After lusting after them for almost 20 years, I finally bought a gently used PRS last summer, and it feels and plays great.
The Perpetual Guitar Thread
- Thread starter Jehos
- Start date
Anyone have a recommendation for wireless guitar thingies? I'm getting tired of rolling over cables with my chair.
Resonant Rationale
Smack-Fu Master, in training
Sooooo...
It looks like I WILL be building a pedal board in 2024. I'm soliciting electric guitar effects opinions from anyone who cares to share.
Thanks in advance
It looks like I WILL be building a pedal board in 2024. I'm soliciting electric guitar effects opinions from anyone who cares to share.
Thanks in advance
Well, what is your current setup, and what are you looking to accomplish with the pedalboard? Are you looking for versatility? Sculpting a specific tone/sound? Looking to create odd/non-guitar sounds with your guitar?
Different recommendations for each.
Different recommendations for each.
Resonant Rationale
Smack-Fu Master, in training
I'm running through a Marshall Origin 50. I'd like to be able to have clean, crunch, and high gain available through pedal stacking. I mostly play Alt Rock, grunge, and metal from the 80s - 2000s. It could be fun to have some wild synth/etc. sounds on tap as well. I'm really just wondering if folks have had great experiences with any specific pedals/pedal combos. I think I need overdrives first and foremost.
Currently owned:
Visual Sound H2O - chorus/delay
BBE Sonic Stomp maximizer
Boss - Super Chorus
Boss - Metal Zone (had the Boss pedals since the 90s)
edit: Dunlop - Classic Cry Baby Wah
Currently owned:
Visual Sound H2O - chorus/delay
BBE Sonic Stomp maximizer
Boss - Super Chorus
Boss - Metal Zone (had the Boss pedals since the 90s)
edit: Dunlop - Classic Cry Baby Wah
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Yes, I would say you need at least an Overdrive. I personally use the tried-and-true Ibanez Tubescreamer TS9. Depending on which patch I'm using on my Katana, the TS9 actually works differently:
1. Overdriven channel -- this is a "brown"-sound channel with mid/moderate gain. Using the TS9 with this channel as a volume and gain boost is great for going into solo-land.
2. My "metal" channel -- this one is loaded with gain already, and using the TS9 -- with the same settings as used above -- works only as a volume boost, because you really can't OD this much gain and have anything happen. IIRC my Katana internal chain has two distortion stages and so it's really saturated already.
3. My "metal solo" channel -- this channel is the same as patch 2, above, but with more volume. It's really just a volume boost already. Kicking on the TS9 here does still boost the volume, but it's almost guaranteed to instantly turn into feedback. Which, I mean, can be useful.
If you're going to go with lots of gain, though, I would recommend a Noise Gate in there somewhere. Just to help keep things manageable. And a compressor, too.
And of course, get a wah-wah. Just because.
If you're looking to experiment with synth sounds, I just picked up the MOOER E7 which is a really neat piece of kit. Still working out where in my effects line it goes, but I'm thinking right after the TS9 is where it will end up living.
Resonant Rationale
Smack-Fu Master, in training
Well, that's just a start, honestly. I've personally always been keen on "sound altering" effects, so my board typically would have a Phaser and a Flanger, and back before I blew it up through use the 2nd gen DigiTech Whammy had a spot in my board. So I clearly lean that way and I didn't even really bother with a dedicated Chorus for quite some time after I started to play (and I was playing out; cover gigs kind of require certain sounds, so...).
That Metal Zone you have is in my collection, too. I tried really hard to use it like an OD pedal instead of buying something else, but... it literally cannot even. At least, for me it could not even.
BTW, your amp is almost meant to pair with an OD, and I think you'll find the TubeScreamer does all kinds of good things for your tone. Really.
That Metal Zone you have is in my collection, too. I tried really hard to use it like an OD pedal instead of buying something else, but... it literally cannot even. At least, for me it could not even.
BTW, your amp is almost meant to pair with an OD, and I think you'll find the TubeScreamer does all kinds of good things for your tone. Really.
Resonant Rationale
Smack-Fu Master, in training
I'm certainly familiar with a screamer through a Marshall. It's a classic pairing! I am fortunate to have a good friend who has been building a board himself lately. I can borrow some pedals to test them out (including a tube screamer). I just have such limited knowledge as a plug and play guy for most of my life. I have dreams of finding "my own sound" but I guess the classics become classics for a reason...will be a fun adventure for 2024 regardless.
Btw that DigiTech Whammy is probably the craziest pedal that has ever existed. You're obviously a loose cannon to have killed one from overuse
Btw that DigiTech Whammy is probably the craziest pedal that has ever existed. You're obviously a loose cannon to have killed one from overuse
Btw that DigiTech Whammy is probably the craziest pedal that has ever existed. You're obviously a loose cannon to have killed one from overuse
I played guitar in a Rage Against the Machine cover band*. And no, the irony isn't lost on me.
