Reference Manual

An overview of the GM-800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Editing the scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sound structure of the GM-800. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Configuring the scene parameters (SCENE EDIT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
What is “serial GK”? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Configuring the control assignments (CONTROL ASSIGN). . . . . . 12
Setting the functions (CONTROL FUNCTION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Panel descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Configuring the functions (ASSIGN SETTINGS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Front panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Saving a scene (WRITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Rear panel (connecting your equipment). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Editing the system settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Getting ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Basic MENU operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Getting your guitar/bass ready. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Assigning the desired parameters to knobs [1]–[4] (KNOB
Connecting the equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SETTINGS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Turning the power on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Adjusting the contrast (brightness) of the display. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Selecting devices to connect to the output jacks (OUTPUT Restoring the factory settings (factory reset) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SELECT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Turning off the auto off function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Configuring the pickup settings (GK SETTINGS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Connecting external devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the tuner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Connecting a computer (USB COMPUTER port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing the dedicated driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Playing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Using this unit as an audio interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Select a scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Using the GM-800’s dedicated software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
About the play screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Connecting a USB flash drive (USB MEMORY port) . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Formatting a USB flash drive (FORMAT USB MEMORY) . . . . . . . . . 16
Editing the parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Backing up data to a USB flash drive (BACKUP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Basic operations for editing a part. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Restoring backed-up data (RESTORE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Switching the parts on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Importing a tone (IMPORT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Selecting a tone for a part (TONE SELECT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Installing a WAVE EXPANSION (EXPANSION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Adjusting the volume of a part (TONE SELECT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Adjusting the tone of a part (TONE MODIFY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Connecting with an external MIDI device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Changing the effect for a part (MFX). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Operations from the GM-800. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Editing a part’s settings for each string (STRING) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Operations from an external MIDI device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Copying the settings of another part (PART COPY) . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Main specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and Quick Start). After
reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.
© 2023 Roland Corporation 01
 An overview of the GM-800
The GM-800 is a guitar synthesizer sound generator that’s compatible with serial GK-type divided pickups (GK-5/GK-5B, sold separately).

Sound structure of the GM-800

SCENE SYSTEM
Part 1 TONE MFX ALT TUNE PAN/EQ
SCENE EFFECT SYSTEM EFFECT
Part 2 TONE MFX ALT TUNE PAN/EQ FX1 FX2 MASTER COMP OUTPUT/
GK IN
PHONES
Part 3 TONE MFX ALT TUNE PAN/EQ CHORUS/DELAY REVERB MASTER EQ

Part 4 TONE MFX ALT TUNE PAN/EQ

CTL Func/Assign
TONE
Part R (Rhythm Only) MFX PAN/EQ

SCENE Part
A collection of settings for all parts, GUITAR TO MIDI, scene effects You can assign a sound (tone) as well as specify pan and EQ settings
(SCENE EFFECT) and CONTROL ASSIGN is saved as a “scene”. and so on for each of the five parts.
A scene stores the complete state of your favorite performance You can assign a tone to each part and play it.
settings, including settings for each part (such as tone number, pan, There are five parts. You can assign synthesizer sounds to parts 1–4,
and volume), settings common to all parts and so on. and a rhythm sound to part R.
It’s useful to save your settings beforehand as scenes, and then
switch between these scenes while you’re playing.
TONE
The sound assigned to a part is called a “tone”.
You can configure settings such as filters and effects (MFX) for the
tones.

What is “serial GK”?

Serial GK is a technology for transmitting divided pickup signals from a compatible device that’s connected via a dedicated cable.
The divided pickup signal that’s input to the GK IN jack of the first unit passes through the GK OUT jack, and is sent to the GK IN jack of the second unit.

Connection example

DIVIDED PICKUP

DIVIDED PICKUP SIGNAL

GK-5/GK-5B (sold separately)

or similar

UNIT1 UNIT2

2
 Panel descriptions
Front panel

3 5 6 7

2
4
8

9 10

1 [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob 6 [WRITE] button

Adjusts the overall volume. Press this to save the scene settings or to copy.

2 PART [1]–[4], [R] buttons 7 [MENU] button

Switches to the part settings screen. Switches to the MENU screen.
When you press these buttons while the part settings screen is * Hold down the [EXIT] button and press the [MENU] button to
displayed, the buttons switch the parts on/off. switch the knob lock function (*) on/off.
(*) When this is ON, knob operations are disabled on the play
3 Display
screen.
Shows various information for the GM-800.
8 PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons
4 [1]–[4] buttons, [SELECT] knob
Switches between pages.
Use these to select and edit the parameter values that are shown
onscreen. 9 [É] [Ç] switches
The buttons switch scenes.
5 [EXIT] button
Press this to return to the previous screen or to undo an operation. 10 [CTL1] [CTL2] switches
These switches control the functions set for each scene.

