If you are looking for a review of the new Boss RT-20, you are likely familiar with what a Rotary speaker can do for a guitarist sound.
That amazing swooshing effect, used by everyone from classic rock artists to contemporary blues and jazz players, the rotary speaker effect can add a whole new dimension to your guitar playing. Not just a good tool for soloist, the RT-20 is also very useful for rhythm players looking for an interesting and fresh new sound.
First, the RT-20 is not housed in the customary boss stomp box chassis, but the larger frame allowing for two independent foot switches and all around more features while in the same high quality and durable metal. The brains of this device are built upon the legendary Boss COSM chipset, which you will find has fast and responsive sound reproduction.
As for controls, the RT-20 has adjustable Rise Time, Horn and Bass speed, Overdrive, and more. What I absolutely love about this pedal is the one of a kind graphical display in the center of the effect. You can easy adjust your above variables with these graphics which also look pretty damn cool when playing on stage.
I hope that Boss starts implementing more of this type of graphical display in other effects (essentially anything with speed and sweep controls). Boss even added some onboard distortion effects to give you a bit more variety with your sound, all in one device.
Unfortunately, I can't say I am impressed with the overdrive on this device, and advise you to stick to your amplifier or better stand alone distortion pedal for better results. Check out the above video to get a glimpse of the RT-20 in action. I am impressed with Boss on this pedal, and think that if you are a musician fond of the classic rotary speaker sound this pedal is certainly worth the price tag.
