Zoom G5n Unboxing & First Impressions

[@henriquelima8905]

Can't wait for john frusciante tone.

[@merweo348]

Fdr twin amp, 2x12fdr cab, compressor, small reverb, strat neck switch position, slap back delay. Thats for clean tone, for distortion just add small ds1.

[@shae482]

Dave you sold me this pedal, was looking for my first effects processor and your video helped me figure out what to buy, got it delivered today and I absolutely love it! Your awesome! Love your videos and your amazing playing!

[@FloridaManMatty]

First time seeing your channel. Hands down, this was the finest review I have ever seen on KZbin. Apart from some positively phenomenal playing, your enthusiasm is downright contagious. I actually paused about halfway through to order my own unit from Sweetwater. Subbed. You’ve earned yourself a new fan, brother. And Zoom has a new first time buyer. What an absolutely incredible unit!!!

[@djlane74]

Yes... Like zoom products, inexpensive and highly usable for the hobby guitarist.

[@Steve-B1965]

How refreshing 👍 many reviews by talented players seem to me be slightly biased towards more money = better sounds where as you Dave are by no means a headstock sniffer or brand snob ! If it’s good it’s good simple as. You can tel when something you have inspires you and what products leave you cold. I genuinely look forward to your reviews and opinions keep up the good work my friend 👌

[@macaomartinez]

Oh i'm very suprised that you finally test the g5n i actually made some video about it, if i can help you in anyway just ask me. I can't wait for you to play it at it full potential, you're the perfect guitarist for it ;)

[@calebtylershepherd21]

I got my Fender Pugalist Distortion today, and you weren’t kidding! That pedal is awesome. It’s so versatile with the two gain stages, and being able to stack them together in series mode unleashes the monster. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for for a very long time. It can pretty much cover all the bases except for like extremely high gain, but I have a pedal that’s great at that. I know that had nothing to do with today’s video, but thanks for doing an excellent review of it. Just completed my pedal board, and I’m one happy camper. The Zoom looks immense btw! Much simpler to get used to how to dial things in, and looks like better build quality. They just know how to nail the digital stuff. Keep up the great work as always. Stay safe.

[@GotMeStumped]

I literally am unboxing my G5N while watching you unboxing yours 😁 now I need to figure out how to use it lol cheers from your biggest fan in 🇨🇦🤘

[@thedeadxtras9927]

Alright Dave hope all good with you mate? I’ve had a G5N for about 3-4months now, a bit behind the times I know but I’ve gotta say for the low price I paid for mine used or if you buy new, for me I can’t really fault much about it, it’s sturdy & built really well and the effects in there are good and plenty enough of them for me, I know there’ll be plenty of guitar snobs that say they don’t sound good, bright or real enough for them compared with other multi-effects pedals or real pedals etc, but it for its price it works for me and with if bit of proper editing designing and creating your own personal tones then most things are achievable. Even though I’ve got one and know how to use it to its maximum potential I still love coming back to watching you use it and your impressions and how happy and excitable you were at this time using for the first time, it makes me smile continually. That Dreamworld preset is a really lovely preset and with a bit of tweaking to come up with my own preferred settings it works and sounds like a dream and does put you in your own individual Dreamworld. Programming and editing your own tones on the fly is really quick and easy to do and for me sound great enough in a live band setting or recording environment that it’s added so much to the overall sound and mixes of our band tunes. Although I don’t use the rhythm/drum section in a professional band environment it’s pretty useful for jamming along to practicing at home if you want a really quick rhythm track, it’s also best for using when using the built in looper for count in, automatic loop IN record and OUT/STOP recording loop at the exact points without having to stomp on a foot switch at the exact In & Out points when recording your loops, which if you’re a millisecond out your loop eventually goes out of time, so just for this purpose it’s worth it for me, then as you said the tuner is bob on and we’ll worth it. So wanted to say a big thanks to you cos your videos on this unit totally convinced me to hit the button and buy a used one on eBay for £120 Probably the best £120 I’ve spent in along time that has given so much to my overall guitar sound and as a great practice tool. If anyone’s looking for a multi-effect pedal at a low price and can’t afford plus £500 for something that’s maybe a little bit better but in my opinion doesn’t warrant paying at least £400-500 more then go for a Zoom G5N, I don’t think many players would regret the purchase. Cheers Dave have a good one, thanks Steve @thedeadxtras

[@jamescarey3995]

I have it's little brother- G1Xfour a lot of the same pedal sounds , but on yours you can easily work everything with your feet, where as in mine you have to take your shoe and sock off one foot .......Happy you like it, I can't wait to hear it more !

