G-Major or GT-10???

[Monsta-Tone]

I'm still kicking the idea around of getting another processor.
I don't care too much about distortion or overdrive, although a decent OD might be nice on my clean channel.

I'm mostly looking for good delays, chorus, and the ability (maybe) to put compressor before the preamp and delays in the loop.
Something that is simple, transparent and sounds great with little or no tone suck.
I'm not looking to complicate my setup with a bunch of cables all over the place.



I'll be using my souped up Heartbreaker combo with the SLO gain mod.
Don't really want or need channel switching, but it may be nice.

What do you guys think???

 

[Laskyman]

The GT10 will get you here, but you need a serial loop, and gotta have 4 cables to make it work. That being said, it will get ANY effect ANYWHERE you want it. Want phaser before the preamp like old VH? Prefer phaser after? Also, there is virtually no limit to how you "map" the controllers buttons on the 10. With a G-Major (or any rack for that matter), you will require additional foot controller. Plus the GT will provide up to 4 EQ's (graphic, para, and global), looper, intelligent harmoniser, dual delays, you name it. The drives and models will never compare to the analog counterparts, but you can always front end the 4CM with them (I do...).
For the money, if there is a better option to accomplish all that the GT can do- "show me"....

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Thanks Laskyman!
My Loop is Series and I have added a Bypass footswitch for it too!

I have a few more questions though, if you don't mind.


Is there any delay or glitch between preset changes?
Can individual effects be turned on and off without changing presets?


Are there any downsides to the GT that I should know about?
Does it suck tone?

 

[Laskyman]

Is there any delay or glitch between preset changes

No- and I use mine to change the channels on my Stiletto as well. You can program delays to spill over.

Can individual effects be turned on and off without changing presets

Yes. I program the CTL 1 to switch to "manual" mode- which opens all other buttons to activate individual effects. Essentially, its like having an entirely unique pedal board set-up per patch, if you want.
EXAMPLE: My Stiletto Clean patch (8-1) is set up with compressor and reverb and clean channel on the amp. Hitting CTL1 switches to manual mode, where I can activate the flanger, delay, chorus, 2X2 chorus, and mild OD as well as use the expression pedal for the wah. ALL parameters of each effect are user-defined- NO LIMITATIONS. The CTL 2 pedal activates the channel switch on my amp.
My second Stiletto Clean patch (8-2), is set up similar, but utilizes a Uni-Vibe which is controlled by the Expression Pedal, a different flavor of chorus, a pitch shifter, different delay.
EACH PATCH can become an entirely unique rig......YOU are your only limitation.

Are there any downsides to the GT that I should know about?

Effect quality is not in the TC or Eventide range, but vastly superior to Line 6. Plus way more flexible. You have complete control of the entire effect chain- not even the mighty G-System allows this- with a $1500 price tag...any ewffect anywhere you want, including noise suppressors, EQs, wah, comp, ANYTHING...

Does it suck tone?

Some people "claim" it does, but in my rig, it has NEVER been a problem, but I spend the time to set levels correctly. I think if it does create issues, it is probably operator error. I have no more loss with this than I did with a high end component pedalboard, but now I do not have to dance to accomplish multiple effect changes. No, it hasn't been an issue.

On my Stiletto Dirty patch, one press of the CTL2 pedal turns off one delay, activates another that is more wet with more repeats, as well as activates a clean boost to drive the amp a little harder.
Good luck doing that with a G Major...

Hope this helps...plus, if you do go this route- I can walk you through the programming- it is simple really.

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Right on thanks man!

I'm not sure I want the processor to control anything other than channel changes.
I have a custom footswitch for my HB that does Channel, Solo, & Loop Bypass.
Plus, I'm thinking of adding a footswitchable Mid Boost on the Lead channel.


I wasn't really happy with the G-System's switching capabillities.
It seemed funny to me that it had 4 relays, but only 2 settings for each preset.

Can you describe the GT's switching capabillities?
Can you assign the relays individually, or do you have to choose a setting and then toggle back and forth for all of them at the same time?
Would I be able to control the Channels separately from the Solo or Loop Bypass in the same preset?

 

[Laskyman]

In regards to switching amp functions- you really only have 1 "amp control" function that I plug into the channel jack on the back of the amp. I have an additional signal flex 1 button pedal to control the solo switch, so if you just want to affect channels with the GT- you're in.

 

[surferdeac]

getting another processor? what were you using initially?

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Years ago I used a Digitech Legend 21 until I got a Roland GP-100.
I liked the delays on the Digitech, but everything else sounded crappy and plastic when I used it live. The louder my amp got, the thinner my FX sounded.

I used the GP for years and then sold it. I just used my amp and a guitar and a wah for about 10 years.

Then, I got a G-Major a few years ago. Liked it, but found myself wanting, so eventually I sold it and got a Nova System which was pretty good, but a pain since there was no true bypass.

