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Pedal virgin help. Singles or multi processor
- Thread starter Jazzcaster89
- Start date
My path of effects pedals was as follows. I started out with a Boss ME-20b. After that I got a Hartke Bass Attack, MXR M87 compressor, and a Hardwire CM-2 to use along with the Boss. Aside from the Bass Attack (which was excellent) I was never really able to dial in the sound I wanted. I sold all of them and got a Zoom B3. Haven't looked back since. It covers everything I need. The only thing I've considered is a Boss OC-2 and reacquiring a CM-2 or a Digitech Bass Driver.
I play guitar and bass as well as some keys so I try to get pedals that can work well on all 3, so far I have been lucky and found most even cheaper pedals work good with whatever.
Personally I think multi FX can be great and they have come a long way, but I also prefer stand alone stuff usually for their sound and tweakability. Some things also work better stand alone.
For example I have never heard good distortion/ dirt on a multi effects, at least not any of the cheaper ones I have tried. Nice fuzz/dirt pedals sound killer on guitar or bass IMO.
If you are on a budget multi FX might be the best bang for your buck. I started my effects journey with a cheap vox stomplab 2G then slowly replaced my favorite parts on it.
Here are a few random pedals I highly recommend checking out:
VHT V Drive 50-100$ amazingly diverse dirt pedal for the price, can go from transparent clean boost to sizzling distortion and fuzz like madness.
EHX Riddle/ Enigma (or a cheaper filter) 100-200$ another amazingly diverse pedal, low/band/high pass filter modes and many interactive controls for a wide range of sounds.
Joyo Dyna Comp (30$) cheap decent compressor, very handy if your amp doesn't already have a decent comp built in.
Boss ME50 I own the guitar one and it is the only multi FX I still use, I mainly use the stereo chorus/ delays on it but it can do a fair amount of stuff pretty well. I got mine for 50$ used and for the price the stereo effects are worth the $ alone, it has a panning delay as well as rotating speakers/ panning effects. Also has a built in volume/ expression pedal that can do +/- 1 octave.
Then look around for a deal on a cool fuzz pedal or something. Pedal needs vary person to person, I like to experiment with strange/ unique sounds so I am drawn to diverse pedals with a lot of sonic range. Stacking pedals is also a ton of fun as many go great with each other. Drive pedals + delay is an amazing combo for playing harmonies with yourself I have recently discovered.
Personally I think multi FX can be great and they have come a long way, but I also prefer stand alone stuff usually for their sound and tweakability. Some things also work better stand alone.
For example I have never heard good distortion/ dirt on a multi effects, at least not any of the cheaper ones I have tried. Nice fuzz/dirt pedals sound killer on guitar or bass IMO.
If you are on a budget multi FX might be the best bang for your buck. I started my effects journey with a cheap vox stomplab 2G then slowly replaced my favorite parts on it.
Here are a few random pedals I highly recommend checking out:
VHT V Drive 50-100$ amazingly diverse dirt pedal for the price, can go from transparent clean boost to sizzling distortion and fuzz like madness.
EHX Riddle/ Enigma (or a cheaper filter) 100-200$ another amazingly diverse pedal, low/band/high pass filter modes and many interactive controls for a wide range of sounds.
Joyo Dyna Comp (30$) cheap decent compressor, very handy if your amp doesn't already have a decent comp built in.
Boss ME50 I own the guitar one and it is the only multi FX I still use, I mainly use the stereo chorus/ delays on it but it can do a fair amount of stuff pretty well. I got mine for 50$ used and for the price the stereo effects are worth the $ alone, it has a panning delay as well as rotating speakers/ panning effects. Also has a built in volume/ expression pedal that can do +/- 1 octave.
Then look around for a deal on a cool fuzz pedal or something. Pedal needs vary person to person, I like to experiment with strange/ unique sounds so I am drawn to diverse pedals with a lot of sonic range. Stacking pedals is also a ton of fun as many go great with each other. Drive pedals + delay is an amazing combo for playing harmonies with yourself I have recently discovered.