* Amongst other projects, but that's what killed my Whammy.
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I'm aiming for a balance of versatility and sculpting a specific tone. I'm into experimenting with unique sounds, maybe diving into some odd/non-guitar territory. Any pedal recommendations or setup tips you swear by?Well, what is your current setup, and what are you looking to accomplish with the pedalboard? Are you looking for versatility? Sculpting a specific tone/sound? Looking to create odd/non-guitar sounds with your guitar?
Different recommendations for each.
Part of my previous recommendation stands: it's hard to go wrong with a good overdrive (a TS-9, a BOSS Blues Driver) and a chorus as a starting point. You'll be able to get so many good tones from that combo, and you don't need an effects in/out in your amp (since they should be "in front" of that signal anyway). Wah-wah, too.
Again, if you're looking for more unique tones, any DigiTech Whammy product is going to get you that harmony/pitch shift thing. A synth pedal will do some odd things to your guitar's sound. Flanger can be made to APPROXIMATE a chorus at times, but it's more metallic and "swooshy." And if you're ever looking for "funk tones," get a Phaser (lots of Parliment/Funkadelic has phaser on it, but you can also do plenty of other sounds with it -- for example, the solo on No Doubt's "Just a Girl" sounds killer with some phaser).
If your amp doesn't have any reverb built-in, you would probably want a hint of it in your chain. Lots of guys swear by Delay, but TBH it's never been my thing as much as the other modulation pedals/effects (Phaser, Flanger) have been.
And if you want to get really nuts, check out a Tremolo pedal. It goes from a subtle warble to a very clipped "on/off" or "high/low" effect that can be quite useful.
Then... chain them together. You can get weird combos putting pedals in the "wrong" spots in your effects chain.
I put my Crybaby into an autowah before. That was... interesting.
I’m just starting out with a nice epiphone les paul. Not completely just starting out but this is my first serious attempt.
I have baby calluses, but I have lots and lots of spider walking and scales ahead of me.
I have baby calluses, but I have lots and lots of spider walking and scales ahead of me.
Thank you for giving your point. I find it very informative.Part of my previous recommendation stands: it's hard to go wrong with a good overdrive (a TS-9, a BOSS Blues Driver) and a chorus as a starting point. You'll be able to get so many good tones from that combo, and you don't need an effects in/out in your amp (since they should be "in front" of that signal anyway). Wah-wah, too.
Again, if you're looking for more unique tones, any DigiTech Whammy product is going to get you that harmony/pitch shift thing. A synth pedal will do some odd things to your guitar's sound. Flanger can be made to APPROXIMATE a chorus at times, but it's more metallic and "swooshy." And if you're ever looking for "funk tones," get a Phaser (lots of Parliment/Funkadelic has phaser on it, but you can also do plenty of other sounds with it -- for example, the solo on No Doubt's "Just a Girl" sounds killer with some phaser).
If your amp doesn't have any reverb built-in, you would probably want a hint of it in your chain. Lots of guys swear by Delay, but TBH it's never been my thing as much as the other modulation pedals/effects (Phaser, Flanger) have been.
And if you want to get really nuts, check out a Tremolo pedal. It goes from a subtle warble to a very clipped "on/off" or "high/low" effect that can be quite useful.
Then... chain them together. You can get weird combos putting pedals in the "wrong" spots in your effects chain.
Welp. Only my second electric ever. First seven string. B stock, so a bit discounted, but still not cheap. I put it through its paces with my old reliable Boss GT-5. It sounds amazing, and the ergonomics everyone raves about are as advertised.
Oh HELL yeah! Congratulations! If its opinions are congruent with yours, yer gonna love it!
I love my Strandberg 7 (2020, pre-NX) SO much! It now has Lundgren M7Cs and an SD HyperSwitch in it. Just an amazing guitar.
I love my Strandberg 7 (2020, pre-NX) SO much! It now has Lundgren M7Cs and an SD HyperSwitch in it. Just an amazing guitar.
Image tax - my epiphone les paul, with my son’s stand, amp and pedals (I set up the pedal board because I saw a need for cable management).
It’s not a great/closeup image but you can see the idea. I can tell which parts are my kiddo’s because he leave tags on, and he also leaves that peely plastic film on things.
Anyway, my ears are still ringing after I practiced. I don’t know my way around pedals but for my practice’s sake I homed in on just the tube screamer for now.
Next weekend I’ll probably try changing out the strings. It has whatever factory strings on it now, but will put a set of ernie ball 9 gauge on and see how bendy I can get it.
