Zoom G3 Stomp Box Modeller

mikeyb

Hey guys. I thought that this would be a good point of interest for some.
I am a bit of a Zoom fan, as I have had a GFX5 for about 5-6 yrs. I love it, and have never thought of replacing it.
I saw an ad for this pedal in the guitarist magazine over the weekend. It really looks good, and seems to simplify the "multieffects" pedal board.
I realise there are some Zoom haters, as I have got some flak about my Zoom pedal. I know of quite a few guys who have a zoom pedal of some sort and are over the moon with it.
Give the specs a look over.
I am unable to find a local price of yet. It is going for $199.99 on sweetwater.

http://www.zoom.co.jp/products/g3

Zoom’s G3 Guitar Effects and Amp Simulator combines the ease of a stompbox pedalboard with the power of a multi-effects processor and USB audio interface. With complete control over individual effects and amp modeling, you can change your tones on the fly for both stage and studio.
Three stomps. One pedal.

G3 offers three large LCD displays and corresponding footswitches that form a graphical interface, allowing you to utilize up to three stompbox and amp effects simultaneously. The interface has also been simplified with three control knobs for each display. This intuitive design makes creating, saving and rearranging the effect chain of your own sounds a breeze and provides easy navigation in live and studio settings.
Evolution of tube amp simulation.

Balanced XLR output for DI use.
With its built-in XLR output, you can avoid DI boxes completely and directly connect G3 to any mixing console and maintain a balanced, high quality signal. In addition, a convenient Pre/Post switch can direct an effected sound to the main outputs while passing the guitar signal directly to the XLR output without the help of an A/D converter.

Norman86

3 footswitches for effects and amps? Its a little tricky no?!

what about the line6 m9? Or the m13 if you're only looking for effects?

AlanRatcliffe

Neat little thing. The simplicity is nice and looks like it'll be easy to operate for anyone who can drive a stompbox. However my first thought was the three multifunction pedals are going to make it difficult to use while playing.

mattayou

The first pedal I ever owned was a zoom. Got me up and running ?

This one looks really cool.

I see that they are in fact available locally and retail at around R 2300 (before store discounts).

Norman86

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Neat little thing. The simplicity is nice and looks like it'll be easy to operate for anyone who can drive a stompbox. However my first thought was the three multifunction pedals are going to make it difficult to use while playing.

Which is why i also suggested the line6 M9.
with more switches, i would think it would be easier to operate the effects and looper!

The zoom does look cool, just a pity its only 3 effects at once imho!

Hammeron

Yea I got going on a Zoom FIRE 30w modeling amp, great little thing. Am still using a Zoom 505II pedal wonderful thing too. I am, however in the process of moving on. The amp is gone and the pedal going......

mikeyb

My thought behind this pedal would be a great addition for someone who has maybe a basic setup that wants some variety and experimentation type pedals. How much does an M9 cost, and how much would it cost to buy 3 or 4 pedals to add the chain? Then u have the added function of a great little usb recording out into your pc, with balanced xlr like a D.I box. For me it would be part of a chain and not a stand alone pedal.

Norman86

I have been reading up on this little unit even more, and its actually like more than the M9 or 13, or the POD HD's...

There's talk of a G9 coming out though, maybe that would be 9 effects?!

But after all the reading, im even considering one now... ESPECIALLY considering price!!! around R1800...
good thing i dont have money at this moment...
So will have to wait and see how things pan out!

How is Zoom's support though here in SA??

Norman86

Zoom demo... wow?!

mikeyb

Never had a problem with my unit, so I havnt had any after service dealings. None of my mates either. So I can't help there. R1800, where was that from?

Norman86

Musicmadness just happens to have it one their new improved site ?
front page too!

I would hold out for a while for a bigger unit personally...
Preferably 6 effects including built in wah / volume pedal!
Otherwise, if it doesnt come, i have plans! fortunately, i dont need anything like that as yet!
But i think this has bumped the VOX off my got to get multi effects pedal!

mikeyb

Which vox effects pedal were you looking at?

Norman86

Tonelab EX... not for modelling though, just for the effects!!
Only slight shortcomings for the vox, and considering its price, worth living with!
plus it has 5 effects, one is wah if i ever wanted to fool around with one!
and its easier to work than a pod hd!

The Zoom though, from what i have read is a worthy alternative!
Im not sure if the expression pedal can be linked to the wah in the unit though, but i know one can use it to change / modify effects on the fly!
So its possible! will check the manual!
If so, one could get 2 Zooms, one in front of the amp, one in the effects loop!
That should be enough!!! for me at least! ?

Squonk

I have a Zoom G2.1u pedal and one day the thing was on the blink.

I contacted the Zoom helpdesk, I think it was on the other Zoom site www.samsontech.com and they responded within a couple of hours with a solution.
Seems like their online support works quite well.

I see TOMS are the official distributor in RSA!

Norman86

Squonk wrote: I see TOMS are the official distributor in RSA!

That doesnt exactly give me warm fuzzy feelings inside! :-\

mikeyb

Ya, you can control the parameters of the modulations and gain with the expression pedal. Really handy.