Roland G-808 Guitar Controller and GR-300 Polyphonic Synthesiser

The G-808 and GR-300 formed Roland’s most advanced guitar synthesiser system of the early ’80s - a milestone in design, performance, and playability. The G-808 guitar (a premium version of the G-300 made famous by Pat Metheny), built with a solid through-neck, ebony fretboard, and gold hardware, was a no-compromise instrument equal to the finest production guitars of its time. Paired with the GR-300 synthesiser, it unlocked expressive analogue synthesis without forcing players to change their technique. Using Roland’s 24-pin interface, this duo refined the guitar synth formula first seen in the GR-500, delivering faster tracking, greater reliability, and a truly musical experience that defined the era’s cutting-edge technology.

Despite its limited sound palette, the GR-300 is prized for its unmatched pitch-tracking speed and accuracy. Unlike MIDI systems, the GR-300 generates a unique analogue synth response, even transforming the sound of pick attack into something akin to the attack of a trumpet. Its two oscillators, pitch-locked to each string, can be detuned or layered for harmonic effects, while pitch-tracked filters and dynamic waveform shaping create evolving timbres across the fretboard. However, the system’s brute-force design results in volume and sustain inconsistencies between low and high notes.

Pat Metheny remains the GR-300’s most iconic user, crafting soaring, expressive solos that demonstrate the system's depth and musicality. Other notable players include Andy Summers, Robert Fripp, and Adrian Belew, who each pushed the unit into darker, more textural roles in their respective bands. Unique to the GR-300 is its access to a hexaphonic fuzz circuit, only available when used with specific Roland guitars like the G-303 or G-808. Though challenging to separate from Metheny’s signature tone, the GR-300 stands as a benchmark in responsive, analogue guitar synthesis.

More information on the GR-300 can be found here and for information on the G-808 click here.

This particular G-808 has the high mass bridge from the Fujigen factory that is typical of the early version of these guitars before Roland began using the more conventional tune-o-matic style bridges.
Includes aluminium flight case for guitar.

Video: https://youtu.be/LIWRydRgqyA

Product Specs

• Item Number: 19841
• Make: Roland
• Model: G-808 / GR-300
• Condition: Very Good
• Finish: Wood & Blue
• Categories: electric-guitars ⇒ solid-body
• Year: 1981~1983
• Made In: Japan
• MPN: 19841