Digitech Guitar Processors

[GregK]

Hi Folks!!

Well, before I go seeking advice- a little background perspective;
I got a Digitech "Jimi Hendrix" guitar pedal for Christmas. This is one of those unique pedals where Digitech analyzed 7 Hendrix songs and figured out what went in to them- and THUS with this pedal you can plug in your guitar and get THE SAME EXACT TONES AND EFFECTS!!- Ok- now enough of the hoopla- the truth is I'm going to have to send this one back. The 7 songs that were sampled give you about 14 different tones to choose from- (but actually some of these I have found that the tone for SOLO is the same as the tone for the rest of the song- so you REALLY only have about 11 tones) the tones in this thing are horrendous- fuzz and MORE fuzz! My guitar sounds dead with this obnoxious level of fuzz- the "star spangled banner" tone is ok- but I really cannot see myself using it THAT much and the 2-or-3 tones that I DO like in this box- I can get these tones out of my amp already (or ANY amp for that matter!) -there are NO controls to "tweak" the effects- basically you get all or nothing- so if you want to cover "purple haze"- then this will work fine for you- but there is no way to control any level of say- fuzz or delay..etc.. it does NOT seem to be worth it AT ALL and I'm sorry to say- I'm sending this one back.
NOW- on to my question: For the amount of money it costs for the Hendrix pedal- I can do an "even trade" for a Digitech RP350 or RP250 (and have the remaining money credited back) - so far I've read good things about these guitar processors- loads of tones and effects to choose from- enough to taylor everything down to suit the guitarist for any type of song I wind up doing- and looks easy to be able to jump from one type of tone or effect in one song to another. MY QUESTION IS- has anybody used any of this stuff before? Has anyone used the Digitech 150/250 or 350?? Anything to be said good/bad about it- or if you suggest a guitar processor that has the most stuff available- what do you suggest (looking about the 200-or less price range)- comments- concerns- warnings- praise???? PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!
Thanks and I hope everyone has a GREAT new year!! -Greg K

[mobilehomeboy]

I absolutely SWEAR by Digitech equipment. Everything I recorded came through a Digitech GNX-1 (yup, the low-end one) and I've never had a better sound.

The Digitechs have a good rep already, no frills, all quality, get-more-than-what-you-pay-for kinda rep. And that's good.

Knowing how I am (I break and bitch about everything), if I tell you something's a good product, you can BELIEVE it, because I'm cynical anyway, and I put all of my shizola through the wringer a few times. If it doesn't still work, it ain't worth a piss, and that GNX-1 took a BEATING, (and a few kickings, a few throws into the wall, and I think I might have actually peed on it once.... don't ask, long story.) literally.

I used to use the Digitech Twin Tube rackmount through 2 Crate GH 1200 full stacks back in the day, because of the simplicity. No aural exciter, none of that crap. Nothing but my guitar, through the Twin Tube, into the amp.

The simplicity and sheer TONE (that's what it's all about, homies) of the Digitech stuff rivals any product I've ever found.

And when you load a Crate 4X12 cab with the higher end Celestion 12" speakers, man, you can blow the balls of of anyone standing near you at the time, all the crunch and sustain that you could ever need.

And if anyone from Digitech is listening, you may proceed to pay me for that endorsement, lol.

And THAT, mes amis, (my friends) is:

THA WORD!

[GregK]

Thanks bro, that stuff's good to know! Yeah, I've read lots of stuff about the Digitech gear- but that's stuff on either the Digitech site or on a retailer's site- so you can understand if I want the "word on the street".
As for the Hendrix pedal- well.. if anyone from Digitech is reading what I wrote- understand that the pedal IS good- it's just not what I personally was looking for- and I like to be able to tweak the knobs and control how much fuzz or levels of certain stuff..
Ease of use is critical- I'm confused enough watching World News Tonight- I don't need my gear to be confusing if it doesn't HAVE to be!

[mobilehomeboy]

Sounds like you're looking for a more comprehensive tool.

With the budget YOU have (vs. me, I'm saving up my food stamps to burn down the trailer park) I'd go with the GNX-3. Has it all, plus I know that particular line is very durable, and clean when you run it straight through line-in (vs. a hotbox) on your PC.

Latency-wise, the timing will depend on your soundcard's capability. However, you can get most ASIO (A-Synchronous Input/Output (Zero-Latency)) drivers from either Sony, or from your motherboard our hardware manufacturer.

[mlr_pa]

I have been using a DIGITECH RP-3 since the day it came out. I love it with a passion. Your best bet, for some honest reviews, is WWW.HARMONY-CENTRAL.COM. Just watch out for the 10 year olds who haven't a clue as what a good pedal sounds like.

[mlr_pa]

Stupid forum wouldn't let me edit my own message. sigh....

here is the best way to get to the processor page on harmonty central
http://www.harmony-central.com/User_Reviews/
enjoy!

[Bluessunn]

[krustyegg]

Ive just been playing with My Uncles Digitech fx unit
and it is an excellent bit of kit.
In particular coz hes had it 4 8 yrs now and its got kicked around sat on and generally abused by all but still works fine.

ST

[GregK]

Well, ok- I have done some research and am VERY thankful to all for their input on this! I'll be returning the Digitech Jimi Hendrix pedal- my reasons everything is pre-set; you cannot control the levels of fuzz (which is annoyingly high) -nor can you control levels of delay, it's plug in and play exactly what tones come outta the box. I had tried many different guitar and amp settings, and 90 percent of the tones and effects were something I couldn't see myself using unless I was going to play Hendrix or psychedelic rock all day long. After much researching, I've decided that the Digitech RP350 is the best option for me and it is an even swap for the Hendrix pedal in price. The RP350 has something like 37 different amps, 18 different cabs, and you can line up all the stompboxes ever created and they are all pretty much in this unit and you can run up to 11 effects all at once. The only real "downside" seems to be the delay time is up to 5 seconds- great for just about anyything but not great if I'm going to do a delay loop and play over it- but I can always pick up something for that at a later time!