Zoom 506II (Groover can be helpful)

[Young Twig]

Is the Zoom 506II a piece of junk or is it good. Just thinking about buying an effects pedal someday within the near century (when I get the $$$). Thanks

[Jam4theLamb]

The 506II is definitely a step above the original 506, and it's not bad for being such an inexpensive unit. If you're just looking for plain and simple effects, it oughta do just fine, but it won't do much as far as shaping your tone. If you can afford it, the Line 6 Bass POD or Digitech BP-8 might be a little better.

[groover]

LittleMan and Jam4theLamb,

In terms of "bang for your buck" you can't beat the Zoom 506II. You can buy more expensive effect units but who in your audience is really going to be able to tell the difference or even care? The Zoom has a few really nice effects and some very obnoxious ones. I play with musicians who have played professionally and have been playing for many many years and they all like the sounds I get out of the Zoom.

As far as comparing a Zoom 506II to a Line6 Bass POD, you are comparing apples and oranges. The primary function of the POD is amp modeling where the Zoom is primarily an effects unit. I have played through the POD and a lot of the effects are better but I actually like some of the Zoom effects better. Its all a matter of personal taste. You also can't chain multiple effects together with the POD like you can with the Zoom. If you want amp modeling, definetely buy a POD (I will when I get the $$$), if your just looking for effects, the Zoom is much cheaper and gives you a little more versatility.

I can't comment on the Digitech BP-8, Ive never tried one.

Good Zoom effects: Wah, Octaver, Chorus and Fuzz.

Obnoxious Zoom effects: Bass synth, all distortion except Fuzz and a couple of the Enhancers.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask me any questions you may have about the Zoom 506II.

Peace!

[Young Twig]

<font color=#0000bb>Okay, thanks. The one I primarily would use is the chorus. I would also like to mess around with wahs and distortion stuff. I'll go try it out at MarsMusic someday. Thanks again.</font>

[Young Twig]

<font color=#0000bb>PS I'm 11, no job, no allowance, not much $$$... :(</font>

[DavidAM]

I have only been playing for about two years, so I am still getting the feel for using effects devices.

Several months ago I tried the Zoom out at the store and was not impressed enough to buy it. I then bought a POD, and thought it was good, but it wasn't what I needed at the time, so I returned it.

Recently, I picked up a Digitech BP200 for $150. It is not perfect, but seems to currently be the best overall multieffect device for bass. Check one out and compare it to the Zoom before making a final decision.

[Young Twig]

<font color="#0000bb">
I tried out the Zoom 506II today at Mars. It's great. Of course some effects stunk like the Synth, but I mean what can you expect for 90 bucks?? I liked a bunch of the effects. I think I'll be getting it some day within the next month. Thanks for all the help.
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[frankthebass]

hi, just thought I'd throw in my 10 cents for all its worth...
personally I'd stay away from ANY zoom effects... I've seen a load of different units by zoom for bass, guitar,keyboard, and PA, and to be honest, out of the 250 or so patches each one has, about 3 of them are any good...
they sound a bit too computery for my liking.
if you want a really stonking processor, go for the bass pod, or maybe even the bass pod pro... they have amp modelling as well which is cool if you want to have your amp sound like a famous, more expensive one.
boss make good processors as well, but I'd go for the pod if I had the choice.
I realise $$$ may be an issue, but in the end, you'd get a lot more for your money if you saved up for a bit longer and bought the pod.

[DavidAM]

If I may repeat myself: If ya'll want to try a decent, fairly low cost multi-effect/modeler, check out the Digitech BP200 before buying anything. It is not perfect, but I think it is worth the $140 I paid for it.

[Young Twig]

I've got it now. THe only bad thing is, I can't use it 'til the 25th. :( Oh well...

[pUnKBaSs4GOD]

i have a zoom 506II pedal and i don't use it all that much, but does ne one know any effects it has that would sound good in a punk setting for a bass.

[Young Twig]

I reccommend just messing around with the patches and making them sound more "punky." :cool:

It's Christmas (as everyone knows), so, I got to use my bass pedal today. I love it. I made a really cool effect with lots of cry and lots of echo... It sounds great...

P.S. Did I mention "I love it?" :D

[Young Twig]

P.P.P.P.P.P.S. (I think that was too many P's) Did anyone see the Zoom 607 Bass Pedal yet. I saw it today and it was pretty cool...