[@AnnaPrzebudzona]

I'm still waiting for my (first) guitar to arrive and I'm salivating over this pedal board. I have to admit it's the first time in my life that I've heard of ”expression pedal” and I was like - that's what I've been looking for all my life! 😄😄 The variety of sounds is mind-blowing. I love the versatility and the fact that it's one piece of equipment. I like technology but to a moderate extent. I could never be a real guitar gear geek (GGG 😁) - I don't like to ”litter” my brain with hi-tech terminology. I prefer to leave as much space to emotions and music as possible.

[@dwaynejessome1728]

This is not normally the kind of thing that would catch my eye. That being said, you now have my interest peaked. It's very cool! Thats the way I want to see people explore stuff. Thanks for really digging in

[@trollfiddler]

Piqued, just so you know :)

[@neophyte_6665]

What a coincidence, I was thinking of buying this for my birthday. Everything looks great! I'm still waiting for a JF tone on this if it can do it, I'll buy it! I looked at the specs sheet, there is only DS1. And i remember you saying DS2 is one of the most important pedals for JF tone.

[@waltervapour]

Excited Dave with a new toy makes for one excellent video :o)

[@joseffmiranda9986]

I'm planning to buy this multieffects. This is a great video for the Zoom G5N introduction! Great Sound!

[@justice100forwin2]

I'm as excited as you......hahaha. That dream world setting is gorgeous. I really want one now....look what you've done....I've gotta start saving the pennies....AGAIN!!!!!!

[@hs-wq5nb]

definitely looks like what id choose over the helix for sure. Different strokes for different folks though! Thanks Dave.

[@400_billion_suns]

This is definitely a better choice for someone who wants something like a traditional pedalboard, with easy and intuitive operation and quick learning. Zoom makes great products. That said, the Helix can absolutely do everything this does and waaaaaaaaaaaaay more, but it takes more up-front learning to make use of all of its capabilities. Apples and oranges, really.

[@davelewis4215]

Dave, That’s it after watching all your Zoom videos now. I’ve ordered a G5n.

[@stratorarious]

I love it when Dave gets new things : )

[@fergusuan7371]

Sublime playing Dave, the G5N sounds fantastic and your reaction at 56:30 - 57:00 Literally made my week!! :D Thank you

[@streaky1234]

Nice bit of kit, good to see you open .. pat on the back chap you deserve👌enjoy to the full 🙏✌️

[@ralphington8441]

Love to see you happy with your new guitar toy 👍

[@thedeadxtras9927]

After first watching your G5N video can you get it to sound like your pedalboard, I bid on eBay and won a used one for £120 and then decided to watch your unboxing & first impressions vid today, love your excitement, hilarious, truthful & realistic, No Bullshit!! Wondering if I’ll be as excitable when it arrives next week?? 🤔 Can’t afford to buy at moment really but do need for playing with band, so the council can fuck off for a month! So won’t pay my council tax for a month! Surely personal well being, happiness and sounding as good as possible if you play in a band are definitely important factors of living a good, happy life in todays current cost of living bollocks!!! So for once I’ve decided not to worry about bills and surviving and thought I’m just as important if not more so need to buy one or I’d have a breakdown if not. That’s the reasons I’ve told myself anyway. Haha! Thanks Dave cos watching your vids, your reactions and your opinions of it sounding decent, useable and a good unit definitely made me hit the bid button and buy. Cheers Steve

[@blkjckgtr3075]

Happy days!happy Dave awesome sounds glad you demoed it was looking at them!Cheers

[@bennettskb555]

👏😀really enjoyed this Dave. Great to see you discovering and enjoying your new Zoom👍. Zoom don’t get the credit their great products deserve. I have a few of their multi effects including the smaller G3XN best wishes

[@simonkeill857]

It’s like a load of my g1x fours together! Looks cool

[@jacktarbuck6949]

