Why the HELIX is my Favourite Modeler

For my Presets visit: johnnathancordy.gumroad.com/
For TrueFire courses and All Access Memberships: prf.hn/click/camref:1100lqzr3
Use the code JNC40 for a 40% discount.
For my Presets visit: johnnathancordy.gumroad.com/
Devin Townsend recently posted some stuff on instagram about the gear he is touring, and I was somewhat surprised to see him talking about the Helix, as I know he has been an Axe FX guy for years....So it made me think about what I dig about the Helix and HX Stomp....
/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!
Get my PADs bundle here: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... (this folder will grow, and I'd encourage you to ask for different keys/songs and stuff that might suit this type of preset?)
I've decided to make it possible to grab both my Helix/HX Stomp bundles (the expression bundle with freeze presets has always been separate) - www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... - I will then email you a link to both bundles!
Try my general patches for Helix or HX Stomp in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
You can get my EXPRESSION patches in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Try my patches for Pod GO using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I never really analyzed why, after so many years of just plugging straight into a tube amp with no external pedals, that the HX Stomp would resonate so well with me. Now that you mention it though, it really is a workflow thing. When I can just quickly dial in vastly different sounds and get to something playable quickly, it inspires me to write new things. These last few months of really diving into my HX stomp have produced a lot of new music and really different sounds than I normally play.

[@Takianagi]

I got the Helix during Christmas because of your channel. I'm super satisfied and your gumroad tones are incredible! Cheers and have a good weekend! 🤟🔥🎵🎶🎸

[@MrBsmurfy]

Good to know re the gumroad- just got a helix in past week. Does he update the gumroad folder with newer tones?

[@Takianagi]

@@MrBsmurfy Yes he does! 😁

[@MrBsmurfy]

@@Takianagi great!

[@pineapple8407]

I'm so happy with my stomp and the community of users and channels like this one that inspire, instruct, and support users like me! Thank you John!

[@JeffStrickland]

Thank you for this, John. Your videos have been a big help in bringing me into the Helix world. I haven't gone much at all into the effects end of modelers, including my Helix Native, mostly out of my oldschool, traditional record producing mindset (i.e. I'm old lol) of just get a great recorded sound and dial in effects in the mix. But clearly the depth and capability in the Helix is just astonishingly good. So what I like about the Helix is the speed of getting sounds I'm after. I've gotten sounds I really like from the Overloud TH-U, Amplitube 5 and even BIAS FX (the FIRST one!) amp sims--but it just takes a lot more tweak and fiddle time to get something, and I feel like I have to wade through an ocean every time to find it. And, despite my favoring it in the past, amp sims that have the real-world look of amps, cabs and stomp boxes that I have to move around and twiddle with as I would in reality, now just seems a pretty silly thing to be doing on a computer--more like I'm playing with kid toys in a sandbox than trying to dial in a tone. So what started out as a turn-off for me with the Helix, is now a great strength--the consistency of parameters and how I access them is predictable and reliable. Which all amounts to getting back to making music faster.

[@Stratman5150]

Great video, I always appreciate your content. I saw the Devin video too. The main thing I took from that was him basically saying everything sounds good these days, it's whatever tool works for you. That's why I'm a big fan of the Pod Go. Yes, it's limited in what it can do but for me that is totally fine. I actually embrace the simple, stripped down design for the way I play and what I need. Keep up the great work!

[@DrProgNerd]

I bought Helix Native when they had their sale in November (?) Was having DAW issues that I finally sorted out - and recently started playing around with it. I love the UI. At this point, I haven't pulled anything out of it that I think competes with Fractal - or my go-to Neural plugins - but I suspect that it's just the learning curve. Of course I'm going to be going through all of your Helix vids for help. Thanks for your content. I watch this channel daily.

