Korg Toneworks Guitar Effects Processor
Model: AX1500G
Digital processing using Korg's REMS technology
Early 2000's
FEATURES:
48 preset programs and a further 48 user programs, organised into banks of three
Each program is built from five effects blocks: Drive-amp - Cabinet - Modulation - Pedal & Ambience
Three modes: Play, Individual and Phrase Trainer
Phrase Trainer mode allows a musical phrase to be recorded via the rear-panel auxiliary input (3.5mm socket) and then looped at various tempos as a practice tool - you can also speed up or slow down the tempo WITHOUT changing the pitch.
There is also this very cool “sample and play” function allows the guitarist to record up to eight seconds of audio to create a loop to jam with, be it a chord progression or interesting riff.
You can also REVERSE the loop of audio for producing special effects.
Eleven related effects types are available within each of the five effects blocks
In general terms, our sound engineer/guitarist felt the effects produced all have a predominant "rock style"
Keeping in mind the original target market and subsequent pricing (around A$500 originally) of these effects processors (up against the likes of the Boss ME33, Zoom GFX4 & GFX8 and Digitech RP300) the quality of the effects is excellent
Last but not least, this is not an elcheapo plastic case unit which don't last the night when used on stage!
This unit is all heavy duty metal cased, nice tough foot pedal too - the complete equipment weighs just shy of 3Kg
CONS:
The main complaint we would have with this gear is the footswitch spacing - its not bad but if you are playing on stage and have big feet/shoes then this could be an issue. Best to operate these with just the toe end of your shoe but you are going to have trouble if you like to wear shoes with the broad front!
WHAT DO YOU GET?
Korg AX1500G Guitar Effects Pedal
Power supply - Australian plug pack NOT ORIGINAL (missing in action) however checked for suitability and a "linear" plug pack, which we have always much preferred over switchmode plug packs due to possible excessive switching noise at the output.
User Instruction Manual (printed not a pdf file)
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Very clean
No damage to case
No missing knobs or controls
Pedal moves smoothly
Display is clean and easy to read
One small area of surface wear around the SPEED footswitch (see the photograph) - not serious but should be mentioned.
TESTING:
A little history on this one....this is another piece of gear we had "on hand" in our post production studios, just in case it was needed for a client but also played casually with by our sound engineer when he had "down time" and an occasional "loaner" to struggling talent who had a gig and needed a hand with some emergency gear.
Since closing down our business, this effects pedal has been sitting in one of our storage units so out it came to be checked over.
Powers up
Controls all function as they should
Plugged in a geetaaar and had a play around, all good - didn't set up anything serious, just making sure the equipment was massaging the sounds as it is intended to.
No surprises, all good and we are happy that this equipment is performing as it should be.
