Nice find, congrats! Having the pickup is great because a new GK3 costs a little over $200. The GK2 pickup should allow you to access both Roland VG and GR(guitar synth) devices. I have a GK3 pickup installed on my Parker Fly and own both VG88 and GR33 guitar synth. I have used both in front of audiences. What I usually do is run my guitar signal and synth output through separate rigs. I often use the synth to cover bass tones, so I run it through a bass amp instead of my guitar rig. You can get some massive layered sounds this way. Also, the distortion sounds available on the Roland gear suck so you will want to keep using your regular rig for standard guitar type tones.
GR technology -
You can get GR33s and GR20s for about $300 used, just make sure you get a 13 pin cable as well (this connects the GK to the synth). GR33 and 20 have the same sounds, it's just that the 20 was really a streamlined version of the 33 made to be more plug-n-play and user friendly to guitarists. I prefer the GR33 because it has more deep editing capabilities.
Tracking on a GR will vary depending on what sound you are using. Some sounds are more responsive than others. They key is you learning to play clearly and precisely because any slop (string noise, unmuted strings, etc) can trigger weird responses from the synth. Also, a good install of the GK pickup is essential. If it's not in the right position or too far from the strings then tracking will be a problem. Also, some patches (strings, pads) fade in slowly and simply can't be used for quicker riffs (although you can improve this by editing the attack settings). I find the GR33 technology works great for adding swelling strings/pad layers behind your guitar chords, or doubling your guitar sound with a bass tone.
It is possible to connect to other synths and trigger their sounds from your guitar via the guitar synth. I have only tried it with one rack, an EMU Vintage Keys (these are really old, mid 90's). While it was cool triggering Mellotron sounds from my guitar, I found the tracking with external devices disappointing at best. It works much better if you stick with the internal Roland tones.
Roland VG technology -
Like the GR series, the VG gear requires a GK pickup and a 13 pin cable. VG8 and 88's are now over a decade old and you can find them in good condition for cheap (between $150-300). Unlike the GR, the VG devices actually work by modifying your guitar signal rather than simply sending midi information to a synth. This allows for much better tracking and allows the VG device to respond to harmonics and all the little nuances of your playing. The end result is that you feel like you are still playing your guitar rather than triggering notes on a synth. The VG The catch is that while the VG can do horns, pipes, organs, and some synth tones, it won't do pianos or the more detailed layered soundscapes you can get with a synth.
The VG technology was early guitar and amp modeling. It has nice guitar models (including acoustics and 12 strings), some amps, provided effects, and pitch shifting. Since each string is on a separate pickup, you can pitch shift each one at different intervals. This allows you to program different tunings into your sound patches and change tuning as easily as changing patches. Personally, I think the VG does a better job at it than my Variax did, but it didn't contain near as many models as the more modern Line 6 gear does. I have used my VG88 to pitch shift my Parker down to bass guitar range and actually provide a convincing bass guitar tones.
I enjoy using both the VG and GR lines, each one has different strenths. I would strongly recommend you get on youtube and check out both lines. You might end up wanting both. The latest generations of each are impressive. It's worth looking into. I haven't got the latest versions because I'm a cheap bastard and the current models are way out of my budget.
I hope you found this rambling post helpful.
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The acoustic bridge is way different than anything I am currently using. As are the active pickups. The ebony fretboard makes it a bit more exotic. Still getting used to the neck radius. I am quite interested in messing with the Roland thing, as I have a few rack synths (not to mention MainStage/Logic) that I can control from the guitar. Wish they had a rack unit though.
Appreciate your perspective on use with external synths. I have a dedicated controller for these, but was hoping I could use the guitar to control everything. Will have to explore this further once I acquire the rest of the requisite devices.