Sound:
You don't buy one of these for the sound specifically. It has lots of effects and amp models but its really a small practice amp. It's real claim is the sounds it does make which is the digital drum machine and accompanyment. I wouldn't gig with this, but to set it up anywhere in the house and be able to practice or jam to a groove is exactly what I wanted. No better way to learn how to play in the pocket.
Feature:
Lots of features for a small and reasonably priced amp. The led screen is fairly easy to use and got it up and running without opening the manual. The screen tells you everything that is going on along with what key the accompanyment can play in. Having an onboard tuner is pretty cool too. Another neat feature is that it has two input jacks that you can use to have a teacher plug into or as I am doing this week, take it along with me while traveling downtown and have a jam session in the hotel room with a co-worker. It doesn't have to be screaming in order to hear it well.
Ease of Use:
Everything is laid out well and as I said, I got through the menus without reading the manual and I'm not one of those who can instantly just pick it up and go. But the key parts of changing the drum beats and then changing the patterns within each beat are easy enough to do with just a few clicks. Everything else is standard amp fare.
Quality:
It's a Fender so you can count that it will be well made. It appears in the few days that I have owned it that it will stand some abuse and looks like other Fender amps.
Value:
I looked at a few other small practice amps in this size. My kid has a small 15 watt Marshall that has better tone. Most likely the speaker is better, but considering that I bought mine for 239.00 new you can't do better with getting an integrated amp with a drum machine included at that price point. I don't know that there is another one made that competes. Otherwise you need to connect a separate drum machine and even then it wouldn't integrate as nicely as the G-Dec. For me its about being able to practice efficiently and have some fun when noodling around. This thing is FUN. Combine that and the reasonable price and you have a great value.
Manufacturer Support:
I'd have to rate this based upon my past experience with Fender. Haven't had this one long enough to need service, but usually Fender is good with support.
The Wow Factor:
I have a separate jam room with a Bogner full stack, a Fender Cyber Twin SE, a Mesa Boogie 20/20 rack system slaved to the Bogner and a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. I have all the tone I need, I WANTED this little guy because I can't always play that monster stuff in the house when I want to or when I can get time to play. (married, kids, dog, you know the drill) This is like taking all that stuff, shrinking it down into a one square foot box that you can literally strap over your back and play anywhere. I now can play MORE and learn BETTER because I can play to that drum track while practicing anywhere in the house at a volume that won't wake the family. This is not only a great amp for a beginner because it teaches them to learn to a regular beat but also for old farts who missed their turn on stage.
Overall:
I think that I will have this one for a while. It just to useful and I will keep anything that allows me to play at times when I can't otherwise. The drums were vital though. If I had to do anything I would like to see a fuller sounding speaker, with more bottom. Not sure how you achieve that in a small closed back combo. I would only search another product if someone else made one like this and when they did it sounded better while keeping this small size. If it were ripped I'd buy another one. I knew everything I needed to know before I bought it. If I have a gripe it would be it lacks some bottom end, but I can live with that for what I am doing. (it actually forces you to listen to how you are really playing as opposed to covering up those mistakes with distortion and delay)
13 of 13 people
(100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
this is one of the best amps you can get and its affordible.
Feature:
has every thing you need, tuner drum loops and you will never ever have to buy another pedal as long as you live, also you can record on it not very long though, you can hook it up to a computer and record striaght to that.
Ease of Use:
even a blind person could use it. has great sound, and you can modify them and save them.
Quality:
its made buy one of the most trusted companies ever fendefer. seems like it will last a life time if you treat it right
Value:
great value and is worth it, all my friends want one
Manufacturer Support:
never talked to the company
The Wow Factor:
it looks great sounds better.
Overall:
i wouldnt take any other amp, just wish it was a little bigger
1 of 1 people
(100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
I have only been playing for 2 1/2 years, and I don't have that much experience using different amps. Also, let me state up front that I don't have a solid body electric. I have an acoustic/electric with a Fishman Prefix preamp. I realize there are plenty of fine acoustic amplifiers out there however I do plan on buying a Strat in the near future and I found this G Dec on sale for $179.99. I had read about this little amp and I've been wanting one for a while. Anything that can help me play better is an investment as far as I'm concerned, and I thought this little unit might be just the ticket. Well, I wasn't dissapointed. I plugged my acoustic/electric in, flipped the switch and was blown away by all the great sounds coming out of this little unit. In fact, my acoustic/electric sounded so good I really don't see any need for an acoustic amplifier. There are acoustic settings that sound terrific, and all the other sounds I can get with the many effects settings make my acoustic/electric sound like anything I want it to. Granted, it's still not a Strat, but I can get some pretty amazing sounds through this G Dec.
