I have the G-System, that is similar. The TC effects ages well because they are "studio like", not cartoonish as most pedals nowadays. They are clear and preserve the guitar tone. Is easy to get that 80's "rack sound" of these units.
Used both versions over the years and I have a soft spot for them. I think they should issue a version of the Plethora pedal as a rackmount under the G-Major line.
That could be a Game Changer for the TC Product line. with 2 Loops for 4 Cabling would give it pretty much everything TC has to currently offer for guitarists in one package.
I had one back in the day to slim down the Intellifex + MultiValve setup I had. It was very solid. Nothing mind-blowing compared to the heavy hitter rack units out there, but it could deliver good tones in one box with an easy to understand UI. It didn't really have the encoder issue the GM1 had, either, so that was a plus. The biggest issue was it would sometimes glitch out and behave strangely where I'd have to reset the unit. It happened enough times to where I eventually sold it off. Really wish TC would re-visit these things again because it's an amazing unit for the price.
I love mine. Still sounding great in 2023! (edit) While the G-Major 2 sits in my Amp's FX Loop, I use a Line6 M5 in front of the amp for any single effect I want there. Both controlled simultaneously with a MIDI pedal.
@@LukasDozer The TC Electronic G Major 2 has no gain effects. It is focused on effects for your amp's effects loop with effects coming after your amp's gain. mediadl.musictribe.com/download/software/tcelectronic/tc_electronic_g-major_2_manual_english.pdf
This is really cool. I haven't seen too many outboards these days, as it's all gone in-the-box digital, but I still use them in my studio (reel-to-reel for for final mixes) and these outboard breakdowns are super useful, informative and cool. And one can get these used for pretty good prices. Nicely done on all of them. Cheers!
This was an outstanding video of the G-Major 2! I am a happy owner now for 6-7 years and I love it. Although I have to shamefully admit that I only take advantage of a fraction of its full capabilities (solo boosts w/ effects.) Thanks for your hard work in your many gear-related videos. All the best Leon!!
I used the GM’s for years with my rigs and absolutely loved them. They just work. Also a lot of love for the Digitech GSP1101 as that had many options to move fx post or pre.
I have one in the loop of my POD Pro, love the TC sound. I had a Mk1 15 years ago and I loved it too. I like the parallel routing very much and it's relatively cheap. Good gear ! I miss a tap tempo switch on the front panel but... anyway...
Thank you so much for this wonderful demo. My (guitarist) brother have been using a TC G-Major for more than 15 years now and he still discovering new way to use it. He was very please with the pitch Detune effect with a copious amount of Distortion from an Empress Heavy pedal. Cheers from Canada Leon !
Just found your youtube channel and man what a absolute treasure. Growing up in the 80s Ive always loved that guitar sound and you absolutely nail that🤘🏼😎
I used G-major1 for years until switched to Fractals. Had G-major 2 for a while in my stage rack too. Now I’m really regretting for selling it 😁 Nice video as always!
The dynamic delay is what makes this unit so good! 🔥🔥 my dad has used one for over 10 years in his guitar rig with a midi mate. Hes made some absolutely epic tones. The dynamic delay is what sets it apart for me. Being able to switch from a tight rhythm tone to a great lead tone with golden echos all in the same fx setting is incredible. Lets you play all over more expressively without worring about jumping back and forth between presets. Great video Leon!
In my effects loop I have the older version, in stereo the TCE G-Major chained with my Eventide MicroPitch. I use the G-Major dual delay set at 385/770 1/4tap and with the MicroPitch. It sounds HUGE in my studio coming alive -- I feel like my king of rock guitar EVH!
Damn. Haven't touched my GM2 for 9 months, since I moved to Kemper, and for the past week I'we been meaning to put it up for sale. Now, you are having me second guessing my self 🤣 I've been using it since 2015 with my tube amp as the brain of the rig and I agree with your points. Reverb is not so great and having compressor in fx loop was a bit annoying. All in all, a good unit :)
I own the GM1 and 2. The GM1 sounds a little better to my ears (more natural), but is missing some if the GM2 fx like the univibe. I fixed the encoders on one of my GM1's by pulling it apart and spraying the encoders with electrical contact cleaner, it works perfect now :) Great units the only prob is no analoge dry thru :( and the verbs are def better on say a lexicon
I picked up one of these last summer for $200 US, and for that price I think it’s pretty hard to beat. I run it stereo with Mark Series Combos, IV and V, using the FX loops. I got it primarily for pitch, chorus, and delay which I think all sound really great. The pitch block still sounds excellent in the loops imo, but do agree the reverbs are surprisingly lacking (I run a Source Audio Ventris after it, and that sounds fantastic). For live “work,” I think it’s a great choice. Yes, there are many other rack units out there that definitely sound better, but in a live situation the differences aren’t significant enough to warrant the massive uptick in price. I feel like Lexicons (especially vintage PCMs), Eventides etc are really studio tools. The G Major is a great tool kit, made specifically for guitarists, and has a convenience/ease of use that’s crucial to be a practical gigging tool. Anyway, great demo! Love your content, keep doing what you do :)
I have and still use an original G-Major. I bought it right after it was available. The knobs are a pita, I agree, and the display looses rows of pixels. But the sounds are okay to pair them with my H9 and DD-500 sometimes. I am contemplating to get the G-Major first in the chain and only use the bread and butter stuff it has for things I want anyway: Noisegate, Compressor, Tuner. The EQ is a pain to set up with these wonky knobs, so I will keep using my Boss GE-7 as the first thing (I use it as EQ and boost). Thanks for showing the G-Major 2 - now I know that I not necessarily will replace my old G-Major with that when it gives up.
