building my first pedalboard help!

Attaching a power strip somewhere out of the way is essential for me. I use it for my power supplies and also plug my amp in there usually. Besides that it's all taste. I prefer a ramp because it's easier to see my settings and easier to stomp. Some people like flat ones because they are easier to make, don't require you to fasten your pedals down, and are generally easier to find a case for to carry. The ramp also allows me to cut holes in the board so I can run wires underneath, making it much more organized than a flat one would be.

 

I suggest you go to the Wiki here.

Listen to some of the effects and hear what they do. Figure out what you are trying to do with your sound and move on from there. When you think you know what you are looking for, play them in the store and buy them if you like them.

The wiki is not an all encompassing resource. There are about a million of each type of effect, but this will help you figure out what sounds each type of pedal makes.

 

Good luck, my friend. Your search will leave you broke, broken, bloody, and battered.

But hey, you'll have some fun pedals.

 

Yes, unfortunately it is different for everybody.

Sorry, I wish it was that easy.

FWIW, I like my octave/filter blended combo, but you may hate it.

 

a LOT of research.

 

Essential:



Your mileage may vary, of course!



Seriously, the only essential pedals are the ones that sound good to your ear or serve a purpose such as a volume pedal or tuner if you decide to go that route.

 

[rustynuts] "must.....get.....them.......all.......to.......gig...... bigger ......board.....essential" [/rustynuts]

I don't know whether to envy you or pity you. I may just do both.

 

Bigger board is under construction now! It'll be a foot longer, hopefully it's enough.



But that pic is sadly outdated....Six more pedals added since then. iSka, run while you still can! These things are addictive!

 

I like it, and the price can't be beat. It's a little bit noisy though, which could be due to component degradation after 25 years so I run it on its own loop.

 

Ok I'll ask...what type of music do you play? Are there any bands that have effects (doesn't have to be a bass either) that make your hair stand up? Any particular sounds you looking for?

 

the research is the best part. most folks avoid ever being "done" finding their sound because the journey IS the destination.

The reading-research can drive you mad and keep you thinking without doing. Get in just a little so you can pick a starting point of some sounds you generally like. Then track on eBay for a little while to see what they usually go for. When you spot a cheap deal on a used pedal, buy it (there or here). Play it for awhile. If you decide it's a keeper, add it to the board. If you decide it's not, put it back up for sale and if you'll likely get around the same price you paid for it...dealing with used pedals that way is almost like a loaner program.

In my personal experience, a good way to see if you'll use some particular styles of pedals (chorus, for example) is to buy the Danelectro FAB version as a tester. Under $20 brand-new and generally not bad sounding. That way you know that if/when you sell it (to upgrade, or abandon) you can't possibly lose much money.

 

#1 Tuner
#2-100 What ever else you want

 

Buy used when you can. Typically the pedals are a lot cheaper and they're in pretty good shape.

 

(Tuner optional)