Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

[beoj]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Ok, so I just got this thing and so far am not real impressed. It was advertised as having 400 different effects, Actually, it is programmed with the same 200 presets, one set of 200 is labeled P 01 etc, (P = preset), the other set of 200 is the same exact settings but labeled U for user. So you can adjust the User banks and save them, but cant change the presets. That being said, most of the 200 are some minor variation of over-drive, and distortion using a combo of other effects including; reverb, delay, tremelo, and chorus. After cruising through them all, I found them to be almost identical. There are a few setting that add some interesting effects that are synth like sounds. That being said, you can program the pedals to switch effects like a regular pedal for stage use. I have not downloaded the Studio yet, so I am really hoping that when I do, I can download a lot of additional patches that can make this thing trully versatile, but honestly, I don't know why they didn't just pre-program more versatile sounds to save this time. Ok, so, maybe I'm missing something here, but so far I have buyers remorse. I'm open to feedback from you guys, am I missing something?

 

[devastone]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Yeah, it sounds like you are missing a lot, you can totally change/rename the user presets, reorder/change the effects and amps in the chain, reprogram the buttons, whatever. Not sure what you mean by "you can adjust the User banks and save them, but cant change the presets".

I ignore the factory presets and build all my own patches, usually starting by building on 2 amps that I can switch between for clean and crunchy sounds, then add the effects I want in that preset. I generally run in manual mode so I set the looper pedal to switch between the 2 amps and usually have to accel/ctl pedal to switch solo mode on and off. I've just scratched the surface of programming depth but I get what I need out of it. The amp models definitely aren't the best available now days, but it isn't that hard to get good usable tones out of it.

Of course you could run in patch mode and have all your effects set up for each patch, run parallel amps, whatever, the progammability of the GT is pretty impressive.

 

[beoj]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Hey, thanks Devastone, I have been listening to demos and some guys are getting incredible sounds, I just couldn't figure out how to make the adjustments so I was looking at downloading patches. I've been using the manual to guide me through playing with making my own sounds but not making much headway. Is there a better "user guide" out there?

 

[Aceman]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Um....beoj....yeah - read the manual.

200 presets that you can keep and 200 spots for user patches (or whatever number) is pretty standard. It sounds like you did way less the amount of homework you should have, and are pretty new to multi fx. Would that be correct?

 

[devastone]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Without getting into a lot of detail, make sure the output is set to however you are running it, especially if you are running direct or into headphones. After that, turn everything off and start with just an amp model, just like building a real guitar rig, start with the most important parts and work out from there.

And yes, with the software, you can download patches. Find some you like then dig into them and dissect them to figure out how they are set up.

 

[beoj]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Hey! Yes Aceman, you are correct, totally new to FX, I heard a few demos and jumped at this GT 100, so, reading and re-reading stuff now. Been trying to down load the Boss tone studio but for some reason keep getting a message that the drivers aren't installed, even tho I've done it and redone it a few times. I'm running Windows 7 and even had Boss on the phone and they can't get it to load. so, I'll keep plugging away. thx

 

[Aceman]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Just settle down and read the book. Edit a patch, save a patch, name it. Then work on crafting sounds. Distortion, then eq then swirly stuff if you want. It isn't that hard. Just takes some time to dial in something decent. Less of everything is probably better....

 

[beoj]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Cool, will do, oh yeah, I got the boss tone studio installed, it helps if you have the right driver

 

[devastone]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

I like swirly stuff (phase and flange) before distortion a lot of the time, chorus works nice after. But, that's the one of the nice things about the GT (and pretty much all multi-fx these days), you can move effects around see where you like it, and/or have patches with them in different locations.

 

[telecode101]

Re: Boss GT-100, anyone using one?

Hi, just wondering has anyone had an opportunity to use both.. older models of the GT series and this new one? How is the sound, functionality and easy of use in dark dimly lit environments like stage?

I have a original GT-5 that I bought long time ago that I had used live for 15+ years more of less. The thing still works fine. Now that I am slowly getting back into playing in live bands again now that the kids are older and I have more time. I am debating whether its worth me upgrading to a newer model of the GT series? The old one works fine but I assume guitar multi-effects units have come a long ways since the mid 90s.

I have used newer guitar technology but only software based.. such as BIAS in iPad, NI GuitarRig as well I have and use vstudio to practice with headphones at home. That thing has COSM software technology. I don't know if I am that impressed with the sound of it -- but it was good enough for practicing.

I guess my question is, is it worth upgrading if the old one works fine?