I bought a GT-5 new in the '90s and I still use it to this day. The freaky presets are so much more interesting to me than 700 variations on a distorted patch, especially as an electronic musician and an ambient guitarist. The patch mods I've made usually consisted of moving the volume pedal BEFORE the reverb to allow swells to fade out naturally. I have taken this thing to Europe (Poland, Canary Islands, Italy, Romania, Croatia, Germany) as well as the desert (Arcosanti) and all over the U.S. Despite the alpha wheel being flakey and the airline bashing in the input trim pot, this thing still works great. Early on, I added an expression pedal so that when the one on the GT-5 wasn't a volume control, I'd still be able to do swells. When the on-unit pedal was programmed for volume, then I'd have a spare pedal to control other parameters.
I've had a me-50 for nearly 20 years and will never sell it. You have me intrigued now I'm wondering if I need a GT5 as well. I'm not familiar with it and I'm not sure I would be able to program it. How easy is it to use?
It is very easy but menu driven! If you are not changing parameters during playing live you should give it a go if you find one cheap enough. I think you ll love it as much as the me50!
Gearfacts l sold some very expensive pedals recently, now l use my GT3 which does the job without all the wires spoiling the guitar signal and when you spend time tweaking it the sounds are to my liking, better than more expensive units I’ve had over the years
The GT-3 and GT-5 is the last 2 MFX unit with analog distortion, in your opinion if you can only get one, which one is more "analog" and which one sounded better? I am playing through an amp anyway, so the amp simulation didn't mattered that much to me.
I have the GT3, owned the GT5 too, I kind of disagree that the GT5 is loads better... Both have analogue distortions, maybe because the converters aren't as good on the earlier GT5, that gives it a more analogue sound?. If you use the GT3 effects subtly they sound fine, too full on and they do sound digital. Plus the GT3 has proper heavy duty jack sockets, unlike the circuit board attached ones on the GT3
The GT-5 and the GT-3 are both worth having especially for what they sell for today. I have been mining tones out of both of them for years. I like to just stick mine into the power amp in jack of a combo amp; but it's easy to set up a stereo rig or even put your amp's preamp through the loop of the unit with the 4 cable method. There's a lot you can do. Lots of online resources are available as well -- especially for the -3. You can connect both to a computer with the Fx floorboard software and a midi to USB connector. The GT-5 needs to be upgraded to version 1.07 though (which is possible by installing the correct EPROM chip into a unit greater than version 1.02).
@@gearfacts Great unit for sure. Thanks for doing the vid about it. The -5 has the advantage of having an internal power supply, an input volume control and the ability to assign an additional control pedal. The two units share a lot of sonic and programming similarities but each can do some things the other cant. Good excuse to own both. You can find out the version of the GT-5 you are running by entering Test Mode which entails pressing the [PEDAL ASSIGN] and [NAME] buttons at the same time and then turning on the GT-5. You are subsequently prompted with the version number. You can upgrade to the latest chip pretty easily as the is a Canadian seller on eBay who stocks the EPROM chips. It's just a matter of opening up the unit and replacing the chip i n the correct orientation.
i bought mine in the 90's and still use it all the time. found one on ebay for a hundred bucks last week. bought it for a back up. i paid 699 when it was brand new
After watching this video, I hopped on the gumtree and found one for these gems in an ad for "various music items". It was a little hidden immediately because the gallery image was of a Vox wah pedal, and the GT5 was just one of the 5 or 6 other "various music items" But it was my lucky day because the bloke was only asking $80! In perfect condition once I cleaned it up too.
@@ReneeNme I have the rp360xp but I am not too happy with it. Might be my lack of likeing the presets I've tried to adjust but boss has the airy spacial stuff I love. Lol
Man that's a bargain. First the value of single pedals went through the floor, then home keyboards, now it seems classic multi effects are also no longer immune :) #gearfacts
i have one an the like 100 page manual , but i could never find out if it has a repeat loop , that would be a fantastic feature , i love the amps feature , great vid
I have a gt3, it’s practically the same minus one patch button. Also on mine the trem and the comp and others (pickup sim, etc) are on one button, so you can’t use them at the same time. It is the most important piece of gear I own by far. It gives me the ability to use my big screaming tube amps at my church gig, and I can switch between that amps preamp and the clean ones in here. I can have any kind of sound I want with it with any given rig and it’s so reliable.