(edited typos)
It’s not a great/closeup image but you can see the idea. I can tell which parts are my kiddo’s because he leave tags on, and he also leaves that peely plastic film on things.
Anyway, my ears are still ringing after I practiced. I don’t know my way around pedals but for my practice’s sake I homed in on just the tube screamer for now.
Next weekend I’ll probably try changing out the strings. It has whatever factory strings on it now, but will put a set of ernie ball 9 gauge on and see how bendy I can get it.
(edited typos)
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Yeah I kept it chained as I found it but you’re right I might switch them and try them out! I had been told “craaazy sounds” but frankly a bit too crazy. Also, a wah pedal is far, far beyond me at this point!
IMO the two best pedals for a guitarist (if you had to have just two) are an overdrive (the TubeScreamer) and a wah-wah. How else are you supposed to make "Shaft"-style chka chka sounds with your guitar?
Or play the Voodoo Chile opening over and over again?
If I could add one more, I would add a loop pedal to the list. You can loop a set of chords, then practice soloing or creating riffs on top. Or you can layer several parts!
Of course, you don't need fancy loop pedals like in the linked video to still do cool stuff with one. I've got a Ditto Looper, and it works well enough.
I’m just being initiated into the concept of “position” as it relates to major/minor chords and pentatonic chords. Ugh.
On the other hand, I can’t get the bass line for “Deadline” (BöC) out of my head ha ha ha.
I’m still using factory strings, but I’m thinking maybe will try the super slinky “9” strings that I’m being pushed to try out this weekend.
(edit to add I’m playing 6string guitar not a bass but I still enjoy a good bass part!)
On the other hand, I can’t get the bass line for “Deadline” (BöC) out of my head ha ha ha.
I’m still using factory strings, but I’m thinking maybe will try the super slinky “9” strings that I’m being pushed to try out this weekend.
(edit to add I’m playing 6string guitar not a bass but I still enjoy a good bass part!)
At this point in time, I think it should be a crime not to recommend multi-fx units, especially for beginners. Back in the 90s multi-fx units weren't quite up to snuff, but already in early 2000ish many units were already quite good. And today, there's so many great affordable options it honestly makes about zero sense to buy traditional amps and pedals; that is if you value at all money and bang for the buck.
I'd say going with traditional amps or pedals today is a bit like buying a turntable for hifi. Why would you when digital offers so much more practicality and affordability?! Many artists have moved to Helix/Neural/Kemper/etc., some have even been using them for decades, even when modelers weren't at the level they are at now. It's just insane what they can do these days just for a couple of hundred bucks; the price of 1 or 2 traditional single effects pedals... There's even software solutions for just using a PC with audio interface.
Bit amazing how somehow manufacturers (players?) have managed to keep traditional gear relevant. Modeling is getting more and more popular, likely quite a high percentage of players use it these days. Still surprising to me how traditional gear is still as popular as it seems to be today, but just a matter of time imho until the industry dies off and goes full digital. Most big names are now offering digital options, so are somewhat making the jump, not wanting to end up like VHS rental stores. So they've felt the pressure or seen the trends. And it's just a matter of time until AI gets involved, real-time, à la auto-tune. What a time to be alive... lol
I'd say going with traditional amps or pedals today is a bit like buying a turntable for hifi. Why would you when digital offers so much more practicality and affordability?! Many artists have moved to Helix/Neural/Kemper/etc., some have even been using them for decades, even when modelers weren't at the level they are at now. It's just insane what they can do these days just for a couple of hundred bucks; the price of 1 or 2 traditional single effects pedals... There's even software solutions for just using a PC with audio interface.
Bit amazing how somehow manufacturers (players?) have managed to keep traditional gear relevant. Modeling is getting more and more popular, likely quite a high percentage of players use it these days. Still surprising to me how traditional gear is still as popular as it seems to be today, but just a matter of time imho until the industry dies off and goes full digital. Most big names are now offering digital options, so are somewhat making the jump, not wanting to end up like VHS rental stores. So they've felt the pressure or seen the trends. And it's just a matter of time until AI gets involved, real-time, à la auto-tune. What a time to be alive... lol
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Interesting.. from #3 here
So still fairly limited.. Eventually, might take over generating the complete tone, kinda like current AI image generation; completely change the tone, without current multi-fx zeitgeist (no blocks, chains, amps, effects, etc.; "make me sound like David Gilmour in x, but more spacious echo and bit less distortion") . And like auto-tune, it'll likely eventually be used to not only fix mistakes, but also embellish licks, add notes, etc., hell, eventually add an entire band, lol
Anyway, Boss GT1, Zoom, Line6, etc., many great solutions especially for beginners! I'm partial to Pod Go; but when one ~$450 unit has a ton of fancy high quality reverbs, distortions, amps, etc., plus so much practicality in the ability to setup presets, and so much more... I'm really having a lot of trouble understanding the appeal of traditional pedal boards, which end up costing exponentially more, much less practical, insanely less versatile, etc...!
