well, that’s the best way to do it if you don’t have an effects loop. If you aren’t using any amp/cab sims then it doesn’t really matter. Basically what you’d do if you were to do those things using an amp sim is plug it into the Return input; this bypasses the amp’s input stage, tonestack/EQ, etc, (ie the preamp) and essentially replaces its preamp with the Boss.
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You can disable the preamp from any preset by pressing the preamp black button on the unit. Then you will only hear the effects of that preset.
As @Koldunya stated you can also plug it into the return of the effects loop to bypass the heads preamp and only use the power amp. This is true for most heads but not all. It depends on the the wiring of the effects loop (ie serial vs parallel).
If you are just getting into the GT download the tone central program (from boss) on a laptop and control it from there. Much easier than the interface of the unit and you can do so much with it. It also becomes a pretty good audio interface for recording. All you need is a USB cable like the one you buy for a printer.
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I saw that. There’s like 5 different versions with gold anodized aluminum pickguards you can order on Sweetwater today. I have a gold aluminum pickguard on my Paranormal and it’s high quality. But this time they also added gold hardware, and jacked up the price $100+
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They are going to price themselves out of the ‘entry level’ market, and will now need a new brand to compete there. I bet moving forward all the others move to this price point.
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Totally.
There is absolutely no way I would drop $600 on a Squier. The market selection and quality in that price range is vast.
Paranormals run about $400 here which still seems steep for them but is at least arguable.
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The sad part is I remembered same thing was said about the classic vibe lines. $500 Squier? Then it became the new norm.
Fender pushes the next tiers prices up by $50-250. The gap stays about the same. American performer was $1250-1300 now it’s $1500.
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I think it’s too early to say. Last year’s 75th anniversary Fenders had a higher price tag than the regular models, and that didn’t carry over.
On the other hand, prices are going up. Schecter announced a new model GT bass in a gold finish, and it’s $150 more than the current silver or purple GT bass.
How this all settles, I don’t know, but I think it’s wider than Fender.
ESP also dropped three Stream models from its lineup, 204, 205, 1004, so changes are coming.
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This is why I love ‘vintage/used’ instruments.
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Stocks of new basses are low in stores everywhere. When supply shrinks and demand stays the same or rises, prices rise. I’m seeing used basses that are offered for the same or higher than new versions of the same model — because that model is not available new right now.
In that environment, manufacturers don’t have any pressure not to raise prices. And if they can, they will. Plus, they are facing higher prices in their own supply chains, which they want to pass on.
I fear this is the new normal.
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Well the “Preowned’ ones are going up as well. I put up my PJ MIM last week at the old price range it’s gone in 10 hours, you know you price it wrong when it’s going too fast, lol.
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My GAS wants to go back inside.
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I wanted to buy myself some top bass for m first-year bass anniversary. With my puzzle shoulder, I will buy myself some obscene synthesizer.
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This is a ‘sellers market’.
In time it will flip around.
Great time to sell anything that is out of stock at a reasonable profit quickly.
I waited to sell my digital sax until new inventory dried up and got my money back plus a tiny bit more.
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I’m waiting until everyone goes back to work, realizes they have no spare time and gives up on Bass.
It’s the long game. Soon you won’t be able to give one of those Yamaha’s away 
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ESP dropped all the streams, not just the LTD line. The ESP and E-II line as well.
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Yeah that’s no problem - I’ll keep them
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So, as soon as I get off of my COVID quarantine (oh yes, didn’t mention that, positive test at the airport on the way back home) I’ll be picking up my fixer-upper Peavey Patriot. Being the Rotosound fan that I am, I ordered a new set of cheesegraters strings for it:
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I think I narrowed it down to two basses. just need to see if m offer is accepted.
Ibanez ATK 300
Or the frank LTD Bello Among The Living
Of course I would add the Red Frank Bello EMG Active pick pick ups
Plus I finally found the amp I have been wanting foresee time
So it will be one bass and one amp for my 50th birthday. I think that is fair.
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