I have one of these as well. It's in the FX loop of my Laney L5 Studio. One thing that you didn't get into is the modulation routing which is quite powerful. I think you can modify up to 4 things at one time with an expression pedal input. So for example I can fade in reverse delay, turn up modulation feedback, turn up delay feedback all with one cheap expression pedal. I set up a separate pedal sending MIDI so I can jam the delay feedback all the way up for dub sounds. I had a GMajor for awhile but its encoder knobs were messed up. I should have known better, I'd had one before and it did as well. I actually went so far as to replace the encoders with some I had laying around, and it worked for awhile but that wasn't all that reliable either. That one went into the trash I'm sorry to say. There are some MIDI editors out there but none of them seem to work. There's also Sound Quest but it costs about as much as the device itself so I haven't bothered. It's not that hard to edit it.
Hi, Thanks @Leon Todd for another great video. I own GM2 and I love it. I have FCB1010 to control - it works great, and recently I bought GMinor MIDI controller - which unfortunately has some issues to work with GM2. I would be more happy to se GM3 with USB connection & some software just modern approach to configure effects.
I use this processor in post production. I process guitars with this processor. The coolest result can be obtained if you include the TC processor in mixer or audio card. The sound in the amplifier loop loses a lot.
The GM2 has been in my main gig rig for around 8 years now, combined with a Marshall JMP-1. It's a great unit that I don't use to its full potential. I use it for reverb, chorus, noise gate and a solo boost via the global output level and an expression pedal via midi. I also have the GM1 in the fx loop of a Hughes And Kettner Tubemeister 18, but it's not impressive in that role. Adds a weird flanger effect to everything, even when bypassed. Not sure if its the GM1 playing up or the Tubemeiser, but it all seems happy when I remove the GM1 and use pedals in the loop.
I love these because they sound good, rather inexpensive, and I can switch amp channels with the internal relay. Makes for a compact and flexible rig. Downside is that they are flimsy as hell, I've had to change encoders a couple of times.
Hi ! First thanks for this one always a pleasure to rediscover what used to be pretty good sounding gears back in the days ! Also i was not able to remember that riff you play at 5:00 could you please remind me :) thanks a lot !
TC has some cool stuff. I used to own a Nova System. Really liked it. But they could update it. More gain in the distortion side and the possibility to use IRs.
I owned this multi effects, good sound but some models had untimely reboot problems and problems with electrical connection sheets, so be careful when buying second-hand. Before having Fractal I used a PSA1 + G major2 + Torpedo CAB all controlled in MIDI with an FCB1010
When the G Major came out I just had to have it. Every other rack FX changed the sound of my amp. They colour the tone and soften certain frequencies. I bought the G Major for my Carvin Bellair combo and it was utterly transparent. If they say their FX unit is 'Pristine' then this is what you truly get. Many yrs later yes there are fancier effects on certain units like Lexicon, Eventide which cost 4 times the price however nobody has beaten the G Major for beautiful reverbs, delays and the stuff you need the most. If you spend time with the G Major you can get A Class sounds just using the Matrix and blending.
@@LeonTodd Yes but it needs repairs. The tubes soldering to the card has gotten a little burned up. The soldering needs redoing but the problem is the heat from the tubes has nowhere to go but heat up the circuit board. It was an oversight I think. I need to keep the tubes as far away from where they are mounted and for this i need to buy some parts to dissipate most of the heat. It's a quite lengthy job but worth it. I love the cleans on it and I set the rear acoustic resonance to 3/4 full. This gives me a very sparkling sound but nothing of a hint of ear piercing like a Fender or a Marshall does. It's a perfect amp to me and warm and lovely.
Sounds great, especially the chorus. I have to say I prefer my Lexicon MPX G2-- owner bias admitted-- not least because of the 4-cable option and the reverbs. But I wouldn't turn this one down.
I’ve had mine for several years (bought new & still use it). I like everything on it, but I’ve never been able to dial in a nice reverb. I usually run a faint short delay instead for ambience. I actually prefer the pitch shift over the chorus for that detune tone….seems “slicker” to me…
The G Major 2 seems like a very cool rack multi-effects unit. Love that it can route in series or parallel! One can save a lot of cash seeking out some of the older units rather than trying to chase the newest devices on the market. I picked up a Boss SE-70 Super Effects Processor for $120(Canadian). Just started diving into this 1/2 rack unit. So far I'm digging the delays, chorus variations, multiple harmonizers, and other time based effects. Curious if you've ever had a chance to check out the Boss SE-70 or SE-50. I'll search your channel to see. I'd like to know your thoughts etc. Thanks for showing us the TC Electronic G Major 2... and so many other multi-effects one can find at reasonable prices. Cheers!
@@LeonTodd Yes, I'd read some good reviews on the se70... And I know John Abercrombie used an se50 for a very long time; he really liked the chorus sounds he got from it.
G Major 2 is my go-to unit for the things I most commonly use. I have a couple racks and they are in both of them. Pitch Detune Chorus Delays and some reverbs are the main effects I use. I use midi to switch my rigs, patch settings and also change volume levels for solos or other dynamic nuances and it does this very well. Compressor section is on with almost every preset I have created because it's post preamp like the old school Bradshaw Rigs were. I used this with an Alesis Quadraverb for several years to get other options like delays and choruses after reverbs. I think in the future I'm going to be pairing it with my MPX-1 or a PCM series unit I'll purchase in the future. For the Money I consider it a Winner for a lot of situations!!
