When starting a pedalboard what pedals?
- Thread starter UPtele
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tfarny
Poster Extraordinaire
Nothing is a must for all types of music, which you know since you've been playing a long time. Probably the most common "first pedals" are a drive and a delay pedal of some type. Keeley makes a pedal that combines drive, delay and reverb - the Keeley DDR. I think it has two of the most popular "types" of OD, and a digital and an analog sounding delay. That would be a fun and simple "first pedal" if you want.
I would generally recommend that you get a multieffects as a "starter kit" of sorts to learn about all kinds of different pedal sounds before you branch out. Something basic like a Boss ME series (me-50, me-70 etc.) they cost as much used as just one fancy pedal and you will learn all about pedals sounds.
I would generally recommend that you get a multieffects as a "starter kit" of sorts to learn about all kinds of different pedal sounds before you branch out. Something basic like a Boss ME series (me-50, me-70 etc.) they cost as much used as just one fancy pedal and you will learn all about pedals sounds.
Wooly Fox
Tele-Afflicted
A few videos to get your started. Find the right question then you'll be able to work out what pedals you want/need.
sax4blues
Poster Extraordinaire
For me the must have are the ones I use. Sorry that was D*** response. But what do you want. I never use a Wah so I don’t have one. Same with chorus/phaser/. I do like delay, reverb, tremolo, so I have those.
For someone first getting into effects, I recommend an entry level to middle of the road multi effect unit.
It will have drives, distortions, maybe even fuzz, reverb, delay, phase, chorus, tremolo, compression, maybe some filters, just loads of stuff.
In a less expensive unit they won’t all be great quality effects, but they will give you an idea of which effects you like and will use. It’s a cost effective way of experimenting with loads of different sounds and possibilities.
I like the Boss ME series because you can build patches, or set it up so the foot switches work like individual stomp boxes. My ME80 is lots of fun, and they’re very affordable on the used market.
It will have drives, distortions, maybe even fuzz, reverb, delay, phase, chorus, tremolo, compression, maybe some filters, just loads of stuff.
In a less expensive unit they won’t all be great quality effects, but they will give you an idea of which effects you like and will use. It’s a cost effective way of experimenting with loads of different sounds and possibilities.
I like the Boss ME series because you can build patches, or set it up so the foot switches work like individual stomp boxes. My ME80 is lots of fun, and they’re very affordable on the used market.
Dostradamas
Poster Extraordinaire
I like reverb/ echo / delay / tremolo so I started there.
I have a tube screamer for up front of my tubes
Joyo American Sound for my amp in a pedal back up (and SS Yamaha)
I like fuzz so I have one of those
Just start with one and go to the next.
I have a tube screamer for up front of my tubes
Joyo American Sound for my amp in a pedal back up (and SS Yamaha)
I like fuzz so I have one of those
Just start with one and go to the next.
teletail
Poster Extraordinaire
There are a few ways to decide which pedals to get. First, ask for suggestions, often provided by people who have no idea what you are trying to accomplish; two, watch reviews and buy the ones that everyone says are great; or three, figure out what you are trying to accomplish and get the pedals that will help you accomplish your goals. The last method is the cheapest, and the least frequently used.
Since I started using the third method, I rarely buy a pedal. I’ve probably sold 40 or so pedals that I bought “because.”
Since I started using the third method, I rarely buy a pedal. I’ve probably sold 40 or so pedals that I bought “because.”
None are mandatory. If I only had one, assuming you can make a clean and dirty sound with the amp, I’d probably get a delay first. Preferably something that does a nice everyday slap back and also easily goes into a little longer swoon.
Or a reverb. But maybe your amp does that.
If the amp was clean only I’d probably get a good overdrive.
And note “good” means you like it.
There’s no best.
Or a reverb. But maybe your amp does that.
If the amp was clean only I’d probably get a good overdrive.
And note “good” means you like it.
There’s no best.
ChicknPickn
Poster Extraordinaire
I vote for delay, reverb (if you don't have it onboard), overdrive, and maybe compression. I have a Marshall Jackhammer JH-1 that is built like a tank and does a particularly nice job with OD. For delay, I have a Marshall Reflector RF-1 that, like the Jackhammer, is built for the long run.
