Roland GK-2A
The workhorse of MIDI
Guitar pickups is the Roland GK-2a.
A most-requested item, the pin assignments for the GK-2 DIN connector,
1:signal for string 1, 2:sig 2, 3:sig 3, 4:sig 4, 5:sig 5, 6:sig 6, 7:Guitar
Output, 8:VOL, 9:NC, 10:SW1, 11:SW2, 12:+7V, 13:-7V
13-pin Connectors!Digi-Key (1-800-344-4539)(digikey.com) now carries 13-pin DIN
connectors made by Stack (cuistack.com) for use in our midi systems. The CUI
Stack site even includes a blueprint.
13 pin in-line male plug (SD-130) $1.65 each
13 pin in-line female jack (SD-130J) $3.75 each
13 pin PC board mount female jack (SDD-130J) $3.03 each
13 pin PC board mount shielded female jack (SDF-130J) $3.15 each
note: Readers report that soldering on replacement connectors is a difficult
task.
Check the MIDI Guitar Showcase for more on the GK-2's. Roland also has (same
price) a GK-2a kit that can be built in your guitar for a more finished look
like the Fender Roland-ready guitars.
What's the difference between the GK-2 and the GK-2A?
The 2A is a humbucking pickup, the 2 is not. The 2A might be a tad smaller.
How do I install my GK-2A?
Basically, mount the pickup as close to the bridge as possible, with about 1
millimeter between the closest string and pickup. I use "Handy Tack" poster
putty to mount both things, starting with too much (too high) and working the
pickup down gently. It removes without a trace andis good acoustically. Center
the pickup so that the poles are evenly off-axis of the E-strings (split the
difference) to start. You may want to adjust from there, re-adjusting
sensitivity after each adjustment.