Line 6 GuitarPort

Very easy to use,just plug in,install and download drivers,takes a bit of tweaking in sound options on your DAW to get it working but definitely very simple and user friendly

Clean sounds are amazing
Rythm Distortion is very good but takes a lot of tweaking
Lead Tones are very very dodgy,takes ages to find the right sound

Very reliable product but Line6 aren't very reliable to buy products from

Their site is good but misses a lot of the small details such as how it would be better to buy their higher up models and get all the add-on packs preloaded

"Thank you for buying a guitarport now please spend another 100 euro buying model add-on packs we were to scabby to include with your purchase.......oh and don't forget to pay your monthly fee to USE the guitarport online software,yes we like to inform all our customers of the small print before they buy our products"

This would have been a much better slogan to have put on the front of the box,least then I would have known what I was in for

Don't get me wrong its a good product but the whole online thing is Bulls**t!!!!!!!!
the money grabbing bosses should be taken out into a field and bet with a stick,
Your better off buying one of the toneports or the pedalboards,don't buy into the lies that the front of the box feeds,I'd return it but its passed its return period

Install the software, plug the thing in and you are away!
If you have problems with this, then get geek squad to install your printer!

Firstly, choose your amps carefully! Not really being a gear head I found the array of options both bewildering and confusing! However, after searching through the (free) user/Line 6 tones on-line (and finding out what my favourite guitarists used on-stage) I began to find my favourite amps. But that aint all! There is also a wide variety of cabinets and 4 microphone settings to play around with (before you even look at the effects) which all do exactly what you'd expect.
Minus points, they can't make a bad guitar sound good. Also though you have to remember that pickups do exactly that (they 'pick up') so it's a good idea to get your guitar as far away from the computer monitor as possible (even on a laptop TFT), oh, and make sure your guitar is adequately earthed too!

It's not broke yet, and all the cables are standard size so you can replace them cheaply too!

Line 6 Monkey - well named as whenever I need to update the GuitarPort/GearBox software the Monkey will install a new copy of itself to Windows ALONGSIDE all the others (every few updates I have a big 'Download the latest version then uninstall eveything before reinstalling the latest drivers' party to stop my 'uninstall software' menu being full of the bloody Line 6 Monkey!

I use this as a guitar practice/recording set-up and frankly can't see myself ever messing around with mic's, amplifiers and the need for silent recording environments again. What you might lose in 'genuine tone' can be more than fully offset with ease of recoring, being able to clean up/dirty the track with VST in your recording software and the fact that now there is a plugin, you don't even need to re-record if you suddenly decide that it would have sounded better through the '91 JCM 900.
Great!

I use this as a headphone amp and sounds pretty good thru phones. For practicing with rifftracker and subscription it really can't be beat.It is a little noisey. i have had had some problems upgrading software, But did get it fixed.

For a headphone practice amp sounds pretty good.

Held up

Online support is a joke a big waste. Live support is good as long as it is on California time. You can't email that easy with your problem.

As a headphone jam amp this is really fun.

I've got the GuitarPort straight out of the box. No subscription/updates, so I don't use it to it's full advantage. However, what I've heard I like. It's quite simple to install/open/change/edit/play.

The sound quality is terrific on some, and decent on others. No bad patches. I will say that there is a little his from time to time with certain settings. Even with the noise learner, or whatever it's called, it doesn't take all of it out. The clean channels are amazing, but the distortions need a little tweaking. But again, I'm sure there are cool downloads for it that I'm not aware of.

Sucks for acoustic... but then again, it wasn't made for that.

Very reliable... now. When I first got it, I had the same problems as a few other reviewers had. My computer just couldn't find the darn thing. After I reinstalled it once, it never happened again.

Come on... I'm an aspiring musician. I'll figure it out on my own. :)

I play comtemporary Christian music, and our sounds range from clean, slight distortion, to heavy distortion. It helps me with all of it. I use a free recording program and it picks up the guitarport since it's USB and I get to make rough copies fairly easy with decent sound. I'd recommend it to anyone who just wants to jam out and have fun. As far as recording, you'd have to REALLY get the setting right.

Play on a Parker Fly Classic, Yamaha Pacifica, Dillion Prototype, and Ibanez SA

If you can habdle Ipod with your computer,
you can also use this easily.

Most first-time buyer expect it's reviews in terms of it's reality.
It's like powdered milk comparing with real fresh milk.
Someone can say that powdered milk is not so bad compared with real milk, and someone can't.
I can say this is definately NO more than powdered milk cause i know the taste of real fresh milk.
Don't even expect real Mesa or Marshall.
But it's not really bad as a powdered milk.
If you have decent monitoring system rather than cheap computer desktop speaker,the sound can be huge improved.

No prooblem. seems to be matched well with other recording software or hardware.

I'm not using guitar port online.

Overall,this is nice product providing large field of usablity at low cost.
Amp modeler,Audio interface,effect at one time for the money.

The Gearbox software is easy to use and very intuitive. As a first-timer I had no problems doing exactly what I wanted to do. And for your downloadable songs from GuitarPort online it will switch to the proper patches on the fly, which is absolutely awesome. I have no major complaints about the Gearbox software. It's easy to set up whatever modelling you want, whichever effects and edit them with ease. Even calibration for hum-cancelling is a breeze.

The worst part about the GuitarPort is the poor management software and the way in which it is upgraded. By management software I am referring to Line 6 Monkey and not Gearbox. So here's the deal, you install the software off your CD. Then you need to start up Line 6 Monkey, which searches for updates while it's starting. It finds an update, downloads, forces you to quit Line 6 Monkey, installs the software, then automatically starts with the new version. It did this SIX TIMES. ONE patch, please!

Upon loading Line 6 Monkey I had to download and update everything individually - drivers, Gearbox software, GuitarPort firmware. It's good that it shows you there is an update available and what version you are at, but it's a little too much work when updating software should be a breeze at this point.

I have been using the GuitarPort with a Fender American Standard Strat and a BJ Rich Ironbird with DiMarzio X2N and Air Norton pickups.

I'm having a little trouble getting the exact metal tone I'm looking for, but I have found some really good tones that I've been using for a bit. There's a downloadable metal pack as well as a few others that give you a large amount of additional options and effects to play around with.

The sound is excellent. The software does a very good job of cancelling extra noise and you'll be surprised by just how quiet everything is except what you're actually playing. It's stunning, really. And if you aren't playing anything it's dead silent. I only had a problem with a lot of noise on the patch for "Sharp-Dressed Man" which was easily fixable by reducing the amount of drive and it still retained the gain I needed. Overall the software is very quiet even when using single coils. I was absolutely blown away by the patch for Cliffs of Dover. It's dead on, no joke. Sounds absolutely amazing.

I don't know yet. Considering it doesn't actually do anything except sit there on my desk, I hope I don't have any problems with it.

This is by far the best guitar-related purchase I have made. I am REPLACING a Marshall DSL401 combo with this since I really only need something to practice with at home. There are a plethora of different sound combinations you can get out of this. The software is really easy to use, and GuitarPort online is really good. Lots of great songs to choose from and learn how to play, as well as some originals, some jam tracks to help you with your playing, and a whole bunch of lessons as well, some from Line 6 staff and some from famous guitarists.

I can be cheap sometimes and I wish ALL you had to pay for was the GuitarPort itself, but if you want GuitarPro Online it's 80 dollars a year, and you will need RiffTracks software if you want to record, supposedly. I don't see what's stopping me from plugging the audio out of the GuitarPort to the line in on my sound card and just recording directly, though. I'll have to try it sometime with a freeware software recorder and hopefully avoid paying the 100 bucks for RiffTracks.

If you're on the fence about this product, just get it already. It's cheap and awesome.

I got ther version with the Riff Tracker software. Overall it is very intuitive to use and I have used it to record a few songs.

The guitarport does a really good job with high gain sounds. There are a few good clean sounds to be found with it too. I mainly got this with the intention of recording demos on the computer and it does a really good job of that. It is also really easy to record two tracks over each other (but using different pickups). After the volume levels are appropriately adjusted, the resulting sound sounds very close to professional level recordings. The instant drummer doesn't record sound as good on recordings. It doesn't have as much low end kick or high highs as I would like. But if you don't want the instant drummer in your recordings you can very easily turn it off.

I don't like the effects as much and tend to prefer stompboxes over them.

I have had no installation issues, and have not had any problems in the 6 months or so that I have owned it.

This is an excellent piece of gear if you want to get into home recording. I also have gotten additional instant drummer sessions for a larger variety of drum beats for the stuff I have recorded (you can listen to them online and get ones that fit the genre of music you play). The sessions that come with the Riff Tracker software tend to be somewhat limited in their usefullness.

Super easy to use. All the Morons who have trouble with this are just that ... Morons. Hey if you are one of the "computer challanged" then hey!! Dont buy an emulator that is designed only to be used on the computer. Go out and get yourself a nice rack and amp's and stick with waht you "can" do. Better keep the rack REAL simple though cause if working this was hard for you Id hate to see you work a rack of effects.

Does alot of sounds and does them pretty good. for 50.00 you cant go wrong for playing around.

Yuppers

seems ok so far

For the money and as a tool it's far undervalued and very capable.

The guitar port is very simple to use. The intalation was a snap and I was instantly pleased with my purchace. It sounds even better with the free upgrades. I have had the guitar port for about 2 years now and it keeps me playing.

The sound quality is great, especially with headphones.It may not sound exactly like a Marshall plexi or a fender deluxe reverb, but it is close enough. The effects are of a very high quality and the overall sound is very powerfull. I use the guitar port with a Gibson Les Paul standard and it sounds killer.

2 years and not a single problem yet and I use it often.

Don't know, havn't needed it.

I would have to say that this is simply a great product. I have been playing guitar for 25 years, some of those professionaly and I am somewhat of a tone snob. I own a Marshall JTM45 amp and a Fender deluxe reverb (pre CBS)and I can tell you the guitar port is an amazing deal. It's sounds are truely inspired and it never gets old. If it cost twice as much, it wouls still be a great deal

Couldn't be easier. Just follow directions and there should be NO problems whatsoever. I've been recording with DAWs for nearly a decade and this is as easy to install and use as any other hardware/software tool.

I don't know where to begin. I guess I'll start by bashing the so-called purists and self-proclaimed tone experts.

For starters, I HIGHLY doubt that, of the 100 plus reviews submitted for this product, any reviewers have ACTUALLY played through more than two or three of these amp/cab models. Unless you've worked in major recording studios that happened to have a large variety of these models, then you are simply spewing smoke.

Perhaps the most absurd thing of all are people mentioning the GuitarPort in the same sentence as "playing live". Or those that are hooking the output to an amplifier!

This gadget was NOT designed to be amplified. It is designed for the signal to be kept in the digital domain. Please read the last sentence and re-read it various times. If you "get" what I am saying, and will use it in that manner, then you will find the GuitarPort to be a VERY useful tool and will MORE than appreciate its sound quality.

I use the GuitarPort with a Carvin Bolt SSH guitar in the following configuration:

- The GP is pluggeg into a 750MHZ P3 with 550 Meg RAM via USB.
- My soundcard is the superb sounding Gina 24/96. One pair of
outputs of the Gina are sent to the GP(via a 2 1/4" to single mini
converter cable).
- The stereo outputs of the GP are then sent to a Mackie 16VLZ
via an RCA to 1/4" converter cables.
- The mixdown of the Mackie is sent to a Pentium 4 2.8GHZ Win XP
running Sonar Studio, Soundforge and numerous plug-ins.

With that setup I am able to record highly convincing guitar tracks. By convincing I mean that they sound like a real guitar; PERIOD. I could care less if it sounded like my Twin or Marshall or any other combo.

The bottom line is that, in a mix, the recorded tracks sound GREAT.
For anyone to say that the models offer no crunch, or that the tones are thin, is a head-shaker.

I am able to emulate/approximate THREE guitar tones: Hackett, Pettruci and Gilmour. The latter requires some creative post processing in Sonar to get that WIDE Gilmour sound. But for a DAW system which cost me less than $3K(software and hardware) I am more than happy with the results.

I'll give the GP an easy TEN for Sound Quality. If you know what you are doing and work CAREFULY and METHODICALLY within the digital domain you should be able to record professional sounding guitar tracks.

I can't see this thing breaking apart, unless its stomped on.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND...........This is NOT a unit to take to live gigs. It's not intended for that.

Haven't needed support and can't even imagine why I would. This thing is as intuitive as any other device in my studio

I've been playing piano/keyboards for over 30 years and began playing guitar about 15 years ago. My style of music is an eclectic mix of symphonic electronic and progressive rock. Imagine Vangelis and Camel with some Hackett thrown in. I am currently recording a CD which I hope to release within the next year and a half.

I have nothing but praise for the GuitarPort. It's extremely easy to use and sounds fantastic. But, learn how to work it and learn its limitations. For instance, do not expect to bring the GP and your laptop to your band's practice and expect it to sound like your "real" amp rig. C'mon! When I hear those comments they make me cringe.

Use the GP as it was extended to be used and you will love it!

This product is designed to play and record music through your computer. It does this well and serves its general purpose. It only takes a few minutes to get up and running then you just plug and play. You've probably read most of the reviews by now and may be a little sceptical on whether to buy this thing or not. I have all the updates and have bought the classic collection patch and the effects pedals patch for it. The latest update was for the gearbox software which has a few revisions to the compressor models and adds 2 extra amps: an orange head and a marshall 1974x head.
My setup when recording is a Fender Deluxe Players Strat with a Seymour Duncan JB Jr. bridge pickup, or an Epiphone Les Paul with a Gibson 498T in the bridge and a Gibson Burstbucker Pro in the neck. I use Mogami cables and run it into a BBE Sonic Maximer then into the guitar port.

The sound just through my computer speakers did sound thin and weak but i decided to try and do something useful with it. Being new to recording on a computer i searched the internet and found some recording software to use. Since i didn't want to spend too much i got the cheapest one that had some of the specifications i was interested in. I went with the mixcraft software by acoustica.
This was an excellent choice on my part. After spending just a few hours tweaking the sound i wanted through my computer speakers, i started recording. I had a whole song completed with 5 different guitar parts all using a fender deluxe players strat with a jb jr humbucking bridge pickup installed. After recording and mixing with the mixcraft software i burned the cd and put it in my car stereo. I truly couldn't believe how good this sounded. Now i really don't think that the cheap recording software had anything to do with it but it did sound much better after being burned down to a cd and played on a real stereo.
The first song i recorded had an acoustic rhthm using the acoustic piezo model, an electric clean rhythm using the vox ac-30 model, an electric lead track using the soldano slo-100 model, and another electric guitar track using one of the odd stompbox models in the effects patch i purchased that had some sort of bubble wah echo sound.
Since then i have recorded about 10 songs with the guitar port and mixed them down using the mixcraft software and have been very pleased. I got asked to join a band and brought my cd as my audition and they thought i had been to a real studio to record but i told them i did it on my computer and mixed it myself. They didn't believe it till i showed them, so needless to say i got the gig anyway.
Now as i've said i am very new to recording but like to think i have a good ear for tone and i believe the guitar port is a very useful practice tool but with the right amount of time spent you can get some very good tones from it, rivaling closely the amps that are modeled, tubes and all.

Haven't had a problem with it yet.

Haven't had to call anyone.

This is an incredibly good deal for the price. You really can't beat it. Great for beginners and wanna-be's alike. I've been playing for 15 years and have gone through a few amps and a room full of stompboxes but this has it all at your fingertips.

Well if everything goes right in the installation it is a piece of cake after that. If not, well the ride gets bumpy fast. Mine was fairly trouble free to get up and running and after that it is a web browser with effects. The Guitarport Online feature is pretty cool really and a great idea were it not for the crappy sound quality coming out of this thing complete with pops, clicks and drop-outs.

As a I read through the reviews for the GuitarPort, I sat thinking that people must be easily impressed. All my music room signals are being fed via a Yamaha mixer to a pair of Tech 21 Power Engine 60 powered extension cabinets. This includes a Vox TOnelab, Boss DR-880 Drum/Bass Rhythym machine, mid-line Yamaha keyboard and of course the GuitarPort. All the other sources sound stellar but not the GuitarPort. It sounds like crap and no amount of tweaking in the software makes it better. It's not like I'm comparing this unit to one of my tube amps either. The upside is that the strengths of the GuitarPort do not have to include stellar sound quality because it is an excerllent practice device -- provided you can overlook the crappy tone anyway. So far I have, but my tolerance grows thin lately. And lest you think I am talking about high gain sound and the noise that such settings would have, wrong. I'm talking clean tone all the way, with no effects either. This is pure unadulterated digital noise, probably from the Universal Serial Bus (USB). My computer is a nearlyu new Sempron machine with 1GB of memory and everything else on it is without issues.

All that said, even while there is a few seconds of good performance, the models and effects aren't all that but hey, the thing costs $100 and it is designed for practice after all.

Well let's see. Every 2-3 times I boot up may machine, the GuitarPort can't be located and driver tries to find it repeatedly until it eventually gives up. My choices when this happens are to reboot and hope for the best next go round or reinstall the drivers to help it remember. Either is a time consuming PITA, but I hold no hope of Line6 doing anything about it anytime soon either.

You're kidding right? But I have to give them their props for at least releasing new software once in a while -- even if I have to wonder what it is they are fixing. I think that the unit forgetting how to load itself and having nearly continuous clicking and popping noises along with drop-outs is fairly serious and so far no update has fixed those things. Makes me wonder how serious the things are that they are fixing.

As a stand alone modeling unit, I'd give this about a 2-3 maybe. The beauty of this product is the online facilty though which, while it costs extra every month ($7.95/month US) provides a decent number of lessons, backing tracks and jam tracks to keep a beginner pretty busy for a while. I have pretty much gleaned the things I wanted from the service now and I'm all but ready to sell off the GuitarPort very soon. Guitar newbies with computer skills will like this product I think, especially if they have a hard time finding a decent guitar teacher. The online part I'd rate at 8-9, making the aggregate score something like 5-6. What the heck, I'll give it a 6 for the benefit of the doubt.

I bought this as a learning tool and to get some idea of what different amp, cabinet and effects sounded like. I've found editing "patches" rather easy. If my edit sucks, I keep changing it until it sounds OK. The manual is nicely laid out, but it could describe things in more detail. Currently using edition 2.5

I'm using this through a Sony Vaio with a Creative Soundblaster Audigy LS sound card. I could use a better pair of earphones. I usually take one of the stock amp/cab/effects sounds and modify it. There are few effects, like compression, that could use some extra models. I'm slowly getting to my favourite sound, but there could be more amp/cab models with out having to spend another $99.

Had a problem with it once - kept cutting out - then it stopped doing that. Couldn't figure out if it was the guitarport, the cables, the USB Port, the axe or what.

Haven't use it too much. Usually found what I wanted. Have not used the Online Service for $8/mo. US het.

I fool around with different stuff, but mostly blues, blues rock. I played for 10 years, quit for 30 and started again last year. What I like about it, is that I can experiment with different amp models, cabs and effects without mortagaging my life,... and with a set of earphones. There are no other products like this so I'm happy it wasn't a wipe-out. Like I said before, I wish it had more amp.cab/effect models without having to pay as much as I did for the unit.

It is definitely good value for the money.

This review is for the Guitar Port & Rifftracker recording software. The Guitar Port is what it is and meant to be: very easy way to play your guitar into a computer via a usb port. Had no issues loading the Guitar port box and software. I was using it in less than 10 minutes! Of coarse my computer & speakers are not a marshall head and cab, so the audio is as one would expect: very low output or on my computer anyway. The amp models and effects are fine for what they were meant to be: computer based digital clones. The Rifftracker recording software however is not as well received by myself. The jury is still out on this part of the package, and a CAUTION, it does not come with any user manuals or documentions at all! Nor can you down load a user manual from the Rifftracker or Line6 website. ONly have overview and questionable demos. I am not entirely stupid, I used Audicity with their limited product support, but warning their is not any real support for Rifftracker. You are suppose to be able to learn rifftracker on the fly, which is fine, but makes me wonder why no user manuals?

it's a computer program, that clones amps and effects, so it sounds fine for what it is.

no experience here

It's pretty easy to use. It installed correctly and I was able to play sounds out of my computer/studio monitor system.
Editing patches is very easy. I am running Version 2.5. The clean sounds are more convincing that the dirty.

My setup is a Charvel Model III, a Kramer XLI with Dimarzo drop in and a Les Paul.
If you were thinking you're going to get a real distorted amp tone like on a record think again. You can get rock sounds, but up against my Rocktron Voodu or Digi 2112 which both emulate/model, this thing is sort of a joke. It is a good place for a beginner to start. The effects are good and it's cool to have a U-vibe but the basic sound is tinny, digital and harsh. I'm unable to recreate most the demo PodXT sounds from the website... like Eruption. You'd think they'd be patches. Doing my own tweaking I was able to come up with some descent early Van Halen and AC/DC tones. Clean tones are okay I guess. The cabinet amp models all seem to just be different EQ settings. When I go through the presets for the Demo song, they all sound like the same sounds with different EQ. The sound quality is passable as a practice amp and for $100 it's probably worth it for that. I have to agree that it's a toy, but great for practice. If you want to record, get a quality direct in unit.

I can depend on it as a practice amp.
It's not made for a gig.

Haven't had to deal with it.