The G-System has the effects loop, but it never got a major firmware update, which means that it doesn't have the SER2 mode, if I remember that correctly.
Hey Leon, you should try the Digitech GSP1101 if you can get your hands on one, I'd love to see you review it too :) Legendary unit at this point, and I think it fixes some of the gripes you had with this one - the reverbs are definitely better, and it can be used in 4CM. Plus it can act as a backup (or main) preamp too, sounds very usable through a valve power amp + speakers...
Yeah, they have Lexicon reverb algorithms, as Lexicon and Digitech are (or were) both owned by Harmon. I have an RP1000, which is pretty much the floor-based version of the GSP1101, and the effects are all pretty good, even the distortions. But it’s a huge tone sucker, the wall wart is noisy, and it’s pretty much useless without a real amp/speaker. I bought it so I could have all my effects in one unit and run 4CM with my amp, but I ended up not liking it. But I’ve made great use of it for practicing at home, so it wasn’t a bad purchase.
@@kalebaldwin5398 I've been using the GSP with a valve amp (4cm) as well as on its own and never had issues with tone suck. Currently I have a valve preamp in the loop of GSP and I'm going straight out using IRs, it's quite decent too :)
@@Scorstin The RP1000 has the tone suck problem, not the GSP. And I should’ve clarified: it sounds better through a real cab or IRs, as the built in cab sims aren’t very useable.
I got the G Major mk 1 back in the middle 2000s, very cheap because it had a broken encoder (surprise!). I'm still using it today but it was really popular back in the day. It is a bit particular in the way the signal levels are set and got so many questions about how to connect it to the JVM that ended making a tutorial for it... Other than that, quite a nice unit. I did try the Mk2 at some point but I didn't find any substantial difference worth the upgrade to be honest.
Leon great review as always and you make it sing like a bird. But I've got one of these and I don't really get on with it. I find it a bit un-intuitive for some reason, and I don't like that -6db it runs at (to leave headroom for solo boost). The compressor isn't all that, nor is the flanger. Even your good self only managed a phasey/chorusey kind of flange this time! I much prefer the Boss rack stuff I have for both ease of use and sounds. Maybe I should really try a bit harder with it...
Hi, use the compressor with very low Threshold (-33dB) and 4.0:1 ratio (or 5.6:1). This settings make it shine on cleans. Maybe You could like the detune at +9c and -9c to play some 80s
Mine sounded great, back in 2009. But I was seriously bumped by the large gaps when switching presets and its limited use with parallel fx loops (requires an additional mixer).
That detune--and the Lexicon and Boss varieties too--is the reason I just can't use that effect on the intellifex...it sounds like a joke by comparison! This is just so tight, spectral, wide....it's not an H3000 but when I kick on the MPX1 detune or the G-Force, it almost just feels "good enough", like who needs an 8K TV when 4K already looks so good, you know? ;)
What's that 4:57 riff with delay? Have had it stuck in my head a couple of days now! Im looking for a G Major as well for my 80's rack that I'm building, SO MUCH FUN!
Well, as a dane i bought all of them. Quite good, especially the G-system that unfortunately was haunted by 'TC´s lack of money, will or brains to make a proper computer editor. And then we discovered Fractal.
I had 2 of the original gmajors and they both suffered from the same problem: they would randomly freeze in the middle of playing and would cut my sound out.. had to get rid of them
I bought an original GM back in the mid 90's. I liked the sounds I could get out of it, but I thought it was hard to figure out everything. About 10 years ago, it started having a problem. When it warms-up after playing with it for awhile, the panel goes blank and there is no sound coming out of it. The lights are still lit, so it's got power. It just sits in my small rack unit, but I don't use it anymore. I use a Katana head with some pedals now. The thing I don't have right now is a decent reverb. Katana reverbs are not that good. I'm looking at a Neunaber Immerse MkII, but the pricetag has got my nuts in a vice. 😣
Hair on point, as always.. You should add "Hair Maintenance Routines" to your intro repertoire. 🤣 Quick question....What guitar wall hanging system are you using back there?
Leon, I really enjoy all your videos. So informative and well done. This TC unit was surprisingly meh……. so far nothing has come close to the Roland DEP5 you demonstrated. That one altered my course for guitar sounds. 😊
The G Major sounded fantastic. I paired it with a Triaxis rig back in the day… BUT, both of the ones I owned, started blinking out…screen freezing… Led to some pretty embarrassing and stressful gig moments. I used to send them off to TC. They’d come back. Within a month, they’d start doing the same thing. I had to dump them.
Great video. My biggest problem with the G Major 2 is, I believe, attributed to the JMP-1. The JMP sends effects loop signal in a mix construct. What I mean by this is that you set the JMP to send “6” (50% dry and 50% whatever is in loop) or “12” (100% of amp output will be effects loop). JMP-1 is then sent to my Marshall 9100 power amps (L and R) The end state is my pitch, tremolo etc sound watered down instead of big mod sounds. Anyone know a fix for this? I want grown up sounds lol
Hey Leon! Do you happen to know if it is possible to have presets on the G Major2 with different output levels? Like say you're using one preset as a blank for a rhythm tone, and then swap to another for a bit more output for a volume/output boost (along with any effects added on the preset, naturally). I have a Lexicon MX200 and It only allows for the output (even though it's marked as 'input' on the rack lol) to be kept at the same setting across all presets, since it's it's own dedicated knob that's not saved how it is individually tweaked per preset (as far as I know)
Hi Leon, It's been a long time since you made that video, however, do you remember if you connected it in series or in parallel using kill dry "on" with your amp loop?, Thanks.