[@jonsaura4838]

After many purchases chasing tone and looking for the next big thing. All I need is what I already have. I have the Helix floor, HX Stomp XL and HX Native. I realized that this is more than I'll ever need to find the sound and inspiration I'm looking for. Some say that other units replicate the original amp sounds better. I wouldn't ever know the difference.

[@ticklesmcqueen2702]

Are those slippers going to be available in the merch shop 🤣

[@bangdude5630]

Every model in helix very inspiring, my fav is their VB2 pitch vibrato very close to original

[@wildbill7]

Got the Helix when it launched snd its been central to my rig ever since. Run it 4-cable into a Victory V30 and a Redsound GRFR cab at the same time (with no IR's or cab sims when I use the modelling side) Sounds killer. And as you say, even a numpty like me can program it. Real fun tool.

[@woodygranger2126]

I've got an HX Stomp, Kemper, and Axe Fx2 Mk2. I use the HX Stomp almost exclusively. I'm thinking of going with an FM3 for the upgraded sounds, but I am wondering, should I just sell all but the Stomp and get a really high-end guitar? Maybe a tube amp too?

[@jessenicholson1777]

The Devin Townsend comment about the Helix workflows and access to inspiring sounds really resonated with me. I’ve owned Fractal stuff for years and have watched enough of these videos that I feel comfortable saying that an Axe-Fx CAN do more due to the sheer level of control in the unit BUT they really make you work for it. They’re getting better with this but there is still a level of elitism right from the top where it’s almost like if you’re too stupid to understand how to make these sounds, that’s your problem.

[@deekod1967]

Thank you ~ truly inspirational 👏👏

[@LaminarSound]

A friend of mine is in the market for a new rig. He's tired of his Iridium, wants more flexibility and has never loved his tone. He was dead set on Quad Cortex, though wasnt stoked about the price. I got nothing but good to say about the QC, but its def expensive, and I know this friend of mine is not the "deep dive" type of guy. I managed to convince him to buy a Stomp instead. I dont care if Helix has been out for a long time by now, it still sounds freaking nuts, and just does what you want it to.

[@arriandela]

I like the line 6 modelers because they include the filter/synth models:

[@sboy1955]

I’m now over 7 yrs with the floor helix and I don’t see where it is getting old yet? L6 has done an amazing job with keeping it fresh and sorting out customer’s development ideas. I am on the wait list for the FM9 but not sure I’ll jump when my number comes up - customer focus is obviously not a high priority at Fractal and that concerns me.

[@johnnathancordy]

They have nailed it - what has you questioning the customer focus at Fractal? I've only ever heard good things?

[@sboy1955]

@@johnnathancordy - 1. their business model seems to revolve around maintaining a “wait list.” 2. The hardware interface is too fiddley and didn’t appear to be developed by guitarists. But yes, the tones are amazing.

[@johnnathancordy]

I'm not sure if they're maintaining a waitlist as much as working around parts availability and being a smaller business than some of the others? But yeh I think other distribution models might mean that more folks could get their hands on them

[@sboy1955]

@@johnnathancordy - Well the Fractal wait list has been with the company for years, long before recent chip shortages. Never short wait times either - same as now.

[@TheRealChetManley]

Customer service from Fractal is awesome. The owner of the company personally answers many question on the forum or through support. Waitlists are due to supply issues. The current waitlist for the FM9 is about 5 weeks I think. There is a thread on the Fractal forum that will give you a good estimate. Fractal, Helix, Kemper, Quad Cortex, these are all fantastic devices. Pick the one you want and play with it, any of them will keep you entertained for a long, long time.

[@jackprice7828]

John love that doubling type reverb! Phil Keaggy used to use that a lot. It gives the tone a unique atmosphere.

[@johnnathancordy]

I copied those from Allan Holdsworth's delay settings!