All in all it's kind of cool. I like fiddling with it.
What style of music do you play? Van Halen, Rock
Is this a good match? Can come close to early VH.
How long have you been playing? 20 years on and off.
What other gear do you own? Johnson Millenium, Laney Pro-Tube, Rocktron Voodu Valve Online
If it were stolen or lost, would you buy it again or get something else? Probably wouldn't get it again.
what do you love about it? Playing through the computer with high gain at low volume. Can record as a single track easily. Built in metronome.
What do you hate? The tease of hoping to get an Allan Holdsworth or Ty Tabor sound and not being in the same universe. Plugging in my Rocktron back in and realizing how bad the sound is on the Guitarport.
What is your favorite feature? U-Vibe, Metronome.
Did you compare it to other products? there are none comparable
Why did you choose this one? Gift

The program is pretty easy to use. I have had no trouble playing around with it. There is so much stuff on here though that it has taken me quite a while to play with all of the sounds enough to know what I want to do with it.

It sounds good enough. I use my computer and the guitar port now as my amp. I do not play live and this piece of hardware has enabled me to be a one man band. I mixed my songs down and put them on my iPod and they sound like professional quality recordings to me. When I was in bands as a teenager and my early twenties, every band I knew would have killed to be able to record at this quality for this price.

I had a little trouble with the installation and I could not find my issue in the help manual or online. I called customer service and the guy just kept telling me to check the manual or go online. I eventually figured the problem out on my own.

I am very happy that I bought the Line 6 Guitar Port. It will serve me well and does exactly as I need it to do. I love the recording capabilities of this thing. The guitar Port has truly helped me with music writing. The drag and drop feature in the Riff Tracker makes writing and putting songs together relatively simple.

I have the GuitarPort/Rifftracker hardware/software combo. Pretty easy to use, the directions are clear and concise. If you can turn a knob on an amp, you can use this software. If you can use windows....you can use this software

Amazing sound!!! I have a 4.1 surround set up on the computer, and I swear it sounds like my half stack next to it!!! All the effects sound great, a little noisy at times.....but manageable. Downloadable patches are available on toneport.

So far so good............

Never had to call them........

It changed my life.........sad but true. I can record amazing quality songs in minutes on my pc, and have them on my website in seconds. Super tool for the aspiring home recording artist. Hear it on my site ca.geocities.com/shredrex@rogers.com

Too easy for words.

Only used with headphones plugged into my laptop - but have put some stuff onto CD and played on my Hi-Fi and it sounds fine, a little processed but OK.

No problems so far.

Had great customer support in the past when the power board on my Spider
blew up.
Have upgraded the software for my Guitarport recently with no problems.

Does everything I expected, I just wanted a tool to sketch ideas onto my PC and it does that just fine.
One minor down - I need a manual wah function (and my laptop doesn't have MIDI )
For the price it's the absolute bollocks.
I've been playing for over 30 years and i'm not even 40 - so if you disagree with me - you don't know shit.
Rant over.

Point and click.

OK, for all those calling it a toy, comparing it to the Pod XT, real amps etc., it is not any of those. It is more of a practice tool than anything else. I have mine hooked up to the computer so I can get the Online content to play along with. I plug my guitar into my amp. Now I do use the guitar input occassionally but don't have any expectations of anything but good usable tones to practice with. The sound of this unit is dependent on your processor and computer speakers. For $99 and $7 a month for the subscription it's the best value I've ever gotten on guitar related equipment. So if you're a new player needed a convenient easy to use interface with decent sounds or an experienced player who likes to practice with backing tracks and songs from some great artists this is a great deal. If you expect to use this live you're pretty clueless. I give it a ten because it sounds good for what it is. Not because it sounds like a Blackface Fender or Marshall stack.

No problems in 1 1/2 years.

Line 6 is a company on the cutting edge, despised by many for their inovations. Time marches on and Line 6 moves forward with it.

Great practice tool and takes up 10 square inches of space on my desk.

I have the riff tracker version.

Setting up the Port is simple. The online guide is easy to follow. Anyone who can't do it, should'nt even own a computer. Seriously. Basic sounds that come with the unit sound really good. You can edit things very easily with the mouse...Point, Click & Hold, move mouse, BOOM, Tone changes. That easy.

Remember, you are sitting in front of monitors. Unless you are using LCD's, you will get some hum. Use the hum eliminator to reduce 90% of the hum and still retain your tone. The Amps modeled are really nice to that of the name of the patch (eg: China Grove). And, you can further tweak to make it sound even better. I'm using a P4 2.6 with 1 gig of ram. NO LATENCY with a Soundblaster Audigy 2. Its excellent. Recording has never been easier and sounds absolutly amazing. What I first did was try to mimic sounds that I've listened to and try to dial them in. Its so close it isn't funny. Early Eddie Van Halen tones are excellent and easy to get. I've made Metallica tones, Zakk Wylde Tones, John Petrucci and more, and they sound very close to the album. I download the Metal pack (for a small fee) to get the Mississippi Criminal Model (5150MKII) and I have an original 5150. They modeled the lead channel, so I decided to mic up mine on the lead channel and record it, then compare it to the Guitar Port. I don't think anyone would notice once its recored.

I've owned it for a year now with out any issues what so ever. I've read that people can't set them up and they're buggy and what not, blah blah blah. I've used the ORIGINAL guitar port back in the day with out issue. Its brainless to setup, easy to use and sounds excellent. If you exceed the requirements, no problem. I've taken it over to my buddies place and used it on his P3 500Mhz with 256 ram. NO PROBLEMS. Installed the drivers and I was recording at his place.

Now...here's the sad thing. I have dealt with LINE6 before on WARRANTY issues...their turn around on amps and such is awful in Canada. A Friend of mine has the Vetta II head. It died. He waited over 2 months for it to be fixed due to lack of parts at the canadian service center which line6 didn't send up. I've seen this before and unfortunely must say...they're slow...but will fix it.

Overall, I feel this is an EXCELLENT value to those who are running home PC based recording studio's and can't crank out an amp. This is the solution. The sound quality is excellent to that of something you'll hear on a cd. What you hear on the website is exactly what I hear at home through my machine. If someone actually managed to break in and steal it, I'd get another one. This is such a great tool. I've never personally tried the online lessosn, but a customer from the store I work at did, and said they were excellent. Try one out...you won't be sorry. The Riff tracking software is great too. The drums are awesome.

I found this product very easy to use. Standard installation, just like any computer game, then you plug in and it's ready to go. The interface onscreen is pretty easy to use and very easy to start creating good sounds from scratch.

I've used a mex strat, a cheap acoustic + bass and cheap microphone with it and have achieved pretty good results with each. It definitely provides a good range of sounds that are usable, and when recorded (i use www.audacity.com cos its free!) i makes for a very pleasing sound. There was less effects than i was expecting but there is still plenty to use and play with. Its great for recording. Which is what it is designed for, it is NOT designed for live use as someone was complaining below that it wasn't good live.

o break down yet

For what it's meant to do, it is superb. Its a great way of getting song ideas down, and as a bonus the recorded sounds do sound pretty convincing. It does vocals, bass and acoustic as well, so it would be pretty damn useful for recording demos too. I have been very impressed by the ease of use and quality that you get for such a small price. I'm sure that it won't appeal as much to folk who are using pro studio equipment, but they aren't who its aimed for. a great piece of kit!

For anyone thinking of this, unlike the Pod XT it uses the computer's cpu, over 50% on a 1ghz processor. Line 6 goes to GREAT lengths on their website to suggest it's a pod XT without the physical controls.

They mention swapping tones between the devices and the fact that the pod XT uses guitarport (PC) software which suggests they are basically the same device.

http://line6.com/podxt/guitarport.html

"The new set of PODXT models in the free 2.5 upgrade means that GuitarPort owners will enjoy 15 PODXT-quality amp and cab models, 9 effects at once "

But they aren't the same thing at all. The models for pod use dsp code, the guitarport uses PC code and uses cpu power. That means they don't sound the same and that's the problem. It's a deliberate corporate scam.

Greetings All -

I feel that this unit (version 2.5) is easy to use, pick an amp, cabinet, effect and your on your way. Installation for me was a snap loaded the software and plugged in the wires and was up and running in 10-15 minutes. Help files are there and on the website if you need them. A good tower with a fast processor is a plus and if you dont have good speakers with a sub, you will miss out on its full sound spectrum.

As always sound is very subjective and this is most true here as i have read. If you think you are getting a dozen amps for $99 think again - what you are getting are line 6's repesentations of them. that being said i am very impressed, the recto gives me the essense of a recto (and i do own one) and the JC120 sounds like a JC120, but more imporant that sounding like the models - do they sound goodin general?
The answer is yes! All the models are very usable and tweakable. the bottom line is that you are not going to get a better tool for your PC at that price. As a scrathpad/practicing/recording tool it is absolutly unbeatable. and if you cant see that your being ignorant- period. nothing sounds like the original except the original so get over it.

so far so good - have gone through the upgrades and have tickets open with the support and have always got responses and follow ups.

Have had support tickets open and have always got responses and follow ups.

I play rock/blues/fusion type stuff and this thing rocks for practice and riffing out. I have plenty of big amps and i love em - however there is a place for guitar port for me
In the middle of the night when my kid and wife are sleeping and i iget an idea and have to hear/record it. sometimes you just dont want to fire up the amps. Its an invaluable tool for any guitar player. its not meant to replace anything in ones arsenal, its there to help you get better at what you do.

Fairly easy. I hate it when software needs to be installed before you install the drivers and before you plug the unit in. I was using Windows XP. I didn't have any problems getting it too run the first time. I could see though where some users could run into problems during the install. Also, I got the updated software off the Line 6 support site. I really like the fact that this, being software based, is upgradeable. However, with TonePort being weeks away, I can easily see Line 6 dropping support on this.

The software was fairly simple and it's nice to be able to load different tones.

It's OK. I've had the POD 2.0, the POD Pro and currently have a POD XT bean on order. The sounds from this are ok. I tried running out into my Rocktron Velocity 120 power amp and I wasn't totally impressed, but I didn't really spend a lot of time with it. I signed up to the GuitarPort Online and when playing with some of the lessons, etc., the sounds blend in really well between the GuitarPort and the music. I'm running the output through a set of Samson Resolv speakers.

In regards to some of the reviews, like the guy saying this isn't a professional sounding unit he can take and play live with....duh....it's a $100 computer interface. One, you get what you pay for and two, how many pros do you know currently touring with a GuitarPort.....geez....some people. This is a computer interface that allows you to use it with either RiffTracker or GuitarPort Online. It's more of a practice/sketchpad tool. It is what it is.

Seems reliable. The hardware is extremely well built. The software could cause some problems, but that would probably be more of an issue with the Windows environment and other sound drivers.

Don't know for sure. I know the Line 6 has put some pretty stupid licencing policies in place. For example, I can't use both this and my POD XT with GuitarPort Online (as well as model packs, etc.). I would need to transfer licenses between the two each time. They really need to figure out another way of managing licensing for folks with multiple products.

As I said, it is what it is. A practice tool/PC hardware interface. For example, you can use it to interface with other recording software, such as Guitar Tracks Pro. Yes, the sounds could be better. However, it's a great little practice tool.

Fiddly and tricky to install, they keep releasing bug version and fixing the patches later - expect BS and no support from Line 6 - they are a bunch of no talent computer geeks trying to make money out of gullible musicians. Listen to the demo on the website - it says it all!!

As with all Line 6 stuff it works well in the bedroom for all you bedroom players - try using it Live and you are in for a rude shock, when are you guys going to wake up and realise that the majority of their stuff are just toys compared to the real thing. Digital Modelling will NEVER succeed. Don't kid yourself.

Totally unstable with all the patches they send down to you - that's why they have the monkey software.

All automated and done by email now since they started using an automated CRM system. You can't even ring anyone. Try getting technical support, and no I'm not a disgruntled ex employee either!!

This isn't a rant it's an evaluation. This unit is barely useable in the real world of talented musicians, it's a toy and a complete con. If you don't believe me just try getting a refund under the 30day money back promise or try to get the Riffworks to accept the add-on drummers. Better still, try using any of your downloads if you cancel your membership. I hope this gets through and posted, Line 6 are an insult to the industry, buyer beware!! I've been playing for 25plus years, I know my S%&# - I'm angry because these guys don't deliver on their promise and are deceptive.

The Guitar port software is very easy to use. Although the hardware does not come with a manuel, everything is pretty straight forward and you have the option of getting a help file on the CD and/or on the website if need be. It was also pretty much a breeze to set up under Win XP Familly Edition

Like many have already said, this thing is worth donkey dung in the sound department. I have a more than decent speakers and Subwoofer outfit and I couldn't get that thing to sound good. Maybe I am too fussy and was expecting more than that unit could deliver, but with all the hype and bullcrap you find on their website about the unit, I think I was allowed to expect more from that unit than it really is. I have a Cube 60 at home and it does a much better job modeling other amps. Even the Line 6 Insane settings suck the big one. I bought it today (October 16, 2005) and am returning it tomorrow. The sound is very weak, no punch whatsoever...

Well, can't really say much about this part as I've had it for 4 hours and have already decided to send it back.

Haven't dealt with them. The support page on the website is in my opinion quite minimal and I think that's a let down right there. You're better off registering and using the forums to find someone to answer your questions.

I play Metal amongst other things and couldn't get any decent settings for that genre. I also like to play clean every so often and that too was quite a let down. All and all that was a very bad purchase from my part. I hope that the store will take it back or else I'll be selling it or trading it in at store for something else.

If you can point and click you can use the Guitar Port.

OK for all those who are disapointed in the sound of the Guitar Port I say your expectations were too high. I run it through my computers speakers and the sounds sre good enough for me to jam along with the Guitar Port Online downloads.Of course Line 6 hypes the sound quality but if you need nice pure tones for recording you'll have to fork over a bit more than $100. I like the Winter Dirty Blues from Online best and use it more than any other preset.

Had it for 1 1/2 years without a glich.

I contacted them be email and got a prompt reply.

This is easily the best gear purchase I ever made considering the price, convenience, practicing capabilities of Guitar Port Online, available models, effects, abilty to change the mics and their posiyion, equalizer, etc. It's perfect for home use and got me playing a lot more. I learned quite a few songs and my playing has improved. If you don't have Guitar Port Online you are missing the best feature of this little gem. Without it it isn't much different than any other multi-effects/modelling unit. The $7.00 a month fee is a bargain when you consider a good guitar teacher will charge you $60 a month for a couple hours of lessons.

Setting up involves routing your PC speakers through the GuitarPort. Easy and pluggin in the USB cable. Easy.

The software installed smoothly. Needed 2 reboots of the PC to get everything working and recognized by the PC.

The GuitarPort software needed to be tweeked to match the capabilities of my PC. This is explained in the 'help' section of the software on screen. Not difficult.

I upgraded the firmware from Version 2 to 2.5 as soon as I bought it. This was a little bit confusing, but after some perseverance I got there in the end. This is all handled through an automated process in the software. Perhaps a little daunting for some people, but not really difficult.

As for the GuitarPort software this is a bit confusing sometimes because there is so much content! You are given a window which is roughly like an internet browser window, and it has loads of buttons on it. For example, metronome, tuner, track volume, master volume, lessons, chords, tones, effects and on and on and on. But it isn't that difficult to use, you may find yourself having to make one or two extra clicks to navigate the sheer volume of content in GuitarPort.

I use this with my 2.1 Gigahertz PC and my 12 watt Lansing stereo speakers.

The GuitarPort software needed to be tweeked to match the capabilities of my PC. I was getting cutouts on the sound - as if the guitar cable had a loose connection. But I found out that the sound buffer in the software was getting full. I had to lower the quality of the sound to stop it doing this. This is all fully documented in the help section. I have a high - spec PC, but it also has a lot of software installed on it and I suspect that is what caused my GuitarPort to need this adjustment (as they are taking processing power away from GuitarPort).

My speakers didn't cost much but they are good and carry a good bass response. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Cheap speakers with no bass would make this product sound crappy. My speakers cost ?25 GB that is about $40 US or so.

I use this with my humberequipped Epi Les Paul. It sounds great! I have never used the guitar with a tube equipped amplifier (they are simply too loud to play where I live) - I have only used transistor amps. This product has changed the way I look at the guitar - it sounds alive now, and has made a definite improvement in my playing (I am now listening more keenly to what I am playing, because it sounds so much better).

I haven't really played around too much with the effects, as the sound you get playing 'clean' through the amp models is so good. That goes for the rock settings too, I don't think I need distortion as the amp model sounds so good by itself. I expect the effects models to be of good quality - after all, they got the amp models right, so modelling digital effects is easy compared to that. I would say that you need to listen for yourself to see what you think about the effects.

The software will give you an amp model for everything that is in the software. So if you want to do say an AC/DC lesson, it sets up the appropriate amp model for you. If you want a jazz session, then up comes a jazz amp model, same for hendrix, clapton and so on... There are few limits to what you can do with this. They give you all the settings built in to recreate classic sounds, but you can also customise everything if you want to, but I don't as what they give you is spot on and doesn't need tweaking.

The GuitarPort is a bedroom / study tool - there are quite a few wires trailing about and these could probably get kicked out. You wouldn't take this on stage!

It seems to me the guitarport is very solid - seems to be made of metal. The most vulnerable part of the system is the PC and the software in particular. This could obviously crash at some time and need to be reinistalled. But that is true with any software package.

Also, if your internet connection went down you won't be able to download new tones or lessons. (The lessons don't seem to come from the package but are downloaded on demand by you).

Excellent help within the package, and also telephone and email support. You also have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee from some outlets.

I would first like to say that this is the best product I have ever bought for playing the electric guitar (apart from my Epi Les Paul that I bought 12 years ago and have never found a better replacement that I can afford).

I would highly recommend it for the beginner / learner guitarist.

The GuitarPort is a must for anyone who wants to play Guitar in their house and not get divorced / evicted / beaten up. You can get overdriven tube amp tone without the ear piercing volumes normally needed. My Marshall ValveState amp is now in my loft, and I now have more space in my study. This amp is now redundant, I simply don't need it anymore for home use. If only I knew of GuitarPort before, I would have bought it years ago.

If you are a beginner at electric guitar, get the GuitarPort first to practice on and when you need an amp to play live, buy one. You will find out what style of playing and what tones you like to use, and then later you can go and buy the real thing. Why waste money buying an amp and then finding out that there is something that sounds better? Even if you have to by a new PC to use GuitarPort, it would still be cheaper than a lot of tube amps, and you could actually use it in the home environment without blowing the windows out with the volume.

I only wish I had found this product years ago, my playing would be much more advanced by now.

My guitar playing has taken new directions thanks to the GuitarPort lessons, you get so many new ideas from it. They are definetly worth the money you have to pay each month for the subscription if you are serious about learning the guitar. There is LOADS of content, and it will take months to learn all of it. The content covers Jazz, blues, rock etc. You go through it at your own pace using the software.

took me some time to get the sound i wanted .. not bad but i can jam for hours.. i use it more than i used my 30 watt behringer.

i use a torino tr1(upgraded to have 2 seymour duncan pickups) and it sounds kick ass. the only thing that i didnt like was the sound is kinda
weak .. good but weak.. when i hold a note it fades quicker than when i use a real distortion pedal.(digitech hot rod and heavy metal distortion.

Sound
its not really noisy unless u put too much gain. i use computer speakers and stereo speakers.

ive tried getting the sound of panteras cowboys from hell and megadeths holy wars.. cant seem to get it almost do but to no avail.(if u can plz help email me terran236@yahoo.com)

EFX:
i love that gain that the treadplate has..the flange is great.. sounds real like the one i use with my real modeling amp.

also cool is that u can plug in a mic and bass :-D
i tweaked it so i can use my comp speakers for my comp and guitar port at the same time :-P

hasnt messed up yet ive had it for a long time now almost half a year.still 100% ok.. i dont hear any popping sounds people talk about.

havent had problems so i dont know

i play metal, classic rock, and dont mind playing blues.
ive been playing for a little over a year..
id buy another if it was stolen.its an assome product.
i like that it has alot of effects and u can plug more than just a gutiar into it.
i wish i could download the other effects and amps. but it costs $100+
it helps me record ideas .maybe i can make a demo using it.
buy it! i recommend it! \m/ rock out!

Easy to hook up blah blah its been coverd a billin times before.
Decent interface. Not overly confusing
What Manual?
its been upgraded to latest

So I bought this over a year ago as a cheap "scratch pad" for my home. At the time I was reading reviews of this peice here at HC and many a newb foretold of the guitarports supreme quality and total ownage.

I was lookig to record into homestudio with and was told this would do the trick with minimal latency problems.

This was not for hi pro quality recordings. Just for doodling and getting ideas down.

Where do I begin. Well I installed no prob and I had it running strait to my little 600 watt PA in my basement. Sitting next to me are a couple nice amps but they need to be cranked to loud and frankly I am tired of hoooking up mikes and ****ing with mixers and ****.

Anyway for 100 bucks Im not expecting a whole lot. Good thing too cause this thing is pretty crappy. Let me explain.

First and formost I was looking for ease of use. At this guitarport excels. Sound wise it is garbage. I stupidly compared it at first to a couple amps I had sitting right there with me. A fender twin and an ac30. Um there is no comparison, which again for 100 bones I really did not expect them to sound identical. But like others have mentioned here they sound dead, lifeless and flat. Not only that by there dynamics sound more like 60 dollar crate amps to me, in other words, they have zero dynamics.

So that takes out my two favorite models right there. Sure I can add that funky over the top fuzz or fuzz pie but they both sound the same but set at slightly different octaves or something. Garbage. Bust out a real fuzz face and you can dail in so many tones in front of a twin it sick. On the GP If I put the fuzz pie infront of there Deluxe model is sounds like major ass. Tweak away if you want. Your stuck in midrange wash.

And that is true if you really listen to most of the amp models. NO matter how much you fiddle with knobs they are all awash in midrange. Sure play with the goofy little four channel graphic eq. Its to broad ranged and not plyable enough to save the poor modeling.

