchased them new in 1983. Never used the synth much until last year when I sat in with a great group of musicians that were all younger than my gear. They were blown away by the anlog synth sounds!
 

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