Zoom G3X

[stephen]

Can a non-echo 'expert'/non-exclusive Shadows devotee add his two penn'orth..........?
I have a Zoom G7 and a G2 both with EFTP and personally, I really don't envisage a time when I'd want to upgrade from this kit. I think that I've previously stated that I'm just a hobby/home player of very average ability (and that's said without even a touch of humility!) and quite frankly before I had the EFTP patches, I wasn't that unhappy with the patch I'd set up in my Valvetronix or the Shadows simulation sound I could get from my little Korg Ampworks. If my EFTP patches 'disappeared' tomorrow I'd still have those to fall back on and I wouldn't be heartbroken.

I'm a simple soul sound-wise and probably don't have a very good ear, so no matter how 'accurate' or 'Holy Grail-like' the Hall & Collins box may turn out to be, I personally wouldn't have any interest in acquiring one. However, if my two Zoom units packed up I might well consider replacing them with a new (non-EFTP equipped) G3X. Firstly because I've used and been a fan of Zoom units since the initial 9002 'Zap-On-Strap' came out around 1991, secondly it's reasonably priced and lastly if Dave Robinson rates it, it's definitely worth an audition as he's probably as George said, tried and used most of the FX unit/echo machines/amp. combinations that have come onto the market and can be relied on to provide a straightforward, no-bullshit appraisal.

Do be gentle with me, dear forum members, as I mean no great harm!

Stephen.

[dave robinson]

The Valvetronix are very good but sadly only boast a single tap echo, but in the right hands with use of some reverb you can do a very acceptable impression of Hank.

I currently use a couple of Vox Tonelab machines, one of them the double pedal SE and the other an LE. Each of these has the facility to programme quite accurate Meazzi echoes and for the last five years these have been my chosen tools, one is programmed with amp simulation to go through my PA system and the other for live work with the Boogie, Vox or Fender amps that I have. That said I have now discovered tis new Zoom G3X, originally brought to my notice by Jimbo and I have to say it's time to move on yet again, because these units match the Tonelab and are a lot smaller,a lot lighter and have extras that Tonelab doesn't have that are useful recording tools. This is how it is, it's called progress and we move on to other stuff. The joy for me is that the user can do the programming, simply and easily. Anyone requiring any help on this are welcome to share my findings thus far, all you need to do is ask. Once I get into saving on the computer, I'll be more than happy to give you what I use myself. I have made mistakes and gone out, played, listened and realised, but now those errors have been corrected and I can't wait for the next gig.

[roger bayliss]

I think we owe a debt of gratitude to Charlie Hall as it was EFTP that got us all moving in the right direction with regard to the sound. Charlie has handed the EFTP side over to his son Ross and devotes his time developing the much heralded Hall and Collins echo that is due for release in a few months now.

If you have the echo timings and the knowledge and ears you can programme your own echos like Robbo and myself have done.

I personally like a drier echo tone overall and have found some units a bit too wet sounding at the clubs and then sometimes have found them near perfect. Sometimes you play other peoples gear and have a so so session because the sound was not quite to your liking. These things occasionally happen with live sounds as we all know and what ever you do do not play someone elses guitar LOL cause that will really throw you out !

It is great to see so many options now regarding echo machines and some at great prices like this Zoom G3X and of course the eTap2HW from a number of suppliers and the TVS etc. The new Hall and Collins looks set to be more costly but if it is as good as they say you may never need another vintage Meazzi to satisfy your musical urges !

When I first joined in with Shadow Music options were far fewer and we now have dedicated units being produced and marketed for Shadows vintage echo. So we have come a long way in the last ten years to my knowledge. So I for one am grateful.

[dave robinson]

I agree Roger about the fabulous choice we have today. If all I need is echo for my Shadows stuff, then the Etap2hw fits the bill, especially now I've opted for using it via the Send & Return on the Boogie. The Zoom is for when I need a lot of different effects at a time when I have to play a variety of stuff on regular band gigs.

[dave robinson]

I didn't try the EFTP patches for the Zoom G3X as I'd read that Charlie didn't programme them, it was his son Ross.
I heard Ecca play using them and thought they couldn't be as bad as they sounded for him, something was wrong but I don't know what. Jimbo had used the same kit and sounded OK. I decided to buy one and investigate myself, using knowledge gained from my experience with the ESE Echomatic and stuff that I learned from Alan Jackson who deserves some credit.
I'd already had some success with echo patches on the Vox Tonelabs, so I knew this would work with the Zoom.

[dave robinson]

Because this thread was useful to some, I have removed all of the rubbish that was spoiling it and led me to lock it. I apologise if anyone was offended, that wasn't meant to be the case.
If anyone mentions EFTP or anything relating to what went before on this thread, then I'll just delete the lot and withdraw any offers of help that I was intending, after all that's all I wanted to do.

[dave robinson]

Cheers Dave, that's a neat bunch of patches. Which amp sim do you prefer for the Shadows tracks or do you just stick with the tape echo?

I have just discovered how to link up with the computer, so if you want to try my patches I'm more than happy to let you have them as long as I can get them in 'file form' to send to you.

[Ryan]

Cheers Dave, that's a neat bunch of patches. Which amp sim do you prefer for the Shadows tracks or do you just stick with the tape echo?

I have just discovered how to link up with the computer, so if you want to try my patches I'm more than happy to let you have them as long as I can get them in 'file form' to send to you.

Hi Dave,
I haven't tried to put mine to the computer yet. If i figure it out, is there any chance you'd be able to send them to me as well please?
It's kind of you to offer your help with this new effects pedal, so thank you
Cheers
Ryan

[dave robinson]

Ryan you would be welcome mate.It's easy to do, hook your Zoom up with a USB cable and go on the Zoom site to download the sharing programme.
Are you going tomorrow to the Hankies ?

[Ryan]

Thanks for that, i'll try and give it a go tomorrow. All being well, i should be going to the Hankies tomorrow, as long as i feel well enough