Nice one Leon at last your demoing this unit. I have this so many thanks, but can you demo it through a pre-amp and power amp ie Triaxis and Mesa power amp witch I know you own. Was this demo through you Axe?
What I had an issue with my Budda sd18 is it would switch channels, but every time you switched the presets it went back to to clean channel. So when I switch presets I have to switch channel as well.
have both versions, mk 2 is better build for sure but i have no problems with mk 1 also, very high end affordable soundquality imo but really check those units before you buy them used, the mk 1 switching wheel is most likely faulty..cheers 🎸
@@LeonTodd you can replace it with a more quality one, a lot on ebay for this unit but its a bit tricky to do that, i think its worth it or just get mkII, thanks for your unique gear stuff here leon, greetings from germany 🤟
a-hole question (lazy) - what was the signal flow as I see a hiZ input on gmajor and I am wanting to use gtr to DAW then gmaj on fx loop? Also, gmaj vs gforce as price diff is x3 -> can afford either but what are your thoughts? big thanks. p.s. you ever play paddo or Northbridge?
@@LeonTodd damn..not sure if this or a DigiTech quad 4 v2? Seen both your videos and still can’t decide! If anything, I’d like it to do slap back delay for some rockabilly stuff here and there
I have the G-System, that is similar. The TC effects ages well because they are "studio like", not cartoonish as most pedals nowadays. They are clear and preserve the guitar tone. Is easy to get that 80's "rack sound" of these units.
Used both versions over the years and I have a soft spot for them. I think they should issue a version of the Plethora pedal as a rackmount under the G-Major line.
Ooooh yeah!
That could be a Game Changer for the TC Product line. with 2 Loops for 4 Cabling would give it pretty much everything TC has to currently offer for guitarists in one package.
They do need better, global kill dry options for the plethora though.
A rack unit in the Plethora with some legacy sounds from the G-Major/System/Nova would make say, “take my money please”
This guy is an amazing guitar player
An a cool human being!
I had one back in the day to slim down the Intellifex + MultiValve setup I had. It was very solid. Nothing mind-blowing compared to the heavy hitter rack units out there, but it could deliver good tones in one box with an easy to understand UI. It didn't really have the encoder issue the GM1 had, either, so that was a plus. The biggest issue was it would sometimes glitch out and behave strangely where I'd have to reset the unit. It happened enough times to where I eventually sold it off. Really wish TC would re-visit these things again because it's an amazing unit for the price.
I love mine. Still sounding great in 2023! (edit) While the G-Major 2 sits in my Amp's FX Loop, I use a Line6 M5 in front of the amp for any single effect I want there. Both controlled simultaneously with a MIDI pedal.
Does this GMaj2 have the gain effects or is he adding the gain?
@@LukasDozer The TC Electronic G Major 2 has no gain effects. It is focused on effects for your amp's effects loop with effects coming after your amp's gain.
mediadl.musictribe.com/download/software/tcelectronic/tc_electronic_g-major_2_manual_english.pdf
@@LukasDozer No gain effects. It is meant to sit in the effects loop of your amp.
@@Crunch104Thank you! Yeah I am still learning all of this from you guys, thanks for the reply. 🤘
-Cheers
@@LukasDozer You're welcome. Hope your guitar progression goes well and brings you many years of enjoyment! 🤘🤘
This is really cool. I haven't seen too many outboards these days, as it's all gone in-the-box digital, but I still use them in my studio (reel-to-reel for for final mixes) and these outboard breakdowns are super useful, informative and cool. And one can get these used for pretty good prices. Nicely done on all of them. Cheers!
This was an outstanding video of the G-Major 2! I am a happy owner now for 6-7 years and I love it. Although I have to shamefully admit that I only take advantage of a fraction of its full capabilities (solo boosts w/ effects.) Thanks for your hard work in your many gear-related videos. All the best Leon!!
I used the GM’s for years with my rigs and absolutely loved them. They just work.
Also a lot of love for the Digitech GSP1101 as that had many options to move fx post or pre.
I have one in the loop of my POD Pro, love the TC sound. I had a Mk1 15 years ago and I loved it too.
I like the parallel routing very much and it's relatively cheap. Good gear !
I miss a tap tempo switch on the front panel but... anyway...
Im still using this since 2008. Still love it. Leon you made very good sound with GMAJOR 2
Do you use in serial or parallel loop? Any levels problem?
@@fabiol.9161 Im using in parallel because Im using old mesa boogie DR with parallel loop but never had a problem with the levels. Sounds very clear..
Thank you so much for this wonderful demo. My (guitarist) brother have been using a TC G-Major for more than 15 years now and he still discovering new way to use it. He was very please with the pitch Detune effect with a copious amount of Distortion from an Empress Heavy pedal. Cheers from Canada Leon !
My pleasure!
Wow! When you added the d tune and played the Ozzy/Wilde riff, it sounded really good.
that was my favorite part of the video as well :) TC detune is slept on if you ask me!
Man, I can't get tired of heaven above riff!!! It really speaks to me!!!!
