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I was looking for a decent headphone amp because I live in a crowded apartment in a crowded city and my marshall stack would get me either arrested or beat up.

First of all, the zoom g1u package DOES include an AC adapter. I say this up front because all the literature I read on it indicated it did not (“optional” ac adapter, is the reference everywhere).

As far as the zoom itself, its a remarkable and very very fun piece of technology.

–the presets (“patches”) are great, you get a huge variety of tones and sounds and effects pre-set so its easy to just jump in with it and start playing different genres of music. Many of the presets are explicitly modelled after famous guitarists and their famous tones (srv or randy rhoads for example) and are labelled as such. If you want to create your own tones you can do that too, obviously.

–amp and cabinet models – they sound just fine to me. I havent compared the zoom models with, say, those on the digitech rp series, but the zoom models (from distortion to clean to jazz) all sound lovely to me.

–huge set of effects are available.

–drum machine is a blast, much more fun than I expected, having never played along with a drum machine before. Most of the drum tracks I probably wont use, but I think anyone can find a few favorites to play along with. Of course preset drum tracks are not as versatile as being able to play your own drum track, though. At some point i’ll probably buy a separate drum machine. Its definitely a fun thing to have included though, I think.

–includes software – zfx tools (create patches) and ableton live (record and edit your music): ability to record directly to computer via usb is a blast too, and works well.

Is it worth a hundred bucks? Absolutely, its amazing how much technology they are packing into these tiny boxes (5″x5″ approximately) and it will keep you entertained for quite a while. The g1u is a great introduction to these things – drum machines, effects, amp modelling, and recording software – it makes certain things easy particularly for a beginner (like giving you presets with descriptions and not forcing you to build common tones from scratch). Similarly the recording software is simpler and easier to grasp and use than the much more complex Cubase software that you get with higher and more expensive models.

I did compare the g1u with a couple of higher models (g2.1u and digitech’s rp255). These are the only other two models right now that have both usb connection AND drum machine tracks built in. Both are considerably more expensive than the g1u. The main thing both add is the ‘expression pedal’ (which I didnt need). Other than that they dont add much at all in features. In fact the g1u I believe has a lot more models and presets than either, and is a more recent and updated product than either.

Pretty happy with it so far. Loads of fun. I’m not missing my full size amp at all, and this box lets me play to my hearts content without bothering my neighbors. The convenience and value you get with these boxes is truly amazing.

This pedal doeas alot for what its worth. It has lots of great models ans sims in it, and a built in drum machine just adds to the flavor. I use this for silent practice, just plug in headphones and go! the John5 sounds are really good and definitly interesting. I would reccomend this unit to anyone looking to get a nu-metal type sound on a budget. BUT…it does much more than that, dont stereotype this pedal cause of John 5, its very versatile.

If you’ve ever tried one of these, then you really don’t need to hear what I have to say, but just in case…

This pedal rocks! The tracking is great, and if you’re ‘that type’ (the twisted type) playing two or more notes will cause it to break up in a very cool way. The footswitch adds another dimension to the pedal– like a breaker or kill switch, so you can use the effect rhythmically!!

Like most people, I don’t use the harmonizer all that often, but you gotta admit, playing lines in harmonized major 3rds is pretty cool.

If you’re looking to add some new weaponry to your sonic arsenal, get this. I use mine in all kinds of music– funk, rock, blues, avant-jazz… it’s one of the handful of pedals that is always in my pedal chain.

This pedal kicks ass. You can turn your guitar into a Bass or a high pitched screaming meachine. The detune actually makes a great Chorus effect and sounds awesome on clean stuff. It can bend notes up to 2 Octaves higher (24 Frets). The harmony effects are cool but it is fixed so you can’t do true scale harmonys. The design is pretty rugged and I havent had to reset mine yet. It’s good for all styles. I’m into heavy metal and it fits my playing really well. If your in a rut try this pedal out.