Boss GT-100 vs Line 6 HD300/400/500

[P90s]

Playing a guitar directly into the PA system, so, I'm looking for a way to add the character and warmth of a tube amp. If ALL you were looking for is the most authentic tube sound, not a ton of effects, would you go with the Boss GT-100 or one of the Line 6 HD models? Looking for an all-in-one solution (if possible) versus a collection of pedals.
Thanks!

 

[Will Chen]

Line 6 HD based on direct comparison of the 2. However, I'm betting your get a wide variety of response inevitably with folks listing what they use and a few folks telling you to save up for whatever their ideal expensive unit is. In other words, both should be very easy to check out at numerous music stores all over the world...

 

[otter5555]

for me,

the zoom g3/g5 feel and sound more like a tube amp
than the pod hds (i've got the 300-400-500)

the 500 is my LEAST favorite pod.

the 300 is my favorite.

they share the same models but (having owned 3 of the 300's) IMHO the 300 always sounds better than the other pods.

the latest update made the 300 even better

with that said,

i use the g3 as my mobile rig and an rp500 as my main rig

 

[lp_bruce]

Line 6 HD based on direct comparison of the 2. However, I'm betting your get a wide variety of response inevitably with folks listing what they use and a few folks telling you to save up for whatever their ideal expensive unit is. In other words, both should be very easy to check out at numerous music stores all over the world...

I prefer the GT-100 based on a direct comparison, and you are correct that you will get a wide range of opinions on these devices. I think they are all pretty good, and anyone seriously interested in going this route should kick some of them around.

If I were ranking them, based on my own test drives, they would be:

GT-100
Zoom G3/5
Fender Mustang
Digitech RP
Line HD

YMMV (widely).

Peace,

 

[mwc2112]

I prefer the GT-100 based on a direct comparison, and you are correct that you will get a wide range of opinions on these devices. I think they are all pretty good, and anyone seriously interested in going this route should kick some of them around.

If I were ranking them, based on my own test drives, they would be:

GT-100
Zoom G3/5
Fender Mustang
Digitech RP
Line HD

YMMV (widely).

Peace,

I haven't tried the Zoom G3/5, but otherwise that would probably be my order too (although the RP and HD are pretty much neck and neck and could be interchanged). Just because they are on the bottom of my list, though, doesn't mean I thought they were bad. I think they are all good enough to warrant trying out and seeing what works best for you.

 

[Will Chen]

Just to clarify, lp_bruce and mwc2112 are your positions based on direct usage to an FRFR?

 

[slothrop]

for me,

the zoom g3/g5 feel and sound more like a tube amp
than the pod hds (i've got the 300-400-500)

the 500 is my LEAST favorite pod.

the 300 is my favorite.

they share the same models but (having owned 3 of the 300's) IMHO the 300 always sounds better than the other pods.

the latest update made the 300 even better

with that said,

i use the g3 as my mobile rig and an rp500 as my main rig

I have an hd500, can you do 4CM with the 300? I kind of want something simpler that I can just play and not tweak for hours on end.

 

[coderKen]

I have an hd500, can you do 4CM with the 300? I kind of want something simpler that I can just play and not tweak for hours on end.

The 300 does not have an fx loop so, no 4CM for it. That's actually one of the things that helps keep it simple. You'll have to step up to the 400 for the fx loop and, at that point, you might as well just stick with the 500.

 

[mwc2112]

Just to clarify, lp_bruce and mwc2112 are your positions based on direct usage to an FRFR?

Yes.

 

[lp_bruce]

Just to clarify, lp_bruce and mwc2112 are your positions based on direct usage to an FRFR?

My preferred use is through an amplifier, and that is most important to me. However, I have tried everything above (except the RP) both direct and through an amp. I think my order would be the same in either application. The GT preamps feel more raw/amplike to me, and they work best at gig volumes (IMO). I also think it's easily configured and flexible for live use. If I were playing at low volume (bedroom) or recording, I might put them in a different order. I've never really considered those applications because I use these devices to gig.

But as always, this is just one person's opinion. I don't think the GT is the fashionable choice, but the only criteria I use is how it sounds to me.

Peace,

 

[lp_bruce]

toneseek >> Agreed. I've always thought the GT series improves with volume. And everything that I've seen and read from Boss, including from their product support team, tells me they view the GT as a live use device.

Peace,

 

[DutchGuitarDude]

toneseek >> Agreed. I've always thought the GT series improves with volume. And everything that I've seen and read from Boss, including from their product support team, tells me they view the GT as a live use device.

Peace,

I feel the same with the hd500. Playing on bedroom level it doesn't sound that great. Using it live or in rehearsals, with my flextone 3 as poweramp it really shines. No frfr for me. I love the sound of a real stereo 1x12 config.
I have got my hd just a few weeks and already get a great sound out of it. It gets me where I want to go and thsts enough.