This was a very fun video! 😁😁😁 seriously considering one of these... but the highlight; Dave's reactions to it are priceless! Lol

[@frankiec2765]

Cheers from NY! Thanks for the initial demo, much enjoyed it. Zoom does make some decent stuff and the G5n is in my opinion the best processor in that $300-$400 price range. :)

[@tomdameek]

Wow !! This is the same price as a delay pedal I was looking at mainly because I wanted a decent dotted 8 delay. This does seem to do a decent one I may get this instead. Fantastic you’ve seriously given me a lot to think about. 👍👍👍👍❤️

[@henryatherton]

That's definitely the best multi effects I've seen!

[@lupo10]

I watched this video last, love how all your other videos on this was “I hate this scroll” where as this one you like the scroll. That’s why a unboxing and review of a product should be viewed separately lol

[@madjoni6753]

These are great. Really versatile. Fantastic sounds for the money. You’re gonna love the pad setting. Sweet af

[@johnnorth9355]

Oh err complicated. My poor old brain does not do complicated :(. Good to see you enjoying it and getting far more out of it than I ever could Dave. I had a hard enough time pushing a single slate back into place on my garage roof today ! I have got a Boss DS1 in a cupboard somewhere :). If I try hard I might be able to get it to work.

[@peterschmidt9942]

@John North It's probably one of the more simpler multi-effects pedals to use. Just think of the interface as a whole heap of individual effects and extended to an amp and cab at the end. Each of the effects/amps has individual control to tweak it so nothing could be simpler. I don't do complicated either.

[@gilesashley2237]

Hi Dave loving your vids mate . I used to play live with the original zoomG5 and it sounded great an never let me down .im sure you will be happy with the newer version.all the best .

[@lupo10]

Waiting on Andertons delivering mine today. Can’t wait!

[@Doug5524]

Really nice demo Dave, makes me want to look at it closer

[@leighwilsonartist]

That zoom pedal is a beast, I want one! Will be added to my ever growing list.👍

[@mikekapsemalis362]

Ive never been for multi-efx boards but so far it’s sounds surprisingly spot on. Smooth sailing and congrats on the new gear Dave!!!

[@socalsp3]

The Zoom g5n is awesome. I had one too but had to downgrade for space as a bedroom player and didn’t have the time to get the most out of it. It had the best tones of any multi effect imo and easy to use. Now I use biasfx on ipad through studio monitors which is fine for my purposes. fyi Dave you can update the firmware to get more fx including fuzz and ibanez wah and patches from other pros. Have fun!

[@alfianbanjaransari4096]

Unfortunately the latest so called "artist patches" are at least a couple of years old now. The last firmware update is also two (1.5?) years old. Granted, the G5n is about four years old now, yet I'm still hoping Zoom doesn't abandon these bad boys soon. I mean even the MS50Gs had an update last year and it's about 5 years older than the G5n. From a functionality standpoint this unit a clear winner, and evenmoreso when you consider the pricepoint it's being sold vs the competitors.

[@LauraSquirrel]

There are some really nice sounds in there and the price is good. If I wanted to go back to this style of a board, I would go for this. But, honestly, I will stick with my "spaceship". Looking through the reviews on Sweetwater, this appears to be a downgrade actually from the previous version. Hmmm...interesting. But, no matter. I enjoyed watching you play through it and I look forward to the follow-up video.

[@johanndaart7326]

Tones of G5n are far better than those of G5. People are biased. 2D pedal of old G5 was nice, but I wonder how many people really used it. G5 had more useful looper too (it was level above patch/stomp modes, in the new one it's only in stomp mode, you can't swap patches). But in general, you could still hear this classic "zoom digital" dandruff in old G5. New G5n is just next generation of tone and it punches up (comparable BOSS and Line 6 pedals are pricier).

[@guitaristssuck8979]

I got a G9.2tt back in 2006, 3 expression pedals in 2, 2 tubes, started to use it in the Power In mode after a few months and throught the years the only distortion I ended up using was the Zoom

[@michaelcox1967]

Hi Dave, I got this one last year and I love it! It's a great box of sounds. Mick

[@RickyTickyTV]

Send it back and get the old TC Electronic Nova System. You wont regret it and they still sell it new @ Thomann. Nice video as always.

