DigiTech GSP-7

This is an updated review and a parting one at that (I just sold my GSP-7 off in a trade-in), but 7 years and a half years later made me look quite differently at this unit.

Again, this unit is actually pretty straight forward to use if you've ever worked with rack gear. Unlike in late 2000 when I did my earlier review, Digitech now has the manual for download on its ftp site: ftp://ftp.digitech.com//pub/PDFs/Discontinued/Manuals

If you've never dealt with (older) rack gear and are used to more modern interfaces, you might have a bit of a learning curve to adjust to.

Time has taken a major toll on my opinion of this unit. In 2000 most of my musical endeavors were sequenced and effect laden, and quite honestly it's pretty hard to listen to tonewise in hindsight. Only a few years later did I strip my sound back to basics and concentrate on tonality - I did away with all of the effects units (including the GSP-7 - which sat dormant until now) and took a more simplistic approach to tones.

Fast forward to 2008 and I was now looking for a subtle chorus effect to add to my clean tone and figured why not dig up the GSP-7? This unit has not aged well at all - and probably wasn't even that "wonderful" seven and a half years ago either.

Almost every patch on this unit sounds extremely thin, cold, and very digital. Even with compression on the patches the factory patches are all at varying levels and there's a noticeable delay when switching between patches. I'd be willing to bet it would take hours to go in and tweak all the factory patches to at least have some semblance of similar levels between them, much less match to when the unit is bypassed.

Rereading my old review, I'm finding it humorous that the one gripe I had with it was with the distortions - which is about the only passable effect I like about it in 2008. Again, if you're looking for good chorus or reverb when you see this unit being sold cheaply, you'd be better off buying one of those Zoom or Line6 plastic multi-FX units.

Nine or ten years ago I bought this unit, it still fired up, *and* had all of my old patches stored in it. I can't fault Digitech's build quality.

I've never dealt with Digitech, but I'm glad to see that they've got their act together with user manuals for discontinued products.

Honestly, the reason I'm doing a second review is to warn potential buyers about this unit. I'm sure it might be tempting to pick one of these up cheaply - as when I traded mine in I was quoted a book value (and this was even from 2003, no less) of $25-$40(!) - but *please* if possible, give it a test run first.

It may or may not suit your needs, but I'm willing to bet that with newer, better sounding, cheap multi-FX units out there today, there's probably a better unit that will more likely please your ears far more than the GSP-7. If you're a fan of very retro sounding digital chorus/delay/reverb, then this might be a cheap way to achieve them, but otherwise try some other more modern multi-FX units in the same price range - you'll thank yourself later.

Once you get used to the interface (which goes for any multi-effects rack) it is very easy to manipulate the affects and get the tones you want

I have no complaints about how any of the effects in this unit sound, very flexable. I have owned 3 of these over the years. I keep selling them and then regreting it and getting another. In fact I am about to purchace my 4th soon. Usally I run this unit through Peavey stereo Scorpion loaded cabinets and/or combos (stereo chorus 212/classic chorus 212, great amps and cab BTW) with solid state power. Another reviewer complained of lag when using the factory foot switch, which is true, but if you use a mini controller that problem disappears.

The only problem I have ever had was that I needed to replace the internal bettery for saving the user defined patches. I have only had to do this with 1 of 3 I have owned over the course of 15 years. This unit is a work horse.

I have never had to contact customer service...

I play everything from screaming death metal to 12 bar blues and everything in between, and this unit does it all for me. I would and do recomend this unit to any guitarist regardless of what type of music they play.

I've had mine for 14 years with no issues. It is a bit complicated to manipulate some of the parameters, but it's so flexible it makes it worthwhile. I've not done any upgrades. The unit was so new when I bought it, the manual was photocopied.

I have a American Standard tele playing through a Vox 50 watt tube amp. The affects sound good if you know how to adjust all of the output features. Like any multi-effects device this will vary with your setup and configuration.

Always dependable. I have used it in gigs and I have no backup, besides for running straight to the amp. It even weathered a lightning storm that took out an amp I ran into a 4x10 stack.

Never needed support.

I play all kinds: metal, alternative, folk, country, classic rock, punk, etc. I've been playing for 20 years. When I bought this it was a new product and top of the line. I've not tried other multi-effects units since, so I cannot related whether the technology has greatly improved. There may be new units that are more accurate a tube amp modeling.

