| All Roland and Roland-compatible cables fall into two basic categories. Either the early version 1 cables, with a latching-type mechanism, or the later version 2 cables with a pin-type mechanism. Since all these cables share the exact same pin configuration, they are electronically completely interchangeable. However, the later pin-type cables are slightly more universal, and provide a more secure physical connection when used with pin-type connectors. The pin-type cables also work well with latching-type connectors. Please see the chart at the bottom of the page for a list of devices and their connectors. Also, Mogami wire is used universally in all the cables. Please note the Korg Z3, because of its recessed design, must use the later, pin-type cables. Look to the repairs page for more information on maintaining and repairing cables. |
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Roland C-24D Version 1 Long |
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Length: Approximately 16’ Pros: Widely available, the most common Roland guitar synth cable found. The metal shell is easy to open, and easy to repair. These cables should last forever. Cons: Chrome latches are prone to corrosion. When used with later equipment, GM-70, Ibanez IMG2010, etc. these cables are not as secure as version 2 (pin-type) cables. |
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Roland C-24D Version 1 Short |
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Mechanism: Latching
Length: Approximately 36” Pros: These cables are great for use with the Roland US-2 where the shorter length is preferred. Also easy to repair (see above). Cons: See above. |
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Roland C-24D Version 2 |
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Mechanism: Pin-type
Length: Approximately 16’ Pros: After the original cable, these are the easiest cables to find. Because of the all-plastic construction, these cables are not prone to corrosion. These cables universally work with all Roland, Ibanez and Korg gear. Cons: Practically impossible to repair. According to GR user David Paviol these cables are internally potted and glued, and cannot be opened without destroying the shell. |
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Roland C-24D Version 2 - LONG |
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Mechanism: Pin-type
Length: Approximately 24’ Pros: In many ways, I would have to say this is the rarest cable I have come across. I am guessing that these cables are from the end of the original 24-pin series. Like Big Foot, these are impossible to find. In all my years, I have seen one of these, and this is it. Cons: Practically impossible to repair. |
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Roland SCC-700F/C-24F Version 1 |
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Mechanism: Latching
Length: Approximately 24’ Pros: The Roland SCC-700F/C-24F Version 1 was originally designed for the Boss SCC-700 Sound Controller Center, a programmable effects switching/routing system. This cable is 8’ longer than the standard cables, and is also thicker than the standard cable. Cons: Very, very hard to find. |
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Roland SCC-700F/C-24F Version 2 |
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Mechanism: Pin-type
Length: Approximately 24’ Pros: Perhaps the ultimate cable! This cable has it all: it is 8’ longer than the standard cables, has rugged metal shells, and is easy to repair. This cable works universally well with all vintage 24-pin guitar synths or the SCC-700 Sound Controller Center. This cable is also thicker than the standard cable. GR user "Brother Ron" reports that he has a 16’ version. Cons: Very, very hard to find. |
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Ibanez Cable |
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Mechanism: Pin-type
Length: Approximately 16’ Pros: This cable is as good as the Roland SCC-700FC-24F, though still 16’ long. The cable is almost identical to the later C-24D Roland cables, but with textured aluminum metal shells instead of plastic. No corrosion on these cable shells! Cons: Definitely hard to find. These were probably only distributed with the Ibanez IMG-2010 and MC-1 system. |
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Custom Cable |
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Mechanism: Pin-type and Latching
Length: Approximately 25’ Pros: This is a custom cable I made from parts purchased on ebay (thanks Bryan!). The cable is a 25’ Belkin F3D-111-25 cable mentioned on the cable repair page. The female connector is a latching type, good for a solid connection to a Roland controller, and the male is the universal pin-type. Cons: Hard-to-find parts. Perhaps Microsoft co-founder and guitarist Paul Allen will suddenly take an interest in vintage GR guitar synths, and order 24-pin connectors back in production! |
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Roland C24-G Cable |
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Mechanism: Pin-type
Length: Approximately 16’ Pros: Included here for comparison. These cables work only with the GK-1. They use the exact same plastic connector as the later Roland C-24D cables. Cons: Works only with the GK-1. Plastic shell connector seems impossible to open to repair. |
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Korg ZD3 Cable |
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Mechanism: Pin-type
Length: Approximately 16’ Pros: Included here for comparison. These cables work only with the Korg Z3. They use the exact same metal connector as the Ibanez cables, with rust-resistant shells. The wire used bears the name "Tonichi" instead of Mogami. Cons: Works only with the Korg ZD3 driver. |
Roland Version 1 and Version 2 Mechanisms Compared
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| The original, older style Roland connectors used a metal latch to connect to a locking frame on the guitar synth. This is illustrated above at Point 1. The second generation Roland C-24D cable uses metal pins that extend inside the guitar synth connector to hold the cable in place. This is illustrated above at Point 2. | ||
Version 2 Roland Cables with Later Synths, MIDI Modules and the Boss SCC-700
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Guitar and Guitar Synthesizer Connectors Compared
Version 1 |
GR-100 | GR-300 | GR-500 | GR-700 | US-2 | BC-13 | G-Guitars |
Version 2 |
MC1 |
IMG2010 |