[@bumblefritz]

I've been using this thing for a while now. Wide variety of effects that sound really good. I did side by side comparisons to some of my favorite analog pedals and the difference is minimal to not even perceivable. The amp simulators can add nice character to your tone as well. Really nice looper too!

[@riverbankmactavishmcghee4573]

Happiness and inspiration are in short supply. Many thanks to you once again Happy Dave.

[@akwamarsunzal]

I love Zoom gear. Have used it for years in various forms. The "problem" I have with most multi effects pedals, and, perhaps, Zoom in particular(?) I find rather toy like, if that makes sense? There are a ton of sounds, a lot sounding very similar, and a lot that I would never use! So, are they "value for money" when there are, really, limited sounds? I am no sure! I recently bought a Vox VTX to replace my aged Line6. It is IMMENSE! There are MORE than enough tones and effects to satisfy and experiment without getting overwhelmed with options!

[@LOFIGSD]

My son is rocking a Zoom g1xn for reverb and drive into a Vox MV50 Clean and an old 2x12 cab I had in the Garage, the rig totally rocks, Vox really screwed up not adding an effects loop on that, fantastic response amp. Vox selling them off cheap, really handy back amp, which can attenuate.

[@tom.guitar22]

Dave I just figured out how to do a boss Ce1 simulation on the G2... and i realized how lowkey amazing zoom products are

[@nathanamaral5766]

How did you do it? 😲

[@tom.guitar22]

@@nathanamaral5766 On the g2.n1u under chorus theres a classic CH setting. Works nice with a compressor

[@joshuasurridge8018]

Mate that scream in to the pillow had me crying with laughter

[@TheBloggingMusician]

Magic moment at the end of that vid Dave. Just brilliant playing man. Really want the G5n.... but the question is? This or the G6? and why? Thank you for your reviews. Really helpful.

[@looneyinkproductions-eduard]

Looks like a very, very, very lovely toy. Like you, I'm a big fan of ZOOM, but I'm afraid this monster is just too much for me. I would get totally lost probably. I think I'll better just stick to my child toys, my G1X and G2.1U. I'm anxious to hear your final verdict, though....

[@brunojacq5473]

It would be also too much for me. When I have such a gear, I spend more time tweeking than playing the guitar... ;-)

[@jamesrobert4106]

Straight into some SRV style. Brilliant.

[@CaptainScarlet1961]

My Boss GT-6 Pedalboard is heavy enough to use as a boat anchor lol.

[@cirjames2540]

Absolutely love Zoom products, enjoy your great new toy!

[@darkambience]

Plug that sucker direct into the effects loop and not straight into the front, make sure you select the output on the pedal

[@daveesco1]

I just got the zoom g3xn, I really like it. Especially if your a knob turner.

[@oncameramastery]

That outer box is a good demo of major over boxing! 😃

[@andyholdstock4559]

hay Dave great vid .I've had a gn5 for a couple of years now.i found for an 80s metal band the mesa distortion was great.and the unit was really cool.when set up like a pedal board.everthing you need.you can even see all the lights in the sun light....day time gigs...very cool.for my blues rock band .I found it a bit annoying .I'm a fantastic about my guitar tone .I hate it when a machine takes a bit off my guitar tone...and always went back to my fender hot rod straight in....that's a tone I've never found a machine that could copy that,..but for recording..and messing around it's great for the price....the temptation to fiddle is intoxicating....cool Dave interesting to see what you come up with... cool man....for once I don't have to dream coues I already got one...hahahahh.as always. great man

[@YTOnceAgain]

Looking forward to your final review. I for one just don't really bond with this generation of Zoom MFX, and am curious to hear what your issues with this thing are. I'd definitely recommend you to check out the prior generation, i.e. the G3, G5 or the amazing MS-50G. I'm convinced this will affect the way you see the G5n quite a bit. That's not to say that they were perfect by any means... but yeah... check them out.

[@johanndaart7326]

I think the previous generation had better usability (looper on the level above presets, G5's 2D pedal), but their tone still left a lot to be desired, they sound noticeably "digital". G3n and G5n tone is really close to the real deal, it's just next gen.

