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Ray's Guitar Shop | Pro Guitar Gear Reviews

Roland GR-55 Review

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I had a chance recently to try out a new Roland GR-55 and all I can say is “It’s about time.” I’ve long been a fan of the Roland VG-8 and Roland VG-88, but I think the VG-99 was a serious step in the wrong direction. Seriously, who wants to have a non-floor operated guitar modeler/synth that you control with your hands and not your feet?

One thing you can say about Roland is that they listen to their customers. The Roland GR-55 looks like most other members of the Boss footpedal family and combines amp modeling, guitar modeling, and synthesis in one snazzy unit. It looks and sounds amazing. The street price is well under $1,000 too ($699 without the GK pickup, $799 with) – not bad at all.

I was able to test one out at the recent NAMM show, and it’s at the top of my must-buy list. I just need to save up for my Carvin synth guitar I’ve been dying for and jump in again, since it’s been a while since I’ve had a desire to use any 13-pin equipped gear. The GR-55 has changed my mind, as have the new crop of Carvin synth guitars.

FYI, you can expect the prices of used VG-8’s and VG-88’s to plummet even more, which is good news since those are solid units. Honestly, I would just pass on the VG-99. That was a product that shouldn’t have seen the light of day. A used VG-8 or VG-88 make far more sense, if you’re trying to jump in to guitar modeling/synthesis on the cheap. But the Roland VG-55 is a game changer. That’s for sure.

Fulltone Choralflange Review

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There are a few effects pedal designers who are on my “must buy” list whenever they release a new pedal. Fulltone is one of those companies. When Fulltone first released the Choralflange a few years ago, it immediately became one of my top pedals that was always on my pedalboard.

The chorus is one of my favorites ever. It has a real thick, warm sound that is a perfect match to a good tube amp. I’m not a big flanger user because I find the effect pretty annoying, but this is one flanger sound that is so musical sounding that I’ve found myself employing it more than I thought I would. Choralflange pedals are hard to come by these days, so I hope you can find one below that suits your needs. Enjoy!

Carvin X-100B Guitar Amp Review

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I recently had a chance to play one of the new reissue Carvin X-100B guitar heads, and all I can say is “wow.” I don’t know why I didn’t buy one of these several years ago when I had the chance, but I can say I’m not going to make the same mistake this time. I has one of the nicest clean sounds I’ve ever heard from a head, and it is super loud! The overdrive channel is nice as well – really good for blues, classic rock, or even metal. I ordered a White Bronco X-100B head and matching 4×12 cabinet. I can’t wait!

 

Fender Hot Rod III Amplifiers

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Like so many players, I’ve long been a fan of Fender’s Hot Rod amplifier line. These are some of the most pedal-friendly amps out there and of course the price is right. That’s not to say that they’re perfect by any stretch. I personally never liked the upside down markings on the amp controls and the volume taper needed work, since it made it seem like the amps were louder than they really were.

One great thing about Fender is that they’re always willing to listen to their customers. You can see that in the newest incarnation of the amplifier line, the Fender Hot Rod III series. In addition to a sleek new look, all the above issues have been address by Fender. Thanks for listening!

Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin Cutaway Review

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I’ve been searching for a cool, affordable electric archtop for years, and I may have found the perfect guitar with the Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin Cutaway. Godin is really making some cool, affordable guitars these days, and the 5th Avenue Kingpin is really blowing people away. I opted for the cutaway with 2 P-90 pickups, and I’ve been very pleased with the guitar so far. It has a simple look about it, but it’s very attractive regardless, and it plays and sounds amazing.