Line 6 HD 500 here ... Merry Xmas!

[ZMAN]

Actually Eric you are right on. I have thought that was the answer but never took the time to really find out. I guess the manufacturers think you have already done your homework and know what your are looking for.
So far I have not found any of the many vids that have convinced me that this sounds like the actual amp that it is supposed to model.
So basically you buy this and do away with a room full of vintage amps.
Sorry but I have played through vintage amps. Sorry Line 6 but not convincing.

[Spudman***]

Twiddle Zman. Twiddle knobs and you'll find that magic. Those units are really capable and not everyone nails it out of the starting gate. It takes a bit of time. That's when the rewards start coming in. Check out just about any Lincoln Brewster songs and for the most part that is all Line 6 and not amps. He's good at twiddling.

Starts at 4:00

[Eric***]

Actually Eric you are right on. I have thought that was the answer but never took the time to really find out. I guess the manufacturers think you have already done your homework and know what your are looking for.
So far I have not found any of the many vids that have convinced me that this sounds like the actual amp that it is supposed to model.
So basically you buy this and do away with a room full of vintage amps.
Sorry but I have played through vintage amps. Sorry Line 6 but not convincing.

Well, I don't think you have to get it and throw away your amps, but if you can tweak to find a tone that works for you, it can save you a lot of time, money, and work. It's a balance.

I personally like the idea of modeling a lot and find it to be really powerful, but I tend to like plug-in-and-play types of devices, so I can sometimes get frustrated with all of the customization needed.

As far as homework goes, to me it's really no different than knowing which vintage amp you want -- it takes knowledge and experience.

The other electric guitarist at my church just got a Pod HD400, so I'm looking forward to borrowing it and seeing how it does. The discovery is part of the fun, and as Spud mentioned, there's no denying that some pretty kickin' tones can be had from the digital modeling, even including the previous generation of modelers.

[Tig***]

I like to jam along with backing tracks. I can change my tone and style to match a Beatles song, then Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, on to some jazz, and blues, all by tapping a switch to corresponding stored patches.

I'm living proof...