❤️
Is that the riff around 4:55? What band is that? It sounds familiar but I can't place it. Killer riff 🤘
Oh shit, it's Ragdoll 🤣 oops! My bad! 🤘 Such a killer riff holy moly!
@@majesticpbjcat7707 hi! have you found the song name?
Heaven Above by Rag Doll
@@Adrian-uw2ik
Just found your youtube channel and man what a absolute treasure. Growing up in the 80s Ive always loved that guitar sound and you absolutely nail that🤘🏼😎
Welcome aboard! Rack gear is a passion so I'm happy to share.
My man, this is exactly the video I needed.
I used G-major1 for years until switched to Fractals. Had G-major 2 for a while in my stage rack too. Now I’m really regretting for selling it 😁 Nice video as always!
Finally!!! Im going to work can't watch right now. But I will and come back here to comment. Love your videos.
brian may uses two of these in his current live rig
The dynamic delay is what makes this unit so good! 🔥🔥 my dad has used one for over 10 years in his guitar rig with a midi mate. Hes made some absolutely epic tones. The dynamic delay is what sets it apart for me. Being able to switch from a tight rhythm tone to a great lead tone with golden echos all in the same fx setting is incredible. Lets you play all over more expressively without worring about jumping back and forth between presets.
Great video Leon!
Do you know what he's using for the distortion?
Thanks
In my effects loop I have the older version, in stereo the TCE G-Major chained with my Eventide MicroPitch. I use the G-Major dual delay set at 385/770 1/4tap and with the MicroPitch. It sounds HUGE in my studio coming alive -- I feel like my king of rock guitar EVH!
Damn. Haven't touched my GM2 for 9 months, since I moved to Kemper, and for the past week I'we been meaning to put it up for sale. Now, you are having me second guessing my self 🤣 I've been using it since 2015 with my tube amp as the brain of the rig and I agree with your points. Reverb is not so great and having compressor in fx loop was a bit annoying.
All in all, a good unit :)
I own the GM1 and 2. The GM1 sounds a little better to my ears (more natural), but is missing some if the GM2 fx like the univibe. I fixed the encoders on one of my GM1's by pulling it apart and spraying the encoders with electrical contact cleaner, it works perfect now :) Great units the only prob is no analoge dry thru :( and the verbs are def better on say a lexicon
I picked up one of these last summer for $200 US, and for that price I think it’s pretty hard to beat. I run it stereo with Mark Series Combos, IV and V, using the FX loops. I got it primarily for pitch, chorus, and delay which I think all sound really great. The pitch block still sounds excellent in the loops imo, but do agree the reverbs are surprisingly lacking (I run a Source Audio Ventris after it, and that sounds fantastic). For live “work,” I think it’s a great choice. Yes, there are many other rack units out there that definitely sound better, but in a live situation the differences aren’t significant enough to warrant the massive uptick in price. I feel like Lexicons (especially vintage PCMs), Eventides etc are really studio tools. The G Major is a great tool kit, made specifically for guitarists, and has a convenience/ease of use that’s crucial to be a practical gigging tool. Anyway, great demo! Love your content, keep doing what you do :)
Relay switching is a nice feature add on the G Major as well
I have and still use an original G-Major. I bought it right after it was available. The knobs are a pita, I agree, and the display looses rows of pixels. But the sounds are okay to pair them with my H9 and DD-500 sometimes. I am contemplating to get the G-Major first in the chain and only use the bread and butter stuff it has for things I want anyway: Noisegate, Compressor, Tuner. The EQ is a pain to set up with these wonky knobs, so I will keep using my Boss GE-7 as the first thing (I use it as EQ and boost). Thanks for showing the G-Major 2 - now I know that I not necessarily will replace my old G-Major with that when it gives up.
This was very helpful for me. I must have watched 100 times. Thanks so much
You're very welcome!
I have one of these as well. It's in the FX loop of my Laney L5 Studio. One thing that you didn't get into is the modulation routing which is quite powerful. I think you can modify up to 4 things at one time with an expression pedal input. So for example I can fade in reverse delay, turn up modulation feedback, turn up delay feedback all with one cheap expression pedal. I set up a separate pedal sending MIDI so I can jam the delay feedback all the way up for dub sounds. I had a GMajor for awhile but its encoder knobs were messed up. I should have known better, I'd had one before and it did as well. I actually went so far as to replace the encoders with some I had laying around, and it worked for awhile but that wasn't all that reliable either. That one went into the trash I'm sorry to say. There are some MIDI editors out there but none of them seem to work. There's also Sound Quest but it costs about as much as the device itself so I haven't bothered. It's not that hard to edit it.
Hi, Thanks @Leon Todd for another great video. I own GM2 and I love it. I have FCB1010 to control - it works great, and recently I bought GMinor MIDI controller - which unfortunately has some issues to work with GM2. I would be more happy to se GM3 with USB connection & some software just modern approach to configure effects.
I use this processor in post production. I process guitars with this processor. The coolest result can be obtained if you include the TC processor in mixer or audio card. The sound in the amplifier loop loses a lot.
The GM2 has been in my main gig rig for around 8 years now, combined with a Marshall JMP-1. It's a great unit that I don't use to its full potential. I use it for reverb, chorus, noise gate and a solo boost via the global output level and an expression pedal via midi.
I also have the GM1 in the fx loop of a Hughes And Kettner Tubemeister 18, but it's not impressive in that role. Adds a weird flanger effect to everything, even when bypassed. Not sure if its the GM1 playing up or the Tubemeiser, but it all seems happy when I remove the GM1 and use pedals in the loop.
