Purchased from Sam Ash...$149.95. This seems to be the price at every retailer, so go where you're most comfortable with the service. Two reasons for acquiring this unit instead of its many competitors (POD, V-Amp and the like); the first was the fact that the J-Station also includes bass amp emulations, the second was the various options for hooking up this unit to a PC (MIDI and SPDIF connections) This unit has some terrific guitar amp emulations, pretty decent effects (though maybe not quite as good as a dedicated effect-only unit), and some really good bass sounds. This last feature is a godsend for those who own both a guitar and a bass and only want a single unit for both. Programming is ridiculously easy with the included PC software, and there is a decent number of user-created patches already available to download online. As mentioned above, programming this unit is very easy using a PC; the same programming functions are available just using the front panel buttons and knobs, but you better have your manual handy because you WILL need it. Most of the factory presets are WAY over-processed (every multi-effects manufacturer in the business does this....stop it!), but that can be easily cured by the user. The acoustic guitar simulations are cool in their own warped way, but don't plan on trading in your Martin anytime soon. This unit seems extremely well constructed; fairly heavy duty casing, solid feeling knobs and decent quality jacks. At least equal to every other unit I looked at, and at a better price point to boot! The J-station seems to be the forgotten child in the huge family of amp emulators/effects processors that have flooded the market as of late, and that's a shame; this unit's wonderful amp emulations, effects, bass settings and connectivity options make it one of the most versatile units of it's type. Factor in the $149.95 price tag and you have a nearly unbeatable choice for the typical "sofa superstar" like myself and most of the guitarist out there. Let's hope the word gets around about this terrific little box before it's too late This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