I sold the Nova and got a G-System, which I loved for a few weeks, but then I realized that the Nova sounded just as good and cost a fraction of what the G-System cost.



So......I'm back to square 1. I want some stellar FX, don't really like pedals, and don't want anything that I will think is poor quality.

I haven't had anything but a Maxon CP-101 and a Bad Horsie II wah for about a year now.

 

[ryjan]

Dont forget, the GT-10 also has a looper and parallel fx chain so you can run your Heartbreaker and a modeler amp simultaneously or in stereo (through a second power amp or to a recorder).

 

[TMB]

The GT10 will get you here, but you need a serial loop, and gotta have 4 cables to make it work. That being said, it will get ANY effect ANYWHERE you want it. Want phaser before the preamp like old VH? Prefer phaser after? Also, there is virtually no limit to how you "map" the controllers buttons on the 10. With a G-Major (or any rack for that matter), you will require additional foot controller. Plus the GT will provide up to 4 EQ's (graphic, para, and global), looper, intelligent harmoniser, dual delays, you name it. The drives and models will never compare to the analog counterparts, but you can always front end the 4CM with them (I do...).
For the money, if there is a better option to accomplish all that the GT can do- "show me"....

Hi Laskyman - as I am a new owner of a Nomad 55 and GT-10 I'd like ask you how you connected the Boss GT - I mean which cables - how long are they and maybe you could share some general presets for the base settings. I'd really appreciate anybody telling how I could change the Nomads parallel loop into a serial loop.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

 

[MusicManJP6]

I have a GT-8 and love it. They can be found on the net now for $200 shipped which is a steal for all it can do!! That's half the price of the newer GT-10...

 

[MJ Slaughter]

Monsta-Tone,

I've had my GT-10 a couple of months now and am really enjoying it. It's not for anyone who doesn't enjoy tweaking once in a while though. Like any MFX the stock patches leave a lot to be desired for serious playing so you've got to be willing to dive in and learn your way around it. Good forum is http://bossgtcentral.com/forum/ though they're having trouble with the web site today.

You've got to look at this thing in regards to bang for the buck when talking quality of effects. You know without even plugging in that there are better individual effects but for the cost I can tell you I'm happy with what the GT offers. And I've been using a couple of the GT's overdrives in place of my stomp boxes now for the past couple of gigs without any complaints as well. Don't tell anyone but I actually used an ampsim on Saturday night for the first time. Hate to admit that on this forum so shhhhh. It was a recto like tone directed straight into my DC-10's return and it sounded very good. My very tone picky bass player even liked it.

I know you don't want a bunch of cables but the 4CM is what would make you most happy. I use a 9 channel snake so hookup is super simple and I have a clean stage.

 

[MusicManJP6]

MJ Slaughter, I agree with your post 100%!

Laskyman, I am still stoked about learning that the GT can seamlessly change presets which lets the delays/reverbs spillover when changing presets. That was my only complaint about the GT until now! Had to look it up in the manual to figure out how to do it, but man is that a really awesome feature!

 

[emperor_black]

Hi Laskyman - as I am a new owner of a Nomad 55 and GT-10 I'd like ask you how you connected the Boss GT - I mean which cables - how long are they and maybe you could share some general presets for the base settings. I'd really appreciate anybody telling how I could change the Nomads parallel loop into a serial loop.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

its called the 4 cable method. its talked about extensively on the gt forums. I used to own a GT-8 before and tried to integrate a Marshall JMP Preamp using the 4 Cable method. But it was a while ago.

Anyway, you need 4 standard guitar cables.
cable 1 - Connect guitar to GT-8/GT-10 Guitar input. On the gt turn off amp & Cab sims.
Cable 2 - connect from gt's SEND to AMP's input
Cable 3 - Connect AMP's SEND to gt's RETURN
Cable 4 - Connect gt's OUT to AMP's return

in this fashion, you're using the amp's preamp as your GT's preamp. And since the preamp is before the gt's loop, you can add in any Overdrive/boost on the GT and any modulation effects like delay, etc. Best of both worlds

The JMP had MIDI in/out and I used to be able to change different settings of the JMP and the GT-8's effects/OD's etc with one switch. Really an awesome setup.

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Right on guys! Thanks for all the help!

I'm definitely leaning more toward the GT than the G-Major. The thought of having to buy a footswitch too in this economy is really not that enticing.

I just made the Loop in my Heartbreaker footswitchable, so now I'm ready to start looking at FX seriously. :lol: Just need the money now! :lol:



I like the idea of using a snake cable! That makes a lot of sense. I could incorporate my footswitch for my amp this way and get rid of a ton of mess on the floor!

 

[MusicManJP6]

Right on guys! Thanks for all the help!

I'm definitely leaning more toward the GT than the G-Major. The thought of having to buy a footswitch too in this economy is really not that enticing.

