GUITAR PERFORMANCE EFFECTOR GUITAR PERFORMANCE EFFECTOR OWNER’S MANUAL
SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION (USA) This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adapter). DO NOTconnect this product to any power supply or adapter other than one described in the manual, on the name pIate, or specifically recommended by Yamaha. This Product should be used only with the components supplied or; a cart, rack, or stand that is recommended by Yamaha. If a cart, etc., is used, please observe all safety markings and instructions that accompany the accessory product.
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Yamaha GW33 Guitar Performance Effector! The GW33 is a portable and convenient multi-effect device designed especially for guitar. The comprehensive variety of high-quality effects and convenient Pedal Switch control functions make the highly portable GW33 ideal for signal processing in home recording, studio, and live performance applications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL (READ THIS FIRST!!) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 PANEL CONTROLS AND TERMINALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GW33 SYSTEM OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 GW33 Internal Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PRECAUTIONS ■ USE THE CORRECT POWER SUPPLY Power to the GW33 should be supplied only from the appropriate Yamaha AC adaptor (the PA-3, or another adaptor recommended by Yamaha). Use of another adaptor may cause serious damage to the unit. (Never use the PA-3B.) Also make sure that the adaptor you have is appropriate for the AC mains supply voltage in the area where you intend to use the GW33. (The correct input voltage is marked on the adaptor.
PANEL CONTROLS AND TERMINALS This section shows and explains all of the controls and terminals of the GW33. Since the explanations below are fairly brief, you should turn to the page references given for more information on individual buttons and features. Refer to this section also as necessary when using the GW33, when you need specific information on a certain control or terminal.
r EDIT/COMPARE Button For enabling the Edit mode, from which the selected effect program can be edited. In the Edit mode, this also serves as a Compare switch for toggling between the newly edited settings and original settings of an effect program. t Effect Parameter/Tuner Lamps In the Edit mode: These indicate the effect block and parameters currently selected for editing. (See page 13.) In the Play mode: These indicate the effect block currently selected for checking parameter values. (See page 19.
■ REAR PANEL POWER ON OFF q DC IN INPUT w e SEND INSERT RETURN R OUTPUT L / MONO r q POWER ON/OFF Switch w DC IN Terminal For connection to the PA-3 AC adaptor (or another adaptor recommended by Yamaha). (Never use the PA-3B.) Wrap the adaptor cord firmly around the cable clip as shown, to prevent accidental unplugging of the power cord during use. AC adaptor DC IN Cable clip e INPUT Jack For connection of an instrument (guitar, bass, etc.).
GW33 SYSTEM OVERVIEW This section provides a brief overview of the GW33 — the basic structure of its various functions and the memory system. Once you gain a general understanding of the internal workings of the GW33 as given here, you’ll have the tools for taking full advantage of its features. GW33 Internal Structure 1 11 1 1 1 The diagram below shows the internal system of the effects and other functions of the GW33.
The Effect Structure of the GW33 Keep in mind as you use the GW33 that the structure of its effects is basically in a four-part hierarchy: 1) Effect programs, 2) Effect blocks, 3) Effect types, and 4) Effect parameters. An effect program consists of eight different effect blocks, all of which can be used simultaneously. A block includes 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 one or more effect types, one of which can be used at a time.
Effect Programs # 11 12 13 14 Sound Character Main Sub Dist — Hard Dist — Hard Dist Detune Softer Over — Drive Programmer’s comments # Distortion especially for rock solos. 61 Digital + analog distortion, plus EQ, for heavy metal. 62 Detune and reverb for a “wet” solo sound. 63 Sound Character Main Sub Dist — Hard Dist Detune Hard Over — Drive Natural, warm overdrive. 64 Clean Detune Clean sound, good for wide range of styles (ex., blues, funk, jazz). Clean, spacious sound with Cho.
GUIDED TOUR When using your GW33 for the first time, read through this short section of the manual. It guides you step-by-step in all basic operations: setting the instrument up, connecting it properly to other equipment, and playing the effect programs. SETTING UP AND PLAYING YOUR GW33 Once you’ve taken your GW33 out of the box and are ready to use it, you’ll have to make a few connections and follow some simple instructions on setting it up.