HootOwlDude
Tele-Afflicted
I have been thinking about putting together a little board for when a want to jam at my pal’s house. It’ll probably be compressor—>OD—>tremolo—>phaser—>delay. If wanted a wah of some sort, I’d probably put it first.
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Wooly Fox
Tele-Afflicted
Multi FX pedal is good starting point to find the effects you like though YMMV with the multi FX as you may get a misrepresented effect that sounds awful in that pedal but sounds get in another.
I had an Empress Nebulus, a multi FX modulation pedal. Only effect I liked in it was the chorus and the rotary, the flanger was just not right to my ear.
Also just try stuff, experiment with pedals and sounds and find one that fits you. Don't try and emulate someone else's board as they are them and you are you if get what I mean, you'll end up disappointed if you chase one artist's tone.
I had an Empress Nebulus, a multi FX modulation pedal. Only effect I liked in it was the chorus and the rotary, the flanger was just not right to my ear.
Also just try stuff, experiment with pedals and sounds and find one that fits you. Don't try and emulate someone else's board as they are them and you are you if get what I mean, you'll end up disappointed if you chase one artist's tone.
KC
Poster Extraordinaire
Tuner first, then reverb / trem if your amp doesn't have them, then some kind of dirt box. Everything after that feels pretty optional to me. I have a compressor & a delay pedal on mine and I use both of them but I could get by without. In fact with verb amp lately I'm just using a clip-on tuner and a Tim and I can get all kinds of sounds out of it.
@UPtele
The very first pedal to get for a pedalboard is a tuner.
Some players like the little clip-on tuners that go on the headstock, but if you're going with pedals at all, a tuner on the board makes sense because there's no clip-on tuner to break, lose, or need to change batteries in it.
The second item to get is a DC power supply that provides 9v DC and at least 2 amps of current.
The rest of the pedals you bring in depends on the types of music you'll be playing. You need only three or four and you'll be able to cover just about every style of music.
The very first pedal to get for a pedalboard is a tuner.
Some players like the little clip-on tuners that go on the headstock, but if you're going with pedals at all, a tuner on the board makes sense because there's no clip-on tuner to break, lose, or need to change batteries in it.
The second item to get is a DC power supply that provides 9v DC and at least 2 amps of current.
The rest of the pedals you bring in depends on the types of music you'll be playing. You need only three or four and you'll be able to cover just about every style of music.
Yeah after rereading my question I realize I rushed because I was at work and was hoping I would get a few responses by the time I got home.
I forgot to say "In your opinion" in the question.
It's not that I don't have any experience with effects but I don't really have much experience with effects pedals. I don't think my tastes would be much different than many of you. Yeah I would love to sound like Eric Gales but a million pedals won't do that for me
I forgot to say "In your opinion" in the question.
It's not that I don't have any experience with effects but I don't really have much experience with effects pedals. I don't think my tastes would be much different than many of you. Yeah I would love to sound like Eric Gales but a million pedals won't do that for me
ReverendRevolver
Friend of Leo's
Fuzz->fuzz->fuzz->fuzz->fuzz->fuzz->fuzz->chorus->delay->amp.
Ok, seriously though,
I don't use my board in the band I'm in because I go tele-> delay->ABY box->2 inputs of my Frenzel.
But my board, for if I'm not playing that very specific genre where I've gotten the right sounds from that setup used to be fuzz->chorus.
It's "evolved " into:
Fuzz(muff)->dirt(csw rat)->od(soulfood/klone)->chorus(smallclone)->delay(AD999)-> amp. Powered by a bbe supercharger.
I could get more on the board if I swapped the NYC muff for the tone wicker one, and bought a smaller version of the small clone. I'm typically using an amp that I push for a specific dirt sound anyway, and when I'm not I'm using the big Fender that did fine with just fuzz, chorus, and the amp for years.
It's all about what you want to do. And the amp.
Ok, seriously though,
I don't use my board in the band I'm in because I go tele-> delay->ABY box->2 inputs of my Frenzel.
But my board, for if I'm not playing that very specific genre where I've gotten the right sounds from that setup used to be fuzz->chorus.
It's "evolved " into:
Fuzz(muff)->dirt(csw rat)->od(soulfood/klone)->chorus(smallclone)->delay(AD999)-> amp. Powered by a bbe supercharger.