3
Panel descriptions

Rear panel (connecting your equipment)

* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

11 GK IN jack 12 GK OUT jack 13 OUTPUT jacks 14 MIDI (OUT/IN) jacks

Devices compatible with

GK-5/GK-5B Guitar amplifier Headphones Mixer MIDI keyboard controller
serial GK

19 18
16 USB (COMPUTER) port 17 USB (MEMORY) port

Computer USB flash drive

15 CTL 3, 4/EXP 1 jacks, CTL 5, 6/EXP 2 jacks

When used as the EXP When used as the CTL 3, 4 and CTL 5, 6 jacks
1/EXP 2 jacks Connect a footswitch here.
Connect an expression
pedal here.
FS-5U x 1 FS-5U x 2 FS-6 FS-7

1/4” phone type Stereo 1/4” phone type Stereo 1/4” phone type Stereo 1/4” phone type
Ñ Ñ Ñ Ñ
Ò Ò Ò Ò
1/4” phone type 1/4” phone type × 2 Stereo 1/4” phone type Stereo 1/4” phone type

CTL 4
CTL 6
* Use only the specified
expression pedal (EV- CTL 3 CTL 4 CTL 3 CTL 4 CTL 3
CTL 5 CTL 6 CTL 5 CTL 6 CTL 5 CTL 3
30, FV-500L, FV-500H, CTL 5
and Roland EV-5; sold
separately). Connecting
expression pedals
made by third-party Mode/Polarity switch
manufacturers may FS-5U FS-6 FS-7
cause this unit to
malfunction.

4
 Panel descriptions
11 GK IN jack 16 USB (COMPUTER) port
Connect a guitar or bass guitar that has a BOSS divided pickup Use a commercially available USB 2.0 cable to connect this port to
such as a GK-5 or GK-5B. your computer.
* Never use a cable other than the dedicated serial GK cable for This port lets you use the dedicated editor software or transfer
this unit. USB MIDI and USB audio data.
* You must install the USB driver before connecting this unit to a
12 GK OUT jack
computer. Download the USB driver from the BOSS website. For
Use this jack to connect multiple GM-800s, or to connect to a details, refer to the “Readme.htm” file included with the download.
compatible device with a GK IN jack.
17 USB (MEMORY) port
13 OUTPUT jacks
You can connect a USB flash drive here. Connect or disconnect the
Connect these to your guitar amp, PA system (line-level) or USB flash drive while the GM-800 is powered-off.
headphones (sold separately).
* Never turn off the power or disconnect the USB flash drive while
* Connect your headphones to the L/PHONES jack. the access indicator is blinking, or while the screen shows that an
* If using a mono connection, use only the R/MONO jack. operation is in progress.
* If you’re using headphones, don’t connect anything to R/MONO
18 DC IN jack
jack.
Connect the included AC adaptor to this jack.
14 MIDI (OUT/IN) jacks * The DC IN jack also serves as the power switch. The power turns
These connectors transmit and receive MIDI messages to/from on when you insert a plug into the DC IN jack, and the power
connected external MIDI devices. turns off when you unplug the cable.

15 CTL 3, 4/EXP 1 jacks, CTL 5, 6/EXP 2 jacks 19 Ground terminal

You can control various functions by connecting an expression Connect this to an external earth or ground, if necessary.
pedal (EV-30, FV-500L, FV-500H or Roland EV-5: sold separately) or
a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7: sold separately).
Ø For details on the settings, refer to ““Setting the functions
(CONTROL FUNCTION)” (p. 12)”.

5
 Getting ready
Getting your guitar/bass ready Selecting devices to connect to the
¹ To use the GM-800, you must connect a guitar or bass guitar that
uses a divided pickup (GK pickup) capable of outputting separate
output jacks (OUTPUT SELECT)
signals from each string, such as the BOSS GK-5 or GK-5B.
¹ See the GK pickup owner’s manual for how to install the GK 1. Press the [MENU] button.
pickup.
¹ Issues such as neck warpage, worn frets that cause string buzzing, 2. Press the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to display “IN/OUT
and mistuned octaves may cause wrong notes to play. SETTING”.

Connecting the equipment

Ø Refer to “Rear panel (connecting your equipment)” (p. 4).

3. Press the [4] knob.

Attaching the rubber feet The IN/OUT SETTINGS screen appears.
You can attach the rubber feet (included)
if necessary.
Attach them in the locations shown in the
illustration.
* Using the unit without rubber feet may damage the floor.
* When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the
buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit 4. Turn the [SELECT] knob to move the cursor to
carefully; do not drop it.
“OUTPUT SELECT”.

