Zoom Review: GFX8

History:

Purchase: Due to an administration blunder, I managed to get mine for £150. i got home opened it and found a label saying £270!. I was very lucky to have got one at this price, though I think they are actually for sale at that price now.

What I Like About This Zoom GFX8: I went to this from a £70 digitech and obviously think the sound is amazing. The drive unit is great, the delays and flangers seamless, and the wah is the best digital one Ive tried. Its green, I like that too. The CD that came with it didnt work on my computer so I had to download a newer version that had been alterd by someone else (not official). But now it works and I can create effects on my computer.

What I Do NOT Like About The Zoom GFX8: When I first got it home and opened it I knew it was going to be a nightmare. I couldnt be bothered to read te manual, so went straight onto it. After about two minutes I was stuck, and had to go the manual which isnt that user friendly. After a while I got to know the basics and I was away. What infuriates me most is the knobs, they dont reset. If you turn it on and find ian effect you like and really want to edit, you cant! As soon as you twist the knob is snaps to something comletely different and you've lost it all! Its very old methinks, and some of the effects are useless.

Zoom GFX8 Quality Rating: Its very rugged and strong. I think if I ever dropped it would be fine. The rubber strip off the pedal is coming off but i can glue that back on easily. The knobs are, well, big and the feel is very comfortable.

Review Summary: Its getting a bit old now, but it still has enough to put it ahead of the Digitech RP2000A. The analog sounds are growing on me, and i reccommend it to anyone looking for a all round effect pedal. If you want the latest modern effects, look elsewhere.

Rating of this Zoom product: 4

This Zoom GFX8 Guitar Effects Review Submitted By: Howard Staveley

Review Date: 2005-03-01