I could get more on the board if I swapped the NYC muff for the tone wicker one, and bought a smaller version of the small clone. I'm typically using an amp that I push for a specific dirt sound anyway, and when I'm not I'm using the big Fender that did fine with just fuzz, chorus, and the amp for years.
It's all about what you want to do. And the amp.
To me, a usable board will have a tuner, 1-3 dirt/drive pedals, a reverb, a delay, maybe a phase shifter. Not knowing what turns you on it is impossible to make specific recommendations. However, my board contains a TC tuner, a Donner Stylish Fuzz, EHX East River Drive, a nano Timmy, and a Donner Yellow Fall Delay. Appearing on and off is an EHX Stereo Electric Mistress phase/chorus and an EHX Stereo Pulsar tremolo.
The answer totally depends on what kind of stuff you like to play, what kind of amp you're playing through, and what kind of tones you like. @Jakedog's recommendation for a decent multi effect pedal like the ME80 is probably the best option since you can experiment with different effects and get an idea of what you like.
If you still want to get a bunch of pedals, my personal philosophy is to lean towards pedals that provide some bang for buck with multiple functions and to almost always buy my pedals used. I classify the basic pedal effects into three broad categories -- dirt, space, and color and starting a pedalboard I'd get one of each.
1. Dirt. I'd start with a good overdrive pedal. Everyone's tastes on ODs vary, but I'd look for something that provides a wide gain range. I'd also recommend getting a combination OD/boost pedal that lets you independently switch boost and OD -- the Zvex Box of Rock is an example but there are other pedals that include this functionality.
2. Space. Reverb or delay pedal. I greatly prefer delay over reverb, especially if you have an amp that already has reverb, but that's me. An old Boss DD-3 or similar delay pedal can get you a lot of variety for a reasonable price.
3. Color. This is where I include modulation pedals and other special effects like pitch shifters, wah pedals, filters, and the like. I'd probably start with a good chorus/vibrato pedal or maybe a phaser, but again this is very subjective.
If you still want to get a bunch of pedals, my personal philosophy is to lean towards pedals that provide some bang for buck with multiple functions and to almost always buy my pedals used. I classify the basic pedal effects into three broad categories -- dirt, space, and color and starting a pedalboard I'd get one of each.
1. Dirt. I'd start with a good overdrive pedal. Everyone's tastes on ODs vary, but I'd look for something that provides a wide gain range. I'd also recommend getting a combination OD/boost pedal that lets you independently switch boost and OD -- the Zvex Box of Rock is an example but there are other pedals that include this functionality.
2. Space. Reverb or delay pedal. I greatly prefer delay over reverb, especially if you have an amp that already has reverb, but that's me. An old Boss DD-3 or similar delay pedal can get you a lot of variety for a reasonable price.
3. Color. This is where I include modulation pedals and other special effects like pitch shifters, wah pedals, filters, and the like. I'd probably start with a good chorus/vibrato pedal or maybe a phaser, but again this is very subjective.
if you're in a cover band, buy those pedals first
if you're just starting out, buy
1) a tuner, with a buffer if you're playing with long cables on stage
2) a boost, if your pickups are weak, e.g. strats
3) the Source Audio EQ pedal that stores a bunch of presets, esp. a (TS) mid-hump bump
4) delay, analog or digital, whatever
5) then reverb, if your amp doesn't have spring, and if you want hall or plate
6) then dirt, not overdrive dirt like your amp, but true distortion and fuzz
7) then trems, if your amp doesn't have trem, and any weird modulation effects
9) filters, because they're fun
10) boutique anything, or multiefx like the Eventide H9
everything, literally everything, depends on the kind of music you play
if you're just starting out, buy
1) a tuner, with a buffer if you're playing with long cables on stage
2) a boost, if your pickups are weak, e.g. strats
3) the Source Audio EQ pedal that stores a bunch of presets, esp. a (TS) mid-hump bump
4) delay, analog or digital, whatever
5) then reverb, if your amp doesn't have spring, and if you want hall or plate
6) then dirt, not overdrive dirt like your amp, but true distortion and fuzz
7) then trems, if your amp doesn't have trem, and any weird modulation effects
9) filters, because they're fun
10) boutique anything, or multiefx like the Eventide H9
everything, literally everything, depends on the kind of music you play
