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Guitars > Electric Guitars > MIDI Guitars/Pickups > Roland V-Bass VB-99/GK-3B

Roland V-Bass VB-99/GK-3B

Item ID: VB99GK3B

Bass Effects Processor with MIDI I/O, Amp and Effects Modeling, and Roland GK-3B Pickup

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From Our Research Team:

A Powerful Bass Effects Processor from Roland

Roland's VB-99/GK-3B is the follow-up to the hugely popular V-Bass system, and it comes paired with the GK-3B pickup to maximize the sonic impact. This reincarnated version continues the amazing sound of its predecessor while upping the ante when it comes to sound-shaping capabilities. Roland packages the power of their synths into the VB-99 by adding D-Beam and a ribbon controller to the mix, which is great for "hands-on" control over your effects. Built for the modern studio world, handy tools such as a direct output and USB connectivity are built into the VB-99.

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Roland VB-99/GK-3B at a Glance:
  • Dual independent signal paths
  • Powerful expressions
  • Intuitive interface
  • Bassist-friendly features
  • Built for modern recording setups
  • Includes GK-3B pickup

Dual independent signal paths
The VB-99 sports dual independent signal paths, which greatly expands the sonic possibilities of this system. The two paths can be assigned to two distinct sounds (patches), and mixed and layered as desired. Sounds can be blended with a single knob, and even split or switched via playing dynamics. Imagine setting up a patch in which an electric bass morphs into a synth sound when you really dig in, or assigning an overdriven amp sound to your low B and E strings, and a lush, string-type sound to your A, D and G strings. The soundscapes are almost endless - and it's only possible with the VB-99 and its included companion, the GK-3B pickup (which installs on most standard steel-string basses).

Powerful expressions
In addition to the immense number of patches - including everything from classic and modern basses, to acoustic instruments, and a wide range of amps and effects - the VB-99 offers greater expressive possibilities thanks to a D BEAM Controller, a Ribbon Controller, and String Modeling. The assignable D BEAM controller allows a bassist to control his sound through hand gestures through an infrared beam of light. It's a great way to generate inspiring tones and wow an audience. The onboard Ribbon controller is much like those found on keyboard synthesizers is perfect for tweaking a patch or getting just the right filter setting on a bass synth sound. V-LINK is Roland's proprietary format for controlling external video equipment, so visionary bassists can create soundscapes beyond just the music. String Modeling is new to the VB-99, enabling you to convert "Roundwound" strings to "Flatwound" or "Black Nylon" for even more auditory options.

Intuitive interface
Of course, all this power would mean nothing if it wasn't supremely easy to use. The VB-99 incorporates a large, bright 240 x 64 dot LCD, with tons of helpful graphics. There are dedicated knobs and buttons for all major functions. You can go from tweaking an amp model to adjusting global settings within seconds.

Bassist-friendly features
The VB-99's "bassist-friendly" features include a Bass Direct input/output, for sending your normal bass output unchanged through the VB-99 - or blending it with the onboard sounds as desired. There's also an XLR output with ground lift switch for "going direct," either live or in the studio. Speaking of live, the VB-99 can be controlled with an optional foot controller, like the Roland FC-300, and it can be conveniently rack-mounted using an optional adapter.

Built for modern recording setups
With the VB-99's built-in USB audio/MIDI streaming capability, modern musicians can take full advantage of computer-based setups. Just connect a single USB cable from the back of the V-Bass directly to your Mac or PC and trigger other sounds (via MIDI) or record your V-Bass (via USB audio) using your DAW software and plug-ins (sold separately). Roland's free downloadable V-Bass editing software lets you edit and save V-Bass sounds right from your computer.

Includes GK-3B pickup
Roland's GK-3B pickup is designed for driving synth-bass rigs Roland VB-99 and GR-20 guitar synthesizer. Much smaller and thinner than its GK-2B predecessor, the GK-3B is similar to its guitar counterpart, the GK-3, but catered for bass players.