Turning the power on

* Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume
down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some 5. Turn knob [1] to select the device that’s connected.
sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal
and does not indicate a malfunction.
OUTPUT SELECT Explanation
* To turn the power off, reverse the order.
Choose this setting if you’re using headphones,
or if the
LINE/PHONES
1. Turn the volume all the way down on your guitar GM-800 is connected to a keyboard amp, mixer,
or digital recorder.
amp and other devices connected to this unit.
Use this setting when connecting to the guitar
GUITAR AMP
2. Connect your equipment to the OUTPUT jack(s). input of a guitar amp.

3. Connect your guitar or other instrument. * To use this unit with a bass guitar amp, use the LINE/PHONES
setting.
4. Plug the included AC adaptor into the DC IN jack of
this unit.
This turns the power on.

5. Turn on your guitar amp and other devices

connected to this unit.

Setting the Auto Off function

The power to this unit will be turned off automatically after a
predetermined amount of time has passed since it was last used
for playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (Auto
Off function). If you do not want the power to be turned off
automatically, disengage the Auto Off function.
* Unsaved data is lost when the power turns off. You must save
settings that you want to keep.
* To restore power, turn the power on again.
Ø For details on the settings, refer to ““Turning off the auto off
function” (p. 15)”.

6
 Getting ready

7. Turn the [1] knob to select the pickup type.

Configuring the pickup
settings (GK SETTINGS) GK TYPE
GK-5
Explanation
Select this when you’re using the BOSS GK-5.
Configure the divided pickup settings so that the GM-800 is always GK-3 Select this when you’re using the Roland GK-3. *1
in the optimum state when you play. You can save up to 20 of these Select this when you’re using the Roland GK-2A, or a
settings (GK SETTINGS) for the GM-800. GK-2A commercially available guitar with a built-in divided
Here’s an example of how to save the pickup settings in GK SET: [01]. pickup. *1
Select this when you’re using the Roland V-Guitar GC-1.
MEMO GC-1
*1
The GK SETTINGS are saved even after you turn off the power. For Select this when using a guitar with a piezo pickup (flat
this reason, you don’t need to reconfigure the settings each time you PIEZO
response). *1
play.
Select this when using a guitar with a piezo pickup
PIEZO F
(Fishman). *1
Select this when using a guitar with a piezo pickup
1. Press the [MENU] button. PIEZO G
(Graph Tech). *1
Select this when using a guitar with a piezo pickup (L.R.
2. Press the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to display “GK PIEZO L
Baggs). *1
SETTING”. Select this when using a guitar with a piezo pickup
PIEZO R
(RMC). *1
GK-5B Select this when you’re using the BOSS GK-5B.
GK-3B Select this when you’re using the Roland GK-3B. *1
Select this when you’re using the Roland GK-2B, or
GK-2B a commercially available bass guitar with a built-in
divided pickup. *1
3. Press the [3] knob. PIEZO(B)
Select this when using a bass guitar with a piezo pickup
The GK SETTINGS screen appears. (flat response). *1
Select this when using a bass guitar with a piezo pickup
PIEZO G(B)
(Graph Tech). *1
Select this when using a bass guitar with a piezo pickup
PIEZO R(B)
(RMC). *1

*1 Use this in combination with the GKC-AD (sold separately).

4. Turn the [SELECT] knob to move the cursor to the

first line. Setting the pickup arrangement (bass guitar only)
5. Turn the [1] knob to select “GK SET: [01]”. Set the GK PU Pos according to where you’ve installed the divided
The pickup settings are saved to GK SET: [01]. pickup on your bass guitar.
MEMO
The pickup settings are automatically saved to the memory number 8. Turn the [2] knob to set GK PU Pos.
you selected in step 5.
For four-string bass guitars
GK PU Pos 4STR-1 4STR-2 4STR-3

Selecting the pickup type

1st string
2nd string
Here’s how to select the pickup that you’ve installed on your guitar 3rd string
(or bass guitar). 4th string

6. Turn the [SELECT] knob to move the cursor to the

second line. For five-string bass guitars
GK PU Pos 5STR-Lo1 5STR-Lo2 5STR-Hi1 5STR-Hi2

1st string High C-string

2nd string 1st string
3rd string 2nd string
4th string 3rd string
Low B-string 4th string

7
Getting ready
For six-string bass guitars
GK PU Pos 6STR Adjusting the volume
High C-string
1st string Use the [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob to adjust the overall volume of this
2nd string unit.
3rd string
4th string
Low B-string

Using the tuner

Setting the pickup sensitivity
1. Press the [MENU] button.
The volume for the strings may differ, depending on the distance
between each string and the divided pickup. You can correct these 2. Press the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to display “TUNER”.
volume differences by setting the pickup sensitivity.