[@ksharpe10]

@@johnnathancordy You GUYS need to listen to Phil Keaggy's Glass Harp Albums, esp. Can't you see me Brother/song. He did that song with them back in 1970 for Rock and the Sound, it was Fairly Advanced, all that and he Sang too. With Christian Lyrics, on most songs. Village Queen on the 1st album though was not written by Phil. Great Les Paul/volume control work, plus his JAZZ studies come thru in his Advanced for the time Playing.

[@TLMuse]

@@johnnathancordy Keaggy is a big Holdsworth fan. As I recall, in one interview he mentions the "UnMerry Go Round" solo as one of his favorite solos of all time. Keaggy uses a wide variety of tones and plays a wide variety of styles, but for his more fusion-ish playing his tones are often very much in the Holdsworth vein. For a while (I think late 1980s/early 1990s) he was using a Pearce amp head, inspired by Holdsworth who was using one at the time. -Tom

[@alanthompson5639]

Hello JNC, I love your playing, it's brilliant and emotive and hits the sweet spot of my ear with everything you play every time. I hope you don't overlook or ignore the Fractle FX 3 unit. I think there are tons of assets of that unit. I already know you're a gear freak, and have probably already checked out that unit. I don't know, but I think it was made for you and your guitar playing style. A match made in gear heaven. I also appreciate it that you featured the amazing Mikko2 app in a video, and that alone is an amazing product not to be ignored. So, I just wanted to reach out with a plug for the AXE Fx 3. Please continue to play amazing guitar.

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

The Helix Floor is the ultimate Swiss Army knife for guitarists.

[@jakestewartmusic]

L6's original models also set the Helix apart. Litigator, Ventoux, Doom, Badonk, Tesselator, Criss-Cross, Tape Eater, there are tons of unique L6 amps and effects that you can't get anywhere else.

[@mrbaiser4133]

And many of them still fly under the radar.

[@ksharpe10]

And JOHN has made them all sound Great.

[@bruunm1975]

Helix Floor user since 2018. Love it. So many compliments on tone... These days I just have a single amp and IR that I use for all my patches to keep things consistent.

[@eduardofergusson]

Which one you choose?

[@bruunm1975]

@@eduardofergusson Amp? I am using the SLO 100 Clean with an 412 Marshall/57 IR that I got from Paul Hindmarsh. I used Timmy/OCD/KOT as my drives, sometimes stacked and in terms of my edge of breakup (where I am most of the time), its OCD with 0.8-1.2 drive, depending on my guitar.

[@antonego5481]

For someone who doesn‘t gig much currently only use a THR30 would it be worth it to buy a HX Stomp so I could still use some pedals and play that through studio monitors and something like a headrushfor gigging or are there better options in your opinion? I‘m looking for a decent practice setup where I can try new sounds via helix but still can use some pedals, any advice for that idea? Thanks!

[@Ozman77]

I agree, thanks to your videos I sold my QC. I’ve got an FM3 that I’ll be selling as soon as I get the invite for my FM9 😊

[@davidbrock6263]

The HX Stomp is best for me: 1-In Worship playing I only need clean/crunch/solo so three buttons work, 2- At home I like small footprint so I can have on desk not having to bend to floor for settings.

[@johnnathancordy]

i love the hx stomp yeh!

[@jerryhorton5708]

Bought a Stomp because of JNC’s tutelage and use it as the core of my worship rig. Just bought a Helix as my main rig for everything except my country/red dirt group. Of course, I grabbed the gumroad patches right away. Thanks for the education and inspiration, John! Cheers!

[@r0bophonic]

Why don’t you use it for your country gigs? Just curious!

[@jerryhorton5708]

@@r0bophonic A fair question and that may eventually change. I have a rig for country/Americana/red dirt that I've got really tuned in - mostly based on some specific pedals into a Maz 18 or Catalyst 60 (or whatever amp is handy). At this point, it really is more a comfort level thing as I've got this rig dialed in and simple to use. I'll probably get around to programming a couple of different Helix/Stomp patches to replicate it, but...I'm lazy...haha!!!

