Zoom 504 Acoustic

Very easy to use because of the limited amount of features (which isn't bad by itself), but it's just too low on configurability, e.g. I still use almost all the standard-patches, because you can't really make any wild alterations to make them sound better. The manual is a bit messy, too. (One big fold-out piece of paper)

My setup: Samick electro/acoustic(nylon-string), Torque bass-amp, Epiphone Special II, AriaProII 20W. I really bought it for the pre-amp, so my Samick would sound good with the Torque(didn't have any other amp at the time) and for that, it works well enough, i.e. it really does make it sound more acoustic. The pre-amp has four 'acoustic' and four 'electric' settings. The 'acoustics' are good and can really improve the sound. The 'electrics' however, are TOTAL CRAP. 3 out of 4 settings just turn the bass WAY down, and the fourth (to emulate a gut-sound) just turns down the mid-range. The equalizer isn't bad, but it can only adjust treble, bass, or both at the same level. The air-feature isn't bad, it simulates the distance between the guitar and the mike. Erm... Chorus then... There are four types of it, weak, strong, twelve-string, and delay, which can be set between 0-9, and they're not bad, except for the twelve-string, which is just bad octaver. And the reverb is good enough. Nowadays I only use it as a reverb for my Epi-AriaPro-setup.

I think it's dependable enough, I wouldn't take a backup on a gig.

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I used to play acoustic-only, and it isn't bad. I wouldn't buy it again, though, 'cause I don't really use it anymore. I think I'll just buy a reverb-unit next time. I love the 'acoustic' pre-amps (work good for electrics too) and the reverb, I hate the 'electric' pre-amps and the overall configurability. So overall it's not too bad, just don't expect too much of it.

Overall it's very easy to use. It takes some reading to learn how to program it, but once you've got it down it's very easy. It's not much different from any other ZOOM multi-effect pedal. If you use a 501 you'll be right at home.
The manual is okay. I would have prefered a booklet or pamphlet to the poster thing they give you (lots of info crammed in a small space). I'm not certain, but I don't think it would have killed them to add a couple of buttons to the box and a few pages to the manual.

It's the only effect I use with my rig (Ovation Celebrity Deluxe and Trace Elliot) at present. It's a little noisy all around, but can be made tolerable with a little tweaking. The default patches aren't that great, but programming ones that fit your taste is easy.
Adding this sort of effect box to an acoustic rig will almost always give it an "electronic" or "synthesized" flavor, but the ZOOM may be a bit more guilty of it than most. The key is to use it with moderation or else suffer an artificial sound.

Why in the HELL won't these guys take a hint?!?! Put the guts in an aluminum chassis and mark it up $20. More people would buy it!
The box itself has a rather cheap feel. No real substance. I'd use it onstage if it were only me and it was a nice, quite set where I didn't have to worry about the bass player crushing it or beer getting spilled on it or whatever.
The only other complaint (which, again, is VERY common to all ZOOM owners) I have is that a battery shouldn't even be an option. Mine will chew a 9-volt in a matter of minutes (not hours). ZOOM should package the AC adapter with it and mark the price up $5.

I've never used their customer support.

If you're strictly a traditional acoustic player who swears by their trusty Martin and shudders at the thought of plugging in a toaster (let alone a guitar) then this unit probably isn't for you. If, on the other hand, you're an acoustic/electric player who's tired of watching Strat-slinging guitar heroes get to play with all the neat toys then you might consider picking one up.
If mine were stolen I *might* replace it. Then again, I might look at similar products first. Who knows? Why? Do you know something I don't?
Seriously - if you've got roughly $100 US hanging around and you're just DYING to spend it on a neat toy that will texture your sound a bit and, at the very least, be a blast to screw around with when your band is rehearsing then grab one. It's packs a huge bang for the buck.