I love the flexibility of the product and how many different configurations of effects you can store. My only complaint is that the stock footpedal (3 button) does not quickly switch between stored sounds. There is a brief delay which causes me to have to adjust how I make effects transitions in songs. It does have quick response on disabling or enabling a particular effect within a given patch.

Once you figure out how to navigate using the Digitech front panel it's easy. I prefer knobs to adjust parameters but this unit simply has too many adjustable parameters for that to be practical.

I use this unit as a studio effects processor. I usually play a stock 91 Fender Tele into it. The signal then goes straight into my sound card on my computer. The only real noise issue I suffer are my single coil pickups in front of a computer monitor. I often have to turn off my monitor while I record but that is not the fault of the GSP-7.
If you are looking to get the "Heavy Sustain" sound that were big in the 80's and 90's you can't miss with this unit. The sounds it has are great but they are very "digital" sounding. The tube amp distortion sound doesn?t sound at all like a tube amp. The digital delay is amazing with it's multi tap ability. The Chorus and Flanger are nice and clean. It's also possible to get a very believable Lesley or Vibrato type sound.

My unit has been very reliable. The only trouble I have with it is that I have to fiddle with the output knob to get the left channel to come in sometimes. But in a studio setting that's not much trouble. If I wanted to gig with it I would replace the pot and not worry one bit about needing a backup.

I have never needed to use them.

I play mainly techno and loop based music. The unit helps me get the super heavy distortion and ambient echo sound I need.
I have been playing for 20 years. I also use some old MXR stomp boxes but most of my "gear" is computer based anymore.
If this unit were stolen or lost I think I would most likely get and GSP-21 to replace it. I think it has a bit more flexibility.
I bought this unit used in 92 because it was cheap and had lot's of features for the money. Remember this was in 92. There are many units out there today that could put this one to shame for the same money. This is because technology has gotten batter and cheaper. However, what units like the GSP-7 allows us to do is grab up a time capsule of 1990 guitar sounds. That's what I mainly use this unit for.

I have had this unit since I purchased it new. It takes a bit of work to set it up properly, but you don't need a PHd to figure it out!

Currently, I am using this unit with a Fender Strat and a Charvel CS-290 with Dimarzio Super Distortion pickups. I didn't notice a lot of noise from the unit, but I always use the noise gate. It seems to be a bit noisier with the Charvel than the strat, but I think it's more the gain from the Pickups than anything else.
I absolutely love the delays and the chorus/flangers. The distortions aren't too bad, but sound rather thin and lack that 'magic'! Running this unit in stereo to my Peavey Supreme 160 and Roland amps is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! The only beef I have with this is with regard to the reverb - I only like a very minimal amount, which seems to be difficult to set on this unit. The lowest setting seems to be still too much, but I have to say the reverb sounds really, really good.
I kinda go for my own sound, and stay away from trying to sound like anybody else, so I don't expect this box to make me sound like Van Halen. I am sure you could get a close match though, if you wanted to.

This unit has seen it all with me! I have gigged out and NEVER had a problem with it. The lithium battery is original, which says something in itself (unit is about 10 years old!).
Definately use this unit live for a long time to come. It really rocks!

Can't really say, I have never had to get in touch with them regarding this unit......

For rock, fusion, blues, country.....this unit is top notch. I use it along with a Yamaha SPX90 and an analog echo unit (which I very seldom use). I think if anything happened to it, I'd probably upgrade to another Digitech unit - the company get me through a lot of shows with this one.....
The only thing it doesn't have is a wah, which I do use a lot (I have a Boss T-Wah as well). The only other thing that I don't like about it is the delay when switching programs. This gets really annoying when playing live! If this machine came with tubes (like the 'twin tube' did), I bet the distortions would be much improved as well.
I have used it a lot in recording and live situations and it did really well in both atmospheres. Two thumbs up.

Pretty intuitive interface. I didn't have the manual as it was covered in cat pee. Editing is easy with up and down arrows. It took
a bit to figure out the saving part. renaming is a labor. The compare button is a nice feature

I use it with all sorts of things. even for bass sometimes. I've run it through an ampeg 4 x 12 setup, a fender twin and bassman, and through a Kustom 100W.
it really amplifies the hum from my dual single coil guitar. but the gate can take care of most of it. i think it's a 70/30 split on good and bad settings, respectively. But you can really edit to your hearts content. it's annoying that some effects are really quiet and others are squealing loud. right now its used direct into my four-track.
the presets are a good starting point for the sounds im looking for.
i usually reach for my MXR distortion+ if i just want straight dist. though. there is an overabundance of trippy spaced out stuff, which isn't all bad.

it always works like a champ. its been jostled about in transit a bunch.

digitech was nice enough to have the manual online. i just downloaded it.

i play a range of music. right now i mainly use it for four-tracking. it's nice because you can pretty much plug anything (guitar, bass, mic, drum machine)into it and find a good sound.

