Gordius LG first impression.

[andy butler <akbutler@tiscali.co.uk>]

Got the Gordius LG a couple of days ago.

Not programmed it yet, but checked it out for switches/ergonomics.

This review is based on using(soon) the product for looping, which is 
not what
it was originally designed for, so please keep this is mind if some of 
this seems
a bit critical..


1) Xavier made a couple of mods to the LG for me, moving 2 switches and 
allowing the LG to access
   4 expression pedals rather than 2.
   Seems this is to be called the LG4
   (   ....dunnow what's wrong with LGab  :-)

  anyway with the LG4 there's 2 rows of 5 buttons at the front for 
patches or whatever,
  while the bank up + down switches are on top of the unit.

  By agreement between Xavier and myself, these mods were done in a 
pragmatic way,
   2 LEDS await my attentions with a power drill to get them into the 
right place, and
   the legending is done in temporary  stickers.  I'm happy with the 
deal, but if you're
   expecting a professional finish then you need to haggle with Xavier.
   (dealing with Xavier is a happy experience tho')

2) power supply is a wall wart, of the euro type which doesn't fit with 
UK sockets without an argument.

3) the ergonomics of the button spacing is excellent for fast footwork, 
though for precision
   a good pair of looping shoes will be needed.
   I'm used to the fcb1010, which has large pads for each switch.
   Horizontal spacing is exactly the same as fcb1010
   The 2 rows are both easy to get at, and it's very easy to get the 
correct switch.


4) switches aren't in any way silent, they don't click like a stomp box, 
but there's a fair clack
   to be heard. The switches aren't damped, and the noise resonates 
through the body.
  Well , if you push them slowly, they can be silent, but what's the fun 
in that.
  So not ideal for looping in that respect ( but not too bad either)
   Noisier than the fcb1010. about the same as the pmc10

5) response of the switches is nice and fast, a light tap triggers the 
function, and if the switch
   is pushed further there's a bit more resistance to it.
  For the guy who asked if he could rest his foot on the button before 
activating, the answer
  is ' probably not'. ( andy says 'learn to tapdance' ;-)
  For a  swift footed looper, these buttons are ideal, and look very 
expensive and reliable.

So far, I'm really pleased with this unit.
Xavier doesn't publish a list of suitable expression pedals
(except the expensive Roland one) so I'm not ready to go live with it yet.

The latest features include sysex, and the ability to place a delay
in a string of commands.
Already it had the ability to control 2 edps together or separately.
(in other words EDP heaven)

More info later.

andy butler