Yep these things will last 100+ years I think, they're so well-built. Also the GT-3 has the auto-riff function whereas the GT-5 doesn't, so there's another plus. It seems to me that the advantage with the GT-5 is a great level of analog signal in the path, and it also gives more detailed control over the behavior of individual effects as they relate to the dynamic pedal. Awesome comment man, thank you :) #gearfacts
Gearfacts how interesting! I know that the gt3 uses an internal pedal that can be set to patch change, and a few other things. As well as the wave pedal, which controls parameters based on a very slow LFO with some different wave shapes with various triggers. which can be useful but I imagine that a better system would’ve been implemented in future designs.
I have the effects and I don't know how to work with them, I listen to metal and I got the effects, does anyone know how to sound like a metal band like Rammstein?
I purchased the Boss GT-5 back in the 90ies. Even though there is a backup battery in the device, I never had to change it. The board still holds all my user settings nicely and there was never any battery low message. Have you guys ever replaced the cell?
8:47 this sounds remind me of sabotage by Beastie boys. that pedal was great, I always want one for studio or live but if you take off the pedal on 12 Clean+Solo at 9:08, It sounds like Metallica (Master of puppets era). I need these sounds that has heavy distortion/Overdrive and clean sound so I need to switch two effects in alternative rock songs I guess for my electric guitar.
It's much more versatile and the sound is *different* ...I won't say it's *better* because it's a matter of personal preference and guitar playing style. But yes, there's no doubt that the GT-5 has more functions and effects :) #gearfacts
Hey Bandit, Yeah the GT-6 is nice too but it has a very different personality. If you search my videos I've made some direct recordings showcasing its capabilities. The GT-5 I think has more sound control options despite its lower "knobbage" :)
The GT6 sounds like a toy in comparison. I used all of the GT series over the years and sold them all apart from the GT5 which still holds its own to this day.
You connected the main output directly to the audio input of yout computer? That is why it sounds like sh*t. Use cabinet simulator or some guitar speaker and microphone.
It’s got cab sims. I thought it sounded good. Obviously digital effects and can sims will never sound as good as the real thing but listen to those modulations and ambience effects. You’ve got to admit it’s somewhat special :)
@@gearfacts Yeah, modulations, ambience effects, acoustic guitar, ... sound somehow fine, but high distortion sounds like there is no cab simulator involved. It is buzzing too much. There is too much high frequencies. Like when you connect the distortion pedal directly to Hi-Fi (no guitar-dedicated) loudspeaker. If the cab simulator was really engaged, it has weird frequency characteristics.
It mentions impulse response in the manual, but I think it's more of a basic, bludgeoning kind of algorithm rather than the more polished processing of the newer digital units :) #gearfacts
It was the flagship processor made in Japan from world class company of its time. Can't be wrong. And it was actually my dream gear then. (Owned a GT3).
@@blizzbee Similar sitch for me in the 90's. Had an ME-8 and wanted a GT-3. I liked that ME-8 though, it will always be a classic in my opinion and now that I've tried both I think it'd actually be my preference when it comes down to simple enjoyment of playing (always my priority). The GT5 outdoes both of them of course.
With GT-3 , GT-5 you have to know how to program good sounds. Id you do they sound very natural and powerful .Better than the modern ones IMHO. If you depend on the preset sounds ... not so good
This seems like one of those things that kind of hangs out in a dark alley waiting to just kick someone's ass - that flange is nuts! Cool demo!
Death by flange...
I really want one of those now ! Great review of a classic .
Yeah man from what you've told me in the past, I think this one would be right up your street :)
I bought a GT-5 new in the '90s and I still use it to this day. The freaky presets are so much more interesting to me than 700 variations on a distorted patch, especially as an electronic musician and an ambient guitarist. The patch mods I've made usually consisted of moving the volume pedal BEFORE the reverb to allow swells to fade out naturally. I have taken this thing to Europe (Poland, Canary Islands, Italy, Romania, Croatia, Germany) as well as the desert (Arcosanti) and all over the U.S. Despite the alpha wheel being flakey and the airline bashing in the input trim pot, this thing still works great. Early on, I added an expression pedal so that when the one on the GT-5 wasn't a volume control, I'd still be able to do swells. When the on-unit pedal was programmed for volume, then I'd have a spare pedal to control other parameters.
