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Description

Step into a world of sonic possibilities with the BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor, a pioneering piece of gear that has set the standard for multi-effects pedals. Designed for both studio recording and live performances, this processor offers a vast array of effects that cater to every guitarist's needs. From shimmering delays to gritty distortions, the GT-5 provides a comprehensive range of 30 programmable effects at your fingertips. The unit's seamless integration of effects, courtesy of BOSS's proprietary COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) technology, ensures that each sound is delivered with pristine clarity and depth.

Crafted with the gigging musician in mind, the GT-5 features a user-friendly interface with clearly labeled controls and a robust chassis built to withstand the rigors of the road. Whether you're dialing in a classic tone or experimenting with avant-garde sounds, the intuitive patch editing system allows for easy customization, ensuring your creativity knows no bounds. Additionally, the GT-5 is equipped with MIDI compatibility, enabling effortless synchronization with other gear and enhancing your performance experience.

For those who crave versatility and precision in their soundscapes, the GT-5's extensive capabilities and reliable performance make it an essential tool in any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • 30 programmable effects including reverb, delay, modulation, and overdrive
  • COSM technology for high-quality sound modeling
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other devices
  • Intuitive user interface with easy-to-navigate controls
  • Durable design ideal for both studio use and live gigs
  • Patch editing system for customized sound creation
  • Built-in tuner and expression pedal for added versatility

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model GT-5 Multi-Effect Unit
Finish Blue
Year 2000s
Categories Multi-Effects Pedals and Processors

FAQs

What types of effects are included in the BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor?

The BOSS GT-5 includes a wide range of effects such as distortion, modulation, delay, reverb, and more, all powered by BOSS's COSM technology for high-quality sound modeling.

Can the BOSS GT-5 be used with a bass guitar?

Yes, the BOSS GT-5 can be used with a bass guitar, although it is primarily designed for electric guitar. Some effects may need adjustments to optimize for bass frequencies.

Does the BOSS GT-5 have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the BOSS GT-5 features a built-in chromatic tuner, making it convenient for live performance and practice sessions.

How does the BOSS GT-5 connect to an amplifier?

The BOSS GT-5 connects to an amplifier using standard 1/4-inch instrument cables through its output jacks, allowing for easy integration into your existing setup.

Is the BOSS GT-5 suitable for live performances?

The BOSS GT-5 is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality, footswitch controls for easy effect switching, and a variety of programmable patches for different songs or styles.

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Boss GT-10 vs Boss GT-5. The outcome?

Video thumbnail for Boss GT-10 vs Boss GT-5. The outcome? by Gearfacts

Boss GT-10 vs Boss GT-5. The outcome?

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Boss GT-5 revisited: Legendary multi effects with amazing creative potential! by Gearfacts

Boss GT-5 revisited: Legendary multi effects with amazing creative potential!

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor. by Sjarif Wiradinata

BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor.

Sjarif Wiradinata

Sjarif Wiradinata

Video thumbnail for The BOSS GT-5 still blows me away after all these years! by Gearfacts

The BOSS GT-5 still blows me away after all these years!

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Boss GT-5 : Still Cool? by Clifton Wright

Boss GT-5 : Still Cool?

Clifton Wright

Clifton Wright

Video thumbnail for Boss GT-5 Japan | Demo Drive , Clean [ Preamp ] by Azizie Mislan

Boss GT-5 Japan | Demo Drive , Clean [ Preamp ]

Azizie Mislan

Azizie Mislan

Video thumbnail for Boss GT-5 Guitar Multi-effects Sound Demo by Guitar Gear Spot

Boss GT-5 Guitar Multi-effects Sound Demo

Guitar Gear Spot

Guitar Gear Spot

Reviews

PROS

  • Last Japanese multi-effect with classic analog drive and COSM DSP Preamp

  • First Boss floor processor/multi-effector with all-analog drives

  • Includes built-in power supply, eliminating need for external adapters

  • Constructed durably, described as "built like a tank"

  • Offers a wide variety of sounds and deep programmability

  • Features vintage sound quality with real analog components

  • Used by renowned guitarists like Johnny Marr

CONS

  • Early COSM amp modeling may not be as accurate as newer models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor.

Comparisons

  • The GT-5 is often favored over the GT3 for its extensive tweakability and routing capabilities, while the GT6 transitions to COSM modeling.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The GT-5's Humanizer effect includes a randomizer mode, which owners have used creatively to generate varied and complex textures.

    Source
  • The GT-5 includes a "Hold delay" effect used for creating momentary stutter effects, which can be controlled with an external footswitch for varying stutter lengths.

    Source
  • The GT-5's pitch shifter/harmonizer allows for shimmer effects similar to a Boss PS-2, enabling the creation of an octave arpeggiator with a patient setup.

    Source
  • The BOSS GT-5 has a Manual mode allowing footswitches to control specific effects within a patch, providing real-time control similar to individual stompboxes.

