[toadman]

Originally Posted by Joel Terry

Never! I hear that lament quite often from a lot of guitarists; naturally, they assume I suffer the same problem due to size of my pedal board. But I'm able to get all of the twang I can handle and then some. My hearing is virtually perfect (just had it checked) at all possible frequencies, save for the absolute highest, 20 kHz--so, it's not as if I'm unable to distinguish between various gear configurations.

No, I'm not able to hear a difference among battery brands like Eric Johnson (if Eric really possesses this ability, it's truly incredible; if not, I wouldn't be surprised--it's always struck me as an urban legend...but who knows?), but I can tell you that the whole "tone-sucking" complaint heard far and wide regarding increased signal degradation for every non-bypass pedal added is, in my opinion, a bit hyperbolic. I'm certainly not dismissing it, mind you; I just think a lot of players blow the slightest decrease in signal clarity out of proportion, and needlessly obsess about it. Just my opinion, mind you; I'm sure many folks would readily disagree with me.

Simply put, I'm thrilled with my pedal board, as plentiful as it is; what's more, I'm thrilled with my tone. If I may be so bold to say, I think I get a pretty damn good sound from my set-up.

Joel

AMEN BROTHER! you just gotta know what you like and NOT BE PICKY! figure 90% of the folks who hear it don't know the difference! it just isn't practical to comb the hair on a gnats ass!!