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Boss GT-8 Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal

Double your power with BOSS's new GT-8 floor-based mega processor. Loaded with twin COSM modeling engines, it brings unprecedented performance and tonal control to the stage and studio. The Dual COSM amp section provides two discrete amp channels; you can layer and manipulate each engine independently to create wildly expressive sounds. Thanks to the Solo Switch function, lead sounds can be immediately activated -- perfect for ripping through the mix. BOSS's mega-popular GT-6 was a smash hit with guitarists, now the GT-8 is destined to become the go-to box for gigging and recording guitarists alike. Learn More...

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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
This unit must include metronome and loop recorder.

Quality:
Built Tank Like.

Value:
it solves a lot of problems for the gigging musician, it is worth it.

Desirability:
Vital in my set up.

Sound:
Killer sound

Ease of Use:
Pretty intuitive.

Support:
Pretty quick response.

Overall:
Highly recommended.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
It has every boss petal built into one big pedal, i havent found an effect it dosnt have

Quality:
Its made of nothing but metal what more can i say

Value:
Great, and has so many high qulity effects all put in this one box

Sound:
Is amazing, I can't play my guitar without this anymore because it sounds so much worse

Ease of Use:
It took me a few months to truly figure it out (but i didnt read the manuel much) but as soon as i started to get the hang of it i figured out the rest pretty fast

Support:
None

Overall:
Ill probably keep it for several more years because you can only impprove a product so much each year

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
The Pre-amp section is nice, a good tone can be achieved if you play around a little. Octave, Pedal bend and Harmonist are awsome, many ways to tweak and eq. Compressor and limiter are decent depending on which patch you use them with. Wah is lacking a bit, sounds like when you run a wah pedal straight into an amp. Uni-Vibe is balls on accurate. The Guitar Simulator function is interesting...you can combine your tone with solid body/semi hollow, hollow, chambered etc, the coolest thing about this feature: If you are playing a strat, or any other solid body, and select the Hollow body guitar sim function, you will get feedback and sustain at low levels, as if you were playing an ES-335 through an old Marshall at high volume. One annoying thing I have found about this unit is this; While in a patch, if you select an effect and tweak the parameters, you can not select another effect without exiting out of the patch and negating the changes you made to the FX parameters. Perhaps I need to read the manual a bit more...but other than this, the GT-8 is pretty user intuitive. Ah, yes!!! and the reverbs...they sound great over headphones and direct into a board. Selections include; plate, hall, spring, fender tweed, etc. Dealys are nice as well, single voice, dual voice, panning, ping pong, tap, etc. Distortions can be a bit "fuzzy", sort of like an Arbiter Fuzz Face, or a Big Muff, but over all for the price, one should not complain, with a little knob twisting the distortions sound close to authentic. The "Feedbacker" and "Defretter" functions are fun to play around with, particularly when combined with the "wave synth". Speaking of "Wave Synth"... Tracking is great, sounds better than the old Roland GR series, if you are into Pat Methany (eg. Tony Williams: Wilderness), you will probably enjoy this patch. Wave Sythn can also be tweaked, choose from Saw, Sine, Square or one or two other wave forms which elude my memory at this time. All patchs/effects can be tweaked, and EQ'd in their own right, so take your time, grab yourself a cold beer and set aside a few hours.

Quality:
Solid built, made of metal. Knobs are tight. You could probably drop this thing down 3 flights of stairs and it would still work perfectly.

Value:
For the sound and features, it is a must have for the $$$

Desirability:
Sounds great and is made of black gun metal. What more do you need???

Sound:
Sound quality is great. However....Depending on what type of amp you are playing through, you may be a bit dissapointed. I am currently using a Roland Cube 30. For those of you not familiar with this amp, it is a small pratice model, but sounds similar to a jc-120. The GT-8 has an "Output selection" function, designed to maximize the true sound of this pedal. I can't vouch for all of the output selections (JC-120, MS combo, etc)but the "Small amp" output leaves somthing to be desired. That aside, the effects sound awsome. Amp modeling is very good (through headphones, and probably through a larger amp than my own)The Uni-Vibe sounds very nice, as does the "Another Brick" patch in bank 24.....if you dig Gilmour's solo in the song from the same name (part 2?). "Slow Gear" in bank 79 is great...It reminds me of an Alan Holdsworth type effect, very cool...The distorions are decent, many selections to choose from. Everything from Arbiter fuzz to Rfier to MS 1970. Obviously, these sounds are not dead on, but for all intents and purposes, they sound great. If you are looking for an "expressive product" this is it man...I've had this unit for 4 weeks and I still haven't fully utilized all of its functions. I play a wide range of stlyes, and so far, I have found a factory patch that suites my needs. As far as other products in this class go, you may want to check out the Zoom G92TT, the sounds are comparable and the G92TT has USB conectivity, is tube driven (1 12AX7) and comes bundled with Cubase LE. Currently I am using an Electro-Harmonix HOG and a Synth pedal with this unit. The GT-8 has both of these features, but not in the capacity that I would like.