Parallel loops will cause phase issues if you can't set the effects 100% wet
@@LeonTodd I'm using it in serial mode, so I can use the noise gate.
I love these because they sound good, rather inexpensive, and I can switch amp channels with the internal relay. Makes for a compact and flexible rig. Downside is that they are flimsy as hell, I've had to change encoders a couple of times.
Hi ! First thanks for this one always a pleasure to rediscover what used to be pretty good sounding gears back in the days ! Also i was not able to remember that riff you play at 5:00 could you please remind me :) thanks a lot !
I WANNA KNOW TOOOOO!!!!!
I use the modulated delay gmajor 2 aka echoplex in my effects loop.💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥
One cool feature is that the G maj 2 has a software running under Windows... so you can edit, presets save it and so on.
Wait....can you tell me about this software? Vyzor doesn't work anymore so I'm curious
TC has some cool stuff. I used to own a Nova System. Really liked it. But they could update it. More gain in the distortion side and the possibility to use IRs.
I use a Rocktron All Acces and it work fine.
I owned this multi effects, good sound but some models had untimely reboot problems and problems with electrical connection sheets, so be careful when buying second-hand. Before having Fractal I used a PSA1 + G major2 + Torpedo CAB all controlled in MIDI with an FCB1010
When the G Major came out I just had to have it. Every other rack FX changed the sound of my amp. They colour the tone and soften certain frequencies. I bought the G Major for my Carvin Bellair combo and it was utterly transparent. If they say their FX unit is 'Pristine' then this is what you truly get.
Many yrs later yes there are fancier effects on certain units like Lexicon, Eventide which cost 4 times the price however nobody has beaten the G Major for beautiful reverbs, delays and the stuff you need the most. If you spend time with the G Major you can get A Class sounds just using the Matrix and blending.
The Belair were cool amps. Still got it?
@@LeonTodd Yes but it needs repairs. The tubes soldering to the card has gotten a little burned up. The soldering needs redoing but the problem is the heat from the tubes has nowhere to go but heat up the circuit board. It was an oversight I think. I need to keep the tubes as far away from where they are mounted and for this i need to buy some parts to dissipate most of the heat. It's a quite lengthy job but worth it. I love the cleans on it and I set the rear acoustic resonance to 3/4 full. This gives me a very sparkling sound but nothing of a hint of ear piercing like a Fender or a Marshall does. It's a perfect amp to me and warm and lovely.
Thank you i have this unit and your video made me realize that i haven't exploit the full potential of the thing!
My pleasure!
This thing sounds great!!
Sounds great, especially the chorus. I have to say I prefer my Lexicon MPX G2-- owner bias admitted-- not least because of the 4-cable option and the reverbs. But I wouldn't turn this one down.
I'm right there with you!
I’ve had mine for several years (bought new & still use it). I like everything on it, but I’ve never been able to dial in a nice reverb. I usually run a faint short delay instead for ambience. I actually prefer the pitch shift over the chorus for that detune tone….seems “slicker” to me…
Yeah the pitch detune on this goes alright!
You really can't go wrong with TC gear. Maybe down the road a look at the G-System, I was looking at it before my AxeFX3.
The G Major 2 seems like a very cool rack multi-effects unit. Love that it can route in series or parallel! One can save a lot of cash seeking out some of the older units rather than trying to chase the newest devices on the market. I picked up a Boss SE-70 Super Effects Processor for $120(Canadian). Just started diving into this 1/2 rack unit. So far I'm digging the delays, chorus variations, multiple harmonizers, and other time based effects. Curious if you've ever had a chance to check out the Boss SE-70 or SE-50. I'll search your channel to see. I'd like to know your thoughts etc. Thanks for showing us the TC Electronic G Major 2... and so many other multi-effects one can find at reasonable prices. Cheers!
I need to try an se70, it gets some rave reviews!
@@LeonTodd
Yes, I'd read some good reviews on the se70... And I know John Abercrombie used an se50 for a very long time; he really liked the chorus sounds he got from it.
6:57 wild wild wild, jajaja. God bless.
Leons true calling, to procure and save rack gear from extinction.
Thanks! I really like the Dynacord DRP 15, Excellent reverbs! No demos online so this is up for grabs :)
need to check that one out!
that cheeky snortin' whiskey through the flange, very very nice!
G Major 2 is my go-to unit for the things I most commonly use. I have a couple racks and they are in both of them. Pitch Detune Chorus Delays and some reverbs are the main effects I use. I use midi to switch my rigs, patch settings and also change volume levels for solos or other dynamic nuances and it does this very well. Compressor section is on with almost every preset I have created because it's post preamp like the old school Bradshaw Rigs were. I used this with an Alesis Quadraverb for several years to get other options like delays and choruses after reverbs. I think in the future I'm going to be pairing it with my MPX-1 or a PCM series unit I'll purchase in the future. For the Money I consider it a Winner for a lot of situations!!
I must be the only one that finds it Confusing to use.
@@ProjectNarrowboat I was confused at first but once I understood it became quite easy
I’ve got a rack mixer on the way to be able to mix it in at 100% wet. Between the mixer and the dual SDE-1000s it should be fun!
Dual SDE's - NICE
@@LeonTodd trying for some poor man’s EVH W/D/W with the GM2 and SDEs. We’ll see!
The G-System has the effects loop, but it never got a major firmware update, which means that it doesn't have the SER2 mode, if I remember that correctly.