9. Press the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to show the SENS

screen.

3. Press the [2] knob.

The tuner screen appears.

10. Turn the [SELECT] knob to move the cursor to the

string to set.

11. Turn the [4] knob to adjust the SENS value.

Pluck each string at the hardest strength you would likely use, 4. Press the [EXIT] button a number of times to return
and adjust the sensitivity values so that the meters don’t reach
to the play screen.
excessive levels, which indicates an overload. If a given meter
overloads, lower the SENS value for that string.
* The level meters may overload when using certain guitars or bass
guitars, even when the sensitivity is set to minimum. Tuner settings
If this happens, widen the distance a bit more than normal
between the divided pickup and the strings. To make tuner settings, use the [1] and [2] knobs located below the
display.

12. Check the volume balance for all the strings. Parameter Value Explanation
Adjust the volume balance to minimize the difference in volume [1] MASTER TUNE 435–445 Hz Specifies the reference pitch.
between strings, by playing all of the strings at the usual strength Sound will not be output while
and lowering the SENS value for any string that is particularly MUTE
tuning.
loud.
While tuning, the sound of
the guitar being input to the
13. Press the [EXIT] button a number of times to return [2] OUTPUT
BYPASS
GM-800 will be output without
to the play screen. change.
You need to make these settings in situations such as when you’ve Lets you tune your guitar while
newly installed a divided pickup on your guitar or bass guitar, or THRU outputting the sound of the
when you’ve changed the height of the divided pickup. current scene.

For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide” (PDF).

8
 Playing
Select a scene Icons shown in the play screen
A collection of all part settings, GUITAR TO MIDI settings, scene effect
settings and control function/assign settings is called a “scene”.
Areas which icons
are displayed

1. Use the [É] switch or [Ç] switch to select a scene.

Scene name
Display Explanation
Indicates the input level.
Scene number
Indicates the output level.
Indicates the BPM.
MEMO
Indicates the page to which you navigate using the
You can also use the [SELECT] knob to switch scenes. PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons (edit screen).

About the play screen MEMO

You can change which parameters are adjusted by knobs [1]–[4].
The screen that appears after you turn on the power is called the
“play screen”. For details, refer to “Assigning the desired parameters to knobs [1]–[4]
(KNOB SETTINGS)” (p. 14).
The following four types of play screen are provided; use the PAGE
[Í] [Ë] buttons to switch between the types of display.

Large scene number

Large scene name

Show the tones selected for each part

Show functions assigned to the switches and other controls

9
 Editing the parts
Basic operations for editing a part Adjusting the volume of a part (TONE SELECT)
You can select tones for each part, make detailed adjustments and
perform other edits from the part edit screen. 1. With the part edit screen shown, use the [SELECT]
Here we explain how to edit part 1. knob to move the cursor to TONE SELECT.

Switching the parts on/off

1. Press the PART [1] button.
The part edit screen for part 1 appears. 2. Use knobs [1]–[4] to adjust the parameters that are
shown at the bottom of the screen.
Use the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to switch between the parameters
that you want to edit. The current page is indicated in the lower
center of the screen.
* To change a value in larger steps, turn a knob while pressing it.
* The number of parameters and pages differs with each setting.
2. You can press the PART [1] button again to toggle
the part on/off.
MEMO Adjusting the tone of a part (TONE MODIFY)
Turn off all other parts if you only want to hear part 1.
1. With the part edit screen shown, use the [SELECT]
knob to move the cursor to TONE MODIFY.
Selecting a tone for a part (TONE SELECT)
1. With the part edit screen shown, use the [SELECT]
knob to move the cursor to TONE SELECT.

2. Use knobs [1]–[4] to adjust the parameters that are

shown at the bottom of the screen.
If necessary, use the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to switch between
pages of settings.
* To change a value in larger steps, turn a knob while pressing it.
2. Turn the [2] knob to select a tone.
* The number of parameters and pages differs with each setting.
* To change a value in larger steps, turn the knob while pressing it.

Using the browse function Changing the effect for a part (MFX)
1. With the part edit screen shown, use the [SELECT]
1. With the cursor positioned at TONE SELECT, press knob to move the cursor to MFX.
the [1] knob.
The browse screen appears.

2. Use knobs [1]–[4] to adjust the parameters that are

shown at the bottom of the screen.
2. Use the [1] or [2] knob to change the category. If necessary, use the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to switch between
pages of settings.
3. Use the [3] or [4] knob to change the tone.
* To change a value in larger steps, turn a knob while pressing it.
4. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the part edit * The number of parameters and pages differs with each setting.
screen.