Oh yeah, anything swelly, reverby or modulatey on the GT5 is superb !
I never wanted to use a pedal. After watching your reviews and reading your responses I felt it is time to start with the GT5. Thanks mate!
Thumbs up to all that!
I’ve tried fender, Roland amps but can’t get the sound I get on headphones. Any suggestions on what
Amp to use this with.other than a PA.
I just got these unit and its my 1st time using a boss gt…tanx for this video
Got mine from a pawn shop recently and ah man the fun this thing can provide
Totally. And it's base-level tone is excellent too. It's all things to all guitarists.
Stiil relevant in 2021. I own it's small sister the GT3 and I love it to death.
Yes indeed. I'm putting up a new GT-5 review soon, it's really worth re-visiting from time to time imho :)
Does it have the same weird tones/effects/vibes? Def interested in either from that “uniqueness” standpoint
Saw lead ..love it
Had it, sold it , got the gt 3 and all the others up to gt8, sold them , and now i ll never sell the gt5 again. This and me-50 are the best for me.
Yep, and I think the ME-25 is a quiet champion too.
I've had a me-50 for nearly 20 years and will never sell it. You have me intrigued now I'm wondering if I need a GT5 as well. I'm not familiar with it and I'm not sure I would be able to program it. How easy is it to use?
It is very easy but menu driven!
If you are not changing parameters during playing live you should give it a go if you find one cheap enough. I think you ll love it as much as the me50!
now thats a proper thumbnail
Been workin' on it :)
Gearfacts l sold some very expensive pedals recently, now l use my GT3 which does the job without all the wires spoiling the guitar signal and when you spend time tweaking it the sounds are to my liking, better than more expensive units I’ve had over the years
Agree 100%
Can this be used with a bass?
Very cosmic Multi FX! Still using one for my music production!
Cool!
The GT-3 and GT-5 is the last 2 MFX unit with analog distortion, in your opinion if you can only get one, which one is more "analog" and which one sounded better?
I am playing through an amp anyway, so the amp simulation didn't mattered that much to me.
The GT5 definitely sounds more analog to me
@@gearfacts Thanks
@@gearfacts Do you think the GT5 sounded better, despite GT3 being the newer unit?
I have the GT3, owned the GT5 too, I kind of disagree that the GT5 is loads better... Both have analogue distortions, maybe because the converters aren't as good on the earlier GT5, that gives it a more analogue sound?. If you use the GT3 effects subtly they sound fine, too full on and they do sound digital. Plus the GT3 has proper heavy duty jack sockets, unlike the circuit board attached ones on the GT3
The GT-5 and the GT-3 are both worth having especially for what they sell for today. I have been mining tones out of both of them for years. I like to just stick mine into the power amp in jack of a combo amp; but it's easy to set up a stereo rig or even put your amp's preamp through the loop of the unit with the 4 cable method. There's a lot you can do. Lots of online resources are available as well -- especially for the -3. You can connect both to a computer with the Fx floorboard software and a midi to USB connector. The GT-5 needs to be upgraded to version 1.07 though (which is possible by installing the correct EPROM chip into a unit greater than version 1.02).
Wow you really know you're early GT models! Yep I think they're great, particularly the GT-5. I think I've reviewed just about all of them now.
@@gearfacts Great unit for sure. Thanks for doing the vid about it. The -5 has the advantage of having an internal power supply, an input volume control and the ability to assign an additional control pedal. The two units share a lot of sonic and programming similarities but each can do some things the other cant. Good excuse to own both. You can find out the version of the GT-5 you are running by entering Test Mode which entails pressing the [PEDAL ASSIGN] and [NAME] buttons at the same time and then turning on the GT-5. You are subsequently prompted with the version number. You can upgrade to the latest chip pretty easily as the is a Canadian seller on eBay who stocks the EPROM chips. It's just a matter of opening up the unit and replacing the chip i n the correct orientation.