I just made the Loop in my Heartbreaker footswitchable, so now I'm ready to start looking at FX seriously. :lol: Just need the money now! :lol:



I like the idea of using a snake cable! That makes a lot of sense. I could incorporate my footswitch for my amp this way and get rid of a ton of mess on the floor!

I think you'll really dig a GT floorboard setup if you take the time to set it up correctly as mentioned. My amps are only two channels so the amp control works great for my needs. Once you master the interface the sky is the limit! The GT-8 is the better bang for the buck and looks better IMO. Haha. I have no interest in upgrading to a GT-10.

The cable snake is a great idea for sure. I actually just used velcro cable ties from Home Depot to bound my 4CM cables together every 4 or 5 inches and then labeled the ends. I can setup in 5 minutes or less!

A footswitch/effects/ampsimulator/switcher/MIDIcapable unit (can be used as a MIDI footcontroller) that is all in one unit for ~$200 (for the GT-8) is a steal!

I actually use the GT-8 with my PRS straight to the PA for my wife's band where we play mostly clean/low gain jazzy/poppy/bluesy/r&b/funk stuff. Sounds great and it's nice and light! I've also recorded direct via the SPDIF output before with good results. And don't forget the headphone output for late night jamming/recording! OK, i'll stop now.... you get the picture!

 

[TMB]

Hi Laskyman - as I am a new owner of a Nomad 55 and GT-10 I'd like ask you how you connected the Boss GT - I mean which cables - how long are they and maybe you could share some general presets for the base settings. I'd really appreciate anybody telling how I could change the Nomads parallel loop into a serial loop.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

its called the 4 cable method. its talked about extensively on the gt forums. I used to own a GT-8 before and tried to integrate a Marshall JMP Preamp using the 4 Cable method. But it was a while ago.

Anyway, you need 4 standard guitar cables.
cable 1 - Connect guitar to GT-8/GT-10 Guitar input. On the gt turn off amp & Cab sims.
Cable 2 - connect from gt's SEND to AMP's input
Cable 3 - Connect AMP's SEND to gt's RETURN
Cable 4 - Connect gt's OUT to AMP's return

in this fashion, you're using the amp's preamp as your GT's preamp. And since the preamp is before the gt's loop, you can add in any Overdrive/boost on the GT and any modulation effects like delay, etc. Best of both worlds

The JMP had MIDI in/out and I used to be able to change different settings of the JMP and the GT-8's effects/OD's etc with one switch. Really an awesome setup.

I connect my GT-10 per 4CM with my Nomad - but my Nomad has a parallel loop which I would like to change into a serial loop. Has anybody an idea to that?

cheers!

 

[MrMarkIII]

Best feature of the GT-10: the 38 second looper. It means you can tweak tones while the loop plays. And you will be spending a good bit of time tweaking, as the possibilities are truly endless. As are the menus. Just the EQ is mind-boggling. And get a decent pair of sunglasses - them LEDs is retina burners.

 

[MusicManJP6]

Hi Laskyman - as I am a new owner of a Nomad 55 and GT-10 I'd like ask you how you connected the Boss GT - I mean which cables - how long are they and maybe you could share some general presets for the base settings. I'd really appreciate anybody telling how I could change the Nomads parallel loop into a serial loop.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

its called the 4 cable method. its talked about extensively on the gt forums. I used to own a GT-8 before and tried to integrate a Marshall JMP Preamp using the 4 Cable method. But it was a while ago.

Anyway, you need 4 standard guitar cables.
cable 1 - Connect guitar to GT-8/GT-10 Guitar input. On the gt turn off amp & Cab sims.
Cable 2 - connect from gt's SEND to AMP's input
Cable 3 - Connect AMP's SEND to gt's RETURN
Cable 4 - Connect gt's OUT to AMP's return

in this fashion, you're using the amp's preamp as your GT's preamp. And since the preamp is before the gt's loop, you can add in any Overdrive/boost on the GT and any modulation effects like delay, etc. Best of both worlds

The JMP had MIDI in/out and I used to be able to change different settings of the JMP and the GT-8's effects/OD's etc with one switch. Really an awesome setup.

I connect my GT-10 per 4CM with my Nomad - but my Nomad has a parallel loop which I would like to change into a serial loop. Has anybody an idea to that?

cheers!

Do a search and you should find the instructions on modding your FX loop. You'll be happy you did!

 

[MJ Slaughter]

Best feature of the GT-10: the 38 second looper. It means you can tweak tones while the loop plays. And you will be spending a good bit of time tweaking, as the possibilities are truly endless. As are the menus. Just the EQ is mind-boggling. And get a decent pair of sunglasses - them LEDs is retina burners.

I find the LEDs so bright sometimes that I can't read the buttons label on a darker stage. Not a big deal but yea, bright.

TMB,

I suggest either making a new thread under the amps section where more people will probably see your question and be able to help or call Mesa and ask them. They've sent me drawings and helped me over the phone before with different issues. I've got a simple drawing showing how to do the mod on a DC series amp but it might not be the same for the Nomad.