“My experience with the Boss GX-10 is a real tale of two halves”: Boss GX-10 review

Guitar World Verdict

A rugged and reliable unit from Boss that features myriad beautiful effects tones, but is ultimately let down by a lack of ‘wow’ from the amp models.

Pros

+Superb selection of effects

+Responsive touch screen

+Lots of signal chain flexibility

+Plenty of DSP power for stacking blocks

Cons

-Amp models are a little uninspired

-High gain tones can get fizzy

-Bluetooth adapter sold separately

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Boss GX-10: What is it? This latest unit in the seemingly never-ending stream of multi-effects pedals comes in the form of the Boss GX-10, a compact unit from one of the stalwarts of stompboxes, derived from its flagship GX-100 multi-effects processor. Despite its beginner-friendly looks and size, it sits in a bit of a no-man’s-land when it comes to similar multi-effects at the $400 mark. Cheaper than a Line 6 HX Series pedal, but more expensive than a Zoom G6. So is it aimed at beginners or those who are a bit pickier about their modeled amp tones? Guess we’ll have to find out…

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Ratings scorecardTestResultsScoreBuild qualityRock solid and rugged ★★★★★UsabilityFeature-packed and user friendly ★★★★☆SoundsGreat effects let down by amp models ★★★½OverallA solid unit that could be improved★★★★☆

$499/£349

Amongst the best compact amp modelers in its pricerange and the natural competitor to the GX-10, Line 6’s POD GO features a similarly stellar lineup of effects and amp models, a color screen, and an expression pedal. It’s got HX-quality amp models and effects, but is slightly limited in terms of DSP compared to the ‘proper’ HX series.

Read our review

$549/£499

Utilizing Capture technology as opposed to traditional amp modeling, the Neural DSP Nano Cortex delivers delicious amp tones with select effects. Best used with an existing pedalboard, this miniature powerhouse also makes it easy to capture sonic snaphots of the tones from your favorite amps and pedals.

$299/£249

A decidedly more beginner multi-effects pedal, the Zoom G6 is a great option for beginners who want to get into multi-effects without spending loads. Like the GX-10 it also has a colour touchscreen and an expression pedal. It’s been praised for its ease of use and versatility in setting up effects and tweaking amp models.

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Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on guitars, amps, pedals, modelers, and pretty much anything else guitar-related. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for various music sites including MusicRadar, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog. A regularly gigging guitarist with over 20 years of experience playing live and writing and recording in bands, he’s performed everything from jazz to djent, gigging all over the country in more dingy venues than you can shake a drop-tuned guitar at.