Zoom G5n Unboxing & First Impressions 

First time seeing your channel. Hands down, this was the finest review I have ever seen on RU-vid. 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!!!

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!

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.

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

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

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!!!

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 👌

Can't wait for john frusciante tone.

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. :)

👏😀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

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

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. 👍👍👍👍❤️

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

I love it when Dave gets new things : )

Love to see you happy with your new guitar toy 👍

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 .

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

Absolutely love Zoom products, enjoy your great new toy!

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

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

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 !

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

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!!!!!!

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 ;)

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.

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 🇨🇦🤘

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looks awesome amazing vid thanks Dave

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

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.

Straight into some SRV style. Brilliant.

Had loads of fun watching this one.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Super cool man. Have a good day.

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.

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

Dave you're the best

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!

That looks amazing 🤘🏻😁

Awesome tones! 🖖🏻👽👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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

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!

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.

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

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

I have the ZOOM G5 they are lovley effects pedals

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.

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

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.

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

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....

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?

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

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

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

Arghhh you got got the g5 n happy days bro ..I have g5 very happy with it has the looper etc.ect drum machine and lots of nice effects probably get the g5 n when I can afford it ...be interested in comparison ..I like the gfx 4. Cost. £18 ebay

Was expecting a much higher price! wow

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?

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!

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 👍

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

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

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

Dave the g5 and g5 n have the same patch architecture I think you can share patches....once you’ve tweeked it for days and days could you upload your best patches so I can nick them ...it’s good to share

Dreamworld setting is very Dave Simpson :D

You're too funny. And nice video ☺

Hey Dave in the zoom have a wha that are inspired on the wh10, when you try , please tell us if sounds like the wh10

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?

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

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.

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!

I want to see your own presets!

34:59 now your just showing off!!

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 ,

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

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

Can u read those screens when u stand up? I have the older g5 with big screens

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

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

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.

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

Have you tried doing any recording using just usb connection? if so how do you think it sounds ?

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

Hey Dave, have fun with the new processor! I also want to buy a processor and the two options I've considered are the Digitech RP360X and the Zoom G1x Four, both have an expression pedal, a looper and effects basically and they're the same price, since the digitech got a discount right now. The digitech is an older model (2014 I think) with a metal casing, the zoom came out this year, all plastic. I've never even bought a pedal before so I'm not the best guy to judge the quality of the tones and presets, also I'm not sure about how much software support these things get and if that even matters. So, which one would be a better purchase? Or should I forget about the processor for now and just get a decent delay pedal and explore all its sounds or something? (For future reference, would you prefer I ask this sort of stuff via email?)

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?