Feature:
I wont repeat all the features this little baby has, as they are well documented on this site. Let me just say that as far as I'm concerned, the G Dec is packed with features. Again keep in mind the opinion you are reading here is that of a beginner. And for me, this thing rocks! It may not have everything that someone with more experience may desire, however I believe for most people and for beginners in particular, it would be difficult to ask for more features in such an affordable unit. It will do everything I need it to do for many years to come, and don't forget that you can always download more upgrades from Fender! This is the perfect tool for the beginner. Hear this Moms and Dads: If your kid wants to play guitar why not invest in a tool that will really help them succeed? Buy them one of these G Decs. But beware! If you play, your kid won't get much practice time because you won't be able to leave this toy alone!
Ease of Use:
Plug & Play baby, Plug & Play.
Quality:
I don't give out 10's very often, so a 9 is really a compliment. Actually, the quality may be a 10, it's too early to tell. Obviously, it's not intended for playing on the road. It's a pracitice amp (possibly the best ever). However, I have to admit that this thing seems to be built like a tank. And it's very nicely designed and finished. It looks awesome and seems to have all the quality of a top of the line Fender amp.
Value:
O.K. I got a great deal! Having said that, I should tell you I would pay many times more for this product. As I stated at the beginning of this review, anything that can help me play better I consider an investment. And this is definitely the best thing I have done since I started playing guitar. The G Dec will accelerate your guitar learning curve! And it's so much fun it's freakin' ridiculous. I love it!
Manufacturer Support:
10 by default. I've never had any dealings with Fender, so I have to give them the benefit of the doubt. Besides it wouldn't be fair to rate support a 5 for instance simply because I've never used them. Also, most of the reviews I've read have been fairly positive about Fender support. Besides, why diminish the overall score of such a great little piece of equipment unfairly!
The Wow Factor:
The G Dec is a very appealing product. The people who design these amps at Fender are doing a great job. It's one of the reasons I love Fender. Their guitars are great looking (Strat, Tele, Jaguar, etc., all classics) and so are their amplifiers. It's one of the reasons Fender has been around so long. They give you an appealing product that not only sounds great but looks great. I'm not knocking Gibson or any of the other guitar/amp manufacurers, either. Many of them also put out great looking products, I just happen to prefer Fender and I think They do a great job. This G Dec really shows it.
Overall:
I have to give the G DEC a 10. That applys to me. It does everything I hoped it would and more and I believe it will take my guitar playing to a new level. In fact, it already has! I plan on keeping this little unit for a very long time (even if I purchase a more powerful and expensive amp) and I may never get rid of it. If this review sounds overly positive, well, it's because I am one ecstatic beginning guitar player! When you see your skill level improve so drastically overnight, that's what happens. I can't wait to plug in a Strat. However, I would be interested to know if there are any other G DEC users out there who have plugged in their acoustic/electric and what they thought of the sounds they were getting from the G DEC. I don't know if the amp was intended to be used with an acoustic/electric but it sounds great to me.
11 of 12 people
(91.67%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
Sound is pretty darn good for a practice amp
Feature:
Effects, Amp Types, Drum Loops galore!
Ease of Use:
easy to navigate once you get used to it.
Quality:
Its Fender, its gonna last a really long time
Value:
a little over priced, but definately worth it
The Wow Factor:
I wanted from the day I heard about it, highly recommend you get one.
Overall:
This is an amazing amp for a practice amp. Doesn't get near loud enough for stage though. Effects and features are incredible. There's also 50 preset and you can make your own
Sound:
great sound...and so many different sounds to choose from in just the one little amp!
Feature:
i really like the tuner, its incredibly easy to use and really accurate, the drum loops are nice too, but can get kinda old after a while...a real drummer is always better, but for practice they are good.