[@r0bophonic]

@@jerryhorton5708 Makes sense! If it ain’t broke…

[@gibsondude07ify]

I've never heard the Helix sound as good as you make it sound. Line 6 needs to hit you up asap

[@FKA_Skull]

If Helix would just come out with a high end model that included expandable storage, a touch screen that was optional to use, amp/pedal capture, and a backing track player it would be arguably perfect. You could shrink the unit 15-25% too probably, it’s quite large as it is but you wouldn’t want it too small. I think the Quad Cortex is just a bit too small making the foot switches a little too close for comfort.

[@davidreedjr8517]

Does the Helix have a freeze effect or option to? like you do on hx stomp (or like the hex freeze pedal) ((I feel like this question has been asked already, my bad if so!))

[@Alex_Martz]

I use an HX Stomp and HX Effects with some extra MIDI footswitches and expression pedals, that combination is even more powerful and portable than the Helix floor to me

[@williamnichols6253]

Thanks so much for getting that lapel mic. Not sure when you got it. So much easier to hear you now.

[@johnnathancordy]

The lapel mic has been on for....oosh ....Like a year?

[@williamnichols6253]

@@johnnathancordy sounds about right. I remember complaining in the comments when I was binge watching your "best amp in the helix" series, so I was probably whining about it when you'd already fixed it lol

[@stratless]

Love that freeze patch.

[@love4thetruth]

I have a routing suggestion you might like for the Helix. Instead of having a path 1a and 1b going to outputs, create a path 1a and 1b as 2 guitar inputs and have 1b merge into 1a before the amp on path 1a. Both inputs will get signal with your guitar plugged into the guitar input. And you can change the input settings for each input. You can put a distortion on 1a and 1b going before the amp and blend the two. Try putting the acoustic simulator on path 1b mixed with the amp and it sounds great. And of course you can still create a path 2a drop down for the reverbs etc. To me it really gives it some atmosphere.

[@83merchant18]

I wanna switch from using a tube amp and a big pedal board to a modeller, but I’m confused which one should I choose in 2023: Helix, Quad Cortex, Kemper Stage or Fractal FM9

[@tommywallberg]

What is your set up for live performance? I mean sitting at home is different than playing live.

[@ksharpe10]

Great Lead sounds on this preset, Cleans are good too ambient.

[@nephilymbass1]

I have experience with most of the big modelers aside from the quad cortex. The fractal axe fx2 sounded really great but trying to dial in sounds on the unit is a complete nightmare. You’re pretty much forced to connect it to a computer and use axe edit to dial in sounds. The kemper is pretty good at profiling amps. If you just want good amp sounds and don’t care much about effects it’s nice. It shines in the studio, because you can profile your real amps and then use the kemper to record with no worries that the mic or knobs get bumped out of place. But back when I used it was lacking in the effects department. So it’s trying to do everything but it’s not “great” at everything. What I like about the line 6 stuff are the effects and the how they can be used with a live rig. For example with the fractal if you have a sound setup and you need to turn off the cab sim when using a using a real cab you pretty much need a laptop with axe edit to do it efficiently. With the hx stomp in particular I like how I can use it on its own for headphone practicing. Record some sounds where all I’m using is the hx stomp, but I can also use it with my real pedals and amps as a Swiss Army knife pedal. The quad cortex looks nice. And they seem to have solved some of the fractal workflow issues. But I’m not 100% convinced yet that it can do everything. There’s always a new pedal that does something cool that modelers are always behind on. The ensemble sound on the strymon cloudburst for example or replicating the sounds of pedals like the source audio c4. I’d really like to see a smaller version of the quad cortex. Maybe neural can modify the chassis of their sister company darkglasses three footswitch pedals. The darkglass pedals have Bluetooth and can easily be tweaked with a cell phone. Everyone has a cell phone on them at all times these days.

