Does anyone use the GDEC 30?

[TeleRon]

I am going amp shopping tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone here uses the amp? All the digital stuff and the MIDI looks perfect for my first amp. Only question I have is it worth the cost? Does anyone actually use all the gizmos? Since I am new to guitar I am a little worried that all the stuff will just get me lost. I need the help it could give me but not sure. Being able to download updates from the pc to the amp is great. The Band in box is very interesting. Just not sure if all that stuff is worth the cost.

[B Valley]

I've only read the reviews on them, which are all pretty good. I'm thinking of picking up the G-DEC Junior to take with me to work, for those quiet afternoons.
I don't think anyone takes them seriously as an amp, and I haven't heard anything about anyone performing with one.

[Legba]

Depends on what you want in an Amp.

I own one and use it more than my other amps.

Strengths;
Practice tool
MIDI files
Backing tracks, both built in and programmable.
change keys and tempos
different sounds - selection is pretty much endless
memory - there are, to the best of my recollection, 50 programed sounds and then 50 user sets can be added. I doubt anyone needs more than 100 different settings.
You can record 28 second samples from a MP3 or CD player and play them back at half speed or full speed.
One man show when hooked into a decent system.
decent modeling amp
Student plug in.
There's more, but that's off the top of my head.

Weaknesses
Decent modeling amp, you really need to plug into something other than the stock speaker to get the most out of this amp.
Confusing - there are so many things to set that you need to keep good notes as to your preferences.

If you're gigging alone this may meet your needs.
If you are an at home player this will meet your needs.
If you demand the best tone possible and don't want the learning stuff it will not meet your needs. The modeling is pretty darn good, but it's not a tube amp, and some of the pedals are so-so.
If you play in a band you will/may need another amp.

[TeleRon]

Thanks for the very good information, and that helps alot. I do not play in a band and do not want to. Living room player only, just started this a couple months ago, so I don't do much playing, more like plonking. The learning aspect of the amp is what made me look at it in the first place, but I needed someones help who actually owned one. I am on my way to music store now to check them out. I had back surgery two weeks ago and this the first time I will be able to get out of the house since surgery. Been reading on here and searching the web while I been at home. It just helps to here from someone who actually owns and uses the amp.
Thanks I appreciate the info

[Solcat]

I use the Jr. it's much simpler. You might compare the two. The 30 might be overkill.

[Joe M]

Originally Posted by Solcat

I use the Jr. it's much simpler. You might compare the two. The 30 might be overkill.

Or, you could buy the original GDec, not as complicated as the 30 and more features than the Jr. Plus, you would save about $100 over the cost of the 30...

[EunosFD]

Eric Johnson seems to dig it somewhat:



I've been kinda considering one lately myself. I'll probably just end up saving for an Axe-FX though (entirely different beast I know ).

[TeleRon]

Well we went to the music store and its a large store but they did not have a 30 in stock. I played both the Jr. and the 15. The Jr. is alot easier to use by a long shot. I did like all the options on the 15 though, I found out how to walk through the menus to change what parameter you needed to change in about 5 minutes just by playing with it. It does not seem to hard to use, the thing is pretty nice if you ask me, and you can get some very good sounds out of it. Now I come home empty handed which was a let down but I do not know how much better the 30 would be? I do not need 30 watts to play here at home but the 30 has several more features. I may just order one from MF today. We also went to a local shop and he had a 15 and an Exec model with the sunburst cabinet, he said he would make me a deal on it as no one is interested due to the cost? I do not like the cabinet of the Exec but if he cuts enough off of it I may buy it? One thing for sure, they look like great practice amps, and me playing alone alot I think it would help me learn faster, due to all the features the 15 and 30 has. Thanks for the comments.