    Source
  • The GT-5 offers extensive routing options that surpass many modern multi-effect units, providing enhanced flexibility for complex signal chains.

    Source
  • The unit allows effects stacking within a single pedal, offering flexibility in creating complex soundscapes without needing separate pedals for each effect.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GT-5 can replicate a "Gated reverb" by combining the noise gate with the reverb effect, creating a unique, unconventional sound.

    Source
  • For shoegaze, owners discovered an exceptional reverb effect, though it falls short for post-rock or conventional use.

    Source
  • Used as a primary live rig for over a decade, the GT-5 is valued for its reliability and sound versatility in performance settings.

    Source
  • Owners often set up the GT-5 to emulate a traditional pedalboard with each pedal dedicated to a specific effect, or create unique patches for individual songs.

    Source

User experience

  • Users have experimented with the GT-5's effect order, notably enhancing the phaser's performance and resolving volume boost issues by rearranging the phaser's position in the chain.

    Source
  • Many owners praise the GT-5 for its exceptional build quality, manufactured in Japan, contributing to its long-term reliability and performance.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the GT-5 is praised for its durability and continued performance, with some users reporting over 20 years of reliable use.

    Source
  • Some users find the GT-5 challenging to set up initially, but once familiar with the menu structure, it offers extensive customization and control over sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The jog wheel may fail to decrease settings over time; applying Deoxit to the encoder shaft can restore functionality.

    Source

Other

  • The GT-5 combines analog components with digital control, allowing for a wide range of parameter adjustments and sound customization.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
haery_karuniawan

Best Sound Analog

Sound vintage real analog best product....hardcase so good....from 1996

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Roland

"I kept my eye on multi-processors and I tried [them as they got better through the years]. When the GT-5 came out, I happened to be going out with The Healers, and [it was] really useful for me, particularly as I’m in the position of having to reproduce a lot of different sounds. My audience expects me to sound like my records, [and] as a singer I don’t want to be looking down at my feet every 16 bars or every time I go into a chorus or verse.

The GT-5 did two things for me: it made it so that I could change sounds and reproduce some of the things that were going on in my records, but with just hitting one pedal. I still wasn’t entirely there with the sound of it, but I got there. I did a lot of interesting things, and being able to change ring modulation, for example, or dial in very precise delays and all of that, which for someone like me was really fun."

See how Beck uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Beck

Singer, Guitarist

Loser

...
Verified via Photo

From GuitarPlayer magazine, May 2000 issue:

Stompboxes are about the only things in Becks arsenal that are shiny and new. A mainstay in his live and studio rigs is a Boss GT-5. While recording Midnite Vultures, Beck programmed sounds into the multi-effects pedal to make it easier to reproduce the album's tones onstage.

See how Serj Tankian uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Serj Tankian

Singer, Guitarist

System of a Down

...
Verified via Siteofadown

This pedal is mentioned in the equipment list

See how Mike Oldfield uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

...
Verified via Tubular

According to the site he uses GT-5 and also had GT-6 which in 2007 was sold on ebay.

See how Scott Lucas uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Scott Lucas

Singer, Guitarist

Local H

...
Verified via YouTube

Scott Lucas shows his BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor at 1:11 of this gear rundown video: “Bunch of pedals down here, it’s a mess. Split out into the different guitar effects of this beat up GT-5, Boss. What do you call these? Processors. If there’s anybody at Boss… we need another one of these. This thing is dying."

See how Vito Bratta uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Vito Bratta

Guitarist

White Lion

...
Verified via YouTube

Vito Bratta uses the BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor to achieve his signature sound, as demonstrated in Tony Fuentes' YouTube video discussing his tone with White Lion.

See how Paul Jackson Jr. uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Paul Jackson Jr.

Guitarist

Michael Jackson (band)

...
Verified via Fulltone

On Fulltone's official website, Paul's artist page contains 3 pictures, one of which shows the GT-5.

See how Peter Lindgren uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Peter Lindgren

Guitarist

Opeth

...
Verified via Ultimate Metal - Heavy Metal Forum and Community

Listed as part of his Opeth gear

See how Angelo Bruschini uses BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor

Angelo Bruschini

Guitarist

...
Verified via MASSIVEATTACK.IE

(1999): "So live, I use a BOSS GT5, but I threw away the presets and started again. Y’know, I wanted the flanger before the phaser; stuff like that. One of the great things about the GT5 is that you can put anything in any order at any time. The amp simulations are brilliant, except now we have the new Mesa/Boogie Formula preamp, so I can get proper clean or proper dirty sounds."

"The GT5 does the preamp, distortion and effects thing, and that’s split off into two Mesa/Boogie power amps;"

Album Usage

The BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
PRS Custom 24
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1

Community setups

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haery_karuniawan

haery_karuniawan

Gear IQ 125

S

shoseinen

Gear IQ 555

1 alternative for BOSS GT-5 Guitar Effects Processor, curated by the Equipboard community.

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