Ease of Use:
if you don't know what you are doing (like when i bought the thing) just mess around w/ the dial and you will find a sound that you like no matter what kind of music you are into. then once u figure it out a little more, u can tweak that sound to be exactly what you want to sound like.
Quality:
I'm an epiphone/gibson guy, but you cant deny the quality of fender, this thing is gonna last a long time, and im glad because it is the perfect practice amp.
Value:
its a pretty acurate price for what it does, I just wish it had more sound, then it would be the perfect practice AND show amp!
Manufacturer Support:
i havn't had any problems w/ it yet. but i know fender has a good support program for all theyr products.
The Wow Factor:
its sexy...just wish it was bigger. ;]
Overall:
i love it, i hope it lasts a loooong time, i just wish that they had this thing in like a 50 watt or even higher, that would make it perfect. but i'll settle for the practice ability of this thing.
Sound:
could use more output
Feature:
drum loops are sweet, same with distortion
Ease of Use:
all you do is turn it on and play
Quality:
hasant broken within 3 years
Value:
for what you get id charge more!
The Wow Factor:
when you hear about it it dosent sound to nice but you have to play it to know
Overall:
this is a sweet amp
1 of 1 people
(100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
The sound is expected from a small speaker digital system and is adequate for this type of product. A larger speaker and sweeter MOSFETS may help improve the sound quality, but this is a practice amp and it's adequate.
Feature:
The accesories were adequate except an included foot (on/off) switch would improve this product.
Ease of Use:
The practice amp was very easy to understand and use.
Quality:
The Fender quality was maintained. I'm glad that Fender didn't reduce product quality just to save some money. I own lots of Fender items and there're reliable products.
Value:
The value would be a ten except it didn't have a foot switch because a practice amp should simulate a live performance.
Manufacturer Support:
I expect Fender to continue their support to musicians.
The Wow Factor:
I've tested this product twice for over an hour each time at the retail store. Now that they've lower their asking price, I'll buy it.
Overall:
This amp will help a beginner practice more and help a professional improve upon their creativity. This product may increase guitar sales because more guitarists will enjoy practicing.
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Sound:
could have used a better speaker and a few more watts, but for what it is, it does a good job
Feature:
this is one of the most fun pratice/sampling amps you are going to find. If your not in a band and are just leearning on your own around the house this thing is a blast. Its a great way to pratice lead and scales. Its a band in a box
Quality:
Pretty standard lower end fender stuff, seems like it will hold up well.
Value:
Its worth the price, I would not buy it as my main amp, but as a pratice/learning amp its a great choice, probably a great first amp for a young beginner
Manufacturer Support:
NA
The Wow Factor:
Hearing it in a store and playing with it for about 5 mins and I had one on the counter. Having a accompament really has helped my playing
Overall:
If it had a few more amps and a better speaker I would have given it a 10. Its too bad considering that this is a real unique product, I don't think that it would have added that much to the cost to beef it up a little, but thats Fender for you.
2 of 3 people
(66.67%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
the gdec is the best 15 watt amp on the planet with endless possibilities, i got a bargain for $600, and look how cheap this is. BUY THIS NOMATTER WHAT YOU PLAY!!!
Feature:
it has heaps and heaps of features, fx, amps, reverb, phrase sampling (recording), heaps of adjustable drum patterns, two inputs, MIDI, aux, tone filters, everything you need to play guitar. I play about 4 hours a day, im 14, only been playing 2 years and im in school! the only things it needs are a footswitch (which i think can be used with the MIDI ins and outs) and MIDI leads.
Quality:
50 years it will last
Value:
as I said i got it for $600 (au) but im pretty sure that this is heaps cheaper, i recomend this site.
Overall:
I would recomend this for a practice amp for pros like kirk hammett. For any style of music.
1 of 2 people
(50%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
Sound is very mediocre. Buy it for the effects, if you are interested. It sounds much better thru a set of headphones, the speaker is terrible.
Feature:
Tons of presets, but a lot sound very similar, just heavy distortion.
Quality:
Quality of an amp is dependant on the quality of the sound. Sound thru the speaker is really lacking.
Value:
Probably better off buying a better amp without effects and adding pedals if wanted.
Overall:
Might be going back to the store with a return.
2 of 6 people
(33.33%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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