[@DGGriffinMusic]

Do you think you could try making the Halo preset on the Zoom MS? I’m sure it won’t do it exact, but if anyone can get close it’s you! 🙏🏻

[@efosefpsefjpos]

is my dream modeler, I hope one day I get to buy it

[@thepedalreview]

This makes me want to get a Helix but it’s so massive and I need to keep my board small to travel with when I find a band.

[@johnnathancordy]

Yep - I would like a smaller version too

[@ThePlanarchist]

The only thing I don't like about it too, so it usually stays at home and I take the HX Stomp and have to compromise a bit on presets. A more compact one would be great.

[@thepedalreview]

@@johnnathancordy They have to come out with an updated version sooner or later. I think you talked about this in a video a couple months ago, but a Helix in the style of the HX Effects would be perfect. I’m thinking about getting an HX Effects to pair with my GT-1000 CORE. It would be total overkill but the HX has so many effects that aren’t on the BOSS units, so maybe not.

[@chardmb]

Please make a comparison review between the helix and the new headrush prime

[@jwright8838]

I think you are correct about the amount of time spent with a unit or they way an individual relates to a unit. I can't get anything out of a HX Stomp that is very pleasing to me. I play with amp tones that have much less gain than you and there seems to be something unpleasant, to my ears, in that range of gain with the HX Stomp. Maybe that's because of how I relate to the unit personally and the time I've spent with it. I tried adjusting the input impedance and low pass filtering, but it just wasn't pleasing to me. Your tones with it sound great and I know others seem very happy with it. To each their own, I suppose.

[@franki68]

Snap ,I always find line 6 stuff feels & sounds digital when I use it . Everyone hears different things though and truthfully in a mix no one really can tell the difference

[@newstuff1107]

New idea for YOU John! What do you think about the idea of using tube power amps + guitar cab speaker as a modeler platform? I mean, a new cheaper tube power amp without a preamp. It would provide amp in the room tone for cheaper than a full tube amp.

[@tommywallberg]

What is your live set up? Sitting at home is is rather different than playing live. Do you line out everything?

[@johnnathancordy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4TVl4t9fMqEd80 here's what I've been using lately Tommy

[@samseitz9937]

I recently saw a post where Devin townsend said he uses 2 helix units for his ambient style music. What would be the point of using 2 at once?

[@bryantwalley]

The ability to access 4 separate paths, have a unique set of effects on each path, and the ability to place each path where you want in the stereo field.

[@samseitz9937]

@Brett I’m not sure if he really uses the ocean machine anymore. I really Hope they make an updated version tho

[@bryantwalley]

@Brett An RC600 is less than half the price and is a far superior looper. I can't say he isn't using it for that but it just doesn't make sense.

[@MOAB-UT]

Not so fast. Rumor has it a new flagship product will be released by Line5 later this year. I will still keep my FM9 but I do like the competition. Maybe they will both add a useful touchscreen one of these days. My Ampero II had one and it was great- very useful and intuitive. They are probably worried about reliability. They need to have lock screens on them too otherwise guitar cables touching the screen does bad things.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I have an HX Effects; had a Helix LT, Fractal, and others; my favourite modeler is my Boss SY-1000.

[@johnnathancordy]

Curveball

[@zoomzoom3950]

@@johnnathancordy well, you did try the SY-1, thought you'd give the SY-1000 a go too. Cheers!

[@johnnathancordy]

@@zoomzoom3950 hmm yeh but does it do traditional tones?

[@zoomzoom3950]

@@johnnathancordy yes, it has many of the same models as the GT-1000, with some limitations. Hex pickup not required for some synth and the traditional tones.

[@johnnathancordy]

@@zoomzoom3950 didn't know they had some of the GT models on there - thanks for the scoop!

[@markand274]

It would be great to put the name of the patch used in the vids, so for those who have access to the gumroad patches they could match things up quickly.