How to upgrade to newes version..
i bought mine in the 90's and still use it all the time. found one on ebay for a hundred bucks last week. bought it for a back up. i paid 699 when it was brand new
Well bought, they’re still great
Any chance you can give info about dive bomb effect on the interanal peddle system.Would really appreciate
After watching this video, I hopped on the gumtree and found one for these gems in an ad for "various music items". It was a little hidden immediately because the gallery image was of a Vox wah pedal, and the GT5 was just one of the 5 or 6 other "various music items" But it was my lucky day because the bloke was only asking $80! In perfect condition once I cleaned it up too.
I love bargain stories from viewers! That's an awesome one, well done. Gotta love those poorly-listed ads ;) #gearfacts
Most overdrive sounds sound a lot better with speaker simulator enabled...
Still have mine. Used it extensively for gigs - not the amp sims, though - and still use it at home for jamming without annoying the Mrs and kids.
Yeah it's the kind of gear you can keep for life :)
Won't ever sell mine, these things are so easy to program and the sound potential for running guitar, synths and bass through it are infinite.
Yeah I think it's the most sonically diverse effects system I've ever seen.
Great vid! Planning to swap me used Boss ME 50 to this. Worth it?
Absolutely worth it! :) #gearfacts
@@gearfacts awesome
I can't find the release date of this thing anywhere. Does anyone know?
Not sure, but I remember shopping for one in 1995 when they were pretty new.
I went for the GT1. But now I want a gt5 or 6. Hahahah miss those 80s
Myself, I own a GT-3. In darn near mint condition too. Have owned it for YEARS !!!
@@ReneeNme These are all amazing! I bet it works for the life you own it and then some.
@Robert Clark Another retro processor I'll never let go of is the Digitech RP-5. Actually, I own two :)
@@ReneeNme I have the rp360xp but I am not too happy with it. Might be my lack of likeing the presets I've tried to adjust but boss has the airy spacial stuff I love. Lol
@@ReneeNme I have a few videos here of it on TH-cam. Man. I love it. I have to get an older model now. Hahah
Wow! You are getting some diverse sounds. I just picked one up for $100(Canadian). Much learning to be done!
Man that's a bargain. First the value of single pedals went through the floor, then home keyboards, now it seems classic multi effects are also no longer immune :) #gearfacts
i have one an the like 100 page manual , but i could never find out if it has a repeat loop , that would be a fantastic feature , i love the amps feature , great vid
Do you connect it to the 117v or do you use a special device to reduce the voltage to 100v? thanks
For safety, I'd use a step-down converter. Pretty cheap on ebay.
Would have been easier to watch if you had the board turned the other way (top facing the top)
Noted 👍
I have a gt3, it’s practically the same minus one patch button. Also on mine the trem and the comp and others (pickup sim, etc) are on one button, so you can’t use them at the same time. It is the most important piece of gear I own by far. It gives me the ability to use my big screaming tube amps at my church gig, and I can switch between that amps preamp and the clean ones in here. I can have any kind of sound I want with it with any given rig and it’s so reliable.
Yep these things will last 100+ years I think, they're so well-built. Also the GT-3 has the auto-riff function whereas the GT-5 doesn't, so there's another plus. It seems to me that the advantage with the GT-5 is a great level of analog signal in the path, and it also gives more detailed control over the behavior of individual effects as they relate to the dynamic pedal. Awesome comment man, thank you :) #gearfacts
Gearfacts how interesting! I know that the gt3 uses an internal pedal that can be set to patch change, and a few other things. As well as the wave pedal, which controls parameters based on a very slow LFO with some different wave shapes with various triggers. which can be useful but I imagine that a better system would’ve been implemented in future designs.
So what part of this pedal is analog?
Unclear. Essentially I think it’s the drive sounds.
Still using that in a tube amp
Perfect!
I am looking to maybe buy one of these babies, I have a question though. Does it have a looper built in the unit?
No, there's no looper
I have the effects and I don't know how to work with them, I listen to metal and I got the effects, does anyone know how to sound like a metal band like Rammstein?
Hi great video, Can you turn off the amp modeling/ COSM and just use the effects as if they were pedals with a normal guitar signal?
