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Post subject: G-dec
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:56 pm
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i was wondering how the G-dec was? is it worth the money?


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Post subject: Re: G-dec
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:33 pm
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Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:57 pm
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
FenderFreak4 wrote:
i was wondering how the G-dec was? is it worth the money?


It depends on your application but I found it worth while. I've had experience with sequencers on Macs so I had no problems adapting to the G-DEC. The Jammer Songmaker 5 software that's available for free download in the Fender site is a real dummed down sequencer that offers canned loops that you string together rather composing channels note for note like you would on a real sequencer. As a matter of fact Jammer 5 doesn't provide a method for entering melodies. Rather, you set the parameter and then you let it "compose" for you. If you are going to be doing any serious composing you will need a good sequencer like ACID, Cakewalk or better. Be forewarned though, good sequencer software can be $300.00+. I will be spring for one because I got the G-DEC specifically as a platform to compose on and perform with. An additional expense that goes with the G-DEC is a MIDI interface. This can be as low as $40.00 to $250.00. I found an eight year old MOTU Fastlane for free. The current drivers on their site still supported this model and even though it is so old it works perfectly with the amp. You can find tons of MIDI files to load into your amp to playback on the Internet. This is fine too but ready made MIDI files usually include the melody which you might not want to play over.

The amplifier models are pretty good! You get a wide range of tones just from that. There's practically any effect you can think of wired into the box usually with four sets parameters each to adjust. You are limited to a chain of one effect + reverb + delay, i.e. you can't stack the built in flanger, distortion and wah on top of another. For that you would want to run the amp dry and use stomp boxes.

Composing on the G-DEC it's self without the use of a computer is very cumbersom in that there is only a tiny LCD display that is limited to show one measure at a time. The onboard interface essentually consists of six buttons and a knob that you'll have to cycle through to get the desired result. It's servicable but as I said earlier, cumbersome.

The General MIDI library consists of excellent quality synthisized tones, especially the percussions and bass which are spot on! The 30 watts of the G-DEC 30 that I got are enough to do a one-man-show in a coffee shop or a small hall. But if you have a live drummer forget it. 30 watts won't even come close and will be drowned out. I do restaurants and yoga studios for gigs and the G-DEC 30 has served me well so far. I like that I don't have to lug around an amp, drum machine and computer. Also the optional 4 button control pedal has three modes essentually making it a 12 button controler. You can access your playlist, effects and tuner as well as record and play back a phrase up to 28 seconds. It also allows you to loop the phase, record over it for sound on sound and even slow down the phrase. By using the pedal you'll be keeping your hands free to grind your axe. You can plug the G-DEC directly into a PA or sound board for increased amplification and/or recordings.

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:52 pm
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I got one as a gift. I've been playing for forty years and I think it's a fun practice tool. I wouldn't record with it because I just prefer the sound of small tube amps but you could if you wanted to. It also has plenty of effects which are completely adjustable. I practice much more than I used to.


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Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:00 pm
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The base gdec is an excellent practice/teaching/learning tool. It is great fun to play with.

The Gdec 30 adds the ability for play out, interfacing with PA and recording equipment better.

They are outstanding toys.


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