I have the original g major and a Nova, love em both but they are hard to include in a modern all pedalboard rig
Thanks Leon. These video reviews are excellent. 🤘🏻😎👍
Stoked to hear you're enjoying them :)
Hey Leon, you should try the Digitech GSP1101 if you can get your hands on one, I'd love to see you review it too :) Legendary unit at this point, and I think it fixes some of the gripes you had with this one - the reverbs are definitely better, and it can be used in 4CM. Plus it can act as a backup (or main) preamp too, sounds very usable through a valve power amp + speakers...
Yeah, they have Lexicon reverb algorithms, as Lexicon and Digitech are (or were) both owned by Harmon. I have an RP1000, which is pretty much the floor-based version of the GSP1101, and the effects are all pretty good, even the distortions. But it’s a huge tone sucker, the wall wart is noisy, and it’s pretty much useless without a real amp/speaker. I bought it so I could have all my effects in one unit and run 4CM with my amp, but I ended up not liking it. But I’ve made great use of it for practicing at home, so it wasn’t a bad purchase.
@@kalebaldwin5398 I've been using the GSP with a valve amp (4cm) as well as on its own and never had issues with tone suck. Currently I have a valve preamp in the loop of GSP and I'm going straight out using IRs, it's quite decent too :)
@@Scorstin The RP1000 has the tone suck problem, not the GSP. And I should’ve clarified: it sounds better through a real cab or IRs, as the built in cab sims aren’t very useable.
Sold mine years ago when I went all pedals. Thanks to this video, I now have huge regrets about doing so 😭
I got the G Major mk 1 back in the middle 2000s, very cheap because it had a broken encoder (surprise!). I'm still using it today but it was really popular back in the day. It is a bit particular in the way the signal levels are set and got so many questions about how to connect it to the JVM that ended making a tutorial for it... Other than that, quite a nice unit.
I did try the Mk2 at some point but I didn't find any substantial difference worth the upgrade to be honest.
Leon great review as always and you make it sing like a bird. But I've got one of these and I don't really get on with it. I find it a bit un-intuitive for some reason, and I don't like that -6db it runs at (to leave headroom for solo boost). The compressor isn't all that, nor is the flanger. Even your good self only managed a phasey/chorusey kind of flange this time! I much prefer the Boss rack stuff I have for both ease of use and sounds. Maybe I should really try a bit harder with it...
Hi, use the compressor with very low Threshold (-33dB) and 4.0:1 ratio (or 5.6:1). This settings make it shine on cleans. Maybe You could like the detune at +9c and -9c to play some 80s
Man, you rip so hard! Love it. Love your band, too! Cheers
Every once in a while, I go looking for one. I initially wanted one not just for effects but to do the channel switching on the engl
If you want this I'm happy to move it on for what I paid for it. Flick me a message if so ;)
@@LeonTodd As tempting as it is, I have pretty much decided to part with the Engl to help finance an FM3. ;)
@@TheRealRichardBlack MY MAN!
This series of TCE stuff is so easy to use.
just acquired a same era strat! They are AWSM! :) Yours is FANTASTIC! :)
Enjoy!
Mine sounded great, back in 2009. But I was seriously bumped by the large gaps when switching presets and its limited use with parallel fx loops (requires an additional mixer).
That detune--and the Lexicon and Boss varieties too--is the reason I just can't use that effect on the intellifex...it sounds like a joke by comparison! This is just so tight, spectral, wide....it's not an H3000 but when I kick on the MPX1 detune or the G-Force, it almost just feels "good enough", like who needs an 8K TV when 4K already looks so good, you know? ;)
What's that 4:57 riff with delay? Have had it stuck in my head a couple of days now! Im looking for a G Major as well for my 80's rack that I'm building, SO MUCH FUN!
Thanks, that's a Ragdoll song called Heaven Above
21:40 volume swells are sweet.
What riff/tune is that @ 5:00? Sounds amazing!
Cheers. That's a Ragdoll song called Heaven Above
@@LeonTodd Thanks! Great gear videos man!
Put the GM2 in the effects loop of the 1988 Boss ME-5, and you've got my practice board.
Well, as a dane i bought all of them. Quite good, especially the G-system that unfortunately was haunted by 'TC´s lack of money, will or brains to make a proper computer editor. And then we discovered Fractal.
Yeah if the Axe-Fx was never invented I'd probably still be rocking a GM or an Eventide Eclipse live.
I own the g major 1, i love it!
I had 2 of the original gmajors and they both suffered from the same problem: they would randomly freeze in the middle of playing and would cut my sound out.. had to get rid of them
Hi Leon, thank you for this cool demo. How did you get the basic/dry sound?
I bought an original GM back in the mid 90's. I liked the sounds I could get out of it, but I thought it was hard to figure out everything. About 10 years ago, it started having a problem. When it warms-up after playing with it for awhile, the panel goes blank and there is no sound coming out of it. The lights are still lit, so it's got power. It just sits in my small rack unit, but I don't use it anymore. I use a Katana head with some pedals now. The thing I don't have right now is a decent reverb. Katana reverbs are not that good. I'm looking at a Neunaber Immerse MkII, but the pricetag has got my nuts in a vice. 😣
Try the Mooer R7! Some tasty verbs in there for very little
@@LeonTodd Thank you for the recommendation! I will definitely check it out.
Homero Ferreira
Hi Leon Todd.
Can you please advise how to configure LT on G.Major 2 display and activate volume bar, PPM, IN, OUT, MIX.