[@YTOnceAgain]

@@johanndaart7326 yes... and no. :-) I agree that the G3-generation showed certain artifacts in some of the amp models and maybe drives that even the G2-gen didn't and certainly the G5n-gen doesn't, but I think that's mainly because those frequencies are missing in the G5n-gen (and were in the G2-gen) altogether. The G5n-gen is a really dull mofo. So to me, the G5n (and G3n) only clearly win in one category: Live operation. That wasn't quite thought out with the G3/G5. In the area of flexibility/tweakability and FX (without amp models), they surpass the current generation though.

[@jcf6]

Dave, I have enjoyed your series on the Orange CR120 ... any way you would do a "How many tones can you get out of ....a Katana"? It would be great to hear/see you dial up those same tones on that amp! Love your content - hope you are well!

[@thedavesimpson]

I would love to but i don;t know how to as I can't play others music anymore due to copyright law :(

[@jcf6]

@@thedavesimpson Sheesh, that stinks ... I really enjoy your content and wish you all the best!

[@Nicolae8607]

That is really cool Dave..but I think the POD GO is much simple..is not like Helix complicated..have fun my friend🤟

[@johanndaart7326]

POD GO is a lot simpler and easier to use live, true, but it's twice the price of G5n.

[@johanndaart7326]

Hi Dave, I have two questions about G5n: 1) Can G5n handle rolling off volume with guitar knob decently? Does it model amp cleaning up with volume roll off? 2) Every amp block in G5n has Gain and VOL parameters. Are they pre-amp (Gain) and power amp (VOL) like in a real amp? Do they affect the tone the same way? Or VOL parameter controls only the output volume of amp block, without affecting tone of the amp the same way power amp's master knob affects tone on real amp?

[@albertosc75]

I want to see your own presets!

[@BibleBeltBlues]

You are funny....great to watch your video....trying to decide....you vid helps immensely.............thank you

[@TheDeedeeFiles]

Super cool man. Have a good day.

[@JohnnoDorber]

I know what you mean about the power cables. I bought a Fender Tone Master this week and can you imagine how relieved I was that the power cable was strong enough to strangle the most hard-bitten club owner or agent?

[@olivierorossi5816]

Hi Dave! I have it and it’s excellent. Where do you connect it to the speaker or amp? Greetings from Italy

[@thedavesimpson]

I'm going into my amp. : )

[@peterschmidt9942]

Rather large packing box for it Dave! Looks like you've got the updated one there. I've got the 2.0 G5n (which you can upgrade with the software anyway). I had the G3x and they were pretty good considering their price and wanted the latest one. Unfortunately it's sat in the box most of the time as I haven't had time with other things going on. But their work flow (with individual pedals) really appeals to the way I like to work and tweak too. And most of presets sound pretty good from the get go. Cheap as well considering what you get with it. Probably the only thing that could improve it would be having dedicated controls for your amp/cab models

[@johanndaart7326]

Zoom G11 (their next pedal, it will arrive soon), will have dedicated controls for amp that you are using in a patch ;)

[@peterschmidt9942]

@@johanndaart7326 That can only be a good thing. A nicer screen wouldn't go astray either.

[@johanndaart7326]

@@peterschmidt9942 Yeah, but while you can get new G5n for ~$270, new G11 is... $800. You can't beat G5n value when you buy it used for $200... I think people will go for Line 6 POD GO ($450) instead Zoom G11.

[@philb2052]

Had loads of fun watching this one.

[@RichardOfYork1967]

Dreamworld setting is very Dave Simpson :D

[@joshuasurridge8018]

Looks awesome amazing vid thanks Dave

[@KingOfTone69]

ok Dave, so I am begging you to make a JF tone out of this and make a video...i own g1x and its practically the same thing but smaller so i would love to see magic from your head.

[@jorge.az07]

Wah100 effect is supposedly an Ibanez WH10 Shall you A/B them? :)

[@thedavesimpson]

Yeps I will. :)

[@littlebritain64]

Hello, thanks for the long test! I am actually at the beginning of it and wanted to ask You one thing about linking the effect to the ampli: better using, ampli/cab off, the "IN" in front of it, clean channel, or the "Send/Return, same "ampli/cab" option off?

