Upgrade
From VG-8.com
Contents |
[edit] Upgrading Your VG-88
[edit] This is Roland's US VG-88 Version Two Upgrade Policy & Web Announcement...
Roland is pleased to announce the release of a Version Two upgrade for the VG-88 V-Guitar system. This upgrade adds many new features to the VG-88, including two new COSM instruments-a new nylon string guitar, and electric sitar model-plus a new analog-type synth wave with full filter and envelope control. Version Two adds 18 new COSM amps, for a total of 32 VG-88 amp models, five new COSM wah pedal models, and two new effects: Uni-V, a classic swirling modulation sound, and De-fretter. Version Two also lets users instantly access all the modeled amps, tuner and effects with standard guitars via the 1/4" input.
[edit] How to Get the FREE Upgrade
Version Two for the Roland VG-88 is not user-installable; it must be performed by the Roland US authorized service department (US residents only). VG-88 owners who attempt to download or transfer the data and perform the upgrade themselves run a very strong risk of permanently disabling their VG-88. If this happens, the repair is not covered under warranty, and will require a service charge estimated at $150. For this reason, Roland US will perform the upgrade to the VG-88 for FREE (US customers only). To get your VG-88 upgraded to Version Two, please call Roland Customer Service at 323-890-3700 ext. 2289 between 8:30am and 5:00pm Pacific time for a Return Authorization number and return instructions. Roland will perform the update under warranty and return your VG-88 at no charge. Local Roland service centers are not authorized to perform this service. The VG-88 must be returned to Roland US in Los Angeles.
Please note: upgrading a VG-88 changes the factory and user presets. Please be sure to back up your user patches before sending in your VG-88 for the Version Two upgrade.
If you have already damaged your VG-88 attempting an unauthorized update, Roland US can help; for a limited time, Roland will update and repair your VG-88 at no charge. If you have disabled your VG-88 attempting the update, call Roland Customer Service at 323-890-3700 ext. 2289 for a Return Authorization number and return instructions. Roland can only accept user-disabled units until December 31,2002. After December 31, 2002, the fee for repairing VG-88s disabled by user attempts to load Version Two will be $150 plus freight.
[edit] Upgrading Your VG-8
To figure out which version of the VG-8 you have, check what is the highest patch number you can get to. If you can get to preset b84, then you have a VG-8, if you can get to d84, then you have a VG-8 S1, and if you can get to E84, then you have a VG-8EX.
[edit] Upgrading a VG-8 or VG-8 S1 to VG-8EX
The new EX system is different from the old VG-8 S-1 only in that:
- The unit comes "pre-expanded" ie, the S-1 expansion additions (see below) are preinstalled.
- There are 32 new patches in a preset "E" bank, but you can also download these in the patches section of this site.
- There are a few new labels on the unit to demonstrate foot pedal alternate commands, this only a cosmetic change.
The good news is that users of the VG-8 S1 can upgrade via midi. If you have a PC running Windows, the best way to upgrade is using this program by Tim Noonan.
[edit] The VG-8 S-1 System Expansion Kit
If you already shelled out the dough for the original VG-8 investment, this expansion is very much worth it. Almost every criticism I had of the originally VG-8 is addressed with this add on.
If you have the S-1, use it any number of times using this trick: Just hold down SYSTEM and WRITE while turning on the VG-8 with the S-1 inserted. Choose OK and the card will upgrade your machine regardless of the number of previous installations.
Since Roland is now selling the VG-8 EX, these S-1 updates are pretty hard to find. So, if yo can't upgrade your VG-8 using the software above, I can loan out my own personal expansion kit to you. If you can get you or your VG-8 to California, I will update your VG-8 for free. If you would rather have me send you the update, you must first send me a $300 deposit which I will return when the S-1 is returned to me. Email me for more details. Some people have had luck with sending their unit to their local Roland address and asking them to upgrade the unit for free.
Another option you have is to join the mailing list and post a request to the list if their are any S-1 owners in your area that would be willing to expand your VG-8 for you. Here is a list of VG-8 S1 Card Owners who are already volunteering.
