Zoom goes Stompbox? (MS-50G)

Yes but it is still an multi-effect processor, just much smaller. About the size of a Boss pedal I guess.

It is just like any of those in the G-series. It uses the same effects modeled in the G3, featuring the same ZFX-IV chip that you may find in any of the new range of Zoom effects starting from G3. Just like a multi-effect, it allows you to arrange and hook up to 6 different types of effects simultaneously as you like. Just like any multi-effect, it comes with a tuner. Being made into a size of a stomp box, the good news is that it eats less space on your pedal board.

Is this a plus? That's your call. For me, I may not be getting any Zoom effects for the time being, until one is good enough to stun me.

The G3 but upsized

Remember the Zoom G3?

Well, Zoom now has an upsized version of the G3, the G5.

This G5 was displayed at Musikmesse. This G5 must have the same "blood" as G3 flowing inside it. I think it is not wrong to say that this is a G3 made into something like a G9.2tt. After all, it has a lot of similar feature like the tube energizer and Z-pedal. (which allows a 4-perimeter control)
I guess this is the new Zoom for 2012. I am kinda looking forward to try it, this and the new BOSS GT-100. G3 didn't disappoint me. In fact, it was quite good so I hope G5 is equally nice.

Zoom R8

Zoom is a producer of effect processors as well as recorders. 

The above shows a Zoom R8. It is a shrunken version of its big brothers R24 and R16. Actually, R24 and R16 aren't that big. But R8 is even shorter than your 30cm ruler. It is small enough to fit into your guitar bags and it is lighter. It allows you to record your jamming sessions. Best of all, it allows multi-track recording without a computer.
It has a built-in drum machines (like many Zoom pedals do) and you can adjust the audio settings of your track. It also has a few built-in guitar effects to please the guitarists. And like many other records/pedals with recording function, Cubase LE 5 DAW software is bundled together with it.

But.. the smaller something gets, the more complicated the controls are. -.-" Well, nevermind. There is always a manual for reference!

Zoom H1 Handy Recorder

My band leader, KJ, has bought a Zoom H1 handy recorder to record our jamming when we are at the studio. He bought it at City Music. Any shops that has links with City Music like Sound Alchemy sell Zoom products.

And yesterday was our first time trying the recorder. It features an Auto-Level function; it dampens the sound of a instrument that is too loud while beefing up the ones too soft such as the vocals. This recorder is amazing.

HOWEVER.. it has its flaws, too.

While the Auto-Level function can be of a great help, it can also be more of problems than help. In order for the function to function properly, it depends on the set-up of all the instruments.
This is a preferred set-up.

Unfortunately, not many jamming studio rooms are in this formation. So, in such cases, manual leveling is better than Auto-leveling.

READ FROM HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZOOM H1.

TS-7 goodness

I am quite happy with the performance of my TS-7.. which is probably 1.5 week old. The strange thing is... I hardly ever use it alone.. My main purpose of using TS-7 is to beef up the overdrive and distortion of another effect.

In fact, it does the job rather well, especially with my (anique) G2.1u which I am not intending to upgrade to the new G2.1Nu. I use the TS9 mode as a booster. Hot Mode is too noisy. I usually use it alone instead.

New stuffs

I'd finally managed to trade a MIJ Fernandes guitar with Nicholas. I saw his post in SVguitar forum. He'd been selling it for 2 years but never managed to sell it. So long that he is willing to sell it for S$350 with all the accessories. I wonder why. Why hadn't he put it up on soft instead?

Well that doesn't matter any longer. I managed to bargain a S$50 off. So it's S$300

 1. ZOOM G2 multi-effect pedal.
Somewhat similar to the G2.1u I got.

2. Planet Waves 25ft Cable
The longest cable among all my other cables with locking jack pins.

3. Zoom Driver 5000
Gives you quite a lot of distortions as you can see from the picture below. Hadn't got a chance to try them yet.

4. Some unknown cable, 10ft long


Nicholas seemed to have keep all the things rather properly. All the manuals are still there, the pedal still intact and the box still in a good condition. (better than my g2.1u box)

But what about my guitar? It's right now at SVguitars. There seems to be some problems with the pickup switch. The neck pickup isn't working after I'd removed the tissue paper Nicholas has used to somehow make the pickup switch usable.