Fairly easy to use, if you're familiar with other multi-effects units. For first-time users this thing could be quite frustrating! The manual is useless. I own a DigiTech GSP 5, and I think the GSP 5 is superior in almost every way.

Used a Fender strat with SD hotrails in the bridge into GSP 7 into MArshall stereo rack mount amp into ADA cabs. SOunds were disappointing compared to my GSP 5. The GSP 5 is just so much clearer, with more balls. Maybe if you hooked up a BBE to the GSP 7, it would start to sound like a GSP 5. The compression effect is weak.

Had it for a couple of months. Worked fine. Would trust it without a backup.

I play classic rock and blues. It would probably work for that if hadn't used a GSP 5 first (I wouldn;t know any better).

Very easy to use. Presets are good, and very easy to edit and save.You can even just change the name of the factory presets(I named one after my son - he loved that)

very good sound. clear, not much noise, and most sounds employ a decent gate.
The Ultimate Reverb is very special. It gives you contriol over a dozen reverb parameters. I've never seen a more controlable reverb- almost too mant options!!

I've had it for about 14 years. Rock solid. Its even dropped from the top of my amp to the floor with no problems.
However its a rack mount unit, and doesn't lend itself very well to gigging - its really for home/studio work.
For gigging, I'd recommend a POD 2.

Never contacted them

Very useful, and some unique sounds.
I play classic rock and blues, and get the right sounds out of this.
These are cheap to buy, and I'd recommend it highly.

A- very easy
B- Very easy
C- Never needed it.
D- no.. good question.. ill look into that.

A- Gibson Explorer E2 - W/two EMG pickups.
B- Not noisy, if it is, its my fault.
C- Effects are always great.
D- Used to use it with a vintage marshall stack.
E- never tried.
F- all effects are pleasing to me.

A- yes, had it for 10 years
B- Yes.

A- never dealt with them. never had to.
B- No.

A- Speed metal, Blues, Classical etc..
B- 15 years, Used to own a gaggle of stuff. sold it of like an idiot.
C- I would buy the same or modern equivilent.
D- Ease of use, solid sound.. Hate: lage between presets.. Fav: all.
E- that was 10 years ago man! i dont remember.
F- Tits.
E- Helps drasticly.
F- Hi!

Pretty easy to understand. It really helps if you have the manual. it explains alot and is very clear. You have to realise that most manuals are written in chinese and then converted to english by someone that can barely even speak american. is it that much cheaper to produce a manual that DOESNT MAKE SENSE AT ALL?
ayways, it easy to change the patches. I will admit that it will take sometime to get some of the sounds you really desire. you just have to fiddle with it till your happy.

Sound quality is ok. some of the presets are a little quiet, but it's easy to fix. It'n not very noisy if you use humbuckers, but when I plug in my Fender Lead2, it will hum the night away. The filter that mutes these hums seems a little wierd at times. If you have the distortion up high and roll you volume down a bit on your axe, it will auto-mute some of the more quieter notes. I use full advatage of the stereo outputs and play thru a madison 4123 slant half stack and a no namer half stack that I put Celestion V-30's into. some of the really wide stereo effects(ie: rolling halls setting) really shine when you run your rig stereo.
I can get most of the sounds I want out of this rack but it's lacking in the distortion part. there simply isnt enough gain. which means hardly any feedback sustain. sucks dont it?

I hope it dont break! it's pretty solid, but could easily break if dropped.

digitech rocks for customer support. they dont bullshit you at all and will gladly talk about most everything

A+. this little baby is very UNDER_RATED! it's a jem of a piece of equipment. you could'nt ask for anything more.
by the way, IF ANYONE HAS ANY UNIQUE PATCHES THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE EMAIL ME @ COLLINFM@INTERL.NET
i'M LOOKING FOR SOME GOOD METAL TYPE SETTINGS, CANT SEEM TO FIND ANY?