10
 Editing the parts

Editing a part’s settings for each string

(STRING)
1. With the part edit screen shown, use the [SELECT]
knob to move the cursor to STRING.

2. Use knobs [1]–[4] to adjust the parameters that are

shown at the bottom of the screen.
If necessary, use the [Í] [Ë] buttons to switch between pages of
settings.
* To change a value in larger steps, turn a knob while pressing it.
* The number of parameters and pages differs with each setting.

Copying the settings of another part (PART

COPY)
This function lets you copy the settings from a part in another scene.
Here we explain how to copy the settings to part 1.

1. Press the PART [1] button.

The part edit screen for part 1 appears.

2. Long-press the PART [1] button.

The PART COPY screen appears.

3. Use the [1] [2] knobs to change the scene, and use
the [3] [4] knobs to select the part from which to
copy (copy source).

4. Once you’ve selected the copy source part, press

the [4] knob. To cancel copying, press the [3] knob.
This copies the part settings from the copy source to part 1.

* There is no function for copying to part R.

11
 Editing the scenes
Configuring the scene parameters (SCENE Configuring the control assignments
EDIT) (CONTROL ASSIGN)
Here’s how to set the scene parameters aside from those for parts. A variety of functions can be assigned to the [É], [Ç], [CTL1] and
For details on the parameters, refer to the “GM-800 Parameter Guide” [CTL2] switches on the top panel, as well as to the expression pedals
(PDF). or footswitches that are connected to the CTL 3, 4/EXP 1 and CTL 5,
6/EXP 2 jacks on the rear panel.
For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide” (PDF).
1. Press the [MENU] button.
* The [É], [Ç], [CTL1], or [CTL2] switch LEDs on the top panel
The MENU screen appears.
may either light up or blink, depending on the function you’ve
assigned.

Setting the functions (CONTROL FUNCTION)

2. Press the [1] knob. 1. Press the [MENU] button.
The scene edit screen appears. The MENU screen appears.

3. Turn the [SELECT] knob to move the cursor to the 2. Press the [2] knob.
parameter you want to set. The CONTROL/ASSIGN screen appears.

4. Use knobs [1]–[4] to adjust the parameters at the

bottom of the screen.
Use the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to switch between the parameters
that you want to edit. The current page is indicated in the lower
center of the screen.
* To change a value in larger steps, turn a knob while pressing it.
3. Press the [1] knob.
* The number of parameters and pages differs with each setting.
The CONTROL FUNCTION screen appears.

4. Turn the [SELECT] knob to select the item that you

want to set.
Turning the knob will move the selected item vertically.

5. Turn knobs [1]–[4] to edit the value of the item

selected for each switch.
If necessary, use the [Í] [Ë] buttons to switch between pages of
settings.
The settings for each part may be shown instead, depending on
the function you’ve selected. Use these to turn each part on/off,
set the degree of change for the effects and so on.
* The footswitch and expression pedal functions must be specified
for each scene. However, if you set PREF (PREFERENCE) to
“SYSTEM”, all scenes use those functions in common.
* The effect may not be audible for some functions (such as PART
OCTAVE UP/DOWN) until you play the next note.

12
 Editing the scenes

Configuring the functions (ASSIGN SETTINGS) Saving a scene (WRITE)

When you want to save a scene you have created, save it as a user
1. Press the [MENU] button. scene by following the steps below.
The MENU screen appears. If you don’t save the scene, the edited settings are lost when you turn
off the power or switch to another scene.
* The following settings are saved in a scene.
¹ All part settings
¹ SCENE EDIT parameters
¹ CONTROL ASSIGN parameters

2. Press the [2] knob. 1. Press the [WRITE] button.

The CONTROL/ASSIGN screen appears.

2. Press knob [1] to select “WRITE” (SCENE WRITE).

3. Press the [2] knob.
The ASSIGN SETTING screen appears.

3. Use knob [1] to select the save destination scene

number.
4. Turn the [SELECT] knob to select the item that you You can use knobs [2]–[4] and the [SELECT] knob to edit the name.
want to set.
Turning the knob will move the selected item vertically. How to edit a name
To edit a scene name, use the [SELECT] knob to move the cursor and
5. Press the [SELECT] knob to turn the SW on. use knob [4] to change the character.

6. Turn knobs [1]–[4] to configure the parameters. Controller Operation

If necessary, use the PAGE [Í] [Ë] buttons to switch between
Turn the [2] knob Selects the character type
pages of settings.
Press the [2] knob Deletes one character
Use SOURCE to specify the pedal to be operated, the MIDI
message or other source. Turn the [3] knob Toggles uppercase/lowercase
Press the [3] knob Inserts one character
* When TARGET is shown, press the [1] [2] knobs to show the
parameters as a list. Turn the [4] knob Changes the character
Turn the [SELECT] knob Moves the cursor

4. Press the [WRITE] button again.

The scene is now written.