Thanks
I still use the G-System.
Hair on point, as always.. You should add "Hair Maintenance Routines" to your intro repertoire. 🤣 Quick question....What guitar wall hanging system are you using back there?
Leon, I really enjoy all your videos. So informative and well done. This TC unit was surprisingly meh……. so far nothing has come close to the Roland DEP5 you demonstrated. That one altered my course for guitar sounds. 😊
The DEP-5 has CHARACTER which so many multi-fx lack.
The G Major sounded fantastic. I paired it with a Triaxis rig back in the day… BUT, both of the ones I owned, started blinking out…screen freezing… Led to some pretty embarrassing and stressful gig moments. I used to send them off to TC. They’d come back. Within a month, they’d start doing the same thing. I had to dump them.
That's a bummer
was that the first version or the second version? (or both?)
Brilliant.great video/demonstration.....i'm new to your channel...what is the guitar tuned too? Thank you 🤘🎸☺️
The black PRS is in Drop C
How did you have the unit connected ? Was it in the loop of an amp ? How it's connected is a big deal with this unit
Hooked up to my Axe-Fx III in stereo. The time based effects section is all post preamp and the filters/comps are pre gain.
Great video. My biggest problem with the G Major 2 is, I believe, attributed to the JMP-1. The JMP sends effects loop signal in a mix construct. What I mean by this is that you set the JMP to send “6” (50% dry and 50% whatever is in loop) or “12” (100% of amp output will be effects loop).
JMP-1 is then sent to my Marshall 9100 power amps (L and R)
The end state is my pitch, tremolo etc sound watered down instead of big mod sounds.
Anyone know a fix for this? I want grown up sounds lol
Hey Leon! Do you happen to know if it is possible to have presets on the G Major2 with different output levels? Like say you're using one preset as a blank for a rhythm tone, and then swap to another for a bit more output for a volume/output boost (along with any effects added on the preset, naturally). I have a Lexicon MX200 and It only allows for the output (even though it's marked as 'input' on the rack lol) to be kept at the same setting across all presets, since it's it's own dedicated knob that's not saved how it is individually tweaked per preset (as far as I know)
Thanks 4 the vid! I recently got one, do you thinks it's is that good as Line 6 dl4 or flashback delay, delay wise?
I love my Gmajor 2. Any idea how to sync it with cubase? Great playing!
What about tc electronic D-Two? Can You do some movie? I just bought one for my rack, and can not wait when unit arrive ;-)
I want to know how to connect this to synergy syn2 and then connect to the audio interface😜
If it's good enough for Alex Liefson It's good enough for me .. Another great video Leon
Absolutely
Hi Leon, It's been a long time since you made that video, however, do you remember if you connected it in series or in parallel using kill dry "on" with your amp loop?, Thanks.
Nice one Leon at last your demoing this unit. I have this so many thanks, but can you demo it through a pre-amp and power amp ie Triaxis and Mesa power amp witch I know you own. Was this demo through you Axe?
Yeah using the Boogie models on the Axe. Makes stereo a whole lot easier as I don't have space for 2 physical cabs here.
What I had an issue with my Budda sd18 is it would switch channels, but every time you switched the presets it went back to to clean channel. So when I switch presets I have to switch channel as well.
There's a direct correlation between any given settings worth and how long you stay there.
Accurate
have both versions, mk 2 is better build for sure but i have no problems with mk 1 also, very high end affordable soundquality imo but really check those units before you buy them used, the mk 1 switching wheel is most likely faulty..cheers 🎸
Yeah the switching wheel on my mk1 went bad
@@LeonTodd you can replace it with a more quality one, a lot on ebay for this unit but its a bit tricky to do that, i think its worth it or just get mkII, thanks for your unique gear stuff here leon, greetings from germany 🤟
@@LeonTodd I fixed the encoders on one of my GM1's by pulling it apart and spraying the encoders with electrical contact cleaner
Leon, have you tried the Ensoniq DP4? I recall it was a quite nice effects processor back in the 90s. My guitar buddy had one in his rack.
Almost! I bought one last year and it arrived busted. Super bummed
Probably from Busta Rhymes.
Had the G Major 2. Ribbon cable was often problematic. Wound up throwing it in the garbage.
can you teach how to set the G major
Same here on my original G-Major - the encoder on mine died very quickly. :( Never really trusted TC since.
Yeah it's a shame
I have a g major 2 and I like it but the cable for the screen comes loose on occasion and makes it freeze up
Soldering each wire solves the problem. Slow work to do but worth!
So would you connect this in the fx loop of an ada mp1 for instance or just like after the preamp , before digital conversion.
Either/or
is GMajor 2 able to get into Eventide Blackhole reverb territory?
a-hole question (lazy) - what was the signal flow as I see a hiZ input on gmajor and I am wanting to use gtr to DAW then gmaj on fx loop? Also, gmaj vs gforce as price diff is x3 -> can afford either but what are your thoughts? big thanks. p.s. you ever play paddo or Northbridge?
see if you can get your hands on a TC Electronic M5000
Can someone Tell me if you Can gradually change tempo/speed of delay/tremolo types effects with the expression pedal of a midi the controller.
Could I just plug this into a vintage fender bassman with an overdrive pedal?
I don't see why not
@@LeonTodd damn..not sure if this or a DigiTech quad 4 v2? Seen both your videos and still can’t decide! If anything, I’d like it to do slap back delay for some rockabilly stuff here and there