The only overdrive worth mentioning is the Pro Co RAT. This was actually a major selling point to me as there is nothing like a good Rat infront of some clean hot tubes. A good RAT (and Ive have a few bad RATS) can punch you right through the mix for leads or if you just need to tear peoples faces off in the first 3 rows. The rat in the GP is definatly a worthy model. Its the only distortion in my opinion that sounds and feels and reacts like the real deal. Bravo Line 6 1 out of 4 is not to bad.

Ok on to Modulation. These are a little better implimented but again they dont act like there real world counterparts. But overall they are useable. Nothing screams out as being the killer effect and if your not carefull they will sound cheesy as hell in the mix since its hard as hell dialing out that huge midrange wash.

Reverbs are garbage. Not sure where they pull those modeling from. There reverb stombox they sell is primo. Who knows how the GP reverbs all fell so far from the tree.

Delays are ok. Nothing great. A little to washy for me but some dig that. Nothing great or horribly wrong here. Easy to find that Gilmore tone with the analog delay.

Gate/Compressor. Both are pretty crappy and almost seem like a last minute add on. Neither one is sensitive enough (like almost everything else in the package) to dial in correctly. You are either gated to much or not enough. The whole program seems to compress the **** out of the models anyway so the only point ive found in using the compressor pedal was to increase the over all volume, but again its hard to dial in the sustain because the knob is not sensitive enough.

Wah is garbage, the volume knob does not affect anything as far as I can tell.

The only amps that seem to have some thought behind them are the spinal puppet and solo 100. \

The puppet amp sounds much more like a duel/triple rectofier then the rectofier model does. The Soldano amp feels like a Soldano as fa

Only as reliable as your computer. The software burps now and again but nothing major.

Line 6 is ok. I have quite a few buddies that use some of there gear, mostly there pedals and they are generally pretty good about repairs and whatnot. Plus it helps that I live like 20 min. From Canoga Park heh.

Overall this is a good unit for the utter beginner who only has played that crappy 10 what rogue amp from musians friend. This lets you experiment to your hearts content and if you have never known the true glory or power of some serious tubes then this is gonna feel pretty good.

As a noodling toy this GP will surfice.

As a serious recording tool or song crafting peice it utterly fails. I played with it for a coule months but could not stomach how bad it sounded so I sat on my dest collecting dust. I purchased the Native Instruments Guitar Rig and it destroys the poor little GP. But its also quite a bit more expensive soooo........

Overall its decent if you can live with your tone smeared with midrange.

Oh and the online part is actually pretty cool. I only did it for a couple weeks but if I was still a young hotshot learning as many licks as possible this would be the way to go. So in the practice catagory I would give it higher marks cuase tone dont matter as much then.

The install process was painless , but when plugging it in the guitarport did not always initalize and work. The unit comes with no
manual on how to set it up. Its all provided on the cd or online
so for those who are not computer literate , you are in trouble here.

One thing that I hated was I just like to plug it in and play. Here
you have to spend time about 10 mins just tweaking around just to get
a good sound. Not good for those you want to plug your axe in and
spend 10 minutes warm up , then rock for half hour or till or fingers
bleed. With this product you will spend 10mins then loose the will to live.

Sound quality was good through headphones and through my Roland Cube 15 amp. But then an annoying popping sound kept happening about every
15 seconds. all the time.

Totally unrealiable.

Was playing my guitar through headphones , when the unit cut out
and sent a high pitch hissing at max volume. Just through the thought
of losing ?99 , prevented me chucking it through the window

Very limited customer support at line 6.

Internet Guitarport web site had few comments on how to reduce the popping sound but none of these worked on my pc

If you can stop the popping noise and ensure that the unit never
cuts out when you have headphones on the your ears may last you.

I am very computer literate and I could not get it to stop and
my pc was a good spec P4 3GHZ 512MB ram and after two days of
getting it to work, gave up and took it back to the shop. Determined
to get something that was worth the money. So bit the bullet and
bought a pod version 2. Which cost an extra ?30 but was ready to rock within minutes of taking it out of the box.

Its very easy to use, especially if youre already familiar with line 6 amps or PODs. they have a long list of presets, some useful, some not. if you sign up for guitarport online, you get access to thousands more guitar tones. the music player (which is what i think makes this such a valuable tool) is also quite simple, so if you can use windows media player or winamp, this is a breeze. mine is the most recent model (2.51 i think) but im not worried because future updates are downloadable from the website for free. the only qualm i have is that the interface (the shiny red thing that you actually plug into) essentially becomes the sound card. you have to run an 1/8" cable (included) from the output of the soundcard into this, and then the guitarport has stereo RCA outs to your speakers and a dedicated headphone jack...so you might not be able to use standard computer speakers. this isnt so bad however, because they probably wouldnt sound as good. i give it a nine because the program is super easy but hooking it up to begin with requires a little more brain power.

it sounds like a line 6 amp, which for years i have been quite fond of. i dont use their amps anymore but im glad i purchased this. the effects are straightfoward and very convincing. there are numerous patches you can get from guitarport online, and they all sound great (most of the time). there is a strange idiosyncracy with this however...just because jimi used *blahblah* amp to get this sound doesnt mean that you use *blahblah* amp to model his sound. we all know eric johnson doesnt use soldano amps but certain sounds of his are modeled better with an SLO-100 than a plexi with a tube driver in front of it. this means you have to play around a bit and experiment when your creating tones from scratch. also, when you download certain tones dont be surprised if the model isnt what you thought it was. i think part of this strange fact is why there are so many line 6 "original" amps included. that and copywright laws.

the only hardware is the interface between the guitar and computer. i imagine if you dont break mice, keyboards, cable modems, LAN routers, etc very often, then this will be ok on your desktop. beyond that i dont know how it will hold up. its mostly software that makes the guitarport what it is.

line 6 has a cool email based q&a thing which has always helped me, except they never responded the very last time i used it.

i give it a 9 because despite the partial headache you get setting it up with your speakers, the beauty of this device is that it lets you play alongwith music without the original guitar parts. it almosts makes it a neccesity to have signed up for guitarport online, especially if you inted on getting the most of out it, but thats where you find all these cool songs to jam with. is it a practice tool? yeah. is it fun as hell and entertaining for hours? yeah. ive been playing for 10 years, and i have a couple opf nice amps and guitars (various parker flys, hotrodded strats, VHT pitbull, fender deluxe revered reissue) i play everythign but hardcore metal. sometimes i play that too. i think every guitarist who uses a computer could get some cool uses out of this thing

this program is very easy to use. you can play with the effects, amps and all the features all day long. also, if you sign up for guitarport online, it gets even easier. i am not sure if there is a manual, but you don't need it.

i use a fender strat and an epiphone les paul. i foud there are two things i do not like about this setup. first off, it sounds very thin. i found there is too much room noise, even if you move the mic right up on the grill. the second thing is that the noise reducer is not very good. the amps do produce a lot of noise.
with that said, i still think that it is worth it for the 100 bucks or what ever it costs now days. the sound are still remarkable, and if you really spend some serious time tweaking your settings, you can get a fairly good sound.

always works.

i run a studio in alameda, ca. i record mostly rock stuff. this is a valubale tool that i use in re-amping guitar sounds after teh client has left. it is a great product. i would recomend it, but you should consider this: unless you spend a lot of time getting your sound right, it sounds digital and thin, but for a project studio, i think it is one of the best products on the market.

The installation is quick and easy, the interface is very intuitive and the integrated help files are (usually) very useful. Unfortunately, the documentation doesn't seem to have been updated much, and as of 6/28/05, the official website still says that the documentation for version 2.5, released in November 2004, is "coming soon." This isn't much of a problem, though, because as previously stated, everything is very intuitive.

Totally blew me away. The first time I routed a screamer (modeled off the Ibanez tubescreamer) into a spinal puppet (line 6 original amp head) I spent like 10 minutes just playing power chords and listening to them ring. The cabinet and mic simulation is always very convincing, and the EQ and compression effects are simple but very high quality. The only problem I have is with the reverb. Included is an effect based on spring reverb and a couple of line 6 originals. The spring verb sounds just like the real thing, which is okay, except that it never sounds very warm. The line 6 reverb models are decent, except there is always some predelay even when the knob is set at zero.

Also, some users complain that clean sounds are boring. I disagree, but I'm hardly ever use completely clean tones and I suppose I'm not in a position to argue.

I can't figure out what inspires the occasional "this-sounds-like-butt" review, perhaps these folks are feeling insecure and need to take out their feelings on an object that won't retaliate.

It seems reliable enough, but it is very small and light and would probably break with very little encouragement. Not that it will see much abuse sitting on your desk 24/7.

Some people think the customer support is terrible. I strongly disagree. I have no access to technical support for my $900 keys, but these guys will talk to you on the phone and answer questions by email very quickly and effeciently. I contacted them twice by email with questions recording, and both times they solved my problem. The email system isn't so intuitive (you can't reply to their emails, like one reviewer did...if you do, they don't get your response and the case is considered "solved") but the support overall is very good.

Great toy for recording and practicing. Blows my RP100a out of the water. In retrospect, I kind of wish I had put down the extra $200 for a PodXT because I would love to be able to take this guy on my apartment's roof to practice, and because upgrading the guitarport to have the same amps and effects as the podXT costs an outrageous $100. But I digress. There is no better digital recording option in this price range.

the software is version 2.51. This thing is brilliant. it seriously takes no more than 5-10 minutes of going through all the amps and effects to master the controls. everyone I have shown it to are amazed, and most can make their own sounds immediately. however, I hate having to stop playing to switch settings or reset the wah. it would be great to have a pedalboard for this.

using it with a custom strat w/ a JB in the bridge, the guitarport sounds great. most of the high gain settings match the real amps well; the others you can usually tweak to get good tone. the wah setting's only control is with the mouse, which is (obviously) not usable while playing. they need to have an autowah setting. also, the only real clean amp is a roland jazz chorus, and it's kind of weak. Line 6 needs to make upgrades for the clean amps.

I use it for home recording, and it has never failed me.

N/A

For $175, I have something that I can use for just about any recording I would need. It also came with an OLP guitar (which actually wasn't too shabby for a free one) that I gave to my girlfriend. It has almost everything I need for recording, and whatever it doesn't have, I'm sure Line 6 will make for it eventually. again with the pedalboard though, it seriously needs one just for jamming.
I've been playing for about 6 years, and Line 6 has been good to me, so I'm not one to bash it for being digital. I have no problems with using this on a daily basis, and I show it to everyone I can. go buy one.

Very easy to use. Installation went very smooth, no problems what so ever. Version 2.51

Only thing I wish it had was a way to switch between effects easier on the fly.

The sound quality out of this little thing is nothing but AMAZING. Im a play of over 9 years, use a Jackson RR3R with EMG 85-85's, and a DR3R with a Duncan JB in the bridge. Normal equipment is a Marshall JCM900 head, and 11 Boss pedals... since Ive gotten the guitar port, I havent turned my amp on once yet.

The interface is pretty straight forward, easy to edit sounds and get the sound you want. Some people here were complaining about the feedback. Thing is, the feedback is no different than any other real amp. Secondly, CRT monitors can cause pickup interference, so take that into consideration too. I use an LCD, and recieve no feedback what so ever. I have no skipping, popping, or anything of the sort. If your experiencing problems, you might have a USB latency issue.

Simply the best $100 Ive ever spent on anything music related.

Ive had it plugged in and running for about 2 weeks now, and have had no problems yet. Works every time.

N/A

I play everything from classic rock to metal, and this little Guitar Pod covers it all. If I lost it, Id buy another one in a hear beat. As I said, since Ive gotten this, I havent plugged into my rig yet.

Im going to use this to do some recordings, I think Ill finally get the sound I want to be recorded. Whats great about this is that I dont have to mess with buying mics, room acoustics, or anything else... plug it in, and rock away.

If your in doubt about buying this, GO OUT AND GIVE IT A TRY. Most places like Guitar Center will give you a 30 day trial, so you've got nothing to lose... thats why I did it, and after using it for 15 minutes, I decided that I would NEVER take this back. Just give it a try, I pretty much guarantee youll love it.

Sets up in about 5 minutes... I've moved it to a few different computers and never has a problem. The install program tells you exactly what to do and when.

The software is simple and straightforward, and the box only has one knob (volume)... I have never been frustrated by the GuitarPort.

It also has some nice little features like metronome and hum reduction, and the delay and tremolo effects have BPM-style interfaces, which is really useful when you want to do something like put in eighth-note delay at 135 BPM without doing the math.

I run this through my computer speakers, so that may be part of it.

Some sounds simply don't sound good, especially if you load up the effects and turn up the overdrive, and every now and then it seems like these kinds of sounds are suffering from digital artifacts.

However, there are so many good sounds that it doesn't really matter, especially since you can look up the tones used on specific songs... think about that one for a second... Hendrix, Floyd, Nirvana, U2, Beatles tone - and not just generic artist tones, song specific tones, and often multiple tones per sound (intro, rhythm, solo, etc) at the click of a mouse button.

The hum reduction is a nice addition, too.

I've had mine 2 years with no problems... its not really a gigging type of unit, but if I was gigging with a laptop, I'd be more worried about Windows than the GuitarPort (GuitarPort is Windows only).

I would recommend this to almost anyone with a PC who plays guitar. Think digital amp/effects modeler pedal with a much much nicer interface, and a much lower price. It's great for recording, especially if you're a hobbyist and don't have hundreds or thousands of $$$ for effects.

If you're a sound snob, this probably isn't for you, but for everybody, you'll love it.

Super easy to set up -- just follow the instructions. No special computer geek skills required -- even a novice to computers could do it.

Some noise but using the noise cancellation wizard helped get rid of about 75% of the problem although some settings still create a little buzzing -- just stand back from the speakers and it is tolerable. From my perspective, the sound was really good but not great, but considering what I paid for it I can't complain.

Seems to be relativly solid but probably not for gigging -- seems more suitable for home practice and recording purposes.

No opinion on this.

I got this in the bargain bin for 90% off because it was missing the software. Was able to get a copy of the software install CD from a buddy that already had it so no big whoop in that area. If you are looking for a way to incorporate playing your guitar with the computer and have a very basic computer knowledge then this might be worthwhile.

It's pretty easy to setup. Install the software, plug it in and go. Editing patches takes a few minutes to learn and is fairly easy. There's no manual but it has so-so online help.

The sound quality is pretty poor. I have used a lot of modelers and I have to say the GuitarPort was about the worst I have tried. Everything just sounds artificial. All of the clean sounds are dull and lifeless. The high gain sounds plastic and artificial. If I understand correctly, this is the same sound engine as in the PODxt. If so, I am so happy I went with the Vox Tonelab instead of the PODxt. Only someone who has never played a decent amp would think any of the sounds on this device were remotely acceptable. Yes, you get what you pay for. But if Line6 expect me to shell out a monthly subscription of GuitarPort online, they need to offer something that sounds better.

What cracks me up the most is that none of the amp models sound remotely like their real world counterparts. For instance, I was doing the Sex Pistols lesson on GuitarPort online. In the lesson it says Steve Jones used a Fender Twin with custom speakers cranked to 10. So what does the lesson use to match Jones' tone? A Marshall Plexi with a disto stomp box. Seriously, WTF?!?

The website is junk. GuitarPort online is hopelessly jumbled. God forbid I would ever have to contact Line6.

Overall, it's good for anyone with $99 to waste who wants to play guitar on their computer. I was not at all satisfied with the amount of new content on the website or its organization so I returned the product. Like I said above I have a Vox Tonelab and its modeling far, far surpasses anything the GuitarPort could handle. I guess I was just not the target audience for this product. I would never buy another Line6 product after this. The whole experience was negative for me. I am amazed Line6 does so well and has such a loyal following. I am beginning to suspect their success is more related to their advertising budget than the quality of their products and services.

Very easy to install and use. The onscreen menus are very intuitive and appearance and function of the amps and effects are just like the real thing--very cool interface.

Manual and help text is electronic and is fine. The Line 6 online forums and support are second to none--outstanding.

My Guitarport came with the latest firmware, 2.51. I am told this release includes at least one more amp model, more effects, and much better sound.

For $100, this device is a steal. I have a Digitech GNX4, Korg PX4, and Behringer VAMP-Pro. Frankly, this little box and its software beat them all for AMP modeling quality.

The Line 6 online forum/community offers hundreds of tones (preset-patches) produced by Line 6 and customers. Many of them are simply outstanding. The Guitarport accepts most PodXT tones and will accept them all if you purchase a $100 add on PowerPack. I probably will do this in the future.

The effects are more than satisfactory. I have not played much with them yet--the only negative comment was the reverb. I recorded some stuff using a Malsteem tone patch and it sounded fantastic during recording--but when I listened to the finished MP3 through the stereo, it was a bit overdone sounding.

I have the GuitarPort connected to the computer via USB and to a mixer via its audio outs. The mixer is connected to a ART SL-1 Power amp and Kustom PA.

Depending on the AMP model, there is noise, just like the amp would produce in real life. Cleaner amp models have no noise. A built-in hum/noise eliminator (not noise gate) works fantastic to cancel hum from single coil pickups--this is worth the price alone!!!!

For some reason I have had an aversion to Line 6 products--no longer. I wish now I had gone with a POD XT or similar Line 6 product rather than the VAMP/KORG.

Hard to say. Not meant as a live device--it is intended for home/studio use. As such, should last a long time.

Line 6 is often ripped for poor customer service. I don't understand. They have been very responsive and their online forums/community is second to none. Virtually every question I had was answered through their online setup. Plus, their layout and access to tones (patches/presets) is great. Equal with Digitech. Better than Behringer and Korg (nonexistent).

The GuitarPort kicks _____. I don't plan to use the online/internet feature. I am using it as a simple guitar recording and amp simulation device. For that it is absolutely bitchen. I have a Digitech GNX4, Korg PX4, and VAMP Pro. IMHO, the GuitarPort beats them all for ease of use and AMP modeling. Obviously, the GNX4 offers much more in the way of onboard recording, drum machine, etc., but soundwise, the GuitarPort is right there if not better.

I would definitely replace it with another, and plan to purchase the optional PowerPack to acheive the same functionality of the PodXT. Though now, I would love to have a PODXT Live or Pro.

The interface is well thought out and it's very easy to dial in the tone you are looking for. I give it an 8 only because it takes a little PC knowledge to keep everything running tip top. A PC novice might have problems. But, I assume that since you found this site, you would be capable of using this product. Be sure you have plenty of RAM. You really need a minimum of 512Mb to run the riff tracker smoothly. I had to upgrade and it fixed a "dragging" problem between riffs. Other than that, it's a piece of cake.

I run my Ibanez Prestige RG and S series into a Crybaby from Hell, into the GP. On my PC, I upgraded to a 24 bit SoundBlaster sound card and got a Logitech 5.1 system from Sam's. Both items, combined, cost under a hundred bucks. If you are using the crappy speakers that came with your PC, don't be surprised they sound crappy. Since configuring everything about a month ago, I have yet to plug in my plexi., and my pedals are all in a box. I can go from Randy Rhodes to CCR to Angus with a click. No cords, no batteries no shaking walls, no pissed off neighbors, just good tones, even at low volumes. The GP puts you right in the mix and with the tweeks they provide you can dial it in, balls on. I agree with previous posts that the dirty tones sound better than the clean ones.

In my opinion, the riff tracker is not worth the extra hundred bucks. Spend the money to upgrade your soundcard or speakers. The GP website has many cool backing tracks you can jam with, but RT will not allow you to record the mix from GP because of copyrights. RT will only lay down your guitar signal. If you are like me and don't want to waste hours trying to record a song a riff at a time, just get the GP and then download a shareware program called Goldwave. I found out about it, oddly enough, from the GP message boards. It works great and records the signal from the sound card, not the GP.

Definatley not for gigging. The box itself is nothing to brag about, but the volume knob works. The software runs pretty smooth but will crash every now and then. (fixed witrh a re-boot. I've left it running for days at a time with no problems. I'm able to run other programs at the same time with no problems. I have found Line 6's website down a couple of times. Other than that, I'd say it's reliable enough for a hunderd dollar hardware/software bundle.

Who cares! It's a hundred bucks. Do you really send in your warranty cards anyway? To the people that are having problems: I suggest you go to the place you purchased it and get them to take care of you. Most dealers are there to make you happy. If you can't get GP to work on your PC, take it back to where you bought it and buy a POD. It has many of the same tones and you?ll get to use your cables and batteries again.

Seriously though, any questions I had were all answered by posts on the message boards at the website. Line 6 techs monitor the site and try to answer questions there. My guess is they would rather handle customer service for a product like this with message boards than to field 100 calls a day from people saying "Why don't I get sound from my speakers?"-Just guessing...

Ok- here's the skinny- Buy this- you will not be disappointed. I have been playing for more than twenty years, I love it! The wife loves it! (she hates the plexi:-) I can play the lead to "I'm Tore Down" record it, rip it, burn it, email it, etc... All within about 5 Minutes. There is nothing else on the market that will allow you to do that. It is simply the best practice tool I have ever used! Lessons, books, videos...Nothing comes close. If you are thinking about getting one, just do it! I guarantee your playing will improve overnight.

At a hundred bucks, it should be the cheapest piece of gear you own. The seven bucks a month for the website is worth it as well. I guess if you are cheap, you could join and download the entire site, then cancel. But for the price of a pack of smokes and a beer at your favorite blues bar, you can log on every day and jam. Hum?

Piece of cake, so much fun trying different effects amps etc.

I use strats, les pauls and PRS all sound excellent.
Cant say if they sound like the originals but they do sound good, especially considering the price. Remember this is good fun not professional quality recording kit.

Not gone wrong yet, easy set up. Home use only.