13
 Editing the system settings
Basic MENU operations Assigning the desired parameters to
Here you can make settings that are common to the entire GM-800
(system parameters).
knobs [1]–[4] (KNOB SETTINGS)
* For details on the parameter, refer to the “GM-800 Parameter You can assign the parameters to be controlled by knobs [1]–[4]
Guide” (PDF). when the play screen is shown.

1. Press the [MENU] button. 1. Choose [MENU] Ó “HARDWARE SETTING” Ó “KNOB

SETTING”.

* You can use the PAGE [Í] Ë] buttons to see additional items.

2. Use the [1]–[4] knobs to set the parameters to

assign to each knob.

* Press the [1]–[4] knobs to show the parameters as a list.

2. Press one of the knobs [1]–[4] to select the item

that you want to edit.
A sub-menu appears. (The screen example here shows the MIDI
sub-menu.)
3. Press the [EXIT] button a number of times to return
to the play screen.

Adjusting the contrast (brightness) of the

3. Press one of the knobs [1]–[4] again to select the display
item that you want to edit. You can adjust the brightness of the display.
4. Use knobs [1]–[4] and the [SELECT] knob to select
parameters or edit the values. 1. Choose [MENU] Ó “HARDWARE SETTING” Ó
* To change a value in larger steps, turn a knob while pressing it. “OTHER”.
* The method of selecting parameters or editing values differs
depending on the item. For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter
Guide” (PDF).

2. Adjust the contrast with the [2] knob.

14
 Editing the system settings

Restoring the factory settings (factory Turning off the auto off function
reset) The GM-800 can turn off its power automatically.
The power turns off automatically when 10 hours have passed since
Restoring the GM-800’s settings to their original factory default you last played or operated the unit.
settings is referred to as “factory reset”.
A message is shown on the display 15 minutes before the power
You can restore all of the settings to their factory-set values, and you turns off.
can also specify certain items to be reset.
With the factory settings, this function is turned “ON” (power-off in 10
* When you execute “factory reset”, the settings you made are lost. hours).
Save any data you need on your computer via dedicated software,
or create a backup to a USB flash drive. If you want to always leave the power on, set this to “OFF”.

1. Choose [MENU] Ó “FACTORY RESET”. 1. Choose [MENU] Ó “HARDWARE SETTING” Ó

“OTHER”.

2. Turn the [1] knob to select the item you want to

reset to factory defaults, and press the [1] knob to 2. Use the [1] knob to select “OFF”.
select the check box.

3. Press the [EXIT] button a number of times to return

Item Explanation to the play screen.
Reset User Data Initializes the scenes and imported tones.
Reset System Data Initializes the system parameters.
Initializes the user license and WAVE
EXPANSION. Initializing the user license lets
you import/install a SOUND PACK or WAVE
Remove License (*1)
EXPANSION that was downloaded with
a different user license. This deletes the
currently installed WAVE EXPANSION.

* 1 This is displayed if a SOUND PACK or WAVE EXPANSION is

imported/installed.

3. Press the [WRITE] button.

Press the [4] knob to execute the factory reset.

To cancel factory reset, press the [3] knob.
When the factory reset is complete, the message “Completed”
appears.
* Never turn off the power or disconnect the USB flash drive during
a process, such as while the “Executing…” display is shown.

4. Turn the power of the GM-800 off and then on

again.

15
 Connecting external devices
Connecting a computer (USB COMPUTER Connecting a USB flash drive (USB
port) MEMORY port)
Connecting the GM-800 to a computer via USB lets you do the Connect a USB flash drive to the USB MEMORY port.
following. * Use a commercially available USB flash drive. Note that not all
¹ Transmit and receive digital audio signals between the computer commercially available USB flash drives are guaranteed to work.
and this unit
¹ Use the dedicated software to edit and manage scenes from your
computer
¹ Download scenes from the dedicated website
Formatting a USB flash drive (FORMAT USB
MEMORY)
Be sure to format your USB flash drive on this unit if you are using it
Installing the dedicated driver for the first time.

NOTE
To use the GM-800, you must download the driver from the website
If the USB flash drive contains important data, be aware that this
shown below and install it on your computer.
operation erases all data from the drive.
For details on installation, refer to the BOSS support website.
Ø https://www.boss.info/support/
1. Choose [MENU] Ó “USB MEMORY”.