2 First, make sure that the power switch on the GW33 is off before making ANY connections. Plug the DC output cable from the supplied PA-3 adaptor (or another adaptor recommended by Yamaha) (Never use the PA-3B.) into the DC IN terminal on the rear panel, then plug the adaptor into a convenient AC outlet. CAUTION! ■ Do not attempt to use a different AC adaptor with the GW33. (See the precaution USE THE CORRECT POWER SUPPLY on page 3.) 3 Plug your instrument into the INPUT jack on the rear panel.
PLAYING WITH THE EFFECTS Now that you’ve set up your GW33 and have got sound out of it, let’s try playing with some of the effects. (If you haven’t already done so, read through the GW33 SYSTEM OVERVIEW section on page 7 for information on the basic structure of the GW33.) 1 First, make sure that the Play mode is enabled. Press p. PLAY 2 Let’s start with a clean chorus/delay effect. Use Pedal Switch 5 to select program number 15.
EDITING AN EFFECT PROGRAM AND SAVING IT The GW33 makes it extremely easy to adjust or change the sound of the effects. In this section, you’ll learn how to change the effect type and use the Parameter Dials to change effect settings. You’ll also learn how to compare the edited program with the original. Finally, you’ll learn how save the new effect program you’ve created. Editing an Effect Program 1 Select one of the User or Preset effect programs.
Comparing the Edited Effect Program with the Original You can compare the sound of the newly edited program with the sound of the original one. To do this, press the e button again (so that the EDIT/COMPARE lamp flashes). EDIT/ EDIT/ COMPARE COMPARE In this condition, you can hear the sound of the original effect program. You can also view the original parameter values by selecting the desired effect block with the y or n buttons and turning the Parameter Dials.
Saving an Effect Program Now that you’ve created your own original effect program, you will want to save the settings to a program number, so that you can recall your new effect program in the future. (For more information on saving effect programs and other matters relating to memory, see the SYSTEM OVERVIEW section on page 7.) 1 If you’ve continued from the last section and have new settings you want to save, press the s button.
REFERENCE This section of the manual explains briefly, yet completely, all of the features and functions of the GW33. Refer to it when you need information about a specific feature or function. SELECTING EFFECT PROGRAMS OPERATION 1 With the Play mode enabled (press p ), first select the desired bank of programs. ● To select one of banks 1 – 5 To select one of banks 1 – 5, press the Bank Pedal Switch once, then press the appropriate Pedal Switch 1 – 5.
TURNING ALL EFFECTS OFF ﾑ BYPASS FUNCTION While playing, you can instantly get a clean, unprocessed sound by using the Bypass function. This effectively cancels all currently active effects to give you a “dry” sound. ● To use the Bypass function: Simultaneously and firmly press and hold down Pedal Switches 2 and 3. Keep holding them down (for roughly one second) until “bP” (Bypass) appears in the BANK/ MEMORY indicator.
EDITING EFFECT PROGRAMS Effect programs can be edited in the Edit mode. Once you’ve edited a program, you can save it to a User memory location. (See SAVING EFFECT PROGRAMS on page 31.) CAUTION! ■ Be careful not to press the p button at any time during editing. Doing so will call up the original effect program’s settings and erase all settings you had made to that point. OPERATION 1 2 Select an effect program for editing and press the e button to enable the Edit mode.
HINT 1 ■ When editing an effect, make sure that the Level or Mix parameters of the effect are set to relatively high values before adjusting any other parameters. Doing this ensures that any changes you make with the other Parameter Dials will be fairly noticeable. For information about each of the effects and their parameters, refer to the section EFFECTS AND PARAMETERS on page 20. ■ Compare Mode While editing an effect program, you can compare the sound of the newly edited program with the original one.
EFFECTS AND PARAMETERS This section briefly explains each of the effect types and their parameters. For information on how to select effects and edit them, see the sections SELECTING EFFECT PROGRAMS (page 16), and EDITING EFFECT PROGRAMS (page 18). Compressor Block COMP ————--A ATTACK SENSE — LEVEL B C D E COPY / SWAP / WRITE MEMORY NO. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Compressor is especially effective for guitar since it smooths out the “peaks” and “valleys” in the sound.
Distortion/Insert Block DIST / INSERT 1~3 OD, DIST1,2 (DI*+AN) 6~11 OD, DIST1,2+INSERT 4,5 OD*+DIST1,2 12 INSERT PRE-DRIVE* DRIVE TONE LEVEL A B C D E COPY / SWAP / WRITE MEMORY NO. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Distortion/Insert block features three basic Overdrive and Distortion effects arranged in twelve different types. (The types are printed on the left side of the panel for easy reference.
