Boss GT-8

I’ve had a Boss GT-5 and also a GT-6. From my experience, I would definitely go the Line 6 route instead. Although I admit I haven’t had any experience with Boss’ GT-8. With what I’ve used though, Line 6 has always come out on top in terms of effects.

Well, due to money issue I’ve never “upgraded” my boss GT6 to a PodXT, though I’ve been told to do so many times. Instead, I’ve now had my GT6 for 4 years or more, and I can honestly say, that if you fool enough around with it, eventually you’ll get something alright out of it. Whether it’s worth it or not I cannot really say though.

I played through a GT-10 last weekend. I was amazed at how horrible the presets were (running through a fender deluxe).

Just based off of that short playing I’d say go Line6, but even that isn’t the end all be all imo. The line6 stuff isn’t dynamic and responsive enough yet for me to replace my amps with them.

The Line6 distortions are more versatile than the Vox stuff imo. If you’re just looking for effects I’d recommend TC Electronics over all these companies any day of the week. Though line6 is releasing a new product that’s interesting, it’s a stomp box modeler. Quite vast collection able to run something like 4 pedals at a time.

http://line6.com/m13/

I don’t think there’s any point in getting a GT8 now that the GT10’s are out, unless you’re buying second hand and quite cheap, in which case, definitely get it.

I have a GT10 and I love it. I’ve owned a GT5 and a GT6 and this is a massive improvement. Its very customisable and I the tracking on the harmonizer/pitch-bender and the synth effects are far superior to previous GT models. I also like the way you can change you settings by how hard you pick (which i think you could also do on the GT8). For me its a great pedal at a great price. It should be made clear that the pre-sets are seriously crap, though fun to jam around with when you just want to wank about on your axe.

However, if you are accustomed to the distortion from (even a cheapo) valve amp then your ears will not thank you if you choose to use the distortions on offer here.

To my ears, having never owned a valve amp (although after playing the Cornford Roadhouse at the London guitar show a few weeks ago I am definitely going to get one), the distortions and overdrives are perfectly adequate, especially for the live gigs that I usually play in pubs and clubs where the PA is crap and the room is oddly shaped and acoustically abysmal.

I use a Line6 HD147 amp and Line6 4X12 cab for live gigs and I don’t think the models on that sound any better than the GT10 in a live situation. Whether one would sound better than the other going direct into a PA I couldn’t say as I have never tried that with either the pedal or my amp.

For recordings the distortions on the GT10 may not cut the mustard, but then this is floorboard made primarily for live situations and not for recording.

In short, if you know all this and still want one then you’ll be very glad you bought it.