Roland VGA-7 Amp. How is it?

[Peekaboo Fuzzy]

Just wondering if anyone here owns one. I would like to install a GK2 pick up on my Les Paul and mainly use the modeling clean sounds on the VGA-7 to get a Strat sound out of the paul for clean passages. I wanted to find out it if I can still use the regular ouput from my guitar through the amp to get a "real" clean sound from the actual guitar pick-up while simulataneously using the GK pick up output. Roland doesn't make these amps anymore i guess. Thanks!

[Extasyguy]

Just wondering if anyone here owns one. I would like to install a GK2 pick up on my Les Paul and mainly use the modeling clean sounds on the VGA-7 to get a Strat sound out of the paul for clean passages. I wanted to find out it if I can still use the regular ouput from my guitar through the amp to get a "real" clean sound from the actual guitar pick-up while simulataneously using the GK pick up output. Roland doesn't make these amps anymore i guess. Thanks!

 

I have a VGA-5 and its a very underrated amp IMO. I once used it for a small gig and it cut through perfectly and the effects were very present and clear.

[Peekaboo Fuzzy]

Thanks for the response. Does the non GK2 input side of the amp sound like a Jazz Chorus amp?

[glenecho]

I have a VGA-7 and frankly...it's surprising to see anyone ask about it or talk about it...it was such an overlooked amp.

 

Yes...you can feed a small guitar cable (included with a GK-2) into the VGA-7 and use the regular sound of the guitar.

 

For clean tones...it is a God Machine. Using your GK-2...your Les Paul absolutely WILL sound like a Strat. It's superb for that kind of thing. It's also quite incredible to play around with the various alternate tuning capabilities on it.

 

For dirty sounds...especially with the GK-2...it's just sort of so-so. The GK-2 seems to be impossible to get any real attack out of it...it's pretty mushy no matter what guitar model you use. When you use your regular guitar pickups it's improved but still a bit cold sounding.

 

One of the excellent hidden capabilities of the VGA-7 is that, due to the fact that it is full range (tuned VERY well with 2x12s AND Piezo speakers) it is awesome as a stereo power amp/speaker cab for modellers. It absolutely shines with a PodXT...and has been my rig for smaller gigs for 4 years now. I have a video of me with this setup...I take the first solo. It actually works good as a mini-pa...guitar synths, regular synths...even vocals sound crystal clear through it.

 

 

EDIT: The amp itself sounds does the JC-120 thing perfectly...whether using the standard inputs or otherwise. If that's what you want...this thing does it and way more. I strongly recommend this amp. One other thing I just thought of...I'm going on 6 years with this amp without a repair.

[Peekaboo Fuzzy]

Nice soloing in the fusion style glenecho! Nice Carvin guitar as well-love the finish. Thanks for the review on that amp. I am now going to seriously consider it. The only other idea was to buy a JC 120 and use one of those Axon MKII's for clean sounds and some sample instrument sounds as well.

[BingoBongoBango]

I bought a VGA-7 about 10 years ago, loved it.  Lost it during an ugly divorce.  Just bought it again on Reverb.  I absolutely love this amp.  It's permanently part of my living room now.  Wonderful sound.