HISTORY
In a 'previous life' my world for many years was the audio post production business (mastering editing etc) and a side line was playing around with various instrument accessories, especially (in those days) the 'new fangled effects units and pedals'. Actually it was more for the interests of the staff than myself, they were the 'real muso's' - I was the 'tech head'
This ZOOM 505 was one of those effects units, never gigged with but they had a lot of enjoyment experimenting with the many sounds that could be created.
This unit has been sitting nice and safely (but VERY LONELY) in yet another box of bits and pieces from the past (I do live in a Time Tunnel after all!)
Today I bought it out, got a local to bring over his geeetar and see what he could do with it - of course checking that it still works.
I does, no hitches at all - you just need to read the instruction manual as setting it up is a bit 'involved'
As I am now ever so slowly clearing out all my musical, electronic and "arty" items - this ZOOM needs to find a new home for another muso to enjoy!
ZOOM - Guitar Effects Pedal
Designed in Japan
Manufactured in China
Model: 505
DSP (Digital Sound Processor) based
24 effects built-in
9 of these effects can be simultaneously selected to create a unique "sound"
Chromatic Tuner built in
Powered either with the supplied 9V DC plug pack or an internal 9V alkaline battery (NOT supplied)
Output is available to feed two amplifiers simultaneously
Pedal input is available (The external pedal is NOT supplied, these are called the FS01 or FP01 and allow for pedal controlled bank switching, wah wah, volume controls using the pedal(s))
Easy to read Red LED display and indicators
Instruction manual for the user is provided (hardcopy) - this is fairly involved to setup the various effects, parameters etc ... you will need this manual
AC power plug pack is included
9V internal ALKALINE battery is NOT included
NO leads are included (guitar/amp)
COSMETIC CONDITION:
CLEAN
Main casing is high impact Grey plastic
Underside is a steel plate (with flat rubber feet)
NO damage to front panel
NO damage to the two pedals, both springs operate correctly and smoothly
Display is clear and easy to read in most light - nice in a darkened studio, not so good in bright daylight (where the photograph was taken)
ALL button switches on the front panel work e.g Store, Edit etc
ALL rear jack sockets are clean (and been given an extra clean just to make sure the contacts are good)
Flat rubber strips (feet) on the underside are all intact and stop it sliding on most flooring
TESTING:
I test all of my used items, if at all possible.
My muso associate drops over, along with his guitar...
Powered up this unit on both AC and the internal battery, powers up fine.
NOTE: When using the internal battery, the unit will ONLY turn ON when a jack plug is in the input jack at the rear. If AC plug pack is being use, the unit is ALWAYS ON.
We just used some of the preset built-in effects - made sure the pedals stepped correctly through all of the effects and changed some of the parameters.
Quite a delay can be achieved and the phasing is interesting, very much like Russell Morris with 'the real thing' - fun and psychedelic!
Changed to a different effect and suddenly a very grungy sound springs forth - like I said, a fun thing to play around with
Had no issues with the jacks at the rear (not noisy) and the pedal action is really 'nice'
Unfortunately I don't seem to have the accessory pedals any longer so we couldn't play with those.
In summary, I am 100% confident that this ZOOM 505, even after all these years, is still running fine.
Now that testing is finished with, I have placed this unit into a sealed clear plastic packaging ... it is now patiently waiting to make music for another!