Will Ed you can turn off the amp modeling and put it into manual mode so it just acts like 5 pedals. Easy :)
Perfect! Thanks so much !
Yep, which is how I used it for years. You can set up loads of patches with the effects you want, or just use them like regular stomps.
I purchased the Boss GT-5 back in the 90ies. Even though there is a backup battery in the device, I never had to change it. The board still holds all my user settings nicely and there was never any battery low message. Have you guys ever replaced the cell?
Nope, I've never had to either
Not once. And now I posted this, the bugger will probably die on me. :D
never once
8:47 this sounds remind me of sabotage by Beastie boys. that pedal was great, I always want one for studio or live but if you take off the pedal on 12 Clean+Solo at 9:08, It sounds like Metallica (Master of puppets era). I need these sounds that has heavy distortion/Overdrive and clean sound so I need to switch two effects in alternative rock songs I guess for my electric guitar.
Yeah I think the GT5 has a good vibe for that kind of music.
@@gearfacts BTW, Do you know where rock/Metal sound is on this pedal? And the clean sound too?
@@Rusli1659LPSoldier You just have to go through the presets one by one until you hear something good. They aren't grouped unfortunately.
@@gearfacts oh. BTW what amp did you use in this video?
@@Rusli1659LPSoldier Straight into my studio monitors from the headphone out put. Sounded good :)
hello sir, can you tell what's the eprom ver. of your gt-5?
I'm sorry, I can't. This pedal left the studio years ago :) #gearfacts
How does it compare to the me-8?
It's much more versatile and the sound is *different* ...I won't say it's *better* because it's a matter of personal preference and guitar playing style. But yes, there's no doubt that the GT-5 has more functions and effects :) #gearfacts
Have 1 of these and lov it,but do find it quite complicated when delving into parameters etc
I feel the same way about it :) #gearfacts
Picked one up for 10 bucks today. Thrift shop ❤️
Jeebers!
How much do you want for it Warren??
Totally brill. Just listen to it?!?!
How does a GT6 compare? It seems has more ‘knobbage’ onboard. 🤔
Keep up the great work🕺
Jb x
Hey Bandit, Yeah the GT-6 is nice too but it has a very different personality. If you search my videos I've made some direct recordings showcasing its capabilities. The GT-5 I think has more sound control options despite its lower "knobbage" :)
Gearfacts cheers bro ill check them out👍
The GT6 sounds like a toy in comparison. I used all of the GT series over the years and sold them all apart from the GT5 which still holds its own to this day.
is the user preset or YOUR preset ?
Most of the sounds in this demo are factory presets
Loaded...
You connected the main output directly to the audio input of yout computer? That is why it sounds like sh*t. Use cabinet simulator or some guitar speaker and microphone.
It’s got cab sims. I thought it sounded good. Obviously digital effects and can sims will never sound as good as the real thing but listen to those modulations and ambience effects. You’ve got to admit it’s somewhat special :)
@@gearfacts Yeah, modulations, ambience effects, acoustic guitar, ... sound somehow fine, but high distortion sounds like there is no cab simulator involved. It is buzzing too much. There is too much high frequencies. Like when you connect the distortion pedal directly to Hi-Fi (no guitar-dedicated) loudspeaker. If the cab simulator was really engaged, it has weird frequency characteristics.
It sounds like modern gear minus impulse response.
It mentions impulse response in the manual, but I think it's more of a basic, bludgeoning kind of algorithm rather than the more polished processing of the newer digital units :) #gearfacts
It was the flagship processor made in Japan from world class company of its time. Can't be wrong. And it was actually my dream gear then. (Owned a GT3).
@@blizzbee Similar sitch for me in the 90's. Had an ME-8 and wanted a GT-3. I liked that ME-8 though, it will always be a classic in my opinion and now that I've tried both I think it'd actually be my preference when it comes down to simple enjoyment of playing (always my priority). The GT5 outdoes both of them of course.
Love Mine
Yeppers :) GF
GT5 Is made in Japan????????????
Yep :)
With GT-3 , GT-5 you have to know how to program good sounds. Id you do they sound very natural and powerful .Better than the modern ones IMHO. If you depend on the preset sounds ... not so good
Agreed. Though there have been some great competitors lately :)
Agreed :)