Ease of Use:
With a little tweaking you can get any sound you want. Getting a really good sound however, can be a bit frustrating at times. This should be expected though, considering that you are editing on a screen no larger than a Camel Wide. I have had no problems with compatibilty. There is a slight learing curve, but if you have used Multi-effects boards in the past, it might take you about 10 minutes to figure this thing out. Haven't read the manual yet. Bottom line, if you are looking for a mass amount of quality effects to play around with, and don't want spend THOUSANDS on individual pedals the GT-8 is the way to go.

Support:
Judging by the quality of this unit, I would assume that support is impeccable. I haven't had to call them though.

Overall:
Great unit, not a 10 as I am sure it will obsolete within a few years.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
The Features of the GT-8 are literally numerous, it will definitely meet all expectations.

Quality:
Pure metal, need I say more!!

Value:
Absolutely worth it.

Desirability:
Finished in sexy black, the way you change settings is so stimulating. LCD cool screen, lights green and very clear.

Sound:
Sound is great, quite optional.

Ease of Use:
It Will take you sometime to master its use.

Support:
Never needed 'em.

Overall:
It's the wings for every guitarist to fly ( All Genres)

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10

Feature:
Being relatively new to MFX processors, I had no idea what to expect from the GT-8, but I am thrilled at all the possibilities it provides. The ability to layer, combine, and split different amp channels and models is a definite plus. The dynamic switching mode, although a bit difficult to figure out at first, is also useful. I have yet to mess around much with the FX chain option, but the ability to alter it freely is nice to have. I am particularly impressed with the range of parameters in all the effects, as I mentioned above. They allow for almost limitless customization of your tone.

Quality:
I received my GT-8 new and in perfect condition. It's heavy hard design is a testament to the quality of Boss products. They are built to be TOUGH. Finger smudges do show fairly easily on the LED screen and on the metal chassis, but they are just as easy to wipe off with a soft cloth. I am not worried too much about losing my data, but I have begun to backup all my patches, just in case. I have no doubts that it would hold up on tour pretty well with the right road case.

Value:
I did not try out other similar products before buying this, but after using it for a while I am convinced that the value of this machine holds up pretty well next to others such as the PODxt and Vox Tonelab.

Desirability:
There is not much sex appeal in equipment like this, sadly! The average listener just wants to hear good music and enjoy the vibes. Not many (except other musicians) really care about all the technical aspects or what kind of gear you use. For my own aesthetic needs, though, the GT-8 satisfies in looks. The black metallic finish is cool-looking, and its design is nearly flawless both inside and out. It has definitely opened my eyes more to the capabilities of MFX units.

Sound:
With some tweaking and fiddling around, the GT-8 can deliver some awesome sounds. The effects, while all of them are not necessarily authentic, have excellent parameter variables to mess with to help achieve your ideal tone. Some of the distortion models can turn out a bit too "fizzy" for some people's likings, but I found if you combine them with the right preamp models and sound levels, this can be eliminated.

Ease of Use:
I have read (and learned) that there is a steep learning curve for the GT-8. It is true that not everyone is going to want to to sit down for hours on end reading a manual and taking an in-depth journey into the inner workings of a piece of equipment. That said, this is NOT a plug-and-play device. So, unless you are willing to put forth the time in learning and familiarizing yourself with most of, if not all of the functions, it might be better to move on to something else...even though achieving great things (like great tone) requires time and effort anyway.

Support:
I have not had to call in for servive or support yet.

Overall:
After only owning this machine for about 6 months, it has very much become a crucial part of my setup. It provides me with limitless possibilities for shaping ideal tones, and has even proven useful in writing situations. I have yet to try it live, but I have no doubts that it will hold up fine.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
I thought the greatest feature is the ability to configure the FX chain in any order you please. I played other processors that don't allow you to configure the FX chain and I hated them. I switched back to the GT-8 because of its flexability. A built in CTR pedal and EXP pedal are a nice feature. The tuner display is good, I could on on but...

Quality:
This is a well made peice of gear. I've never had a Boss product stop working.

Value:
This is the best value for any processor. I've tried them all from the G-system to the pod xt pro. You can't beat what you get for the price of the GT-8.

Desirability:
I like the looks of the GT-8. It's black, sexy and sleek. Sometimes when I'm not playing it...I just like to look at it.

Sound:
As far as floor based processors go, I don't have any problems with the way this unit sounds. I'm not found of the built in distortions but I've yet to hear a distortion I like on any floor based processor. I prefer to use my own pedal distortions through the effects loop. I like the way the other FX sound. I've played similar floor based processors that are 3 times more expensive then the GT-8 and I think the GT-8 knocks out the competition in almost every aspect.

Ease of Use:
I thought the GT-8 was easy to use. It certainly isn't anymore difficult then other multi effects processors.

Support:
I give it 10 support bonus marks because I've never had to use support.