C Drive Range: 0 – 15 Determines the degree of Analog Overdrive/Distortion in types 1 – 5, or the degree of Digital Overdrive/Distortion in types 6 – 11. The higher the value the greater the distortion. (This parameter is not available in Type 12.) D Tone Range: -7 – 7 Determines the tonal quality of the overall Distortion sound. Negative values result in a “fatter,” deeper sound, while positive values make the sound brighter. (This parameter is not available in Type 12.
Equalizer/Amp Simulator (EQ/AMP) Block EQ / AMP 1 EQ / 2 STACK 3 COMBO 4 TUBE A LOW / — B MID / — HIGH / TONE LEVEL C D E COPY / SWAP / WRITE MEMORY NO. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The EQ/AMP block provides an Equalizer effect and three different Amp Simulator effects. A Effect Type Settings: 1 – 4 The Equalizer/Amp Simulator types are shown below. Types 2, 3 and 4 are Amp Simulator effects.
Modulation (MOD) 1 and 2 Blocks MOD 1 1 CHORUS / 2 FLANGER 3 PHASER SPEED DEPTH TONE / FB PITCH / PITCH L — / PITCH R MIX ON/OFF 4 PITCH SHIFT / 5 DETUNE (SWITCH 4) MOD 2 6 EXCITER / 7 TOUCH WAH 8 PEDAL WAH ENHANCE / SENSE FREQUENCY MIX / RANGE B C D A E COPY / SWAP / WRITE MEMORY NO. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Modulation blocks feature a wide range of modulation and pitch change effects, including Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Pitch Shift and Detune.
E On/Off (Switch 4) Settings: 1 – 3 Determines how Pedal Switch 4 affects on/off switching for the selected Modulation block. (For more information, see the same parameter in the Chorus section above.) Type 3 Phaser The stereo Phaser effect is similar to the sound of a rotary speaker, but with a stronger and deeper modulation. B Speed Range: 1 – 16 Determines the speed of the phase modulation. Settings close to the maximum produce very high speed modulation.
C Pitch R (Right) Range: -8 – 8 Determines the degree of detuning for the right channel. D Mix Range: 0 – 15 Determines the level of the Detune sound. At 0, the Detune level is zero; at 15, the level of the Detune sound is roughly equal to that of the original signal. E On/Off (Switch 4) Settings: 1 – 3 Determines how Pedal Switch 4 affects on/off switching for the selected Modulation block. (See page 24.
Delay Block DELAY ————--- TIME FB MIX ON/OFF (SWITCH 5) A B C D E COPY / SWAP / WRITE MEMORY NO. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Delay effect allows you to add delayed, echo-like repeats to the original sound. Subtle use of Delay helps in creating a sense of space and depth in the sound. Delay can also be used for special applications, such as creating rhythmic repeats in the sound.
Reverb Block ON/OFF REVERB 1 HALL 2 ROOM 3 STAGE 4 PLATE TIME TONE MIX (SWITCH 5) A B C D E COPY / SWAP / WRITE MEMORY NO. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Reverb is an important effect in the guitarist’s sonic palette. Without it, the sound is flat, dry and unnatural. Used judiciously, it is an effective way to bring the sound to life and make it sound more natural.
Noise Gate N.GATE/UTIL ————--- THRESHOLD VOLUME POSITION MINIMUM VOLUME TOTAL LEVEL B C D E A COPY / SWAP / WRITE MEMORY NO. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Noise Gate is a separate effect that is placed just after the Distortion block, and is used to eliminate any noise or hum in the signal when the instrument isn’t being played. All signals below the Threshold point are filtered out, thus cutting off the noise. A — (No parameter for this Parameter Dial.
FOOT CONTROLLER OPERATIONS An optional FC7 Foot Controller can be connected to the GW33 for use as a volume pedal or as a realtime controller for the Pedal Wah effect. When used as a volume pedal, it can be placed in one of four positions in the effect chain, and be given a Minimum Volume setting (for when you need to easily change between two different volume settings). Setting the Volume Position and Minimum Volume N.
