Fender VG Stratocaster G-5A

The V-Guitar G-5A VG Stratocaster® is an innovative instrument that combines the classic design of a Fender® Stratocaster® with Roland's cutting-edge COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) technology. This fusion allows the guitar to produce a wide range of sounds beyond those of a traditional electric guitar, offering versatility for musicians.

Function Description

The G-5A VG Stratocaster® functions as both a conventional Stratocaster® and a modeling guitar. Its core feature is the COSM technology, which simulates various physical structures and materials to create diverse tonal characters. This means you can switch between the sound of humbucking pickups, an acoustic guitar, or even a 12-string guitar with the turn of a knob, eliminating the need for multiple instruments.

The guitar includes several controls for sound shaping and mode selection:

Normal Pickups: These are the standard guitar pickups, functioning as they would on a conventional Stratocaster®.
GK Pickup: This is a special V-Guitar divided pickup, integral to the modeling capabilities. Its height can be adjusted using screws to ensure optimal sound quality; an incorrect height may result in a muddy sound. The recommended distance between the top of the GK pickup and the bottom of the strings is approximately 1 mm (0.04″) when depressing the strings at the highest fret.
Mode Knob: This knob allows you to select between the "Normal" guitar mode and various "Modeling" modes.
- Normal (N) Mode: In this non-modeling mode, the guitar uses its three standard Strat pickups and plays like a conventional Stratocaster®.
- Modeled Stratocaster (S) Mode: This mode emulates the sound of a Stratocaster® guitar. It also offers options for a 12-string sound or different alternate tunings.
- Telecaster (T) Mode: This mode provides the sound of a Telecaster® guitar.
- Humbucking Pickups (H) Mode: This mode simulates the sound of two high-output humbucking pickups, one in the neck position and one in the bridge position.
- Acoustic (A) Mode: This mode produces the warm, full sound of an acoustic guitar. Within this mode, the tone control knob functions as a reverb control for Steel-String Acoustic 1, 2, and Nylon-String Acoustic sounds.
5-Way Switch: In "Normal" guitar mode, this switch selects different pickup positions. In "Modeling" modes, it switches between various tonal characters or variations, such as steel-string or nylon-string acoustic guitar, and sitar. Specific options include:
- Wide Range: Produces a fat sound typical of a larger number of coil windings than a conventional single-coil pickup.
- Bright Humbucker: Creates a tone that preserves high frequencies while retaining humbucking characteristics, unlike conventional humbuckers that cancel high frequencies.
- Jazz: Offers a sweet sound ideal for jazz playing.
Tuning Control: This rotary selector allows you to choose from several different tunings and 12-string sounds without physically adjusting the tuning pegs. To achieve these alternate tunings, your guitar should first be tuned to standard (E A D G B E). If the guitar is tuned differently (e.g., E flat), the modeled tunings will transpose relative to that actual tuning.
- Normal (N): Standard tuning (E A D G B E).
- Drop D (D): Lowest string tuned to D (D A D G B E).
- Open G (G): Open G tuning (D G D G B D).
- D Modal (d): D modal tuning (D A D G A D).
- Baritone (B): Plays as a baritone guitar (B E A D F# B).
- 12 String (12): Beautifully models a 12-string acoustic or electric guitar.
Tone Control: Adjusts the tone within the selected mode. In "Acoustic" mode, it functions as a reverb control.
Volume Control: Controls the overall volume level of the instrument in all modes.
Power Indicator: A blue light that indicates the power is on. It flashes when battery voltage is low and goes out when batteries are depleted.
Guitar Jack: Connects the guitar to an amplifier. Inserting a plug into this jack turns on the power.

Usage Features

Power On/Off: The power turns on automatically when a plug is inserted into the guitar jack. To prevent malfunction, always turn down the volume before connecting or disconnecting cables. Turn on the amp last and turn it off first. A brief interval (a few seconds) is required after power-up before the unit operates normally.
Battery Operation: The G-5A uses four AA alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. High-powered rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (2600 mAH – 2700 mAH) provide up to 9 hours of life, while regular alkaline batteries offer less. The power indicator flashes when batteries run low and goes out when dead. Even with dead or removed batteries, the guitar functions as a standard Stratocaster®, ensuring you can always play.
Alternate Tunings: The "Tuning" control allows for instant switching between various tunings and 12-string sounds, making it convenient for live performances or studio work without needing multiple guitars.
COSM Technology: This technology provides a wide array of tonal characters, from different pickup types to acoustic guitar sounds, all accessible via the mode knob and 5-way switch.
Volume Management: If the guitar amp volume is low, you might hear the acoustic sound from the strings, which can be unnatural. Raising the amp volume can resolve this.
Battery Life Optimization: Always unplug your guitar when not playing to conserve battery life.

Maintenance Features

Battery Installation: Install four AA alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries in the battery compartment, ensuring correct polarity.
Battery Replacement: Replace batteries as soon as they are drained and the power indicator is no longer lit. Allowing depleted batteries to remain in the unit can negatively impact their future performance and may cause noise.
Cleaning: Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol, or solvents of any kind, as they can cause discoloration or deformation. If any liquid is spilled on the unit, promptly wipe it away with a soft, dry cloth.
Environmental Protection: Avoid exposing the unit to direct sunlight, heat-radiating devices, enclosed vehicles, or extreme temperatures/humidity. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit. If moved between locations with different temperatures/humidity, allow several hours for condensation to evaporate before use to prevent damage.
Physical Handling: Protect the unit from strong impact. Do not drop it. When turning the unit upside down, take care to prevent damage to buttons, knobs, etc.
Cable Management: Prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled and place them out of reach of children. Disconnect all cords from external devices before moving the unit. When disconnecting cables, grasp the connector itself, not the cable, to avoid damage.
Foreign Objects/Liquids: Do not allow foreign objects (flammable objects, coins, wires) or liquids (water, juice) to enter the unit, and never place containers with liquid on top of it. This can cause short circuits, malfunctions, or other damage.
GK Pickup Adjustment: Periodically check and adjust the GK pickup height to ensure optimal sound quality. Refer to the OWNER'S MANUAL FOR FENDER® GUITARS for detailed setup guidelines.
Troubleshooting: If an abnormality or malfunction occurs (e.g., objects fall in, liquid spills, smoke/unusual odor, exposure to rain, or abnormal operation), immediately unplug the cable from the guitar jack and contact your retailer or an authorized service center. Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the unit yourself.
Storage/Transport: When not in use for an extended period, remove the batteries. When transporting the unit, package it in its original box with padding, or use equivalent protective materials.
Hearing Protection: Avoid extended use at high volume levels, as this unit can produce sound levels that may cause permanent hearing loss. If you experience hearing loss or ringing in your ears, stop using the unit and consult an audiologist.
Interference: Using the unit near power amplifiers or other equipment with large power transformers may induce hum. Relocate the unit or the source of interference to alleviate this. Wireless communication devices (e.g., cell phones) may cause noise; relocate them further away or switch them off if this occurs.

Fender VG Stratocaster G-5A Specifications

General

Model	VG Stratocaster G-5A
Brand	Fender
Body Material	Alder
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Number of Frets	22
Hardware	Chrome
Scale Length	25.5 inches
Pickups	3 Single-Coil Strat Pickups
Bridge	6-saddle synchronized tremolo
Controls	Master volume, tone control, 5-way switch
Nut Width	1.650 inches
Colors	Black