Overall:
If the GT-8 had a knob lock function and better distortion sounds I would have gave it a 10/10.

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Overall:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * . . . . . . 4 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10

Feature:
Alot of effects and thats where boss shines but thats not enough.

Quality:
Seems built well but all modelers are built well.

Value:
Paid too much.

Desirability:
I have it and I dont want it.

Sound:
Very fake sounding like the pod XT but worse.

Ease of Use:
Somewhat easy to use.

Support:
Not had to use them.

Overall:
Do yourself a favor and grab a TONELAB!! Until the other modelers have an actual tube in it they cant compare. You cannot model a tube amp properly. Tonelab is the closest because they have an actual tube for the power amp section which makes it the best for direct recording. Anyone that has a Boss GT-8 and POD XT or a behringer V-amp is missing out on good tone. get a TONELAB!!!!

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Overall:
* * * * . . . . . . 4 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Value:
* * * * . . . . . . 4 out of 10
I Want It:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * . . . . . . 4 out of 10

Feature:
Lots of effects, but no high quality. Clean sound a pretty cool but distortion are really bad

Quality:
well built

Value:
Buy a good pedal instead or the Tonelab for less

Desirability:
no way

Sound:
Tried - can't see why pauing all that cash for this - the sound was very harsh, no color to it, no warmth. The distortion, harsh, but not powerful... I thought something was wrong with the thing... I am not a tube freak but, at that level, it is just pretty awful - I was going to buy it because of the review, I am glad I tried it before. Bad...

Support:
N/A

Overall:
a big disapointment

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
all u need. more than 50 stomp boxes on just one simple unit...

Quality:
have all,

Value:
cool price.

Desirability:
i love it...i have 15 days with it...and i really love it.

Sound:
OWN iT...and ull c and hear---whats the best ever...just boss create sounds. 2 cosm make more different...clean, rude, imperative sound.

Support:
roland boss rulez-

Overall:
just but it.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
alll you need. and maybe make some adds to your gt8...im using pw10 to get more wah sounds. well i really like gt8, cause have like more than 40 boxes...and u can makethem sound what ever u want.

Quality:
well, i already said... its perfect.

Value:
well, i apreciates my gt8 cause make the perfect sound with my modefour from marshall for live of full practice, but i have all sounds that i want. when i practice home or making recording i use 2 comboamps MG250DFX and the AV275 from marshall and the sounds make the diferrence in amps...but the pedal makes all the work.

Desirability:
i can buy anotherone but if price get down...cause i dont have now.. ! but its very powerfull.

Sound:
Just Buy IT. the sounds its NOT like digitech RPs and GNX (plastic sound)....GTs with COSM sounds more realistic sound in crispy, cristal, warm, tube real, yes its true. and gt8 have DOBLE COSM...so it have real powerfull sound very ricch.

Support:
when i have i problem...i always call boss or roland and they answer me excelent. they really good.

Overall:
well my ME-8 have like 8 years...and still working perfectly....i never change batery, my Gt-3 have 4 years and works excelent. so i think my gt8 will rock and work 4ever or maybe for 15 years or more.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
It definitely comes with what you need, but I would have liked the equivalent to the GT-Pro's software for it. In fact, without a USB port, I don't think this unit will ever be able to support that kind of software. That would be a regrettable oversight. (See the GT-Pro) (HOWEVER - There's a whole synth section that nobody's talking about here - You can tweak some excellent synth tones out of this thing, too. Tracks excellently. I heard some really nice violin tones on a user group website. The point is, this thing is deep. Too much to say here.)

Quality:
Seems to be made very well.

Value:
Fantastic for the money. I am hanging on to my other effects and amps but, frankly, they are now obsolete. This is a steal.

Desirability:
It's black, lays low on the floor, and doesn't attract attention - Just the way it should be.

Sound:
Excellent sound. I am writing this thumbs-up review so others can benefit from a great piece. The sound is all in there. (Note: Tube guy talking) Some initial global setup appropriate for your output rig and you have all the convincing sounds you'll need. I have run it through a few environments - HD recording, live through Mesa 20/20 with a 4x12 recto stereo cab, headphones, etc. Very nice. Very huge. Very real. I tried the Line6 stuff, amps, POD, PODxt Live, etc., and found it, well, irritating. I have used Amp Farm with good results. That said, I am very happy with this unit. (To be fair, I have spent more time with this unit to get the great sounds.) There are some characteristics, like some very long and sensitive decays with just a touch of tube distortion don't act exactly like tubes would (IMHO), but that minor shortcoming is eclipsed by the breadth, depth, and quality of this unit overall.

Support:
I have not contacted support. Don't need to. (There also seems to be a large user community online, and that counts for a lot.)

Overall:
This unit really needs some configuration software running on a PC like what comes with the GT-Pro. Other than that, probably will serve me for a decade, no matter what kind of effects and tube amps they dream up until then. I should be able to tweak any of that out of this thing. Bring it on.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * *