Author Topic: Boss ME-50 (Read 5251 times)

tartanmartin · « **on:** March 18, 2006, 04:33:35 PM »

Has anyone got any hands on experience with the ME-50. Im looking for my first multi-effects pedal and have read mixed reviews of this even though its spec is pretty good.

I have a couple of Boss stomp boxes but was wondering how this compares.

Dakine · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:36:54 PM »

I tried it, took it home for a day then took it back for a GT-8.
It was actually VERY good (just wanted more options).
All the effects (to my ears) were of good quality. It was very well made (metal construction) and quite "tweakable".
I am sure it would be "gig worthy" in it's construction.
I liked it, but as I said (well missus gave me the nod for a Valentines gift) I took it back for the GT, but would have kept it if not.

I would say if you are a "techy" kind, then there are other options. But if you are "old school" it's great. Korg stuff is good too but abit more pricey I think.

Dakine · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:41:32 PM »

Some info here if you hav'nt seen/read it.

http://www.bossgtcentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=search&mode=results

indysmith · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:43:38 PM »

Don't like it, lol. Sorry? It sounds cheap and thin! hehe. :lol:

Dakine · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:46:42 PM »

So.......... got an alternative suggestion? :P

_tom_ · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:48:34 PM »

Quote from: indysmith

Don't like it, lol. Sorry? It sounds cheap and thin! hehe. :lol:

Exactly. My friend has one and to be honest, its one of the worst sounding things I've ever heard. Totally not worth the money.

indysmith · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:49:26 PM »

Basically don't use multi-effects. They will ALWAYS sound like bum compared to real ones. and then wen ur looking for single effects it depends what effects and what kinda of sound you want really doesnt it?

Dakine · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:54:27 PM »

Well, I agree and disagree.
But its all good.
To be honest (and JUST my opinion) multi effects can be excellent, they are just NOT gonna sound "wowee" straight outta the box, they need alot of learning and tweaking.
Single effects are wonderful, but can get messy, and some also need alot of tweaking.
Basically, if they want a multi effect (for whatever reason) my thinking is the Boss is not all bad if looking for a non-techie type.

Bainzy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 18, 2006, 05:29:49 PM »

If you've got a small SS practice amp, and don't record, it's really awesome. But it's not a substitute for real effects. Even though I've now got a 1959slp, I'm still keeping my ME-50, as it's useful to have and theres so much stuff to play around with when you're using a practice amp.

Dakine · « **Reply #9 on:** March 18, 2006, 05:36:04 PM »

Thats basically my point.
If it's desired for "fun" then there is no worries. It's less cluttered and cheaper.
Of course "booteek" stuff is what most people dream of (though dunno why half the time) but it cots and is cumbersome.
It's all about what you want it for.
I do NOT subscribe to "if it is'nt made by so and so and endorsed by whatshis name then it aint worth having".
Read that once on tour Ted Nugent was curious about EVH's tone. So came out on stage early and asked EVH's tech. if he could play his setup. He did and STILL sounded like Ted.
What I'm getting at is it does not have to be expensive,complicated,classic,famous to get you to sound good/unique. It's in the mind/fingers.

Bainzy · « **Reply #10 on:** March 18, 2006, 05:54:38 PM »

If it was true bypass, I'd always have it in my rig. Unfortunately, it tends to smoothen out the signal going into the plexi a bit (changes it to low impedance?) which sounds good with my SS amps but not with the plexi, so I leave it out. All the pedals I'm using in front of the amp and in the effects loop (wah, phase90, flanger, analog delay etc) have been wired up for true bypass.

Dakine · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2006, 05:59:13 PM »

Well, til I get back to UK and buy a valve amp I cannot really tell. I know I will turn off all cab/amp sims in the GT but will see how the other effects go with a valve.
If nothing else, it will be MY tone thats coming out :)

38thBeatle · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2006, 06:05:58 PM »

I think multi f/x are useful if you are in a band where you play live and need to "be" lots of different bands. There are a lot of compromises and I would by far prefer to us amp and one or two favourite effects but a multi does the job. I have a Korg AX1500G which I picked up really really cheap. Not a big fan but I leave it behind when I am playing in the other version of the band that plays original stuff and covers we play for the love of it. This is my contribution to the debate.

_tom_ · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2006, 06:31:29 PM »

Quote from: 38thBeatle

I think multi f/x are useful if you are in a band where you play live and need to "be" lots of different bands. There are a lot of compromises and I would by far prefer to us amp and one or two favourite effects but a multi does the job. I have a Korg AX1500G which I picked up really really cheap. Not a big fan but I leave it behind when I am playing in the other version of the band that plays original stuff and covers we play for the love of it. This is my contribution to the debate.

Well I'm in a covers band and still prefer the natural sound of my amp, so long as I have a usable clean and overdrive, I'm fine.. thats just me though.