Using this unit as an audio interface

You can record the sound of the GM-800 on your computer, or output
the sound from your computer via the OUTPUT jacks of the GM-800.
* For details of the audio signal flow when connected via USB and
2. Press the [PAGEÍ] [PAGEË] buttons to show
on how to make settings, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide”
(PDF). “FORMAT”.
* Refer to the instruction manual for the software you are using to
learn how to switch the input source of the software.

Using the GM-800’s dedicated software

Please download the dedicated software from the BOSS website 3. Press the [1] knob.
shown below. For details on how to use the software, refer to the
A confirmation message appears.
Readme.htm file that comes with the download.
Ø https://www.boss.info/support/

Using the dedicated software lets you do the following:

¹ Easily download scenes from the dedicated website into this unit.
¹ Edit the scene settings.
¹ Add names to scenes. To execute the format operation, press the [4] knob.
¹ Organize scenes in order and switch them around. If you decide to cancel, press knob [3].
¹ Back up scenes and system settings, and restore these settings. When formatting is complete, the message “Completed” appears.
* Never turn off the power or disconnect the USB flash drive during
a process, such as while the “Executing…” display is shown.

16
 Connecting external devices
A confirmation message appears if a file with the same name
Backing up data to a USB flash drive (BACKUP) already exists. (FILE EXISTS.)
Here’s how to back up user data to a USB flash drive. * Never turn off the power or disconnect the USB flash drive during
a process, such as while the “Executing…” display is shown.
Data included in the backup:
¹ All scene data
¹ Imported tone data
¹ System settings (including system effects)
Restoring backed-up data (RESTORE)
Here’s how user data that you backed up on a USB flash drive can be
1. Choose [MENU] Ó “USB MEMORY”. returned to the GM-800.
This operation is called “restore”.

NOTE
All user data are rewritten when you execute the restore operation.
If you’ve saved important data on this unit, assign it a different name
and back it up to a USB flash drive before restoring.

2. Press the [PAGEÍ] [PAGEË] buttons to show 1. Choose [MENU] Ó “USB MEMORY”.
“BACKUP”.

2. Press the [PAGEÍ] [PAGEË] buttons to show

3. Press the [1] knob. “RESTORE”.
The BACKUP screen appears.
You can use knobs [2]–[4] and the [SELECT] knob to edit the name.

3. Press the [2] knob.

The RESTORE screen appears.
How to edit a name
To edit a filename, use the [SELECT] knob to move the cursor and the
[4] knob to change the character.

Controller Operation
Turn the [2] knob Selects the character type
Press the [2] knob Deletes one character
4. Use the [1] knob to select the file that you want to
Turn the [3] knob Toggles uppercase/lowercase
restore.
Press the [3] knob Inserts one character
Turn the [4] knob Changes the character 5. Press the [WRITE] button.
Turn the [SELECT] knob Moves the cursor

4. Once you’ve entered the filename, press the

[WRITE] button.
A confirmation message appears.
To execute, press knob [4].
If you decide to cancel, press knob [3].
Once the data is restored, the message “Completed” appears.
* Never turn off the power or disconnect the USB flash drive during
a process, such as while the “Executing…” display is shown.

To execute, press knob [4].

If you decide to cancel, press knob [3].
When the backup is finished, the screen indicates “Completed”.

17
Connecting external devices
* If a tone named “INIT TONE” already exists, it is automatically
Importing a tone (IMPORT) selected as the import destination tone. If you want to keep the
tone, select a different tone.
You can import tones that you’ve downloaded or exported from
other models into the GM-800 as additional tones.
9. Press the [WRITE] button.
Here we explain how to import an SVZ file that you prepared using
A confirmation message appears.
the export function of another device.
* When importing SOUND PACKs that you’ve downloaded, use SDZ
files.

1. Save the SVZ (or SDZ) file containing the tones you
want to import to the ROLAND/SOUND folder of
your USB flash drive, and connect the drive to the To execute, press knob [4].
GM-800. If you decide to cancel, press knob [3].
* If this is the first time you’re using the USB flash drive, format it on When importing is finished, the message “Completed” appears.
the GM-800. * If this is the first time to install a SOUND PACK, a screen appears
that asks you to register the user license.
2. Choose [MENU] Ó “USB MEMORY”. * Never turn off the power or disconnect the USB flash drive during
a process, such as while the “Executing…” display is shown.

Installing a WAVE EXPANSION (EXPANSION)

You can install WAVE EXPANSION files that you download as
additional tones on the GM-800.
3. Press the [PAGEÍ] [PAGEË] buttons to show
“IMPORT TONE”.
1. Save the EXZ file for the WAVE EXPANSION you
want to install to the root directory of your USB
flash drive, and connect the drive to the GM-800.