Roland VB-99 Features:
  • Dual independent signal paths
  • Dozens of COSM models, including coveted vintage and modern basses, synth basses, and even electric guitar models
  • Innovative new String Modeling (apply virtual flat wound, round wound, black nylon, etc.)
  • 12 COSM preamp models and six speaker models
  • 43 powerful effect types, six compressor types
  • D BEAM, Ribbon, and V-LINK realtime controller
  • 24 bits + AF method
  • DA Conversion: 24 bits
  • Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
  • Program Memories: 400: 200 (User) + 200 (Preset)
  • D BEAM: D BEAM Controller, Pitch button, Filter button, Assignable button
  • Ribbon Controller: Ribbon Controller, Pitch button, Filter button, Assignable button
  • Display: backlit 240 x 64 dots graphic LCD
  • GK IN connector (13-pin DIN type)
  • Bass Input jack (1/4" phone type)
  • Bass Output jack (1/4" phone type)
  • Sub Out jacks x 2 (L, R) (XLR type)
  • Main Out jacks x 2 (L/MONO, R) (1/4" phone type)
  • Phones jack (Stereo 1/4" phone type)
  • Digital Out jack (Coaxial type, conforms to IEC60958-3)
  • Exp Pedal jack (1/4" TRS phone type)
  • CTL 3,4 jack (1/4" TRS phone type)
  • USB connector (B type)
  • RRC2 IN connector (RJ45 type)
  • MIDI connectors x 2 (IN, OUT) (5-pin DIN type)

Roland GK-3B Features:
  • Enables connection to synthesizers, such as Roland's V-Bass and GR-20 v.2
  • Ultra-thin design
  • Large, smooth-action volume knob
  • Select switch for normal bass tone, synth sound, or mixture of both
  • Easy installation

Bolster your bass' sonic options with the Roland VB-99/GK-3B!
Specification Detail
Manufacturer Part Number VB-99/GK-3B

V-Bass VB-99/GK-3B Image Gallery

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Reviews

based on 2 reviews

Amazingly Flexible Unit, but don't expect plug and play

by Bruce from Panama City, FL
October 6, 2011
Music Background: Semi-Pro Musician (Mr. Day Job)
I bought this for the synth sounds (work in an 80s cover band and needed to be able to copy synth bass lines), but the COSM bass models and amp models are actually even more useful. With a change in ... read more [+]patch I can cop a Music Man, a Jazz Bass, fretless on a fretted (sort of... in the mix it sounds find), all through a series of class amps.

The unit is non-trivial though... it can be rather complex in places, but as long as you invest a little time reading the manual, it's straightforward and consistent in it's interface. For me, using the PC editor is so much easier than the onboard controls, it's essentially a must-have (free download from Roland's site). The first notes at the first practice with the thing made the whole band go wow... which is pretty rare for a bass player (in my experience), so on that basis alone it's won a permanent place in my arsenal... but it's far more than glitter, it's a real tool. close [-]

Game Changer

by Lownoterider from Whitewater, WI USA
January 17, 2010
Music Background: Bassist (Jazz, Stoner Metal, Hard Rock) and Recording Engineer/Producer
I've been playing bass for more than 25 years, and have always pushed the limits when it came to effects and gear. This changes everything for a bassist. I have the GK-3B mounted to my 1988 Modulus Qu... read more [+]antum 4. It tracks perfectly. I have a GT-10B, which does pretty well with synth tones, but the tracking on the VB-99 is impeccable when set-up correctly, which couldn't be easier. The GT-10B is headed to eBay. The synth sounds are fantastic. The upright tones are very usable in a band situation. I've never been into Modeled basses or amps, but this works exceptionally well. I'm ordering another pickup for my Carvin Icon 6. MIDI tracking is good on the small strings, but weak on the big strings, which is just a physical limitation of MIDI pickup. One cycle to get a MIDI note, and bass cycles slowly (hence the deep tone) so the E and A strings have a bit of latency. But I was playing some convincing Grand Piano lines on the D and G controlling my Juno D with the Bass to MIDI function. Mind blowing. Excellent. You need one. I needed one. Best bass processor ever. close [-]

I have to say it's the most personal order I've ever made from the pre-ship phone call, to the email, and finally the candy in the box. Thanks! I don't think I could beat the customer service even in a local shop


Chrystal, McMinnville, TN

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See Also: MIDI Pick Ups , Roland , Roland MIDI Guitars/Pickups

Roland V-Bass VB-99/GK-3B

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