Poor response from online support.

All sorts, lots of rocky blues.

Just trying to shed some light for people who are about to get it. I spent a better part of yesterday morning reading GP reviews on Harmony Central. I bought it during my lunch hour @ local Guitar Center.
Some people had various issues installing the product on their PC. Notice that most of them either had a POS pc or started playing guitar before computers were invented. No disrespect intended whatsoever. The whole install took about 7 mins. Yes I did have a USB driver snag, which was resolved by Windows XP prompt within 20 seconds. So if you have a Pentium 3 or 4 + XP don't even concern yourself with all those negative "setup" reviews.
Its hard to think of software that incorporates some many options/possibilities and is as easy to use, especially the online portion of it. BTW, no connection lag at all when you have cable - really good server.

What do you get for $99??? Not much, one good pedal if you're lucky. I used my John Petrucci Music Man (amaizing instrument) through a regular sound card and my trusty Senheiser HD-580 headphones. I must say, I was very much impressed by the quality of the modulation and its realism. And it gets 10 times better once you download actual artist's tones from their well arranged server. You'll never feel like your guitar doesn't sound right when you're jamming along with a song. I tried Clapton, Petrucci and Ty Tabor with their tracks from both the server and my PC library and their tones were there. Not 100% of course, but it made me realize how much $$$$$$$$$ you'd have to spend to get their tones in real life/gig situation.
Once again, you'll never get 16 different stacks in your house for $99, but sh*t, what you get here is great. Every tool must fit its purpose, so just ignore the people who expect this soft to sound like their $3000 Boogie stacks.

Physical reliability - well, it will collect dust by your PC and I don't think it will hurt it. Must agree with everybody here - definitely not for live gigs, not much flexibility. Although, I did see John McLaughlin play a show with Variax and a laptop, as he was seating in a lotus position for about 3 hours straight. Not much different from your home practice disposition.

Absence of a paper manual and multiple complaints of reviewer would suggest that it simply sucks.

Overall, you get what you pay for. I've seen those cheezy GP's for years and thought that it was another $99 piece of garbage for kids. Not true at all. Perhaps, its finally those initial steps the industry is taking steps to combine technology with mass rpoduction and still make some money off of us. In my opinion, its worth paying $100 just to access their online database with tonns of info, lessons and tones and other downloads. Its a great practice tool for many of us for the fraction of the price. Just think of how much $$$ you have spent on guitar teachers who ask you: "what do you want to do today?" when you come to your lesson. BEWARE, RiffTracker is only demo for $99.
So if you want to learn the instrument, lay off the rock star dream and a hundred bucks, get it have fun as you're learning.

For recording this thing is a snap. Unfortunately, I can't get it to connect to GuitarPort Online, a problem that several other users have discussed on the Line 6 message boards.

I play a mid-90's Japanese tele with Barden pickups. The sound modeling is extremely good for something so cheap. The presets are reasonably good and can be edited easily. The distorted tones sound better than the clean tones. You can get surprisingly good bass sounds out of it too.

seems reliable, but of course you would never use it for live purposes

The absolute worst, even worse than the guy from Nigeria who promised to send me all that money. Go to the Line6 message boards and see the thread titled "Guitar Port server down?" to understand what I am talking about. If you have a problem, don't expect to get any help at all. I would give it a negative 10 I I could.

The sound is very good, it is easy to use and makes sense as a very affordable option for computer recording. But I am giving it a 1 because the customer support is so terrible. Good luck trying to get a response out of them if something goes wrong. If it broke I wouldn't replace it and I will never buy anything else from Line 6.

The installation was very easy, just follow the steps. I also downloaded the latest version from their site (2.51) which added a few extras

I use Kramer/Steinberger/Epiphone plus an acoustic guitar with GuitarPort. The noise gate is working very well. I record the guitar using Cakewalk - very simple and the sound quality is amazing. The presets are not bad, although you have to play with them a bit in order to get what you have in your mind. What I did not like is that the effects provided were very few. I give it a 10 not because it is as good as the real thing but because you can have so many alternatives to record your music by paying almost nothing!

Not for very heavy duty use I guess, but who cares :)

I've been playing guitar for 17 years. I own many different amp modelling boxes (Genesis 3, Boss GT3, Zoom) and I decided to buy this just because of the price. I am very happy with my decision. The rest of the pedals are now somewhere hidden. This is because I mainly use the computer to record music and with GuitarPort this is so simple and the sound is good enough for my purposes.
I think that I will upgrade it soon (they have different pack) in order to get the extra effects/flexibility that I need.

Recommended: 100%

The install was fairly painless and the software/hardware worked fine. Let me mention that I installed both the Guitar Port and the RiffTracker software.

I want to mention that the install process seemed to take a fairly long time. In fact, for a while, I thought the process hung but it installed okay.

After an initial run thru of the tutorials, I was off and running with the Guitar Tracker software initially and then I fooled around with the Riff Tracker software.

I ended up having to re-review some of the tutorials again but this software is fairly easy to use. I mean, try using Cubase sometime.

I am disappointed that there's no hard documentation nor is there a "soft" manual available. It would be a good idea if Line 6 spent the relatively small amount of effort/cost and included at least a "soft" manual. What is there is a series of videos that walk one through the various processes.

I've run the output to my mixer and have the PC output connected to a cheap pair of Dell speakers that came with my system. I'm also using a Behringer UB2442FX-Pro mixer, an Alesis RA300 amplifier and a pair of Event 20/20 V2 reference speakers.

For those who say the tone is poor, etc. I totally disagree. I mean the damn thing sounds good through a pair of cheap-a** Dell PC speakers. And this is with a few presets that I happened to like without any tweeking. I was really amazed at the tone when cranked coming through a pair of PC speakers.

Kinda cool to jam along with Pink Floyd's "Breathe" with minimal effort in getting an appropriate tone and getting the guitar tablature, chords, etc.

Too soon to tell. I don't gig out anyway. I bought the Guitar Port & Riff Tracker as a practice aid, a learning aid and a easy way to loop and record guitar tracks.

And, IMHO, it excels in all three categories.

Well, there's a lot of discussion on the Line 6 board about the thin offerings pertaining to the Instantdrummer. Actually, I'm a little disapointed at the relatively few drum tracks included with the product. And the ones available for purchase (at $9.99) seem somewhat similar and for $10 it's unclear how many and what the drum tracks are that one is paying for.

In fact, I'm a little miffed at ALL companies that hawk products that require add'l purchases from the get-go. They should tell you up front that if you want to make good use of the Instantdrummer, you'll need to purchase add'l drums.

Others on the board complained about the 4/4 limitation of the drum sounds.

In any case, I've been using computer software and hardware to record guitar since 1985. I've owned (and still do) most of the sequencing & digital recording packages on the market. Personally, I'm tired of spending time as an engineer when I want to play. That's were the Guitar Port/Riff Tracker shine. Yeah, there may not be as many features as one would typically find on a $600 software package. But, when it comes time to just play, the product appears to let one do just that.

Granted, I've only used the software since Saturday (3/5/05) but it blew me away after playing with it this past weekend. I really like the way Riff Tracker's set up to record consecutive takes of loops or riffs. Really slick. I should mention that I've been heavily involved with various loopers for many years (Echoplex Digital Pro, Lexicon Jam Man, Electrix Repeater, Boomerang, Boss RC20XL) and I can say that Riff Tracker does a nice job in this domain. Again, it's not anywhere near as complex as the EDP, but there's a very low learning curve.

Guess I should have mentioned what kind of stuff I do. I like to work in both a standard 4/4 realm for fun and more esoteric musical realms as well. Generally, I like to build backing tracks using drums, bass, percussion, sometimes keys and solo over the whole mess. As Jeff Beck called it, "Chance music".

I will post my thoughts on the package at a later date after using it for a few months.

Set up was straightforward. Typical Windows install process. My computer recognized the GuitarPort hardware and I could use the amp modeling right away. But not everything went smoothly. The GuitarPort software failed to recognize my internet connection (DSL though a router). Tried adding line6.com and guitarport.com to Trusted Sites, turning off pop-up blockers, disabling firewalls, connecting directly to the DSL line without the router, etc. Nothing worked! I'll give it a 3 only because the modeling worked; otherwise it would be a 1.

Sounded just OK. I mean, you're playing back though a USB connection into a computer. What were you expecting, a blackface Fender Twin Reverb?

Well, since I couldn't get it to work, I guess I can't rely on it.

Oh boy, does Line 6 ever suck. CAVEAT EMPTOR. I tried getting help online and through the phone. No one in customer service took ownership of my problem. They asked me to run a diagnostic tool, which I did, and sent them the data file. Two days later I get an email asking if I'd run the diagnostic yet since they hadn't received the file -- pretty funny when you consider they were responding to the email to which the diagnostic file was attached! Anyway, I dutifully sent it again and waited a couple of days, when another email arrives saying that since they hadn't received the diagnostic file they were marking the problem solved and closing the case. WHAT A BUNCH OF INCOMPETENTS!

I returned this piece of crap. Line 6. Never again. I should have known. The Line 6 Spider 112 I bought was about the worst sounding amp I ever had the mispleasure to plug in to -- thank God for eBay!

Very easy to use, if you know how to operate knobs than you shouldn't have a problem with this product. The setup was a snap, pretty much like any other Windows application. You can also save your patches and even take note of your guitar settings so you know which settings you had with which patch. Don't Forget to upgrade firmware to latest one (2.51 at time of writting), see why below.

I run an ESP EX-400 thru a Dunlop Wah and then thru GuitarPort. Originally, I wasn't impressed that much with the sound, it was most certainly worth the price but a lot of the amps didn't sound that good, nethier did they sound that close to their real world counterparts but once I upgraded to version 2.5 I was completely blown away! almost all the amp models sound AMAZING, absolutley identical to the real thing. In fact, when I'm listening to my playing it sounds like a professional studio recording. Just make sure you have hi quality headphones, something with a range at least close to 10 to 30,000 Hz or monitors or you won't appreciate the quality of the sound. The effects also sound really good and in combination with the amps should give you almost any sound you want. The noise gate function also works very nicely and cleans out your sound without sucking the tone. My only complaint is about the Messa/Boogie Dual Rectifier model which actually sounds worse than it did in the previous version, not enough presence, but other than that all other amps sound superb.

The GuitarPort hardware itself is your average paraphernalia, plastic made and not too heavy duty so keep that in mind if you're planning on gigging with this thing. The application however is very solid and stable and has yet to crash on me, it also by-passes Windows in a lot of places so that only adds to the stability. I'd say the only gigging issue would be Windows itself.

oh boy. I made the mistake of signing up for GuitarPort Online. What a huge mistake. My trial period was fun and everything, a good number of backing tracks were available online but absolutely not enough to justify $10/month or whatever they were charging. Once I tried to cancel my subscription, I realized that it can't be done online and I had to call this number and xplain to them why I want to cancel my service but interestingly enough my call was never answered and the only thing that saved me from being charged again was the fact that my card was maxed out and they stopped trying after a couple of tries. So if you ask me, the online service is absolutley not worth it, just search the web for backing tracks.

GuitarPort V2.5 is an amazing product that sounds awesome and it's worth every penny, it's stable and works great, easy to use and out of your hair.

I got the Guitarport used (traded it for a TS9 reissue) and it came with 2.0 software. I never installed that but downloaded the 2.5 version from the Line6 site. Installation was easy and also the upgrade went perfect. There's no manual which is I ususally don't mind cause there a online manual, but I also use the Guitarport on my laptop without an internet connection. I do believe there are options I have not yet discovered and a manual could be usefull for that.

I have used other modelling stuff like Digitech RP100, Korg AX100G and Pandora PX4 and this Guitarport beats all of them. The sounds are really incredible !! I even like the presets which on my other gear sounded so artificial.

The amp models sound very real regardless if I play through my headset or with PC speakers. Of course I don't like them all, I have my favourites, but they really sound good. Also the effects and cabs sound realistic.

Tweaking the amps and effect is fun. Everything looks and works like the real thing, even when mic'ing the cabinet you have to move the mic.

The thing that really amazed me was how it responds to amp settings. Turning up the gain really works as with real tube amps. If have had a lot of different amps, tubes and solid state, and I love the tone of a slightly overdriven tube amp. The GP can really nail that sound. The only other modeller that could do that is my Tech21 Trademark amp.

Trying to get the sound of your favorite guitarist is easy if you know what gear he's using. Just select the same amp, cab and effects and you have the basic sound. A bit of tweaking and you should be spot on.

Depend on it..? It runs on a Windows PC so even if I could I would never gig with this. Who would ever take the risk that Bill Gates' blue screen would ruin a gig?

I won't rate this item cause it has not broken down on me yet... but I never trust anything that works on/with a PC.

Have not dealt with them

I play a lot of different stuff and the guitarport covers it all. From blues to metal, it all sounds great.

I use it on my PC and my laptop. On my laptop I sometimes have some popping sounds because of some applications or processes running on the background and that can annoying. On my PC it works perfectly.

I think the Guitarport is THE perfect practising tool. I also have the Korg Pandora PX4 which is also a nice piece of equipment but the GP sounds so much better. I still use the PX4 when I travel but at home nothing beats the GP. After hearing the GP I just might end up selling the PX4 and buy a PodXT.

Easy as install software & drivers plug in USB cable and guitar and start playing. I had no problems at all, i did the firmware upgrade on it as well.

Im on a P4 2GHz, 786 MB RAM, using a now old Soundblaster Live card and running WIN XP Pro SP2.

You have to know a far bit about what is what whilst editing or creating patches as little changes can have a big impact on the sound.

I didnt get a manual from my friend just the guitar port i had cables myself and downloaded software from the website.

Its really not at all difficult to use.

Im pluging in a Jackson DXMG guitar into it. I ran the output from the Guitar Port into a Yamaha Mixer which is connected to some studio monitors. I must say this is the best sound quality i have heard from any digital unit both for playing and recording.

Even though i have a 17" CRT monitor after using the HUM Reducer on the software it usually gets rid of any alien/unwanted noise.

The Sound from the amps are just amazing, as good as the real thing i must say, however they could improve the effects a little.

Well this is not al all ideal for use at a gig. ( well then again i might be wrong)

Using at home i have not yet had any problems with it at all.

Never had to contact them.

If you are looking for a good recording unit or a great tool to learn with then this is it.

I have been playing for about 4 years and have had many other digital amp simulation units and nothing comes close to this sound quality wise.

As far as ease of us goes , You simply plug it into your sound card, connect a guitar lead & play. Thats it!!

The sounds I got a nothing short of amazing, Clean and distorted, but why, oh why do companies like Line 6 & Behringer etc never give a thought those of us who love, & regularly use pitch shifters!!. That said, the amount of gain u get out of this box is un-fuckin-beleivable!!!. Being designed to be used with a PC normally means sitting in front of it, Hence, Monitor noise on high gain settings!!. A bit of a pain in the arse but the boffins at line 6 have included a nice little noise supressor. Some of the downloadable patches sound like they have been sampled from the record!..............nice!!

Theres no point in commenting on the reliabilty at a gig issue as you'd have 2 be really thick to try & take this to a gig. But as far as dependabilty goes , no worries so far!!

Dealt with them once regarding periferal software & upgrades..but the phase "Hold on i'll go & ask my supervisor" (not in the krusty burger teenagers voice in the simspons, however) Popped up a few times too often........well every time I asked a question actually!!

As Far as I am concerned this is a tool for practice & recording, and a bloody excellent one at that. You can import tracks to play along to & even slow them down if u want. I would def buy another one if I lost this one or broke it!!. The online guitar lesson thing is a little confusing as far as payment, but u can listen 2 them b4 u buy!

Nice one!

Easy enough...just follow the prompts on install.
editing is easy enough. NO manual...it's in the help menu. I see you can download it at Line's site. I have the 2.5 version...and the RiffTracker software...this is really what I am reviewing

The sound is very good. effects are Good. It is noisy if you are near the PC...back off a bit and it's pretty good. Has a hum cancel that learns...but it only partially effective.

The software: It has to coonect online to activate. This SUCKS...no mention of this in the product discription. I put it on my lap top which never goes on line. I don't want all the clutter that goes with the web on my primay music PC.

So far..it's ok. It is a hog as far as system resources go. The jury is out.

OK...I called and asked a bunch of questions and the guys was friendly and helpful.

This is not a Pro Tools replacement for recording. It is a good song writing tool however. The sound is good. The online drummer has to be updated via purchases on the line6 site. Another loss of points here. I'm alittle dissapointed by what seems to be an intentional ommission of little facts one would need to make a decision about buying this. There is a funny picture on the box...it looks like an old 70's rocker showing his mature friends his CD. What's up with that?..."Dudes...see I told you I could play...and you doubted me all these years. I told you I didn't have to go to college!"

It's fairly easy to use straight out the box. The upgrade to 2.5 is also easy from the website. No manual is strange, but Line 6 is based in California, so it probably has something to do with Tree's Rights or something like that. The only complaits I have is that I wish you could go true full screen. The lessons are a pain going thru in a screen about 75% of the screen. Not a deal breaker, just curious. I also wish that on the Tracks, you could set the loop tighter. The new Metronome is cool, and the tuner is nice.

I love the sound. I'm not going to go thru a long story about how the sound is not as good as the when I toured with Ozzy, but to someone who cannot tell the difference between a valve amp and a solid state amp on sight at 100 paces- the sound is incredible. I use to have a Digitech RP100. Didn't much like it. It had a tiny display screen. I would get a sound I like- (but I can make it better)- by the time I finished, it sounded like an unplugged bass in the bottom of an empty oil tanker. With the guitarport, it is very easy to tweak. And it is on the desktop, so you are not leaning over until you head becomes so full of blood that you pass-out.

I figured it was the luck of the draw that there may be a chance that I would get that popping and static sound that everybody mentioned. I hooked it up and got this weird sound. It was kind of a popping. It sounded like a rythmic muted string echo behind my playing. I said, "Well F**K Me!" But I found it can be fixed. Go into EDIT > Preferences > Hardware > GuitarPort Console. I think the Default is like 1. When I moved it up to 6, problem solved. This is USB latency or something like that. When I upgraded to 2.5, I had to go back and change it again.

I have not had any problems, but have only had it for about 2 weeks. One quirky thing is that you plug the guitar port into your line out jack on the computer. Then you plug your speakers into the Guitar Port. This means that it stays plugged up constantly. Don't know the long-term implications of that. I usually unplug it and reattach my speaker directly to the computer.

I'm not at the gigging level, but for playing in your underware at 3 A.M. with earphones, it has never let me down. People have commented how much I have improved. I really have not- the same stuff I have been playing just sound better. That is one of the trappings of effects. You can sit and play an rythmic E5 and A5 for days and sound great to a passerby.

Never had to use it. But the 10,000 previous posts say it sucks, and you can't argue with statistics.

I love it. Ordinarily I would just steel the software off line. But the hardware is worth the price of admission. I plan to keep the On-line service as well. It is like any pay site (and this is Musical Porn). All the cool stuff is overwhelming at first, but after you have rode all the rides, waiting for something new is like watching paint dry. But then again, it's only been 2 weeks.

I run an AMD XP3000 on a Windows Platform with 768MB of ram. Besides the RP100. I had a stomp box that had a british, fat, wet sound. It was cool for about an hour. I much prefer this.

The guitar port hardware is very basic and easy to use. The software is also pretty easy to tweak. I am using the latest guitar port software, which was designed to run on XP as well. One annoying thing that I don't like is that for some reason the software version I'm currently using will not retain the folder view to list ripped file names in the detail view. The view always comes up with the icons, so I can only see a few files before having to scroll, unless I manually change the folder view back to the detail view.

I plug the guitar port into my desktop with a good quality sound system and it sounds very good at a decent volume. I also use it with my laptop and from there I can run the guitar port output directly into my stereo system, which really sounds good. I have spent much money and time trying to make my two small Fender tube amps sound good at a low volume, but I could never get close to what I was looking for. The guitar port is hard to beat for a quick practice setup, if you don't mind having to play next to your computer. I have many custom sound files saved for each guitar, so I don't have to fool with pedals and amps just to get a decent sound for practice. I also save all my favorite play-along songs from my CDs, so they are right at my finger tips without having to search through CDs. The effects are pretty decent, especially with the newer XP version of the guitar port software.

I've used it an average of six hours a week for the last year and I have had no problems.

I think you are pretty much limited to their web site for help, but I have never had to contact them.

I play mostly Blues and Classic rock and I have been able to get close to the sounds I'm looking for on all of my guitars. I have been playing about 10 years. If it was lost or stolen, I would replace it as soon as possible, especially since it's only $99 now! The thing I like most about the guitar port is that it puts the effects, amps and music right at your finger tips. Last week I took my laptop, a $50 speaker system and my guitar port to the beach. I was able to have all of my amps, effect settings and all of my play/along music right there at the beach. All I had to do was boot up and plug in and it was just like being at home. I think it's a fantastic practice tool and I rarely use my amps to practice now. I spend more time practicing and much less time fooling with pedals, chords and amps. It took a while to get all of the settings I wanted, but now that everything is setup, I just plug in, select my settings and start playing.

I put a 7, but it's probably a little higher, taking in to
account I've been a software engineer for a few decades
(luckily, I've never had to write a professional line
of code for wintel). For a computer novice (say, my Mom),
this would probably be a 3.

Anyway, I've had the guitar port for three years plus.
The real issue, early on, was getting it to work at all.
I ended up installing it on a spare system/HDD, and
since then, it's worked fairly consistently. On occasion,
I have to unplug and reinsert the USB chord in order
to get it working.