TOTAL LEVEL N.GATE/UTIL ————--- THRESHOLD VOLUME POSITION MINIMUM VOLUME TOTAL LEVEL B C D E A COPY / SWAP / WRITE MEMORY NO. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This determines the overall level of the GW33’s output. Make sure to set this to an appropriate value. If Total Level is set to zero, no sound will be output from the GW33. NOTE ■ When all effect blocks are off and this parameter is set to 15, the output level is equal to the level when Bypass is on.
COPY AND SWAP OPERATIONS The GW33 has two convenient operations that allow you to manage the effect programs: Copy and Swap. These operations let you organize the effect programs of the GW33 and put them in any order you wish, or put programs that are often used together in the same bank, so that you can call up the right effect programs quickly and easily onstage or in the studio.
Swapping One Effect Program with Another The Swap operation simply exchanges two selected programs, swapping the data of one program number for that of the other. Before Swap: BANK # 1 PROGRAM # 1 A BANK # 1 PROGRAM # 2 SWAP B After Swap: BANK # 1 PROGRAM # 1 B BANK # 1 PROGRAM # 2 A NOTE ■ Effect Only User User programs cannot be Programs Programs “cross-swapped” between memory locations.
TUNER The Tuner function allows you to quickly and accurately tune your guitar without having to disconnect it from the GW33. It also temporarily cuts off the sound, so that you can tune it silently and inconspicuously during a performance. Tuning the Pitch of the Connected Instrument OPERATION 1 While in the Play mode, press the t button. Alternately, simultaneously press and hold down Pedal Switches 1 and 2 together for a second or two, and release them. (All lamps of the GW33 go out).
Changing the Standard Pitch of the Tuner Function The default standard pitch setting of the Tuner (when power is turned on) is A = 440 Hz. However, this can be raised to as high as A = 445 Hz (in 1-Hz steps). To change the standard pitch, use Parameter Dial A. 1 11 1 1 11 1 11 1 1 1 11 1 11 1 1 1 11 1 11 1 1 1 11 1 11 1 1 1 11 1 1 BANK MEMORY TUNING PITCH (0~5 = 440~445Hz) A COPY / SWAP / WRITE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MEMORY NO.
APPENDIX TROUBLESHOOTING Even though the GW33 is exceptionally easy to use, it may occasionally not function as you expect it to. Note that the problems covered here are not malfunctions of the GW33. PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE AND SOLUTION The instrument (guitar) sound cannot be heard. • Check that all connections have been properly made and that all levels have been appropriately set (including the Foot Controller, if you are using one). • Make sure that the Tuner is not active.
PROBLEM There is too much noise in the sound or the sound is unexpectedly distorted. The external effect device doesn’t work or affect the sound. Even though the program is changed, the Delay or Reverb sound continues. The Pedal Wah effect doesn’t work. The Volume pedal control doesn’t work. POSSIBLE CAUSE AND SOLUTION • Check that the Pre-Drive and Drive parameters in the Distortion/Insert block are set to appropriate levels. • Make sure that you are using the clean channel of the amplifier.
BANK MEMORY ● PROGRAM MEMO MEMO BANK Parameter Block A B C ATTACK SENSE D E PRE-DRIVE DRIVE TONE LOW / — MID / — HIGH / TONE 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 LEVEL EQ / AMP TYPE SPEED TONE / FB DEPTH ON / OFF MIX PITCH / PITCH L — / PITCH R (SWITCH 4) ENHANCE/SENSE FREQUENCY MIX / RANGE TYPE SPEED TONE / FB DEPTH ON / OFF MIX PITCH / PITCH L — / PITCH R (SWITCH 4) ENHANCE/SENSE FREQUENCY MIX / RANGE MOD 1 1 LEVEL DIST / INSERT TYPE 1 LEVEL COMP TYPE BANK BANK MOD 2 TIME FB MIX ON
SPECIFICATIONS Memory 25 preset memory effect programs 25 user-programmable effect programs Effect Blocks/Types Compressor Block Distortion/Insert Block Overdrive, Distortion 1, Distortion 2, OD + Dist.1, OD + Dist.2, OD → Insert, Dist.1 → Insert, Dist.2 → Insert, Insert → OD, Insert → Dist.1, Insert → Dist.
INDEX A Amp Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Aural Exciter (R) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 B B (Bank) Pedal Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 16, 17 BANK/MEMORY indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 34 C cable clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11 Chorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Compare mode . . . .
FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A) 1. IMPORTANT NOTICE : DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product. 2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions.