2. Choose [MENU] Ó “USB MEMORY”.

4. Press the [3] knob.

A selection screen to select the file to import appears.

3. Press the [PAGEÍ] [PAGEË] buttons to show

“EXPANSION”.

5. Use the [1] knob to select the file that you want to
restore.

6. Press the [WRITE] button.

A selection screen to select the tone(s) to import appears.
4. Press the [4] knob.
A list of WAVE EXPANSIONs installed on the GM-800 is shown.

7. Use the [1] [2] knobs to select the import

destination (TARGET), and press the [1] [2] knobs to * If nothing is installed, “EMPTY” is shown.
confirm.

8. Use the [3] [4] knobs to select the tone(s) to import

(IMPORT TONE), and press the [3] [4] knobs to
confirm.
* To import multiple tones, repeat steps 7 and 8.
* Use caution, as this overwrites the tone that’s already in the
import destination you select.

18
 Connecting external devices

5. Press the [4] knob.

A screen appears for selecting the file to install. USB flash drive folder architecture
Copy the WAVE EXPANSION
files (.exz) to the root
directory.
ROLAND

SOUND
6. Use the [1] knob to select the file to install. Copy the SOUND PACK files
(.sdz) to the ROLAND/SOUND
folder.
7. Press the [WRITE] button.
A confirmation message appears.

* If this is the first time to install data, a screen appears that asks you
to register the user license.

To execute, press knob [4].

If you decide to cancel, press knob [3].
When the installation is finished, the message “Completed”
appears.
* Never turn off the power or disconnect the USB flash drive during
a process, such as while the “Executing…” display is shown.
* The installation may take several minutes.

19
 Connecting with an external MIDI device
With the GM-800, you can connect to an external MIDI device to perform the following operations.

Operations from the GM-800

Operation Explanation
When you select a scene on the GM-800, either the program change message that’s set in SCENE MIDI or the
program change message that corresponds to the scene number you selected is transmitted at the same time.
Outputting program change messages This lets you switch the external MIDI device that receives this program change message to the corresponding
settings.
For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide” (PDF).
Control change messages can be output when you operate the following controls: [CTL 1] switch, [CTL 2] switch,
footswitches/expression pedals connected to the CTL 3, 4/EXP 1 or CTL 5, 6/EXP 2 jacks, [S1] or [S2] button on
Outputting control change messages the divided pickup, GK volume.
You can use these messages to control the parameters or other data of an external MIDI device.
For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide” (PDF).
Guitar (or bass guitar) performance data is transmitted as note or pitch bend data.
You can use this data to play a synthesizer sound module or other connected device.
Outputting performance data
To use GUITAR TO MIDI, set the system parameter that works system-wide for the GM-800 (GUITAR TO MIDI On/
(GUITAR TO MIDI)
Off ) to “ON”, and configure the parameters that are used for each scene, such as pitch bend data.
For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide” (PDF).

Operations from an external MIDI device

What you can do Explanation
The unit receives program change messages from external MIDI devices.
Switch between scene numbers This lets you use an external MIDI device to switch between scenes on the GM-800.
For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide” (PDF).
The unit receives control change messages from an external MIDI device.
Receive control change messages You can also configure the parameters of the GM-800 to be controlled from an external MIDI device.
For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide” (PDF).
This unit receives data such as note and pitch bend data from an external MIDI device.
This lets you use the GM-800 as an external sound module.
Inputting performance data
In MIDI SETTINGS, set the Note Source parameter to “MIDI”.
For details, refer to “GM-800 Parameter Guide” (PDF).

20
 Main specifications
246 (W) x 134 (D) x 63 (H) mm (without rubber foot)
9-11/16 (W) x 5-5/16 (D) x 2-1/2 (H) inches (without rubber foot)
Dimensions
246 (W) x 134 (D) x 65 (H) mm (including rubber foot)
9-11/16 (W) x 5-5/16 (D) x 2-9/16 (H) inches (including rubber foot)
Weight 1.2 kg
(excluding AC adaptor) 2 lbs 9 oz
Quick Start
Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
Accessories
AC adaptor
Rubber foot x 4
Divided pickup: GK-5 (for guitar), GK-5B (for bass guitar)
Serial GK cable: BGK-15 (15 ft., 4.5 m), BGK-30 (30 ft., 9 m)
Options GK converter: GKC-DA, GKC-AD
(sold separately) Footswitch: FS-5U, FS-5L, FS-6, FS-7
Expression Pedal: EV-30, FV-500L, FV-500H, Roland EV-5
AC adaptor (PSB series)

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

* This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the
Roland website.

Roland Service Centers and Distributors

When you need repair service, access this URL and find your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in
your country.

https://roland.cm/service
21