As for basic operation, you can find and set things fairly well.
I have never used the guitar port on-line feature, becuase I
hate paying for services :) I do not like that you can't move
a setting between folders. Instead, it's the old save as and
the delete trick (or, go to the file system and do it over there --
never tried that one, but it seems like it would work).

So, basically, you pick a pull down list, then a diagram of the
unit appears, and you can just twiddle the knobs.

OK, I've had a day job for a few decades; I've had an old LP JR
copy played through a bass amp with zero effects for those
decades. I eventually got a Boss CS3, a FAB tone, and a
cheap chorus, all of which I love.

Then came along the guitar port (and, a small behringer mixer).
Very fun. So, I may be a little tone deaf (although, in hearing
tests, only one ear has a problem with the lowest of frequencies,
so, maybe I'm not that tone deaf after all).

I think I'll end up using the guitar port, effects, clean, or
otherwise, for direct digital recording, and that sure beats
spending 60 thousand dollars on turning my bedroom into a studio.

The biggest problem I have is with all the "over the top" presets
and amps (e.g., chem, insane, ...); I have to turn the master
volume almost to zero, and turn the amp volume down as well --
otherwise, it's feedback beyond anything tolerable (my ears
hurt!, so I guess I'm really not that tone deaf).

I have not experienced the Popping or doesn't work period
issues that others have experienced. I'm sorry for them.
Once this is up and running, which is usually first time
start up for me (although, I reboot all the time -- you
have to when you run Microsoft -- It's the law), I have a
lot of fun. I haven't had any reliability issues to speak of.

Line6 support? I'm laughing! You're own your own. :(

I like it and I have a lot of fun with it.
I even sold my bass amp and I only use my
stereo for volume these days. Headphone
usage is fairly representative. I am just
starting on the direct recording, and this
is where it will probably shine the most for me.

Take my numbering system with a grain of salt.

Piece of cake. Install the software, plug in the USB cable, plug in the guitar. ROCK!

I think it sounds best through headphones directly, or through a mixer. Most computer speakers will not sound all that good. This is for practicing, and learning. Not for gigging. Probably would sound ok plugged into a solid state amp.

The quality and the quantity of tones online is mind boggling. Having spent hours and hours trying to create a lot of these tones with rack processors, I can now simply download them at the click of a button.

If you can't find what you are looking for you have tons of amp models, stompboxes, and tweaks to find the sound you need.

Running it with Windows XP Home Edition and the Pro edition, no software or hardware issues. Had a popping sound when running on my laptop. Checked the support FAQ at line 6. They recommended changing the power settings from Laptop/Portable to Always on. Pop is gone.

Support FAQs are fairly helpful. There is also a forum. Never had to deal with Line 6 directly.

This is the best $99 I have ever spent. If you are a beginner, or an intermediate player that wants to build chops and play some great songs, this is for you. I love this box. There is a wide variety of tracks online to learn. From Pink Floyd to Hendrix to Sabbath to Chet Atkins to BB and everything in between. Tons of lessons on theory, scales, chord voicings, backing tracks. This had made practicing much more enjoyable. Crank up the Iron Man, then groove on Sultans of Swing, followed by some Cream, and cool down with some Pink Floyd. This is the single best learning tool I have ever seen for guitar.

The tones by themselves are worth the $99, and when you add on the lessons, online tablature with backing tracks, and all the other things like a tuner, chord charts, scale charts, etc. Major value!

The actual product is quite easy to use, IF YOU CAN GET IT TO WORK. There really is a major fundamental problem with the product and as there is NO manual and the on line support is worse than useless, you have to be prepared to get VERY frustrated and possibly fail in getting it to work in any satisfactory manner.

The sounds you can achieve are quite impressive, but again ONLY if you can get it to work without distortion or interference. I purchased this in part as I have a Pod, which for a Digital modeller is not bad at all.

After much grief, I finally managed to get it to work by numerous installs, uninstalls, changing computers and upgrading operating systems, especially media players, to the very latest versions. The potential for clashes with other programmes / hardware seems enormous. It is working now and I suppose unless I change some setting on my computer, it should be OK. This somewhat limits the thoughts of any system upgrades though. The thought of having to go through all this again is too much to contemplate

Totally and utterly useless. They did reply twice, but some days / weeks after the event. When you have no manual, because they do not supply one, and there are obvious installation problems, you do need timely and effect support. Line 6 fail miserably in this department

I?ve been playing about twenty five years and have a varied collection of gear. I travel quite a bit so bought this for mainly that purpose. However I could not recommend this product to ANYONE. I feel I was lucky to eventually to get it to work. I am VERY computer literate, but even so found this a problem, especially with no manual and completely useless support. If you do buy this, try and get a money back guarantee if you cannot get it to work and be prepared for problems.

Software installation was painless. The software is also very easy to use. Hardware installation is just as easy. Virtually plug and play. However, I cannot play any files from hard disk. The playback features work fine, amp modeling, effects ... etc. But the real reason I bought the Guitar Port was for learning licks, songs ... etc. This capability does not work for me. My computer conforms to all requirements. If I could playback downloaded tracks, mp3s and audio files I would be impressed with this product.

The sound quality does not match a real amplifier. However I bought this device as a learning tool and to better understand different tones. This device is not suitable for playing real time. Buy the POD series instead. However there are a great variety of amp models, cabs and effects. I have plugged the Guitar Port into a high quality amp and PA system. Still, not the same as the "real thing" but great for practice.

For amp modeling it is very reliable. I have not had any problems plugging in and playing. Again, it does not play downloaded tracks on my computer. There may be some software conflict issues which I am trying to resolve with no help from Line 6.

Customer support is terrible. I have to use the on-line services. It seems that they do not want to be bothered. I have tried to resolve my playback problems several times but only received "token effort" support. Eachtime Line6 closed by support requests as resolved when in fact the problems were not resolved. I am an engineer and can probably get downloaded files (mp3, audio and GP online) files to play but it will require a major effort.

Again, what I found up-setting and very un-professional is the fact that Line6 considered my problem resolved just because they responded to my problems via thier on-line site. I consider the the Line6 support as being technically in-competent.

Buy at your own risk...

Any company the market software, which Guitar Port basically is, should be prepared to support customer problems over the phone. Line 6 requires that you ask questions and request support via thier Web page. I can probably get this working, eventually. It would be nice to playback Guitar Port on-line lessons as advertised. I will have to resolve my problems without any support. Good software companies allow customers to call in and try hard to resolve problems. The GP hardware is a simple A/D and D/A converter. Very easy to build. The real value of GP is the software.

I was seriously considering an additional Line6 amplifier purchase but (such as a Vetta) but now consider it to be too risky.

BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!

Controls are imprecise and awkward to use.

There are random popping sounds that accure intermittantly no matter what your doing. This problem gets worse with every firmware upgrade.

I've never had it work without the popping sound problem.
Popping sounds are totally unacceptable.

They deny there's a popping sound problem and blame my computer, even though I've read guitarport message boards where users have experienced the same problem.

It's unusable until the address the popping sound problem

The interface took me a bit to get used to, honestly. Not having used any sort of PC-based guitar tools before, it took me a few days to get in the habit of clicking on effects to enable them. I had been right-clicking and then changing the parameters, but forgetting to left-click and enable the new chorus effect, for example.

Once you're past the ramp-up period, saving tones is a snap. It's a traditional Windows based "save as" system and you can place presets in their own unique folders if you'd like. The only caveat to this process is you have to use Windows Explorer to move tone presets around once they're saved to your hard drive. GuitarPort does not offer an interface to move tones around to various folders on the C: drive. If you don't create folders on your own, GuitarPort will create a default folder for you as well as a store a handful of the most recent tones so you can flip back and forth among various presets. But in a general sense, since everything is sorted by alpha, if you have an "Alex Lifeson" preset and a "Vernon Reid" preset in your arsenal, you're going to have to scroll through the entire list from A to V until you get to Alex or Vernon. It's not time consuming, just irritating. Line6 should've provided more innate options for tone storage and management.

The installation CD contains a wizard to get you through every stage of the setup process, and I was up and running in less than 15 minutes from what I recall. It's a no brainer.

Re: the online GuitarPort - I had the service for four months, thought it was OK, but it's certainly not made for dialup connections like mine. Most of the lessons and tracks are serviceable, but I've discovered more on my own than I have through instruction. The online service has great presentation and technology - it's amazing what you can do for the monthly service charge. It just wasn't for me.

Overall, I rate this product a 7/10 - bonuses for ease of installation and immediate "wow" factor, negatives for teeth gnashing preset management, which is big for me since I probably have some 200 user created tones. You'll find you have a multitude as well, probably created fairly quickly. You'll be asking for an easier way to store them all.

I find humbuckers have a distinct advantage with this product. Single coils need some help from one of the distortion/overdrive pedal models to get up to the output range of humbuckers. There are only a few amps that stand out on their own to use with single coils sans pedal, but in the real world I've always used some kind of boost or overdrive in front of an amp when plucking a single coil equipped axe. C'est la vie, there, I suppose.

The overall amp models, to my ears, are superb for a $99 product. The models are based on the PodXT software, and while not exactly like the XT, they offer an insane level of gritty detail. The typically dirty amps -Marshall, Soldano, Mesa - have only their lead channels modeled but you can get a nice, on the edge overdrive by backing off on the gain or guitar volume. The clean amps - are equally impressive, however they sound a bit flat until you add some compression.

With the exception of the Univibe, the effects are stellar. I simply cannot get a serviceable sound sound of the Uni, which is a bummer because I love that effect. Anyway, the other effects range from subtle to full out stereo wackiness. I was particularly impressed with the ability to put effects pre-preamp or post-preamp. The phaser is exceptionally convincing when put in front of the amp instead of the in the loop - think "Eruption" and you'll get the idea. Tape delays take on a fatter character when placed in front of an overdriven amp, which is cool in some contexts. The reverbs are serviceable, also, exceptional on some settings, but I also try to play and record as reverbless as possible and add it into the mix overall if necessary.

Due to CRT/60Hz hum, most guitars will need a noise gate - the Hum Reducer is pretty much ineffective at removing hum. The gate works like a charm, though you will have to adjust per axe depending on output or type.

Overall rating? 10, these sounds kick arse.

I've had it for almost six months and it has never wigged out on me. I'm running it on an XP machine with a 1.7GHz Celeron and 256MB RAM. No performance issues when running solo at all.

It also works flawlessly with just about every recording program out there. I've used it with Microsoft Sound Recorder, Nero Wave Editor, Kreatives' Kristal Audio, and Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro. It's not a resource hog by any stretch of the imagination, at least on my machine.

Line6's support is OK. Not great, just OK. The FAQ database is useful but seems to give duplicate answers to a simple question. I'm also surprised that the users' group aren't more active in suggesting best practices or easy fixes - the forums are unusally quiet for an entire company that prides itself on interactivity and customization.

This $99 has made my modest Yamaha DG60-112 combo and my significant investment in pedals and accessories all but null and void. I've used GuitarPort to record just about anything that will use a 1/4" input and it's performed and sounded fantastic in just about every situation except bass (the models just aren't made to reproduce those lower frequencies very well).

I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to get into the modeling game for a cheap upfront investment. $99 is not a lot of bread for some superb tones, effects, and fun. You will lose track of time while playing through this, you will wonder what else Line6 can do, and you will - and this is the bottom line - have a blast playing guitar while recording or noodling.

Bravo Line6!

It's easy to use, but as for quality and reliability it sucks donkey balls. I'll explain why in next category.

Ok, The first 15 mins it worked like a dream. I even got it to record in Sound Forge 6.0 but when I'd switch back to the guitarport to change amp models or anything it would make a terrible static sound. I found that I have to exit soundforge before switching back to change amp stuff. Anyhow, there is a random pop sound every so often and is quit Fking annoying. I must say that this device would be super if it didn't have the popping sounds. I actually love the sound so much that I'm buying a Pod XT.

seems too buggy even with version 2.0 software. It's a damn nice PC desktop virtual interface!

Hell no..

If you are a poor musician or a newbie to guitars/amps then get this for your kid as long as you have a fast enough PC. This will elimate the need for a guitar amp.

Compared to setting up other software, this is as easy as it gets. No manual, but none needed, really. This unit hasn't been upgraded, nor do I really care to use the online feature. The software interface is extremely easy to use. Digital Tuner is a nice touch & so is the monitored record out. I must say that it's quite a neat little, easy to use, and dare I say, fun, package. Really portable too, a dream for people recording on laptops.

I run the RCA outs into the tape-in of my mixer. I monitor through my cheap Altec-Lansings (I know, I really need decent studio monitors). I'm surprised--this thing actually sounds quite amp-like through my computer speakers and headphones, not at all like plugging your guitar into your home stereo (come on, who HASN'T tried that before?). It's tempting to think that you have all those stompboxes, amps, etc. on your desktop, when really, all you have are some cool-sounding algorithms and nifty hardware. I use the settings to get a rough idea of the sound, while using my ears to determine what sounds good. I guess I'm old-school.

Hands-down it sounds better than any multi-effects processor I've ever heard. Can get some SUPER-saturated, heavy tones as well as some very lush clean sounds. Really tough to get a singing, velvety lead tone though.

It doesn't feel like the real thing--oh so close, but not quite. But when you're pressed for time, and you're just throwing stuff into a dense mix, well, it's a pretty cool thing to have. The convenience is what wins me over.

I'm running Cubase SX on my PC. Typically when recording direct, I've been using my Trademark 10 (I know, recording direct is for weenies, but I get no noise! And who wants noise when you're just recording some scratch tracks or some ambiance.). Obviously the Trademark 10 doesn't have as many bells and whistles this little red thing, but it feels alot more like a real amp. I don't think I'd use one exclusively over the other; I like to keep my options wide open.

Plastic, RCA, and 1/8" outs? C'mon, this thing is a toy. But it's a fun toy. The pre-sets are so wacky--I can only see me using them if I were pretending to be someone else. But I think that herein lies the strength of this unit--if you need to sound like someone else, or if you need to get some guitar tracks down in a hurry, then this unit does the trick. This unit saves time and provides you with some quick, viable tonal options on the fly. It's essentially a swiss-army knife--people rarely use a swiss-army knife on a continual basis, but when you need it, it's there.

N/A

Lots of fun. Great for those recording on computers. If you can get over the fact that it's not the real thing, then this unit can give you tons of tonal options for very little $

Very easy to get a good sound. It's the first time with any amp modeler where it's been easier to get a good sound of a bad sound. Editing patches is super easy! No manual came with it. Firmware new was the original 1 but I upgraded it to the latest one.

Long ago I was one of the first people to buy the Line 6 Pod 1.0 when it first came out. I thought it was great.. I then upgraded it to a pod 2.0 firmware. Then I sold it and bought a v-amp. I later sold it and then got a real Pod 2.0 and then upgraded that to the 2.3 firmware.. and then I got a pod pro for a short time.. and then a pod xt which I sold soon after I got it.. I was never too excited about trying the guitar port.. heard it wasn't that good.. but recently line 6 released the new firmware and software upgrade to make it 2.0. I ran downtown and bought a new version 1.0 for $99 and ran home and upgraded the firmware and got the free software from the website.. and honestly this is by far the most fantastic amp modeler I've ever used. The tones are simply incredible.. the effects are stellar.. the reverbs are to die for! The flangers are simply amazing and as close to being like real professional units I've ever heard. This thing contains parts from the pod 2, the pod xt and the vetta.. it's essentially $1500 worth of sound for $99. In only a few hours of tweaking I ran the range of everything from the Sex Pistols to Green Day to U2. I essentially spent 9 hours just jamming.. Digital delays are amazing and totally organic that they now seem superior to even the best stand alone units I've ever used. I set the ASIO to 48kbit 24bit and there are no latency problems at all with my 2.0 ghz laptop. Sound quality has finally arrived. Sounds better than a pod 2 or a pod xt. And the effecs themselves sound sound so real and natural. Editing is super easy too.. the graphical interface for the new 2.0 is really eye pleasing and fun to use.. In my past experience using modelers, the cabs have been always a bit flat and lacking. You essentially run through them until one sounds good enough. Now these actually sound so good that you get this whole new sound when you tweak them. It's like "WOW" They sound so good now. No bad ones.. all very useful and worth your time to explore. The tube amps are amazing. The 1987 Jazz clean amp with the Rat distortion set to 50% is so amazing, you'd think you were green day live on stage.. (I believe Billy Joe Armstrong uses a modified Marshall though). I just havent' had time to actually try and recreate it.. I just hit on it by accident and then started to tweak the tones and levels until it sounded just like Green Day. I was amazed. I'm still just messing about. Tons more to explore. And some of these clean sounding fender amps are to die for. This is absolutley the first time that an amp modeler sounds like real tube as far as I'm concerned. I kept the pod xt for about a month before i got sick of it.. the distortions sound bad and digital and weird.. I just didn't like it. There is no reason you could't cut an entire cd using this guitar port. if you were a professional blues musician, you could easly use this unit and no one would ever question how you did it. And it's only $99 now. Go buy one, you'll love it. The possible range of tonal sounds are staggering.. almost no bad sounds. Best $99 I've ever spent on guitar related equipment.

seems very reliable. essentially this unit is a ASIO usb sound card with low latency.. and your real modeling is going on with the software on your computer. I wouldn't be surprised if a sofware hacker cracked the sofware so you could it with any ASIO sound card. Maybe Line 6 has a special thing built in to make sure it can't be done..? So keeping that in mind, you'll need a good computer running a good speed to handle all the modeling going on. The box says you need 500mhz computer.. My laptop is running a penium IV 2.0 ghz cpu and it's running at about 60% cpu usage all the time, so keep that in mind. Also when I first got it, I had terrible issues with a constant noise from what seemed like latency problems.. it would make a terrible "quark" noise every 7 seconds or so.. it turned out that my wireless network card (uniden 200) was always interfering with it's opperation.. as soon as i unplugged it from the pcmcia port, the problem was fixed. Also line 6 makes a lot of fuss about your system running everything in UltraDMA mode and not just PIO mode. they even have a test software program which will tell you that a device has failed DMA mode and that you should correct it right away. Other than that, everything is great.. it installs pretty easly. I'm also using the guitar port to access another amp modeler called Amplitube. You could guitarport's low latency ASIO to access any amp modeler.. good deal all around.

havent' tried it.. I hear that if you sign up for the free 30 day online service that it's really hard to unsubscribe.. i've heard several people complain about this.. you have to threaten them to get out of it and it's very hard to get a refund for the unwanted month once they've finally terminated the service.. don't use the online service.. the patches aren't that great anyway because they've been made with someone elses guitar.. and you'll end up tweaking them anyway.. use your imagination and you'll figure out what ever sound you can dream off.. this is by far the most versatile and worthwhile tube emulator I've ever used. Awesome!

Two thumbs up! Best deal in the universe! Make an album!

Im using v.2.0 with firmware 2.0.0.1

The program is very easy to use and the only thing that can be confusing is the multitude of options you have. One thing I did notice was that it doesnt install quite the way Line6 states, I awlays have to install it using windows "add hardware" because it wont work with just the line6 install.

attention: in order to get good distorted tone for rythm you HAVE TO use a stompbox with the ampmodel to drive it properly, the tube screamer for modern tone, the rat for muddier things. I dont know why this is, im shure a real Rectifier doesnt need a stompbox to scream.

Now that we have that clarified, the overall sound quality is very good! It sounds better than any solidstate amp you can imagine and recorded along with other instruments, it is impossible to distinguish from a real recorded amp. But of course, it doesnt sound exactly like the real amps, although it would be strange to expect that.

You can never really rely on Windows based things, it does queer things some times but that is mostly microsofts fault. Usually its enough to disconnect/reconnect it or reinstall the drivers. A Linux based version would probably be completely stable.

This is were I must complain bitterly. See, I joined guitarport online "free for 30days" to check it out and was disapointed(mostly because the online tones are sloppily made shit and I can make MUCH better on my own).

So I decided to unsubscribe.. but how? After sifting through the website for hours I found it in the FAQ where it said you should call you nearest support office or send an email. I sent numerous emails and all I got back was automated replies about how i sould look at the FAQTRAQ to see if my problem could be solved?!! I tried calling the support(not cheap when youre in sweden) but the person responsible was not available. I was so furious I sent them an email threatening to take legal action if they did not terminate my subscription before my free 30days were over. The next day I got a reply that my subscription had been terminated.

I think this is so increadibly rotten, a major company putting on a scam like this.. making it so difficult for people to unsubscribe that they rather pay up than go though the hassle! If I lived in the US id contact the proper authorities and file complaints right away!

I think this is a great thing and it has spoiled me to the border of almost not being able to play straight guitar-amp anymore.

What isnt great is Line6s conduct and apparent scam with GPO.

Software seemed fairly easy to use. I'm using version 2.0. I can't comment on the difference between 1.14 and 2.0, since 1.14 wasn't on the CD and I believe 2.0 is the software used for Windows XP (may be wrong). If you're computer literate at all, it shouldn't be much of a problem for you.

I'm using a PRS Tremonti SE with this item. The only noise I was getting was from my guitar being too close to my computer. The unit is pretty cool. Amps sound really close to what they are suppose to be modeling. The effects are nice. You can download the tones of some of your favorite artists. Some are right on time, some are pretty close. Really depends on your guitar and pickups... but for the most part, your buddies won't really be able to tell the difference.

I've only had it a couple of days now, so I can't give you a real opinion on reliability. I'd say just don't drop it and you should be fine.

I've used Line 6's support before on a different item. They were really good about fixing the problem and getting the amp back to me. Think it took about a week and a half from the time I sent it out.

I'd say buy this if you want something to jam on and learn some cool lessons (online feature, which costs like $8 a month). If you're also into recording, it allows you to use some pretty popular programs (Cakewalk, etc), so you can get some nice tones into your tracks to record with. It won't ever replace a real amp, but it's nice to have around to jam with without having to buy a couple of dozen amps to do the same thing.

