Roland VG-88

[Danny Poole]

I have found the VG-88 a perfect unit for live performance. I use to have to pick up an acoustic for some songs and then an electric for others and had to start organizing set lists to what guitar I'd be using next. The VG-88 can provide realistic acoustic 6 string and 12 string guitar sounds as well as banjos and mandolins. That means you can do without taking two or three guitars to the gig.

Don't be fooled though the sounds are not perfect and I wouldn't use them on an international selling album. I think nothing has come close to the natural tones of an acoustic or nylon string guitars or even a well crafted guitar and AMP. But when it comes to performing in a covers band where from one song to the next could have you playing a heavy hard rock distorted sound then a 12 String acoustic guitar the VG-88 is the most convincing I've heard for quite a while, or ever?

There is also a VG-88 II out now with updated sounds; I have not heard it live as yet so I can not comment on the sounds. I have heard good reports on them though.

Before the VG-88 I used a Marshall 40 watt Valvestale (8040) and before that a Fender Twin with a U.S.A. Delux Model Stratocaster. I still use the strat as my main guitar. From someone that has used a Strat & Twin Amp I can tell the difference between the real thing and the Strat style modeling on the VG-88. It’s only natural because if it was as good as the real thing the real thing would be in trouble.

Some of the bad points are…

• The lead is TOO expensive and not that durable
• Having a total floor unit has the potential to have drinks spilt on it (and I have had this happen to me)
• The lead that plugs into the guitar end has to be totally secure otherwise it makes a loud bottom end rumble.

Summary: Happy with the unit and would give it 8/10 as a whole.

Learn about the VG-88 Version 2 Here