Zoom B3 - time to retire?

[MrWolf14]

Dear TBers,
I have a simple question for you.

I just bought a Line6 bass pod express.
This will cover the gigs where I want to have a minimal setup.

I’m bringing a Headrush Gigboard whenever I feel like carrying something larger.

I also did put together a bass pedalboard with few pedals, in case I want to go “old school”

Hence the question:
Does it make sense to keep my loyal Zoom B3?

Do you believe that there is some “magic” sound I’ll miss if I get rid of it?

Will I regret not having a multi fx with a (decent) DI out?

Is there anything else I’m missing?

Thanks in advance.
Domenico

 

[Nuisance]

Only you can answer these questions.

Each player has their own requirements.

For example:

My Small Board: Tuner & Compressor

My Large Board: Tuner & Compressor

 

[MrWolf14]

I admire how consistent you are

I know that in the end it's my decision, but I still wanted to see whether I am missing anything obvious.
To me the headrush sounds "better" than the B3, even if it's not bass-specific.
I even like it's distorted sound (which I seldom use).

 

[Moredator]

I keep my battery powered B1Xon bedside to jam with headphones. It did not make its way on the big pedalboard but for that it is priceless. I think it's good fun with some of the crazy effects such as slicer and delays etc.

 

[Deleted member 394181]

I only recently got a B3. I dont like having to scroll through it sometimes. I love the Amp Sims sounds im getting. I also wondered the same thing as the op, but i used to think it would be hard to sound better than my Boss me3 b. The B3 sounds better. So, maybe one of Zooms newer pedals sound better.!? Especially at the B 3 price point now.

 

[pb9717]

I have two of them on the shelf. The heaven preset is one of the best eden simulators I’ve ever heard. I have yet to find a multi effects that will replicate it. Those B3 units are great. I would hold onto it certainly. I have since moved to a HX stomp but my B3’s will never be unavailable.

 

[MrWolf14]

I have two of them on the shelf. The heaven preset is one of the best eden simulators I’ve ever heard. I have yet to find a multi effects that will replicate it. Those B3 units are great. I would hold onto it certainly. I have since moved to a HX stomp but my B3’s will never be unavailable.

Thanks! That’s exactly the type of inputs I was looking for.
I will carefully listen to this preset, which I have to admit I never used.
Maybe I’ll fall in love with it

Thanks again!

 

[SC Bassboy]

Dear TBers,
I have a simple question for you.

I just bought a Line6 bass pod express.
This will cover the gigs where I want to have a minimal setup.

I’m bringing a Headrush Gigboard whenever I feel like carrying something larger.

I also did put together a bass pedalboard with few pedals, in case I want to go “old school”

Hence the question:
Does it make sense to keep my loyal Zoom B3?

Do you believe that there is some “magic” sound I’ll miss if I get rid of it?

Will I regret not having a multi fx with a (decent) DI out?

Is there anything else I’m missing?

Thanks in advance.
Domenico

I recommend keeping all your old gear, for the most part. Not everyone gets sentimental about gear but I have trouble letting go of stuff after it's been through Hell with me for years. The exception to that rule is that I will sometimes gift a retired pedal or something to a baby bassist. I makes me happy to see them excited about something I used to get excited about.

 

[FullumMusic]

Just because you got a new thing doesn't mean you have to get rid of your old thing. You can have two things.

Unless you really need the extra cash from selling it, or you've completely run out of space in your home for any extra music gear, hold on to it. If a year or two goes by and you haven't used it more than a handful of times, sell it to reduce clutter around your home. Otherwise, nothing is compelling you to get rid of it.

 

[DrBnz]

It's hard for ME to say this but I finally had to embrace the technology available in today's age. I've spent a lot of time, space, money on pedals and widgets. Last year I sold everything and got an Anagram. I can do anything I want with that thing. I'm not looking back and I'm not looking for pedals again. I got ONE.

 

[Wfrance3]

The Zoom B2 FOUR is a bigger version of the B3 and has a nice DI out. It would for sure take care of your B3 needs. It's a little bigger than the B3, but gigantic or anything...
Not sure what all is involved with your Headrush board, but you might find fewer places that you feel like you need it with a B2 FOUR.

 

[singlemalt]

I have the B3 and the B3n.

The B3n really hit the mark with a better navigation system, more power, and an Aux in.

It’s much easier to incorporate the beats and the looper.

I like it enough that I use the G3n version everyday for guitar practice.

I keep both the B3 units around. I loan them out to fx curious folks. If I knew a youngster that was starting out on bass, I’d probably give em away.

I have about $100 in each, both bought used, both still function as they should, and the Zoom editor still works with my Mac.

I also have a Line 6 HD500x, which was the shizzle in 2003 or so. It’s an amazing unit, and super cheap these days. The older tech works just fine.

 

[jimmydean]

Keep the B3 , I should have kept mine . I do have a Zoom MS-60B I keep in the gig bag for when I need it .

 

[andruca]

I don't see anybody paying over 80$/€ for them these days. If you can live without those ~80$ keep it.

Don't you have a home rig or something? Need something to live in your rehearsal space? A pal/family/kids who might need it? Need a backup with your meat&potatoes tone in it?

I have many cheap Zooms around and even tho' I have a pi-stomp kit coming my way, I don't plan on getting rid of any. 4 out of the 5 I own are used almost daily (kids, niece, home rig, rehearsal studio rig, carry around, etc.). They've given 10 times their cost, so I wouldn't sell them unless I really needed the 300€ (tops) I'd get for them in the used market.

Disclaimer: I tend to hoard cheap stuff that serves me well. Just to be clear, I think it's OK for you to keep this B3, but just this one (for the record, I sold the first 3 Zoom pedals I owned, last one around 2017)

 

[JoeyFab]

I play through a Zoom B3n. Although it is very versatile and great for the price, I haven't yet run across any "special" effect that would make me want to keep it just for that. The number and variety of effects are just fine for me, but it's mainly the value and convenience of having all of those effects available that I get out of it, especially since I can set up many different custom effects chains (of up to 7 effects typically), and then individually click them in or out. It's like having a huge pedal board without the bulk and ever-present connection problems. My amp has a DI out, so I really don't care that it doesn't have one. For me, it's more about the convenience, dependability, and value rather than the effects themselves.

 

[Veldar]

I miss it, super easy box for gigging some basic effects and more usable than a HX Stomp

 

[MrWolf14]

So it seems we have a verdict:

• "keep it, if you get rid of it you'll regret it"

Thanks to all of you for your contribution.

You gave me a good idea: I will bring the Zoom B3 in Italy, so when I am on vacation I can use it to play and even to record.
It has a decent audio interface.

As usual, Talkbass never lets you down: we are a collective of mass hoarders when it comes to bass related stuff

 

[bassbrad]

I really like the amp selection on the B3 and the ability to experiment with different cabs for alternate tones. Also the selection of effects offers some interesting choices not found on other multifx. I'm currently using mine with my EUB.