Once it's set up it's very easy to use. You must have familiarity with computers somewhat to move around, overall it's a well designed interface. If you don't have computer knowledge, it may take some time. I got it up and running in under 1 hour.

I give it a 9. The sounds are excellent for practicing and recording. Sure, it's a simulated amp sound, but overall, recordings and playing sounds great. I have Cambridge Soundworks speakers and a 2.4 ghz pc with 1Gb RAM.

don't know

don't know

Paid $199 and it came with a decent OLP guitar. Nothing fancy, like a Fender Squire but a cheap practice/thrash guitar. Heck, I figured the guitar was only $30 more. Strap was sized for a kid. Extra strings and picks too.

Overall, this is excellent for jamming and recording. I've been using it as my main practice tool. I jam with online tracks, or tracks from my lessons. The tool lets you set the mix with the background just right. Many amp tones to choose from, I've picked a few I liked and just stick with them. I was worried about latency but haven't had any problems at all. Sounds good at low volume which is important playing at night. Overall very satisified. I've been playing about 10 years or so and have had a Fender Twin, Strat, PRS, and assorted practice amps. I recommend getting this as a tool for jamming and learning songs. For under $200, I got a guitar and great jamming tool. Not bad. Sign up for the internet service, that is where the good stuff is.

If you got to this web page without assistance from your helper monkey you can use GuitarPort. Note; DO NOT USE VERSION 2.0(you have been warned!) Use V 1.14. That is IMHO. I just got my GP from GC on 12/30/03 and it came with the 1.14 install CD so I don't know if Line 6 has started shipping them with the V 2.0 software or not yet, because I think the one I bought was laying around GC for awhile. It looked like a demo the GC flunkie re-boxed to make the sale but, it worked and had all the package contents so I don't care if it was new or not. Electronics go bad fast in my experience so if this one was used, it already passed the test. You can still download V 1.14 from Line 6's web site if you need to though, I checked. No paper manual in the box but the CD has nice installation assistance and a pretty good help file. This review is for the 1.14 version ONLY! Because V 2.0 is so different. Try it for yourself though, you can d/l both version's and if you like V 2.0 more power to you! It get's a solid 8 because a couple thing's (especially with GPonline) could be better.

Awesome modeling, one of the best I've heard! I run a PRS McCarty w/Duncan's into the GP into my older Sony reciever with lousy speakers or my $30 audio-technica headphones and both sound friggin great! I've also had Behringer's V-Amp and some experience with a POD V.2 and this tops 'em both. While I'll always be partial to real tube amp's, modeling amps/accesories are certainly a viable option for good tone. Some folks on here have bitched about the noise/hum on this unit but, real amp's hum and make noise. So why in the world would I expect this unit to be perfectly quiet AND perfectly model the amp it is trying to emulate!? PODS and V-AMP's hum just as much! Those same people are the one's who would bitch if they couldnt turn off the noise suppressor and that the noise gate is "sucking all of their tone". The effects on this unit sound like the real thing. Maybe not top of the line "real thing" but, definetely some work went into modeling the effects. Like I said before the amp models are great although limited. Some sound better than others and none sound exactly like the "real" thing since I'm not actually using a 4X12 (or other cab) to move air but they are all damn close. I especially dig the Marshall, Recto, and Insane sims. I own a real Rectifier and the sim is very, very close. I am into metal style overdrive tones and this thing does them well. From VH to Pantera there is a tone you can find online or tweak for yourself for any style of Metal. Other tones are there for about any style you are into but, I dont really play anything else seriously so I am certainly not going to judge how authentic they are but they all sound pretty darn good to me. As for GP online, it is slow and clunky but there is some great lessons/tones/backing tracks/full tunes/etc. on there for all styles of music. It is, as another reviewer said, more geared for the rock & roll crowd but that is not a bad thing at all. Some of the best guitarist's stem from rock so why not learn from the best and adapt what you have learned into your style? A great learning tool and a fun way to stay out of ruts. I think the $8 a month is a bargain. As for V 2.o it has pretty much all of the features that you wish were in V 1.14 (more amp models, acoustic sim, overdrive stomp boxes, midi wah and volume pedal support, recording level adjustments, more effects, more cabinets, microphone/placement sims, and a much better interface) but, it sounds thin and lifeless, crackly and poppy. Also, it is more complicated than a modeler needs to be. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get a sound anywhere close to as good as the sounds I can get outta V 1.14 no matter how hard I tried (believe me, I tried, I soooooo wanted to be able to use it because it really does give you so much more options/tones). Oh well maybe if I'm lucky Line 6 will release another version like 2.o but designed and tweaked specifically for GuitarPort. My guess is that 2.o is mostly POD XT technology/software that the company half ass made compatible with GP. Again though I'm only rating V 1.14.

Don't know. You'd be pretty brave to gig with this piece of plastic and a laptop in some of the clubs I've been to. As far as the unit itself I think in a home recording or practice environment it would last a long time. It can be on for hours and it barely gets warm plus it looks very well built from what I can see (and I've bought enough crap to know what isn't well built). The only thing that might be a concern for me is the volume dial getting crackly when the pot starts wearing and gettin dirty. Plus, anything that uses a PC is going to rely on how stable the computer itself is, If you try to use something that should have been upgraded 3 years ago you probably wont like it as much as someone who has a fresh computer. And just beacause youre computer meets the MINIMUM requirements DOES NOT mean it will run well on your system! We all learned this with computer games, RIGHT?

Sent them an email couple hours ago, we'll see if they respond.
This is the first piece of Line 6 gear I felt was worth owning so I can't use past experience as a guide. From what I hear they aren't that good but who knows?

This is a great recording interface for PC. The only drawback is that you have to use it with your computer at all times, that means lessons, tunes, everything has to be done with the GP plugged into your USB port. I never thought when I bought it that I would see a new version software for it. But, as soon as I got to GP Online there it was, V 2.o! How many times have we all bought something because of it's upgradeability to never be able to do so? I know that for me, every time I've bought a game system they promise future expandibility to something great and never deliver. So, I respect that Line 6 did release a upgrade version to GP but I think they either tried to exceed what the system is capable of handling, or they didn't spend enough time tweaking it. But regardless of that, GP is certainly worth buying if you have a decent Windows based computer. It certainly has got me stoked and now I can get some really killer sounds in my recordings without miking my cab, etc. I've been playing off and on for 20 years and this thing is just what I have been looking for as a must have piece of equipment. If you've been intrigued by the GP as I was you will probably love it warts and all!

there is no manual , but anybody who has experience with amps and effects should know what to do.

im using a yamaha aes620 with guitarport. and with seinheiser wireless headphones. i mainly play metal and hard rock, and i really like the line 6 insane and spinal puppet amp. the super lead is good too. for lead the solo 100 can do the job well and for clean, the jazz clean and tweed are great.

i really cant stop using it when i first bought it until...

...the guitarport failed on me on the next day. not that it doesnt work at all, theres still sound, but sound with static every 5 seconds. it was f'king annoying that i cant play on it anymore. what luck. so...

...i called the line 6 UK. the person in charge is always engaged, so after waiting for almost 20 mins, i got through. and instead of telling how to fix it, he spent 5 mins talking about how electronic work and how they are very unreliable and they often break on the first day blah blah blah. anyway i ended up exchanging with the guitar store where i bought it.

besides the crappy support, i have to say the guitarport is one hell of a pedal, and i would recommend it to anyone who cant afford tube amps, or those who want to practice in their bedrooms without disturbing anybody.

Downloaded first the 2.0 version, did the pre-install, to see what te look and feel was from this puppy. After this i was convinced to buy this thing. Plug the GP into my IBM T23 Thinkpad, and the output in my videoinput of my reciever. And i was ready to play

Guitars: American Standard, Hotrod (modified), DeLuxe all three Fender Strat. Gibson SG and Les Paul both Standards. Gretsch 6120. Amplifiers on stage: Mesa Tri-Axis , Class 2:90, Rocktron Intelifex. Rehearsel: Fender hotrod Deluxe with an Ibanez T-9. my girlfriend got. And i can tell you if you (or as in my case, my girlfriend dont want you're setup in the living room, use this one

If the software works the GP works, depends on the computer you use i think. Not any problem so far

Didn't met them (yet)

I play all types of joyfull music: Hardcore/Street/OI, Ska, Surf/Psycho/Rock 'a' Billy. And this thing is my answer for small housing problems. Ofcourse my on Stage setup is blasting the hell out of this little fucker. But that's not why i bought the GP, i bought this thing to practice at home and keep my house free from GuitarGear.

The install was easy, I installed the version 2 ware off Line6 on-line since the included ware doesn't work with WinXP.
I've used the Soundiver ware for my Pod 2.0, and off of that and my other experience operating the software was very easy.

How do you record a guitar track on this thing, when your mixing program plays the rest of the mix through this damn thing? For reasons I will reveal later, I didn't have a chance to find out.

The clean sounds that I had time to test sounded somewhat useable, even inspiring to some degree.

I play a lot of heavily distorted prog/metal/rock, and the rhythm guitar sounds I tried to create based on my 2,5 years of Pod experience were gruesome. And no, I don't mean the good way.

I think I heard the makings of some reasonable distorted lead sounds in there, but I really need a good crunch guitar tone a lot, and am not convinced this thing can deliver.

The thing hissed with the volume up, regardless of distortion in the amp modeling.

N/A

N/A

I returned it three hours after purchasing due to the horrible distorted rhythm sound, stupid set-up of cables between GP, the sound card and my speakers and a general sick feeling I got at the pit of my stomach as I tried for an hour to tweak one crunch sound, unsuccesfully.

I traded it in for a used Pod (the original) and it crunched the shit out of GuitarPort. Maybe it's because I know how to program Pod by now, but that's still the way it went.

I'm going to have my Pod 2.0 on my desk and Pod at the practice room with my stack, where I drive it through a transistor power amp and a 4x12 cab. Good enough for practicing and fiddling with sounds, especially for the price (the whole set-up for less than 800?).

Tubeheads can say what they want, but my customized Gibson still dominates trough that gear. Not that I'd mind owning a real Mesa/Boogie amp some day.

For your information, I tried Guitar Port with a Gibson Explorer with EMG 60 and EMG 81 pickups, a 1Ghz, SBLive, 576Mb RAM, WinXP computer and my Edirol MA-10A as well as Genelec S30 powered speakers. With these, my Pod(s) perform quite well enough, whereas GP fell frightfully short.

I give as high a score as this, because it might be useable as a learning tool, or for someone who uses clean sounds, and because it's not a bad price. If it cost more, my score would drop.

Installation is a breeze if you have a soundcard with the standard 3 jacks (e.g.; line in, out, mic). I have a Game Theatre XP with multiple inputs so it added a little bit of complexity to the installation; I eventually found out that I didn't need the loopback cord included. I tried the old software out that was included and then upgraded to GuitarPort 2.0 so I could compare the tones. I concur with one of the previous reviewers that it seems more difficult to get a usable tone quickly with the new software because of the immense ammount of options. One trick I've found so far: If your tone sounds a little thin, try dialing back the presence. Also; the placement of the Mic's and the type of mic in the AIR system can have a dramatic effect on the tone. This really helped me get the thicker sounds I was looking for. It is very flexible and powerful system but it takes some work and patience. If you roll up your sleeves and dig in you can really find the tone you're looking for.

I'm playing through a Dean EVO Phantom (I love this guitar) and the OLP MM5 that came with the bundle. The OLP is not too shabby for a budget axe, the humbucker is rather weak, but the single coils seem to do well for clean sounds.

I've been using a POD 2.0 for the past 2 years, and I haven't been able to reproduce some of my favorite patches on the GuitarPort. The POD 2.0 sounds better to my ears, but I think the GuitarPort has a lot more potential considering the multitude of effects and stompboxes included in 2.0 . The amp models are all passable. I won't do any "apples and oranges" comparisons with real amps because the POD/GuitarPort series were designed as direct recording tools, not as replacements for real amps. I would never even think of putting a POD or GuitarPort or any other modeling device for that matter in front of a real amp. I don't really try to emulate other players tones, I try to find my own and so far the Soldano is my favorite model, just like on the POD. But I've barely scratched the surface and there is an enormous amount of potential in this thing. It's massive bang for the buck considering its' price tag: $169.

I had problems with popping and clicking initially but I was using it through a USB hub on my soundcard. I moved the cable to a USB port directly on the Motherboard and all the noise went away. It's been astonishingly quiet for me; no buzz or hum from my monitor. I can get a massive sound through my 400watt Logitech Z-560 speakers and for 130$ dollars , they are one of the best investments I've made.

I would never gig with it, I don't gig anyway. Haven't had it long enough to give an honest score on reliability. But my POD has held up flawlessly for 2 years and with tons of use.

Haven't dealt with Line6b customer support. I did send in a question last year about the Vetta and never got a reply.......

I play a wide range of music from Surf to Stoner Rock, from Classical to Psychedelic to Thrash. I started playing about 13 years ago to build up left hand dexterity for playing the keyboard, but I'm not nearly good as I should be for playing that long. Since I'm completely self taught, except for one Classical Guitar class, I can't wait to get online and start downloading lessons and expand my abilities. I've been using pedal boards and other amp-sim type effects since the old Digitech GSP back in '91. I've owned several since: (Digitech RP-5, RP21, RP2000, GNX-2, POD, Zoom, etc.) Each brand seems to have it's own strengths and weaknesses. The technology has improved dramatically in that time, and the prices have dropped as well. This will never replace your real amp but for 169$ this thing is an absolute steal and the best value of any piece of equipment I have owned. It has the added value of being software upgradable. Hopefully Line6 will keep dishing out new tones and effects for its guitarport customer base. If it was stolen I'm sure I'd get another. To sum it up, I wish I had this thing 13 years ago, I'd probably be a much better player now.

cant get any easier,just plug in and set up a tone and play,and it pretty much installs itself

i know this isnt going to sound exactly like the amps its emulating but hey it still sounds pretty good ,when i first got it i was not impressed but with the release of 2.0 my opinion of the unit has pulled a 180,the models have definately improved as have the effects,tube freaks will probably denounce it because their are just some sounds u cant pull out of this thing,but and this is a big but if your limited on cash and have acomputer and want acheap very nice sounding recording tool,you probably wont be disapointed

no toubles yet

just go to website and have whole new set of amps for free ,killer

ive been playing about 17 yrs ,played,played through ,and owned just about 1/2 of everything ,i know what sounds good to me and i know all my guitars sound good through it ,2 ibanez's,1 peavey,1 epiphone,and 1 ovation overall a decent unit like i said pretty impressed with 2.0

If you know how to adjust an amp, effects pedals and can use a mouse, you can use Guitarport. Firmware upgrades are automatic and painless as is editing patches.

The new 2.0 software makes is a little harder to get great tones (where previously almost every tone was useable) but I put this down to the increased number of options. You now have four mike models for each amp with 0-100% positions for each mike, for example. This makes it feel more like your playing with real equipment - heaven knows I've spent enough time fiddling with a SM57 in front of an amp in my time.

The sheer range and quality of tones though is unbelievable given the price of the unit and the only reason (apart from the above) I don't give this a 10 is because pinched harmonics are tricky and amp-like feedback is impossible.

Overall if you want a guitar sound, you can get (pretty much) get it.

I've had some problems with the unit stopping responding and some white noise, but not noticed this since updating the firmware and installing version 2.0.

I wouldn't gig with it without a backup, simply because it runs on a PC.

Not really applicable, but they seem to respond quickly to forum posts.

I play a lot of blues and the Guitarport is perfect for jamming to backing tracks. The blues tones are wide ranging and pretty fat. I've been playing for 18 years and if I only owned one piece of equipment to go alongside my guitar this would be it.

OK, this is mostly to hype the 2.0 version of the software, which is available now. The amp models are much better, and there are more of them. Effects now make more sense, e.g. you can move things around in the loop. Also, I am simply astounded at how good the acoustic simulator is. Gawd!

This is the easiest of the Line 6 products to use. I just upgraded to the 2.0 beta version.

I use the Guitar Port for my live setup. I have a fast current laptop which keeps it running smooth and without tracking problems. It is very rich in sound quality. My setup is in this order: guitar output to a "Crybaby" wah to the pod input and line out to a volume pedal then direct to my PA system. I have been playing for 20 years and currently in a top 40 variety band. I can find any guitar sound (with feel) that I want. Sure is nice not to have to lug an amp around. I also found an easy solution for patch switching, which I open the patch window and position the mouse pointer arrow on the next patch for quick changing.

Can deffinately depend on it. I use Windows XP and got the upgrade of course with the beta 2.0. I feel so confident that I dont use a backup.

The only customer support used was for upgrades...No problem here.

I have used tons of gear over the years and wasted alot of money. I finally found and inexpensive keeper. By the way the OLP MM5 that came with it is excellent. Cant believe I got it for an additional $30.00. I have been using it as my main guitar.

I just wanted to give some information regarding the new version of the Guitar Port software. Version 2.0 is on the horizon and a beta version is available through Guitar Port for download. The installation of the new version keeps all original tones, and tracks. This upgrade is free and extends the GuitarPort software to users of the PODxt. Being somewhat computer savvy will help getting around the interface but it isn't totally necessary. If you can use a web browser you can use Guitar Port.

The Sound Quality of the Guitar Port has changed but for the better. All the Amp, Cab and FX Models now use the same modeling technology as the PODxt. There are five new amp models, several new amp cabs, 4 new distortion boxes, 5 new reverbs, FX routing, Mic models, and the list continues. What's especially nice is that half speed playback and CD ripping occur in real time, and ASIO and MIDI are both supported. The new version of the software also has additional options for those interested in using Guitar Port to record. The final version of the new software will include updates to all tones available online. The addition of more tweakable options as well as incorporating the PODxt modeling only adds to the legitimacy of using the Guitar Port for both learning and making music.

If you're a person who doesn't believe in anything digital than this isn't for you. However, even if you're a tone freak you will definitely appreciate the amount of sounds you can generate with the Guitar Port. Using headphones, computer speakers, or an amp, you really can't go wrong.

I've had no problems with this device whatsoever. I have never used this device for a gig but I'm not a working musician. Any working musician with a laptop could get great results just running the guitar port through the PA. I'm planning on using the Guitar Port at a up and coming jam. We'll see how things go.

I have never had to contact Line6 support for any issue. Being a tech savvy person I've been up and running from the get go. However, Line6 provides phone support, email support, and support through the Guitar Port forums. I have provided feedback and any questions I have had have been answered via the Guitar Port software. I'm rating the support for what friendly support I have encountered.

I play a plethora of styles; the quintessential jack of a trades/master of none. The Guitar Port continues to surprise me over and over again. Being able to jam with real renditions of your favorite songs and using your favorites tones would make this product good enough. However, that's just scratching the surface. There are numerous lessons, interviews and additional learning material online. I've learned a lot and have enjoyed myself every step of the way. This product is really worth checking out.

I would like to see some changes/additions to be made. Additional features I would like to see are support for floor board FX/preset changes, and a metronome. That's about it.

Installed pretty easily, had to update firmware but it has been solid since. If you know your way around windows it is very easy to use

Les Paul custom into the guitar port, thats it. The sound was fair through the pc speakers but with headphones look out. I also got myself some long rca cables and ran it into my stereo,WOW. Im playing right with the mix and the tones are very good through good quality speakers. Line6 insane setting with the single coil blues lead tone, play that with the blues ballad and your in Gary Moore heaven.

No problems so far. Could imagine bringing it on a gig and handing the sound man your rca outs, here you go thats it. You could probably set up a laptop on a stand and set some hotkeys but ill stick to real equiptment for now.

Havent needed any yet but there was a vast help section online.

I play blues, rock and some metal and i get some real good tones from this unit. The best part is downloading tracks and loops. I usually dont practice alone very long because i like to jam. With this i have been practicing more than i have in the last 20 years. Jamming along and using guitarport online has really been great. My regular setup is my Paul through a analog man dyna/ross, analog man ts9/808 mod, boss ce2 chorus, ibanez ad99 analog delay and an mxr 6 band eq into a jcm2000 dsl100. I have a couple of multi effect units i can put in my loop but i like to stay analog. I really like the guitar port 8).

The GuitarPort is a toy not suitable for professional play. It's almost impossible to get a decent sound out of it anywhere resembling a real guitar or amp. Amp modeler? What a joke! Editing batches is a waste of time. Everytime a software update comes out it just screws up.

As I said above the GP sucks. It always sounds noisy cause it sucks. The effects are beyond weak -- they don't exist. All the effects suck. This is susposed to be the future?

Why would you want to depend on it? It is always breaking and don't expect customer support cause it's as effective as the GP. HALF THE TIME IT DOESN"T EVEN WORK!

This is where Line 6 should get a zero. They have THE WORST CUSTOMER SUPPORT! They are not friendly. They don't even try to help. It's a joke just like the GP.

I tried the GP Online. That's even worse than the GP. If you bought one of these by mistake TAKE IT BACK! You are susposed to be able to record with it and this is just a FLAT OUT LIE. Don't be sucked in by the marketing THIS THING SUCKS!

GuitarPort is very simple to get up and running. I used the CD to install on XP (despite the warnings not to) and it worked straight away. On my Windows 2000 machines the GuitarPort shows up in the audio device list which is very important as you can then easily use it to record your work with any number of software records (cakewalk, magic, etc). Little disappointing that the CD stated it is not XP compatible.