(sunk cost fallacy might be playing a role in slow adoption of modelers, but, definitely certain appeals to true gear; cost no object, I'm sure people would get real gear rather than modelers.)
So still fairly limited.. Eventually, might take over generating the complete tone, kinda like current AI image generation; completely change the tone, without current multi-fx zeitgeist (no blocks, chains, amps, effects, etc.; "make me sound like David Gilmour in x, but more spacious echo and bit less distortion") . And like auto-tune, it'll likely eventually be used to not only fix mistakes, but also embellish licks, add notes, etc., hell, eventually add an entire band, lol
Anyway, Boss GT1, Zoom, Line6, etc., many great solutions especially for beginners! I'm partial to Pod Go; but when one ~$450 unit has a ton of fancy high quality reverbs, distortions, amps, etc., plus so much practicality in the ability to setup presets, and so much more... I'm really having a lot of trouble understanding the appeal of traditional pedal boards, which end up costing exponentially more, much less practical, insanely less versatile, etc...!
(sunk cost fallacy might be playing a role in slow adoption of modelers, but, definitely certain appeals to true gear; cost no object, I'm sure people would get real gear rather than modelers.)
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^ Spoken like someone who has never stood three feet from a dimed Marshall stack with a Les Paul strapped to their belly and an OD-1 at their feet.
I jest, mostly.
IMO, modellers lack the aural immediacy of traditional systems. And the UIs are typically, and comparatively, terrible.
Having said that, I use a hybrid system. I emulate only what I have to. At this point, that's just the speaker cabinet which is a set-and-forget type device.
Everything else is mostly traditional: a tube-based preamp into a tube-based phase inverter into a cab/speaker simulator into the mixer/interface. No actual "amplifier" involved. And it all fits on a average-sized pedal board (along with delay, reverb, a couple of boosts, and some other effects).
I jest, mostly.
IMO, modellers lack the aural immediacy of traditional systems. And the UIs are typically, and comparatively, terrible.
Having said that, I use a hybrid system. I emulate only what I have to. At this point, that's just the speaker cabinet which is a set-and-forget type device.
Everything else is mostly traditional: a tube-based preamp into a tube-based phase inverter into a cab/speaker simulator into the mixer/interface. No actual "amplifier" involved. And it all fits on a average-sized pedal board (along with delay, reverb, a couple of boosts, and some other effects).
I think there will always be a market for traditional gear, at least like there is still a market for vinyl, if not bigger. In some instances, it is specific sounds. In other cases, a piece of gear might do such a good job on its own that it is worth the price.
Also, full digital isn't just about convenience; businesses in other industries love the restrictions and recurring revenues that full digital brings...
Yeah all different situations too. Vinyl wasn't a great analogy. The line is kinda getting blurred too with combo amps like Katana, or even pure amplifiers like Hughes & Kettner with outputs that simulate cabs and so make recording much easier; modeling getting integrated into nearly everything.
But basically, for newer players the limiting factor will be skill; even the cheapest current modelers do more than enough, and for a fraction of the price of the real gear. So for trying many different things out, low risk/cost given uncertainty of guitar career, practicality, etc., hard to warrant pushing real gear!
And even then, like I had posted last year, the better modelers are already nearly indistinguishable from real gear, and the more time passes, the cheaper and better they're getting...! https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/the-perpetual-guitar-thread.36595/post-42141701 (The main blind test of Princeton/Kemper/Helix/Spider were not in room though; mic'd in other room and played through speakers)
But basically, for newer players the limiting factor will be skill; even the cheapest current modelers do more than enough, and for a fraction of the price of the real gear. So for trying many different things out, low risk/cost given uncertainty of guitar career, practicality, etc., hard to warrant pushing real gear!
And even then, like I had posted last year, the better modelers are already nearly indistinguishable from real gear, and the more time passes, the cheaper and better they're getting...! https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/the-perpetual-guitar-thread.36595/post-42141701 (The main blind test of Princeton/Kemper/Helix/Spider were not in room though; mic'd in other room and played through speakers)
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Resonant Rationale
Smack-Fu Master, in training
The tech is fascinating, and I'm a fan of anything that helps musicians bring out their creativity. Tempted to pick up a small modeler like a Positive Grid Spark for quiet office days. It's a great time to be a musician with so many affordable gear options out there. However, I really hope we don't find ourselves in a future where we pay monthly subscription fees to access our preferred modeler platform and saved settings.