[@johnnathancordy]

It's on the screen - AHFreezeBliss

[@markand274]

So I guess that would be in the freeze set? I only have the main folder. However, I think in some of the other videos where you don’t show the device, it’s not obvious. So many gorgeous sounds, I’m excited to see how they work for me! 😢 too bad I can’t play like you. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@johnnathancordy]

@@markand274 yeh that's right - sorry I do try to stick it in the description most times but sometimes forget!

[@TS-nb9ko]

What do u think about the gx 100

[@johnnathancordy]

It's decent - I wish Boss would do more to continue improving units over time though

[@TS-nb9ko]

@@johnnathancordy thanks john

[@kronusdaddy]

So when are you reviewing the eventide h90 ?

[@johnnathancordy]

They're not in stock in the UK anywhere - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5mrnIqNacelq5I I borrowed a mate's H9 and I'd imagine most of this kind of would be the same for the H90?

[@kronusdaddy]

@@johnnathancordy many good upgrades and great for hybrid pedal boards. Please consider researching more about it. They are so popular now i just found out there is a three month delay to get one.

[@johnnathancordy]

@@kronusdaddy if I can't get hold of one I can't review it!

[@musicafteroldage]

I had the QC literally in the cart.. just before submitting the order, I remembered I have a Variax, so I chose the LT instead ¯\_(°°)_/¯

[@13Hangfire]

Maybe it's just me but I prefer the overall tone of Fractal FM-9 over the Helix. The FM-9 gets really close to the organic sounds of a tube amp in my opinion. Nothing wrong with the Helix... I just like the tone/feel of the FM-9 better.

[@johnnathancordy]

Totally understand if people have other preferences!

[@MotoRiff77]

I had a Fractal, but moved to Helix because I seen Fractal having us have to buy a new unit every couple years

[@dallionaire8947]

Helix or the new Headrush?

[@leifwavetv5285]

I wish they can make this lighter this thing is a back breaker

[@trickfall8752]

I think the UI on the HX Stomp would be worse if it had a touch screen.

[@johnnathancordy]

Yeh I'm not a fan of touchscreens from Headrush/QC/Ampero - prefer without

[@jhenlim]

Yow Early Fam! 🔥

[@TheBbtlegit]

I love my Helix. Nothing against FM9. But the Helix is much better in my opinion.

[@garywaddell6309]

Do you find the Helix a close compare to the GX 100 or is the Helix just far superior? It’s hard to find honest opinions when there are so many sponsorships and much can’t truly be said online. You seem sold on the Helix

[@johnnathancordy]

Hey Gary - the positives of the GX100 include fantastic hardware and converters (the Boss units have lowest latency overall) - one slight downside for me is that I don't think Boss tend to update their units to add new models in the way that some other companies do?

[@garywaddell6309]

@@johnnathancordy yeah that’s a shame and a great point. A buddy of mine told me how often the Helix is upgraded and I think it’s around 8 years old which is amazing that they still keep it up to date. Thanks John, as always your videos are great!

[@melmeldavid]

make the most brutal technical metal patch for downtrend 7 and 8 guitars. to please the devil.

[@SteveSterlacci]

wait until guitarslayer69 sees this in the forums. hes gonna be so furious and troll all the comments from his moms basement.

[@writewheel]

Very bagpipe-like at 10:36.

[@marekgitarzysta5193]

I think many guys spend too much time splitting hair, while they should just use whatever gear they have and play / practice instead. They often trash Line6, which I never really understood. I guess this is just the way it is. I learned to use my own ears, not someone else's opinions. This is my 2 cents. Bad monkey anyone? 😂

[@paldenno1]

Strange that the sounds we hear here from the fractal and qc, are so much better than this, in my opinion.

[@johnnathancordy]

You can't hear these sounds from a QC, it doesn't have reverse delay. QC also underperforms in terms of latency and aliasing unfortunately forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/ooooh-charts-and-graphs-redux.176959/

[@paldenno1]

@@johnnathancordy Isn't the QC based on how the human ear experience the sound, rather than trying to emeulate the source sound? Anyway, I usually enjoy your fractal and qc sounds the most. Particulay the EJ stuff.