Using the speakers that came with the Computer is not a good idea as those cheap type speakers have no range or depth and buzz at loud volumes. However I invested in real quality headphones and the sound is amazing. The clean tones are very clean and clear. The 'rock' tones really do rock. It is a little unfair to compare this solution to a mashall stack at loud volume but when i close my eyes and pull a guitar face I am right there on stage with GuitarPort

I would not class this as a pro gigging tool, but for small gigs you could have fun with it. A great use would be for a "covers" guitarist. You could set up and save the various tones in advance nd then switch between them in seconds on the night.

<no experience>

As an amateur who has been playing guitar classics (rock/ blues/ pop) for several years this is my favourite piece of kit (other than guitar). It does exactly what is says on the box and it works. In a technology market that seems filled with hype and junk I am most pleased with this product. if Ilost it I'd get it again.

The price is really good. Am considering signing up but I have all my favourite songs on MP3 and download the tab from the internet so probably won't. AS for tones it is fun to experiment and make your own sound, as well as emulating your heros.

The volume knob has such a silky smooth feel for it. The four built in "pedals" are good, lots of options. I was actually looking at buying two of them but the guitarPort is actually cheaper than getting the pedals "for real". For newbies to advanced amateurs (can not speak for pros as i am not one) this product gets a big thumbs up.

This is super easy. I have an AMD 1ghz Athlon based system and I installed the software, connected the thing, signed up for the internet part and viola. I'm now playing Eric Johnson note for note, ZZ top, Joe Satriani etc. This thing reduces your learning curve by orders of magnitude over poping in the CD and figuring it out. Just hope you can find some music you like if you use the on-line part. It's a little thin right now. In any case, it'll rip your CDs and let you jam along. No worse off than I was before but as a bonus I get some very convincing sounding amp models.

I'm using a 1980 Fender American Standard Strat and a 2001 Epiphone Les Paul Classic. I've been using an old Crate G60-GT amp for over 20 years now ( that I bought at the same time as the strat). It sounds OK but after using this GP thing, I have a hard time listening to the old Crate. So far, I've been able to match the sound coming off of the CD fairly close for any song. Some of the amp models I really think sound good are the Vox AC30, the Fender Black Face, and the 'Jazz chorus'. I don't have anything other than the old Crate and a few old stomp boxes to compare it to but this thing sounds fantastic compared to anything I have.

So far no problems. Would I gig with the guitar port. That would be cool. A guitar port that the band can all plug into and jam. No more need for special place to practice. I don't know what the drummer would do, however. I guess it would have to interface with an electronic drum kit. Virtual band. That would be awsome.

No need to call customer support yet.

I play classic rock like ZZ Top, Rush, Led Zeppelin, etc.. I've been playing for over 20 years. I own a Fender Japanese strat, a Fender American standard strat, an Epiphone LP Standard, and a Kay Yari Alvarez accoustic, a Crate G60-GT Aniversiary Edition amp, Boss Flanger, Ibanez chorus pedal,Boss SD-1 overdrive, Ibanez digital delay, Digitech RP300 multi-effects processor. The amp modeling on the Line 6 blows away the Digitech, however, there are a lot of fun effects on the Digitech thing. The effects are pretty weak on the GP. I'll have to take off some points for the weak effects. I wish it had an expression pedal with expresion type effects. I also wish it had a recorder. In any case, I would recomend this product to anyone wanting a good practice tool. Line 6 just needs to lower their prices. They are proud of their stuff for sure.

This is an amazing piece of equipment and very very very very easy to use. When i got it from the store i had everything set up at home ready to go in a dew minutes. The software was easy to install but the update that came with the cd could not be used so i had to go to the site to get the suitable update.

GREAT SOUND!!! The amps on the guitarport were all great!! There are 10 amps in total and 10 cabs i think. They emulate the sounds of, Marshall JCM800, Mesa Boogie Dual/Triple Rectifier, Fender B-Man, Fender Tweeds.. and other stuff. You could get your artists settings easily if you sign up for the guitarport online which is about $8 per month. There are lessons and jam tracks too! The effects are top notch, Chorus, Tremolo, Flanger, Delay, Verb, Comp... There is almost no noise coming out of it! unless you are using a faulty cable or a guitar which has some nasty pickups, cuz there is this real cool feature called the hum reducer it reduces hum by learning from your guitar you have to get guitarport to understand what i am saying! Plus theres a noise gate too! Although there is some slight hum on the blizzard setting but nothing thats too big of a deal.

The unit looks strong and sturdy its made of plastic, screwed together with 4 screws. this aint a stompbox to you dont need to step on it. NO NO for gigging lol... this is a home practice thing u need a computer to use it. The reason why i gave this a 7 is cuz of the software it had some problems but they could be fixed.

Great support when i had a problem i emailed them and 24hrs later they replied.

I play mostly rock stuff... Playing for about 2 years... I own a 40th Fender Strat, PRS Santana SE, Yamaha Pacifica, 6 Boss Pedals in a BCB-6 case, crybaby wah and GUITARPORT... If this were stolen i would not get a new one lol i would get the PODxt!! I wish it had like a footswitch! This thing helped me came up with 4 songs!!! THATS all...

I bought this unit about three weeks ago for 200 Euro.
Getting it started almost is just plug and play, when its installed, you just have to hook your guitar in and there should be sound coming out.
As had been said before this thing tries to act like an external soundcard, which sometimes is disturbing for it may fool around with drivers of your soundcard or other applications.
Anyway editing patches is as easy as installing the unit for the editor window is intuitive and understandable.

Since version 1.4. it is compatible to computers using XP (which my one actually does), but I think as it still is quite new ,there's a lot coming up.

I think they get a 10 when there are more updates...

The sound quality is absolutely astonishing.
In front of my computer I use a Ibanez RG 450. The machine itself is an AMD Athlon 900Mhz,
256MB DDR RAM,
GForce 2,
Terratec EWX 24/96 soundcard

passed the guitarports hardware test without any problems.

All the amps and cabs have the caracter of their originals, though of course they can't beat the real thing. Funny thing, the first amp in listing (e.g. Fender Lux 52, or something) sounds most heavy metal if you turn up the drive, plus booster, plus compressor.
As you see I predominately play heavy metal and the guitarport does a very good job in there.
Again it although here gets an 8, for some amps (as The Rectifier) are not as loud as others, which is a bit disturbing if you do homerecording.
Still the sounds are fewer but better than on the POD2, because it uses a shark chip, like the Vetta Amp.
The effects section is as on the Pod rather back to basic but what you get is very usable.

I NEVER WOULD GIG WITH THE GUITARPORT.
Not because of the unit itself, but thanks to Mr. Gates.
It maybe would work but I don't trust computers even using XP.
The Unit itself, however is quite stable (made of plastic, ok, but solid). So 10 for the guitarport because it has not caused any problems with my system.

Have not used it yet so I don't know much abuot it.
The Faqtraq Page is very helpful for most of the problem that can occur.

As I said I play mostly HM, and it does a good job there, but I think its also good for Jazz, Blues, or whatever you play.
I use it for homerecording, so I haven't checked out a membership in the online community (it's too expensive anyway) and I don't see the point in letting line 6 charge my credit card for playing along with Hendrix or all the others whose songs I've heard for millions of times.
I think it's cool for beginners as a learning device but i think you don't have to get a member if you can upload all the songs the sell on the internet by yourself.

Check out:

www.deadly-sin.com

for songs recorded with line 6 equipment (e.g. Flextone HD, Pod2 and Guitarport).

As you see in the list I like line 6 stuff.

Insert CD....follows instructions....and you're done....no problem.
I didn't connect G Port to the soundcard because I have an Akai 16 track recorder and don't intend to use G Port to record on my PC.
For anyone who is even vaguely PC/Windows literate this is a doddle to use.
There is no paper manual which some people have complained about but the on-line help facility is more than adequate.

I am using G-Port purely as a learning tool (I have other gear for live gigs and direct recording) but to my ears the amp/effect sims are on a par with POD.
As a learning tool what can I say !......this is simply the best #140 I have spent on guitar gear in the last decade.
The lessons, backing tracks, etc available via the on-line subscription service are very good.
However, the on-line stuff is definitely biased towards blues/Rock (SRV/Hendrix/Eric Johnson/Robben Ford).
This suits me just fine but others may not find too much of interest here.
The first track I downloaded was Fire by Hendrix. It took about 17 mins to download. A few minutes later I was playing with Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding with Jimi on lead vocal ....spooky !

As this is a desktop tool reliability should not be a problem.

Haven't needed to call them so I don't know.

The best #140 I've spent in recent years.
Before I bought it I was concerned at the amount of users who have experienced problems connecting G Port with their PC's but on my PIII 667 with 192 megs of RAM it runs perfectly.
Initially there was the occassional pop or click when playing the backing tracks but a slight adjustement to the latency setting cured it completely.
I've been playing/teaching for 25 years and cannot believe how useful G Port is....regardless of your playing ability.

Guitar was very easy to install. Simply follow the instructions TO THE LETTER, and you should not have a problem. The software and hardware interfaces are straightforward and easy to understand. No manual, and the online help is useless. As for tech support, more on that later. pLEASE MAKE SURE AND CHECK OUT THE OVERALL RATING.

I bought Guitar as a learning and practice tool. My practice time is zero dark early, and I cant wake the family. I listen through headphones only. The models are acceptable, but nothing to write home about, and certainly not comparable to the real thing. I cannot recommend the GPORT for anything else but a learning aid.

N/A - nothing has broken yet. I am sure if it does, I will be SOL.

Ok, here we go. I gave Support a 1, because I was afraid giving it a zero would make others think I forgot to pick a number. Have a question other than "dude whens the next blink182 lesson gonna be up", forget about it. I have asked several questions, both at the GPORT site and through Line 6 support and I am met with cold dead silence. I think their idea is that if they dont answer the question, the problem does not exist or will somehow go away.

I think the device deserves a 4. A Solid 4. As stated before, it is not really good for anything but as learning tool. Additional reasons for a low overall rating:
- NO customer support
- Poor Effects modeling and controls
- Limited Amp and Cabinet models (10 each)
- Cannot control window size, and existing window size is poor
- cannot print anything
- Extremely slow website - slowest I have ever seen
- Most of the lessons are straight out of Guitar World;nothing new
- No keyboard control of playback/rewind, like most programs have
- Did I say poor customer support?

I honestly cant see myself using it much longer. It's only $8.00 a month (for now!), but I dont feel I'm getting my moneys worth.
If someone stole it, I would thank them.

There is no paper manual but the installation is quite easy as the setup program shows you all the steps for the connection. The Guitar Port places itself between your sound card output and your speakers, but there's only 1 mini-jack on the Guitar Port so if you have a sound card with 2 output mini-jacks (3D sound), you'll lose your rear speakers while the Guitar Port is plugged in.
Otherwise the interface is great, very easy to use with useful explanations about each knob for amps newbies like me. You need just 2 clicks to switch to another tone. It's a pity though that can just browse the tones by name, it could have been cool to browse them by style, amp, cabs, effects, and so on...
I have WinXP, so I had to download the updated installation program from Line6 website (so the CD in the box is useless).

My guitar is a Yamaha Pacifica 112. Before buying the Guitar Port, I used it with a cheap Yamaha VA10 amp. Now I get much better and various sounds with the Guitar Port + headphones or my comp's speakers. The 'reduce hum' thing works well. I don't think I'll subscribe to the online service as I don't want to pay the monthly fee and it doesn't seem to have any stuff about my favourite bands (brit pop/rock : Manics, Suede, Ash, ...), but in the preset tones I tried the Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins and U2 ones and they seems to be pretty accurate. In the overal it seems rather easy to get the sound you want.

I can't say as I only have it since a few days, but it looks like well crafted and solid as a rock.

Just downloaded the XP upgrade from their website and update the firmware (for this one the server didn't answer the first time but I tried again 1 hour later and it worked).

If it were stolen I'd buy it again... I'm playing since 2 years (just at home for the moment) and the Guitar Port sounds like a great tool. The guy at the music shop was even jealous of me because he has a Mac at home and therefore can't use the GP ;)

The GP (GuitarPort) is very easy to use. This is the first guitar effect that I've found that you really don't need a manual at all.

The setup is a little tricky but I haven't run across a piece of hardware that didn't have it's quirks. It was relatively easy to install. I did have some trouble when I went from dial-up to DSL but I uninstalled and reinstalled the GP software with advice from the GPO (GuitarPort Online) forum and it works fine now.

I'm using a PRS custom -> GP -> Pentium 4 1.6GHZ 512MB RAM-> Samson PA. The PA has a pair of SoundTech 14" speakers. When my PA is off I run it through my Polk Audio computer speakers that sound pretty good. But the PA sounds great. You should use good RCA cables and a good stereo cable for you computer. You'll see when you install the GP.

I think the effects are good to very good. The only noise I get is when I'm in front of the computer monitor. Some of the ZZ Top, BB King, Clapton overdrive sounds are impressive. With my PA it's not the real thing but close. I downloaded an Andy Summers type of delay tone from a GPO lesson that was awesome.

There is a hum reducer that actually works w/o killing the tone.

So far no problems. If you have any it's probably a software issue that you can resolve by perhaps getting a better computer or by reloading the software and downloading the newest version from GPO. GPO is the optional service you can purchase for $8/mth. I have found GPO well worth the money.

I wouldn't gig with it cause it doesn't have a foot switch but I'm sure that's coming. I'm giving a No Opinion cause I've only had it for 2 months.

GPO has a tech support forum you can search for problems you are having. Like I said I had a problem when I change ISP's and I got the answer without asking cause someone else had the same problem and reloaded the software. I haven't had a need to call them yet.

I love rock, blues, jazz and this little GP has really got me excited about playing again. I do get into ruts but when I do now I can download a lesson or track from GPO and take off in a new direction.

My son was thinking about going to a teacher and I suggested he get a GP instead and go online. For 8 buck a month how can he go wrong?

I've been playing guitar since I was 18 and I'm 48.

Equip:
Amps: Fender Hotrod Deluxe and a Laney 15w
Guitars: A couple of PRS customs and a Godin LG w/P90s.

If I lost my GP I would replace it.

A couple of things I don't like: GP will not allow you to print sheet music from GPO. If you cancel your GPO subscription you cannot open any of the files you have downloaded from GPO. If you read the GPO forums you will see that printing is a sore issue with GPO subscribers. Hopefully GPO will resolve this soon.

My favorite features are the tones and how you can download tones from cds, lessons or tracks online.

If I compared my GP to my Digitech RP7 I'd give the GP a 10 and my Digitech RP7 about 6. Mostly because the GP is so damn easy to use.

Bottom line: If you've got a good computer, can spare $150.00 startup and $8.OO per month for GPO run down and get ya one.

Couln't be much easier.

I think my guitarport sounds awesome, but I'm taking away a point for the built-in effects which while good, could be a little better I think. And certainly more varied. I'd like to see octave on there. I plug my Les Paul Studio or homeade Telewhacker into it and a few tweaks later can have any tone I'm looking for. Each guitar's unique tone comes right through as well, which was really my biggest worry before I tried it.

I'd say its reliable for its intended use, which is definitely not gigging. It feels like somewhat lightweight plastic, but it's fine sitting next to your computer. Some people have complained about the software crashing Windows 98, but then you can sneeze and crash Windows 98. I've had absolutely no problems under 2000 and assume that it's solid in XP as well. I'm running a 1.2G Athlon system w/ 256M RAM, doubt it'd run as good on an old Pentium II.

Haven't needed any real support yet, though I did pester Line6 prior to release about when it would be available, and they were always responsive, so my guess is they're good in other instances too.

Over all, I love this thing. It's all I use at home anymore and actually sounds quite nice through my $40 Altec Lansing PC speakers, even better through phones. You can't gig with the thing obviously, at least not without a laptop, and who wants to do that? The downloadable tracks, well, I'm not that into that aspect. Fun for a few minutes maybe, but it sure isn't a substitute for playing with other people. The downloadable settings are pretty sweet though. I think of it as the world's greatest headphone amp, plus it records like a dream into cakewalk. If you're doing any home recording, you should very definitely give one of these a try.

just plug it in and go. Easy to use. Lots of preset tones to pick. Looping over a phrase and slowing down (pitch corrected) are odvious and intuative.

I have a good computer 1.4GHz 256M of DDR ram etc etc. I still get artifacts in the sound clicking noieses and volume dips and swells. I thought it was maybe defective so I returned it to the store, but the replacement unit does the same thing.

Well, you can't gig with it at least not unless you drag your computer to the gig/jam with you, and even IF I had a laptop that I could drag to a jam with me I don't think I would do it.

I haven't delt directly with line6, but when I returned my first one the store was great, they just swapped it with no hassle.

The best thing about it is the online stuff. Lots of lessons and jam tracks to play along with and learn. I was really pummped about this at first.

But thers lots of limitations to. You have to be at your computer to practice. The online lessons and tracks can only be used while you are a subscriber and connected to the internet, so you can't carry them with you even if you have a laptop. You can download them but if you stop your subscription they wont work any more (bet you didn't know that).
I'm not using mine any more. I bought a Korg PX4. The PX4 does everything the Guitar Port does and more, plus I can go sit on my porch and play or take it to a jam with me.

As for the online content truefire.com has way more lessons than guitar port and at least once I buy them they're mine.

Don't buy it, buy the PX4 or even a POD, you'll be way happier.

This unit is a piece of piss, just point and press, no manual required and editing is just as easy.So far two free upgrades, that's the beauty of this unit and the internet and Line6.One snag is that it doesn't tell you to set up the driver latency speed for best performance, this is easily done in the driver toolbox.

I've spent ten years and loads of cash on stuff to try and sound like Kirk Hammett in my house, you know without spending three grand on a mesa stack and god knows what pedals etc.and then hiring a hall and turning it up to ten to get the tone and blowing your ears into next week.The last toy was the Boss gt6, what an overated piece of fizzy crap that was, This is the dog's dangly's,From Korn to Albert Lee and everything in between. Sure it's limited until Line6 come up with a floorboard (USB) channel changer with Wha, or a head version, hurry up Line6.I would have given a ten but the real thing would get a ten.

This depends on your computer spec and abilities to use it, set it up,my windows98se,20gb,600mhz,256ram, no problems at all.

No problems at all these are interested and interesting people who want to help, which makes a refreshing change.

Supreb product, this is the future for poor people who want tone,and thier own guitar tutor if you join up to the online stuff.Where you don't have to put up with a tutor showing off at your expence.

For ease of use I give it a 9. There is no paper manual that comes with the guitarport. Help is available online. There's really nothing complicated about using it. Whatever questions I've had have been answered by the FAQ. As far as editing patches, very straight forward; just like working with your amplifier in terms of setting up a sound. I have installed the latest upgrades for it.

Sound quality is a 7. The effects are ok, nothing to shout about. I use it straight into my PC and either use headphones or the Boston Acoustic speakers w/ sub that came with my gateway. My PC is a 1.2 Ghz Athlon & 256 ram, and I wouldn't recommend using it with anything less powerful than that. I run my strat straight into the guitarport with no external effects. For the most part I can get quite close to the tone I am seeking. However, and this is important, the guitarport is in my opinion, a practice tool. It is great for jamming with a CD or practicing with the many tracks available for download. The original tracks and artist tracks that you can download are great, and it seems as though Line 6 is trying to increase the number of tunes available to jam with. One could, I suppose, use this device as a recording tool with a PC based recording system, but I haven't done this.

Reliability has been a big issue for me. The software is constantly locking up my system, and only a hard re-boot will get me operational again. I am currently using 98SE OS. I need to spend some time with customer support and get this issue worked out. Other than that, reliability has not been an issue.

Customer support has been good to me. They have always been able to help me dignose and correct the problem. I remember their support as always being excellent. I was once an owner of the Axsys 212, later the AX2 and support was great.

Since I am just now starting to get back into playing with other people, I have been using the guitarport as a practice tool by myself. I also have a 1966 Super Reverb and a 1977 Marshall JMP 50 watt head/2x12 cab that I A/B as the ultimate tone monster. But with kids and early bedtimes, the guitarport usually ends up the favorite due to the ease of use and quietness with headphones use. I tend to play blues, rock and a little jazz. For my purposes, this machine does a great job.

I would replace it if it were stolen or destroyed. I use it daily and I think it has played a huge role in improving my playing. Heck, when you're jamming with the backing tracks, it's like having a band at your fingertips that plays in tune, never screws up and doesn't bitch about stupid stuff. There's nothing else on the market that even compares to the guitarport. Even though I am a complete and utterly shameless tone/tube snob, I love the versatility and ease of use of the guitar port. I have been playing for 22 years and have had all the toys and gadgets. I already have my ultimate-tone amplifiers and guitars and the guitarport as a tool to improve my playing is the icing on the cake.

GuitarPort is very simple to use. You'd have to be a nincompoop not to be able to use the point-and-click style GUI (graphical user interface) of the software. The hardware part of this product is just a volume knob, while the more in-depth controls are software-based. Within the software, the the sections for amps, effects, volume, and in-program browser are clearly marked. Part of the genius behind this awesome software, are the talented programmers who made a real authentic looking interface.

Guitar used: 2001 Epiphone Les Paul Standard (lefty)
Soundcard used: SB Live! value/Turtle Beach; Santa Cruz
OS: Win2k/WinXP
CPU: 1.3GHZ AMD Athlon
The amps/effects that GuitarPort emulates are amazing! I quickly learned some AC/DC riffs and downloaded the AC/DC tones, just to see if I could really sound like I was on a highway to hell : ). It includes a long list of preset tones, and a 'user' directory where you can save those that you modify, create, or download from GuitarPort's Online service. The effects are superb, giving a standard tone a bit of a surreal quality, especially when using the 'chorus' effect. This made my stock epiphone pickups sound amazing, and if you know epiphone pickups, then you know that that is saying a lot.

