0

Why the GT-100 Is My Favorite Multi-Effects Processor

The Boss GT series is a great pedal for live performances, practicing and studio recording. If you haven’t heard of the Boss GT-6, 8, 10 or 100, it’s basically a multi-effects pedal that contains all your gear. From stomp boxes, amp models and rack gear, the GT series has it all incorporated into one simple interface.Boss GT-100

I remember buying the Boss GT-8 years ago and being blown away by the sound quality. I actually feel like kicking myself for getting rid of it! Fast-forward to today, and the GT-100 is now the flagship modeller, and it sounds better than ever. According to Boss, the GT-100 was built from the ground up and features 6x the processing power of its predecessor, the GT-10.

Of course there are other popular modellers on the market today, such as the Line 6 POD HD 500X ($499), the Fractal Audio Axe-FX ($1999.95) and the Kemper Profiling Amplifier ($3797). If you factor in sound quality as well as price, my opinion is that the Boss GT-100 ($499) is definitely the way to go.

Direct to the Mixer

I recently started playing live shows with a well-known vocalist who performs with backing tracks. For this specific scenario, I found that a tube amp isn’t particularly ideal. Not only is it a hassle to carry it around to each gig, but also when performing with backing tracks it can be overpowering. I found that I like to hear how my guitar is sitting in the mix from the PA speakers, and when using a tube amp this isn’t really possible, as you have sound coming from 2 (or 3 if monitor speakers are used) different locations.

Boss GT-100 Back

This doesn’t mean that the GT-100 cannot be plugged into a tube amp, however it does include cabinet and microphone simulation, allowing you to plug directly in to the mixer and still achieve great sound quality.

Gear List

I won’t get into the specifics of the pedal, however below I’ve included a list of gear included in the GT-100. Imagine being able to change between an ACDC tone, Van Halen crunch, or a smooth Jazz sound with the touch of a button. This is what makes the GT-100 so powerful.

Amplifiers

  • Roland JC-120
  • Fender Twin Reverb
  • Fender Pro Reverb
  • Fender Bassman 4×10
  • Fender Deluxe Reverb
  • Vox AC-30TB
  • Matchless DC/30
  • Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB
  • Marshall Plexi
  • Marshal JCM800
  • Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier
  • Hughes & Kettner Triamp Mark 3
  • Soldano SLO-100
  • Peavey EVH5150
Distortion Pedals

  • BOSS FB-2
  • Acetone Fuzz
  • BOSS BD-2
  • BOSS OD-1
  • Ibanez TS-808
  • BOSS OD-2
  • BOSS DS-1
  • Proco Rat
  • Marshall Guv’nor
  • MXR Distortion +
  • BOSS MT-2
  • Arbiter FuzzFace
  • Electro-Harmonix Big Muff
Effects

  • BOSS AW-3
  • Dunlop Crybaby
  • Vox V846HW
  • Morley Wah
  • DBX 160X
  • Urei 1178
  • BOSS GE-20
  • BOSS SG-1
  • BOSS OC-3
  • BOSS PH-3
  • BOSS BF-3
  • BOSS TR-2
  • BOSS RT-20
  • Univox Univibe
  • BOSS SL-20
  • BOSS VB-2
  • BOSS AW-3
  • BOSS AD-8
More Effects

  • BOSS CS-3
  • MXR Dyna-Comp
  • Orange Squeezer
  • BOSS DM-3
  • Roland RE-201
  • BOSS DD-20
  • BOSS CE-2
  • Roland JC-120
  • Eno CH-2
  • BOSS PH-6
  • BOSS FB-2
The complete list can be found here:
http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/GT-100_Training_Guide.pdf

Going Live

In my opinion, the GT-100 is a great companion for the gigging musician. I don’t think of it as a replacement for a tube amplifier, as it serves a different purpose. Of course in certain situations, especially when gigging with a loud rock band, I still much prefer a tube amp. However, the GT-100 can definitely serve as a great back-up plan if your gear fails on you at the gig.

Below I’ve made a list of things I like about the GT-100 in terms of playing live.

  • Very durable & extremely roadworthy;
  • All your gear in one interface;
  • No need to connect dozens of cables to individual pedals;
  • Preprogrammed patches make effect switching a breeze;
  • No need to adjust your amplifier settings to match the room you’re in, or spend time dealing with microphone placement;
  • No need to carry heavy equipment.
Patch Exchange

You may have noticed that the rear panel of the GT-100 contains a USB port. This will allow you to use the Boss Tone Studio software to quickly and easily create and edit patches on your PC. This is usually a much easier way than editing the patches directly on the GT-100 itself. Boss Tone Studio is also compatible with the desktop version of the GT-100, the Boss GT-001.

Essentially this also allows people to easily share patches with each other. If you create a patch you like, you can simply email it to a friend. You can visit Boss Tone Central to access their vast database of additional patches, some created by well known artists. There are also a handful of YouTube users that have also made their patches available. Check out the examples below from Jack Thammarat.

Audio Demo

The video below represents just how powerful the GT-100 is, with a short sample of the following presets.

  • Jimi Hendrix – Little Wing
  • The Beatles – Day Tripper
  • Surfaris – Wipe Out
  • The Rolling Stones – Satisfaction
  • Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven
  • Jimi Hendrix – All Along the Watchtower
  • Queen – Somebody to Love
  • The Police – Roxanne
  • The Police – Message in a Bottle
  • The Kinks – You Really Got Me
  • U2 – Pride (In the Name of Love)
  • Bon Jovi – You Give Love A Bad Name
  • Bon Jovi – Living on a Prayer
  • Van Halen – Jump
  • Joe Satriani – Surfing with the Alien
  • Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way
  • Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
  • Soundgarden – Spoonman
  • Linkin Park – One Step Closer
More Info
Buy on Amazon
Official Website

Dean Hailstone

Hi! I'm passionate about recording and performance techniques. I'm always looking for ways to improve as a guitar player. More...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *