I never got into effects before I got on to TB.
It's the dark side of TB, the sucking black hole you throw money into.
It's my other hobby, sending effects boxes around the country and losing a little money each time. For every keeper, there's three or four that get thrown back.
For and R&B, blues type gig, the keepers are: MXR M-80 di +, and the FEA labs dual band compressor. The MXR is your Di box, plus a nice little pre amp, the color setting is very cool. ( that's a slight scooped preset). I turn it on and forget about it. The dirt side of the MXR is next to worthless, but it can be used as another clean level up.
The compressor is really nice for keeping things even and focused. The FEA is pretty fancy, there are less expensive comp/limiters out there. Check out Bongomania's extensive reviews, you'll learn a ton of good stuff.
Both can be used to step things up a little.
I run the dirt side of the MXR, briefly, for a distortion on a couple blues tunes that need that sort of thing. I wouldn't spend another $150 for a dedicated fuzz. (Well, I might, if someone wanted my RC 2 looper, or the OC-2, I do have that other hobby). And yeah, mild envelope for some funkier stuff. I'm eyeing the Red Ripper to cover that area.
I've been through several loopers, the Jamman is a keeper. I will most likely never use one live, but for practice, it's great. It'll take input from anything, cd player, ipod, mike, whatever, record LONG loops, and playback forever without once complaining or getting bored. You can slow or speed up phrases, without changing the pitch.
I thought the Zoom B9.1 ut multi effect would cure my habit, but no, it mocks my efforts. That thing is like trying to fly a spaceship without taking flight training. One day I'll read the manual.
. It's fun through delay with everything on. We should start a band. You've already come up with name.