[@johngreene6014]

I have the ZOOM G5 they are lovley effects pedals

[@richardcarle786]

That looks and sounds sweet! I'm going to be getting the zoom g1xfour soon and would love to hear your thoughts on it dave if you've used the exact one..I'm not sure if that's the other I've seen you on! But right now I just need something inexpensive with that looper and some drums and effects

[@bunarosway4585]

Am deciding to purchase this stuff after watching this video which was made two years ago

[@lukabanovic2937]

Dave the WAH100 on the g5n is supposedly a wh10. Could you maybe compare it with your wh10v2??

[@thedavesimpson]

Shall do. :)

[@bengalvin9932]

what a great layout.very very cool. BUT do you think in the heat of a gig you may hit the paddles with your feet when going to click on one of the switches?

[@thedavesimpson]

I have the final review coming out today and I address the paddles thing. In my opinion there stupid and yeps. I've already done that a few times.

[@klaatubaradanikito1950]

Awesome tones! 🖖🏻👽👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@steverolfeca]

Sadly, Zoom has stopped issuing regular updates for the G5n. But there’s still a bunch of new amp and pedal models available if you upgrade the firmware and editing software to version 3.0! www.zoom.co.jp/products/effects-preamps/guitar/g5n-multi-effects-processor#downloads

[@johanndaart7326]

They are moving on towards G11 now. But it's 3 times the price of G5n...

[@joejitsumusic]

was waiting for a review for an updated version of the zoom! Thanks Dave! Does it have drums?

[@merweo348]

Yes it has a lot of rythm patterns.

[@bengalvin9932]

34:59 now your just showing off!!

[@johngreene6014]

Only trouble is the volume is not constant on all the patches

[@guitaristssuck8979]

I guess you can change that

[@rockngpa5094]

Marshall code 50 drove me nuts with buttons to push to find a tone , sometimes for hours .. :(. I sold it months later at half price. When out and purchased a tube amp with plentiful of nobs to turn and quicker get into playing times 👍

[@MetalHeadHippie]

I have the G5n Dave..I dig it.. Thanks Bro.

[@EdCoombesDogs]

That looks amazing 🤘🏻😁

[@mrblues1981]

sounds good ,you bought from andertons ? i really wanna buy boss gt1000 but 800£ ,ive got katana 100 watt ,i couldnt work it out pedal effects on it ,i didnt like the sounds on it , ive got fender strat elite model ,

[@jeefder]

boss gt100 or zoom g5n,for what i want it for,i'm going with the zoom, i had the 4040 many years ago and it did me fine,thanks dave for pointing out the bad bits but they don't really affect me for what i do

[@hafstrat]

Hello you wonderful wonderful chap. 🌈👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤗

[@justanotherinternetmusicia1248]

I need to stop watching g these videos, my "to buy" list is getting longer every time!! Also what budget tele pickups would you recommend for a fruscianteish type sound

[@FairmontStudios]

amen, I'm buying a red stripe bandit tomorrow 😂

[@alecboyyes]

The Twisted Tele neck pickup is supposed to be Strattish, can't say about the bridge though.

[@akwamarsunzal]

Your "heavenly sound" at the end of the video reminds me of Jeffrey Steele playing What Hurts the Most live. If you don´t know it, check it out!

[@purplepolitics7201]

Should have miked the amp while you're play cos we can hear the strings. Turn the lapel mic on in the edit when you're talking.

[@paulservary5360]

Dave you're the best

[@veimi]

You're too funny. And nice video ☺

[@thedavesimpson]

Thank you. :)

[@dominikruhrig7282]

Hey dave, great Video! Do you know the zoom g7.1ut? Have you any experience with it? Greetings from Vienna!

[@thedavesimpson]

I've never used it. Sorry.

[@dominikruhrig7282]

@@thedavesimpson Thanks though! ;)

[@wodenoftheangles3339]

Was expecting a much higher price! wow

[@lucbos7516]

OMG What a monster unit Good choice)) Can you update the firmware ? I think it's free

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Nice! Today i have subscrived! Have you palyed with the Boss GT-1000? Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘

[@jukesters123]

Dave adjust the tuner settings on the hx.

[@thedavesimpson]

Tried that. Never seems to be right. Its too picky. :)