| Roland VGA-7 Modeling Amplifier Could this be the first do-it-all guitar tool?
by the Harmony Central Editorial Team
July 28, 2000
Summer NAMM was filled to the gills with amps, preamps, and effects claiming to offer some form of digital modeling technology. But in a crowded -- and deep -- field, the Roland VGA-7 V-Guitar Amplifier ($1,695) stands out.
The company's first modeling guitar amp goes beyond the standard DM feature set, impressively emulating anything from a 12-string to a nylon string to a Les Paul. More conventionally, its amp and cabinet modeling features employ Roland's popular COSM technology; it also has some great stereo effects and a stereo power amp with 65 watts per side, feeding two 12" speakers.
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The Roland VGA-7's ability to cover the spectrum of guitar tones turned a lot of heads -- and turned on a lot of ears.
(Click for a close-up)
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The VGA-7 includes inputs for both conventional pickups and Roland's GK-2A divided pickup, which lets you access the VGA-7's deeper modeling features to achieve sounds that border on synthesis. During a quick tour at the Roland booth, we heard everything from deep traditional jazz sounds, to credible (albeit amplified-sounding) flat top tones, to a gnarly, gnashing overdrive that would make Dimebag blush.
You can use one of the 80 factory presets, or roll your own sounds and store them in the 80 user slots. There are four independent effects processors that draw on the collective arsenal of Roland and Boss algorithms; these can be controlled via an optional footswitch. There's even an extra input for mixing an external device, such as an outboard guitar synth. Of course, words can only go so far -- so be sure to tune into our exclusive video coverage to hear the VGA-7 for yourself.
For more information, visit www.rolandus.com.
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