(Read above for the system information that this review is based on)
Let me state, that I do not, and would not use this for a gig. It is not for gigging. This product was made for just guitar-to-home computer interface. If you want gigging tone emulation, Line6 makes a product called POD, for just that purpose. I use GuitarPort for practicing, and digital recording purposes. I could also see it used when some friends get together to jam in their home.
I bought the product in April 2002, just after it came out. I was using a Win2k operating system with an sb live! value soundcard. Soundblasters are notorious for not playing well with other hardware. GuitarPort is listed as another sound device, within your windows configuration. After I upgraded to winXP, and installed a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz soundcard, I didn't experience any problems that were associated with the previous soundcard. It also helps that you have a faster system, to experience less problems with the USB connection data transfer rate. If your system hiccups during a guitarport session, then a normal usb sound interruption can be heard. This is normally just a quick clicking noise.
This product is very reliable if you have a system that can support it. I'm giving it a 10, because my system does support it without any problems. When you hook a piece of hardware into your computer, you have to realize that factors unrelated to the actual product can cause a problem, since there are multiple software drivers for other hardware devices that can conflict with it. For instance, when I first installed the guitarport software, it kept locking up and produced choppy playback. This was not caused by guitarport itself, but because I didn't have my harddrive set up with the proper IDE drivers, so that it could run in UDMA mode. Once that was corrected, guitarport ran beautifully.
I would recommend a Santa Cruz soundcard to be used with this product, as it has turned out to be the most powerful, easy to use, no conflict, powerful soundcard that I have ever had experience with.

I've never had to contact them about anything, although, I did notice that they have a nice support forum interface on their website. I paid attention to it, while waiting for the winXP driver release.

I play rock/blues and anything else that interests me. This amp ROCKS if you want to sound hardcore while you practice. There are a lot of EXCELLENT rock-specific amp emulation, with guitarport. I started playing lefty in April, and guitarport has helped me advance my beginner skills immensely. I have some mp3 clips of some different tones I've recorded. If you're interested, email me and I'll throw you the link.

If my guitarport were stolen...well, I'd shoot anyone if they tried to steal anything from me. However, if it were stolen, I'd buy a new one. Definitely!

When I got it, I stopped using a crappy amp I bought. I ONLY use guitarport now, since I only practice and play at home. I got a friend to go get a guitarport, also. He just got it this week and is loving it to death. My brother originally told me about guitarport, seeing it on TechTV before it was actually released. I went to line6's website and caught videos of it from a NAMM show. I was amazed and it matched what I wanted to do with it, perfectly. I wanted an awesome way to practice, and since I'm a total computer loser-geek, it made it that much better.

I would like to see line6 upgrade it to include some type of wah-wah effect. I know a few people have requested it of them, and the software can always be upgraded, so I will hope that it is implemented in the future. I would also like to see them include support for rear channel speakers, since it only has the one output jack. I mainly use headphones, since I live in an apartment, but I have a five-piece speaker set.

A tip, for recording--buy a 2 rca-to-stereo jack from radioshack, and hook it into the rca jacks of the guitarport and to the microphone jack of your soundcard. I found that this is the best way to record from guitarport. I've noticed no extra pickup noises while recording, since I don't use a single-coil pickup-style guitar.

I would recommend this for any beginner, or guitar enthusiast who wants to practice and record easily on the computer, but have powerful tone selection/options. Also, I've dropped my guitarport and used it quite a lot, and it's very sturdy. I love my guitarport.

Hooking the unit up is a breeze thanks to its usb port. Windows XP users beware.....98 and below should have nothing to worry about though as I have tryed it on both xp and 98

I am runnin a rhandy rodes guitar with bill lawrence 500xl pickups into this thing. Being a previous pod owner I was very excited to being using such new technology. My first impression of the unit was it seemed to be very bright with much pick attack.Much brighter than the pod. It seems the amps behave a little bit more real than the pod but its hard to say. The effects in this unit are some of the worst I have heard for a modern day device. The chorus is harsh,the reverb leaves much to be desired and the delay is tolerable,a tap tempo button would have been nice line6. no flange,rotary or other fx is another negative:( The insane and marshall amp models seem to shine through as the best models on this unit. Now lets talk about noise..From the beginning I noticed I had much more noise in the background. Now bare in mind that sitting 3 or so feet from a pc monitor will induce noise in even the finest of guitars. It does seem to be worse on this unit than the pod. Because when I record with the GP I have to get at least 6 or so feet away from pc so the noise will drop.I dont use an amp with this as I feel that is pointless. THIS IS FOR RECORDING!! if you want an amp throw this thing out the window and get a marshall head and cab and put a 57 on it:) I dont feel I could get the sound of any of my favorite artist with this thing. Being a metalhead my favs are pantera,metallica,megadeth,etc.

I have done one live show with it hooked into a friends laptop. Fortunately it didnt freeze or stop as I would have had a hard time explaining to the audience that my pc emulated guitar amp just froze all the while dodging beer bottles. I did have a backup in case of failure but I wanted to see how it would do. When it comes to reliability of guitar port its mostly an issue with the pc you are running it on. If your pc locks up at the drop of a hat then I dont think live music is something you should attempt with this thing. The best pc for this thing is one that doesnt have alot of sound cards in it,no sound card would be best as this thing tries to act like a soundcard.

I had to call them initially because I had windows xp and needed assistance cause it wouldnt work. They were quite friendly and had me try many things...however nothing worked. After many failed attempts they finally give up. They were basically like "Were sorry it should work on windows xp,it does for every one else" So more less told me tough its not there problem. I looked around the house and found another hard drive which had 98 on it. I got it to work.. getting it to work with all your audio appz is another battle hehe which is beyond the scope of this review. The point is I shouldnt have to redo my operating system and whole computer for one device..

I play mostly thrash metal.The insane amp has enough gain but The restof the amps in this thing just simply arent a good match for my style. this amp would be great for country or bluegrass I have been playin for about 10 years and I have already got over the search for the holy grail of tone. lol I have owned many different amps and pedals in my day. If it were stolen I would not waste my money on this piece of junk again. And to think I traded my pod in with boot for this thing...Jeez The plus side of this thing is its all just emulation and drivers can be fixed.I'm sure in the future you will be able to just download new amps to your pc and use them with this thing. The issue here is time. Being a usb means for simple connectivity and also the promise of pure 24bit digital audio into the pc without interupption. Now that bein said lets move on the bad...The biggest mistake that line6 made with guitar port is the thing tries to be a soundcard under windows that alone causes it many useless problems. All this thing needs to do is be a preamp and send through usb to pc where emulation will occur via software and then be outputted to whatever soundcard is currently in the pc. TAKE NOTE OF THIS LINE6!!it would be much better that way. The distortion was much tighter and shreddier in the pod. this thing is all about twang. Sound quality is somewhat better in this thing than pod albeit because of the 24bit ad converters. Guitar Port does not get along very well with other sound cards/software I have had it more than twice totally eat my Sounblaster live drivers and half the time it dont work with cakewalk sonar. As a sound card it proved very shitty. I played one online game of AVP2 and it made the game lagg terribly. I leave with this final thought....In the future guitar port has the opportunity to become one of the biggest and best ways to make guitar music with a pc,unfortuantely the technology is just way to buggy to become practical right now SO untill that day comes.....IT WILL BE SITTING ON THE SHELF!!!!

As a Computer Wiz, GuitarPort usage is as easy as it gets. Even with my 2 year old PC, It took 20 minutes to Intsall from the CD, to connect the cables and it worked like a charm. 5 more minutes to subscribe to their service and install the update to the software and that was it. I was hooked.
There are TONS of tones to play around with and you can spend days playing with the various settings.
The manual is on-line (it more fun to try everything yourself if you ask me).

I used with Guitar Port several of my electrics (and my bass which was fun as well) to test the single coil/HB tone options. The Port has been connected to the PC speaker and to my Hi-Fi and it does sound great at home (This is NOT an elternative to my amp but it's more then decent for Jamming/Recording etc.)
As it's connected via a PC you end up with too many volumes settign you can use (One in the Software, One for windows, one on the port, one on the hi-fi...) so you need to fiddle a bit to get the correct tone/volume and minimize the noise. The noise gate on the software does help (but changes the colour of your tone a bit).
I would try to get the output back to my VOX input, should be interesting.
In terms of sounds, you can get (almost) ANY tone you need or get close enough not to tell the diferrence. The good news is it sets you up based on your favorite artist (Not all are present but with those existing so far I've spent enough time to say that it's great).
I still use my BOSS AW-10 (Wah) as I can't live without it.

The port itself is very simple. So that's not an issue. I don't do gigs so untill I see a person on stage with a notebook and a port I can't say... but PC and software into account ... I would rather go with my stomp boxes and not Mr Bill Gates contribution to humanity.

I didn't use them so far. This is the one of the most important points to take into account when checking this unit.
Some people have no problem with the unit (I'm one) or windows. Some may have a problem getting it to work. Like anything in the software world it depands on your PC, Operating system and some technical skills. It wouldn't surprise me if many people have a problem at the first instalation. Heck it took me hours to install the Sims for my daughter... You should hear her screaming when I use the GuitarPort while she plays ... I don't think Robert Plant ever got such high notes.

I play Rock/Blues/Jazz and it fits me like a glove.
I have only been playing for 3-4 years. I have 3 Electric/1 Electric Resonator/2 Electro Acoustic/1 Acoustic/1 Bass. 2 Amps. 1 RP200 multi effect and several Stomp Boxes.

The deal is very simple:
1. Do you have a good PC ? (Good CPU, Good sound card and plenty of space).
2. Do you need to experiment with tones/learn/jamming tool ?
3. Do you have Broadband internet ?
4. Can you spare the few bobs for a monthly subscription ?
If the answer to these questions is YES, RUN and buy the Guitarport.
As a begginer/intermmediate player this tool is unbelievable.
The only thing that concerns me is that in two years time every big Guitar/Effects company will be doing the same and none will be cooperating with the other. I can't see how BOSS/Marshall or even Fender/Gibson can avoid jumping on this money-making wagon.
Line 6 started something that will role for a long time. The technology was there all along but never with such ease access. The sooner they get their on-line service into good shape (allowing users to share tracks, having virtual jamming sessions and getting a steady flow of Tracks/Lessons/more Artists and Tones, This will become one of the major resources for Guitarist.
If it will be stolen I'd buy it again in a jiffy !
I think for a person like me this is worth every damn penny.

Easy. Runs on my PC and my Laptop without any problem. The lack of support for Win XP in the beginning (July 2002) was no real problem. But I feel for MAC users.
The grafic interface is as easy as can be. More simple than the pod. Great.

I use a starocaster and a telecaster, run either into my Marshall 6101 30th anniversary combo or into my monitor system at home. The tone of the respective guitar remains unique, a strat is a strat and a tele is a tele.
Big improvement soundwise compared to my POD 2.0. The new technology seems to pay. The guitar reacts better, is more responsive. The amp models, especially the more high gain ones (e.g the Marshall JCM 800)are far more realistic. More treble afterall where the POD tends to be a bit "muffled".
Effects are OK. Good thing is you can use 4 different effects simultaneously (unlike with the POD).
I have to admit I'm so turned on by the sound of the guitarport that I hardly used my POD for weeks.

Well this was definitely not made for a hard life on the road. The device seems reliable, but I don't see myself gigging with a laptop.
Plus: no swithing device like a floorboard available

Line 6 support is only GREAT!

I've been playing for 25 years, owned and still own several of the "classic" amps and I think it's an incredible device. Having some guitar lessons on guitarport online is 100% fun,

Very easy to use (if you are familiar with a PC and a modeling amp). I have a 1.2 GHZ machine with 256 MB of mem. I have a nice sound card, but I have found that this little beauty pretty much has replaced it. Editing the effects and patches is just like working with the dials on the amps themselves. The manual is online, easy download. I just upgraded the firmware and software.

I have a Strat 62 reissue that has a Dimarzio screaming little deamon in the bridge position. Just to give you a little backgroung: I have owned 2 Marshalls in the past, a JCM800 lead series and a JCM2000 combo. I ended up selling these amps due to thing taking up alot of space in the bedroom and really needing to crank them up to get the tone I like. Both are killer amps, I plan to have another JCM800 in the future.

I brought this thing home installed it, plugged in (all within 10 minutes). Loaded "The Trooper" from a CD rom into the GuitarPort software and changed the amp settings (100 wat JCM800 model) and it was dead on!!! I could not believe how great this thing sounded. My buddy came over last night, and he is a real tube head, he could not believe it either. The Chorus is very cool. The flanger is not. The Delay is great. The compressor is not.

The amp models are just incredible. You will need to have at least some exceptional computer speakers (Klipsch 150 watt with subwoofer) of some powered studio monitors.

Yes you have to have you PC on while using it. I've been checking out the online service and I'm not overly impressed. But it is still a great unit without the service. Best $145 I've ever spent in regards to tone.

You will need to turn down the bass on the heavier amp models, they tend to get muddy.

I just don't know yet, first product from line6

Don't know

I dig on all kinds, but I mainly play Metal and rock. I've been playing about 3 years and have owned 3 tube amps (Blue Voodoo, JCM800 and JCM2000). This unit will not take the place of a tube amp. But for those of you out there with a decent PC and in need of great sounding amps without the cash, this is a great option.

This product is easy to use. It took some time to download new version of software (1.14) from line6 site for XP. After that the installation and firmaware update were very smooth. There's a good help for every function and I haven't got any use for manual so far.

Sound quality is good enough for me. I'm a new guitarist learning to play and tune amps. I don't know what real valve box sounds but the sounds I can get with this sound very much like the real ones at CD I listen. Maybe also powerful computer with decent hardware helps a lot. I have Athlon 1400 MHz, 768 MB memory, fast disks, Soundblaster live, good active speakers and so on. Compared to my small real Fender amp this is cool for this price.

No problems so far so nothing to complain. It works as it shoul.

Haven't use one yet because I have no problems.

I'm very satisfied this box. It's really what I need, I wan't to learn to play and this is easy and cool way to learn to tune your AMPS, play along with ready made tracks. Maybe later I will buy some real tube AMP or V-AMP, POD or something else but so far I'm very satisfied with GP. Recommended for all who want to learn to play easy and cool way. The web service could include more tracks but they are hopefully realeasing more stuff all the time.

It's easy to get a decent sound, plug in your guitar, double click and choose your amp/cab/fx. I am only using the presets; this is a segue to the editing question....

I am not worried about editing, I am not using it to record a multi-platinum album. It's pretty simple, when you want to change settings on any of the models, cabs or fx, you just point and click.

Yeah, no maual, but does that really matter? The manual thing is moot for me anyhow. Who really needs to use one for such a simple piece of gear. But I guess it would be nice to have a quick start tutotrial in writing.

I have a couple of Ibanez shredders, one has a piezo bridge, alll have DiMarzios.

It's only noisy because I sit right in front of my computer monitor.

The fx IMHO aren't studio quality, but this goes without saying - you get what you pay for.

The only thing that pissed me off was the necessity to pull my computer speaker's cables out of my sound card and plug them into the GP. I have 5 point surround, and the rear channel cables are attahced to the front channels. There simply isn't enough cable to run up to the GP, which is sitting on top of my computer's case.

Yeah, you can get artist patches. Most are made by schmucks like me, sosome are good and some just plain suck.

Let's face it, this isn't studio quality gear. You get what you pay for.

Not gigging with it. It's too soon to tell how reliable it is, but so far so good.

Called Line 6, their automated answering service asked if I'd like to be called back when a tech was available, and I am still waiting 5 hours later.

However, their website is pretty good at answering common questions.

I think it sucks that you have to buy the whole package. They could have saved us a lot of cash and just packaged the software. I didn't need the GP unit, and the design behind it is inconvenient, with regards to the in/out cables in conjunction with your sound card. I have a Creative Live IR that I can use in place of the GP unit.

Additionally, they just released this thing last spring. Why couldn't they have worked out the compatability issues with XP prior to release? Sure you can download the latest version, but it's an 18m file, and unfortunately I only have a dial up connection (comcast sucks and still doesn't offer broadband here)

I have been using Line 6's stuff for a few years and have had no problems. Once again, you get what you pay for - IMHO this isn't a studio quality piece of equipment. I think it is great for the beginning guitarist or for someone like me who can't crank a tube amp up at 11:00 at night.

The GP online thing is slow, as stated in previous reviews. I definitely haven't been able to justify keeping the service beyond the free trial period.

This is an expensive software package. They should have just sold the software for $60 and left it up to the user to figure out how to get their guitar plugged into their computer. But that's just my opinion, and if you didn't want my opinion you shouldn't have read this.

This was a bear to install, but after four hours, six reboots and two additional downloads from the Guitarport online I was up and running. Once installed it is relatively straightforward, it takes 20-30 minutes to download a track on regular internet connection, so if you don't have endless free disk space you won't be using the online service. The help function is relatively useless, but I have gotten used to that for guitar products. I couldn't figure out how to phone Line6 for help. The concept of having tabs available while you play is great but unuseable since you can't expand the tabs to full screen or print anything. It works great as a practice tool to jam along with CD's or the downloaded practice grooves. Get a pair of headphones and practice in peace without disturbing the neighbors.

I use a 2000 American Strat, 65 Fender Corronado, 1999 Les Paul Standard as my main guitars, the Port is aimed at strat and Les Paul users for settings. (single coil, double coil) The sounds and effects are very good practice quality and alot of fun for at home practice. I bought some decent studio quality headphones and it sounds like I have a stack of amps behind me. PC speakers are awful, you need to purchase decent powered studio monitors to make the Port sound good.I get all kinds of buzzing and humming depending on what combination is set, at first I thought it was kind of cool and authentic, but now its just annoying. If you just want a modelling tool, I would suggest just using the regular POD or a V-Amp etc. But it is the best play along tool I have found yet, The variety of dowload tracks are very limited. Hopefully there will be additions before it all falls apart.

Don't know about reliability of hardware, As long as the online service is alive and growing its worth while, if it is not supportedand enriched by Line6, it will all be a big flop.
This is a tool practice and learning only not gigging. If were to be fully brought to potential, it could be used for small one man gigs or parties. SO in summary, O.K. now, high risk that it will be around long.

User manuals don't exist, help function on disk is superficial, help online is barely of help, It is hard to figure out where and who to contact for real help.

I saw this unit demonstrated at SAMASH and it appeared unbelievable. Turns out the monitor spreakers that were behind the sound were $800.00 a pair. But through $99.00 headphones the sound is close. The functionality is pretty much as expected - choice of amps, speakers and effects, but clearly all digital sounding. The real problem is the choice of tracks available, I was shown tracks by the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, none of which are actually available. I feel missled and deceived. I may take it back.

I haven't tried the online portion. I'm a dork who's using this in his apartment in lieu of an amp. Sue me.

This in mind, it's butt simple for operation.

Most of the things are cool. The Mesa, JCM, Bassman, Roland, and Fuzz sims are very cool. As are all the cabs.

But I don't really care for the sound of the smallest Fenders, so it's no wonder I don't like the one on here too. The Vox AMP is weak as is the Marshall Plexi.

Oddly enough, the only decent sound I've gotten out of the Insane model is a quasi-slightly-distorted-Matchless sound.

But this is just personal taste. What it does well, it DOES WELL.

The effects are hella cool.

The real reason I'm writing this is to warn people about memory. This thing eats up RAM like it's nobody's business. For me, I occasionally use it to record tracks for songwriting purposes. It does it, but simply running GuitarPort and recording the sound immediately sends it to the brink of cracking up. It's incredibly frustrating getting a good enough take to then hear a huge pop on the second to last measure. Ugh!!!

Another thing: it messes up your drivers. If you're the kind like me that actually fiddles with the internal mixer on at least a semi regular basis, this thing will throw you in a knot.

This needs to be said: what the hell is happening to hard copy manuals? The fact that you need to connect to the internet to use most of the help topics absolutely sucks. And those you don't need to connect for are of absolutely no help. This is not good at all when you're stuck without a connection and need help.

Note to Line6 (and every other music/software company): although you may be tech programmers who have no problem living completely in your computer, most of us aren't. Plus, you wouldn't have RTFM if it weren't for manuals.

I'm your generic early 20s rock guitarist who's been playing since the early 90s. I dig the classic rock sound, but my heart is with modern tones. For those, I'm more than satisfied (except the Insane). I don't really know about the more vintage sounds.

On the wishlist: some of the more obscure amps. A Laney head would be nice, or an Orange amp/cabinet, or...

Pretty simple once you get it setup on your computer. I've read some bad reviews concerning other people's difficulties getting this to work with their computer, but if you are remotely computer literate, you should have no trouble. I have the latest firmware (1.12) and had no problems with it.

CAVEAT: This is going to be a very subjective answer so take it with a grain of salt; All in all the amp models are quite good. I prefer some more than others (I lean towards the cleaner tones). I will not go into details, but suffice it to say that if you are using computer speakers it WILL SOUND LIKE SHIT. However, if you use good monitors or an amp, it will rock. I hope line 6 decides to add more amp models though.

Like I said, it has been very stable for me. Oh by the way, the online subscription is good for what it is...If you are an expert player, I don't see you getting that much out of it. But if you are a beginning player or intermediate, it is quite cool.

Called them once and they seemed to answer my questions or concerns.

I have owned the DG Stomp, J-Station, and currently own the VG-88. Soundwise, the Guitar Port is on par with their pod series. Overall, I would tip my preference to the Roland VG-88 because it is more useful for gigging since the Gport is totally useless for that. However, the tones on the Guitar port tends to be warner for some of the patches while the VG seems to sound "digital". I run this through a tube compressor so is not an issue. Anyway, you can't beat the price performance in this unit. I hope they come out with ASIO drivers for this thing.