[@ToneDeth.]

Really? You like the Helix? That's your favorite? I'm shocked. 😂

[@johnnathancordy]

Sometimes there's a twist

[@ToneDeth.]

@@johnnathancordy to be fair I didn't even watch it yet. I'll watch now for the twist. Better be like a M. Night Shyamalan movie.

[@tres311]

Bro are those ‘MyPillow’ slippers you rockin? If they are, please do a Jesus song for reformed crack head Mike Lindell.

[@johnnathancordy]

Bro - what is a MyPillow slipper? Should I know what that is? It's a Marks and Spencers slipper ha

[@timothy5974]

Don’t waste any time with Mike Lindell, he’s a crazy right winger over here in the U.S. absolute nut job. Rock on John🤘🤘😎😎

[@itsmepalen]

first

[@DavidMacVicar]

Great UI, just not the best sound-and that's really what its all about. Fractal for me!

[@mikerider58]

I'm glad l don't like echo and delay stuff, it sounds like a fifteen hundred pound door bell. On a more positive note, l love your guitar playing.

[@uncleted3961]

Worst interface ever! So clunky to use compared to headrush

[@johnnathancordy]

That's about the opposite opinion to most of the industry but OK? If it were the worst interface ever, why would Neural have copied Line 6 instead of the Headrush?

[@giffswart4729]

@@johnnathancordy I have found the Helix incredibly easy and intuitive to use. That said, I don’t use snapshots. However, I wondered if I could assign more than a single effect on a single stomp switch, and without cracking a manual or searching the web - I simply put my finger on my intended switch (which already had an effect assigned to it) and was able to add the second effect. I do still want to try the new Headrush Prime!

[@pacificfirewood]

Are there any specific Truefire courses that will teach me to play like you, @johnnathancordy? Serious question!

[@JediCrackSmoke]

You're definitely a huge Pink Floyd/David Gilmour fan. I can hear it in your playing.

[@bcrocks3935]

If I were willing to fork out the dough, should I send my GX-100 back and jump into the Helix (even though it's older?), or use the Boss to get used to my first run at a modeler?

[@dannyschellenberger8268]

I have not owned the Helix or the GX-100, but I used to own the PODHD500X which I later replaced with a BOS GT-1000. I played a GX-100 at Guitar Center long enough to see how it compares to the GT-1000. The GX-100 is very similar to the GT-1000 in terms of setup and usability, and the GT-1000 is an absolute bear to set up. It is not intuitive and can be frustrating. White the GX-100 did implement a touch screen, the touch screen is finicky and I did not find it intuitive. Both the GX-100 and the GT-1000 sound good, and the effects are fantastic. But as a first modeler, I think they can feel cumbersome to navigate. In contrast, I remember all Line 6 products I have owned to be very easy to use. I owned both the M13 and the PODHD500X, and the one thing I hear people talk about with the Helix products are how easy they are to use. If you do not want to fork up the cash for the big boy Helix, the Helix LT is virtually the same product made more cost effectively, and it is about $1200 instead of $1700. the HX Stomp XL would be a good price competitor to the GX-100. I will say this: both the GT-1000 and GX-100 are incredibly flexible and fun to use once you have them set up, but the set up is cumbersome. If you are ok with learning the BOSS user interface and user experience, then keep the GX-100. However, if you want to have something that is more intuitive to guitar players and easier to navigate, I would say that Line 6 products would be the way to go

[@johnnathancordy]

The one thing I've not heard much about are meaningful updates in the Boss ecosystem? With that said, their hardware is the best on the market, and lowest latency, so in theory you should be able to get some good results from what is in there

[@TheBbtlegit]

Go with the Helix. I love mine.

[@Yuzul81]

Zoom G11, for flexibility and find your sound