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Roland C-24D Cable

Introduction Vintage Roland Guitar Synth Compatible Cables

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. There is no difference between the wiring of a GR-500 cable and a GR-700 cable. Electronically, they are all identical. 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 watch the video, and 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. The proprietary Roland connectors were made by the Japanese connector company, Tajimi.

Cables Compared (Full Listing)

Roland C-24B Roland C-24B
Roland C-24B Mechanism: Pin-type

Length: Approximately 16’

Pros: This is the cable that shipped with the original Roland GR-500, the first synth with the 24-pin cables. The first GR-500s and GS-500s used the pin-type latch, and subsequent models switched over to the locking ring mechanism.

Cons: Hard to find.

Roland C-24C and C-24D 16 Roland C-24C and C-24D 16'
Roland C-24C and C-24D 16 Mechanism: Latching

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.

Roland C-24E for US-2 1 meter Roland C-24E for US-2 1 meter (36")
Roland C-24E for US-2 1 meter 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.

Roland C-24G Roland C-24G - 16'
Roland C-24G 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.

Roland C-24 Extended Length 48 Feet, 16 meters Roland C-24 Extended - 48'
Roland C-24 Extended Length 48' Mechanism: Latching

Length: Approximately 48’

Pros: I picked up this cable as part of a combination deal with a Roland G-303 and Roland GR-300. When I measured the cable I was stunned to find it is over 48' long. The longest cable I had ever seen before was 33'.

Cons: Impossible to find.

Roland C-24G - 24 Roland C-24G - 24 '
Roland C-24G - 24 Mechanism: Pin-type

Length: Approximately 24’

Pros: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.

Roland SCC-700F/C-24F Version 24' (8m) Roland SCC-700F/C-24F Version 24' (8m)
pics/cables/SCC.jpg Mechanism: Pin-type

Length: Approximately 24’

Pros: A longer version of the original C24-B, this cable 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. If you need a very long cable, this will do the job, but a bulky, 24 pin cable that is 24' long can be somewhat unwieldy.

Cons: Very, very hard to find.

Roland SCC-700F/C-24F Version 33' Roland SCC-700F/C-24F Version 33' (10m)
Roland SCC-700F/C-24F Version 33' Mechanism: Latching

Length: Approximately 33’

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.

Ibanez Cable Ibanez Cable
Ibanez Cable Mechanism: Pin-type

Length: Approximately 16’

Pros: This cable is similar to the Roland C-24B and C-24F cables, 16’ long. The cable is almost identical to the later C-24G Roland cables, but with textured aluminum metal shells instead of plastic. This cable is a great alternative to the Roland C-24D cables. With the pin mechanism, they work well with the early Roland synths, GR-100, 300, etc. as well as the GM-70 and G-77B, which do not have a locking ring mechanism.

Cons: Definitely hard to find. These were probably only distributed with the Ibanez IMG-2010 and MC-1 system.

Roland G 24 BUS Cord (with connector) Roland G 24 BUS Cord (with connector)
Roland G 24 BUS Cord (with connector) 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.

Korg ZD3 Cable Korg ZD3 Cable
Korg ZD3 Cable 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 24-pin Clone Cable Clone Cable (magictrashman)
Roland 24-pin Clone Cable Mechanism: Friction Fit

Length: Approximately 15’

Pros: High quality clone cable made with 3D printing. Professional design and assembly. Works with all synthesizers and guitars. Resonably priced.

Cons: Friction fit, no latching mechanism.

Cables Compared (Full Listing)

Roland Version 1 and Version 2 Mechanisms Compared

Roland GR-100 Guitar Synth Roland G-707 Guitar Ibanez X-ING IMG2010 Guitar
Roland GR-100 Guitar Synth
Roland G-707 Guitar

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.

This change is detailed in this document from Roland Corporation issued during the GR-500 production run. Click HERE.

Version 2 Roland Cables with Later Synths, MIDI Modules and the Boss SCC-700

Only the pin-style cables will connect to the recessed front panel connector on the Korg Z3 guitar synth. The metal latching connectors will not fit. The pin-style cable connector (with the same type of end as found on the GK-1 system) with the Roland GM-70. The Boss SCC-700 Sound Controller Center uses the 24-pin cable for its remote footswitch.
Only the pin-style cables will connect to the recessed front panel connector on the Korg Z3 guitar synth. The metal latching connectors will not fit. The pin-style cable connector (with the same type of end as found on the GK-1 system) with the Roland GM-70. The Boss SCC-700 Sound Controller Center uses the 24-pin cable for its remote footswitch.

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