Remembering pedal settings

[RabidMusic]

A dot of fingernail polish also works.

 

[bucephylus]

I just mark positions with a Sharpie. The Sharpie ink is easily removed with isopropyl alcohol (no damage to pedals), if you decide to change something. Between the silver and black Sharpies, I can easily put visible reference marks on any knob position.

 

[Bob_Ross]

I just mark positions with a Sharpie. The Sharpie ink is easily removed with isopropyl alcohol (no damage to pedals)

Grease pencils (aka China Markers) were SOP back when I was mixing FOH. Same idea, just no need for alcohol.



...well, I mean, back when I was mixing FOH there was definitely a need for alcohol! Just not isopropyl.

 

[BaltBass5]

Caveat from the manufacturer;

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE SETTING SAVER MAY DAMAGE THE PEDAL'S FINISH. ALWAYS TRY IN AN INCONSPICUOUS AREA FIRST.

I’ve been using it for years (as has my guitarist) and we’ve never had any permanent marks as a result.

 

[BaltBass5]

This one will destroy your pedals permanently. Avoid.

Another idea is to print a circle pattern for your pedal on removable office labels (ie Avery) then use different colour markers to mark the positions. Kind of a combination between the OP and Adrian via @Bob_Ross 's idea. Stick em where it makes sense.

ummmm...no it won’t. I’ve been using it for years...on VERY high end amps and pedals and I’ve NEVER had an issue.

 

[Alien8]

ummmm...no it won’t. I’ve been using it for years...on VERY high end amps and pedals and I’ve NEVER had an issue.

Excellent! Happy your experience has differed from mine!

 

[40Hz]

move been using it for years as has my guitarist and I’ve never had any permanent marks as a result.

Apparently neither of you own any of the pedals that promoted them to add that warning.

This is the full text on their website:

WARNING! SOME EFFECT PEDALS BY ELECTRO-HARMONICS AND ORIGIN EFFECTS DO NOT USE A CLEAR COAT OVER THE PEDALS PAINT JOB, THEREFOR IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE SETTING SAVER MAY DAMAGE THE PEDAL'S FINISH. NOT SAFE ON NITROCELLULOSE FINISHED INSTRUMENTS. ALWAYS TRY IN AN INCONSPICUOUS AREA FIRST.
​

I can think of a number of expensive boutique pedals that don’t have clear coat finishes, along with some pedals (like certain EHX pedals) that use vinyl stickers or decals instead of painted finishes which could be affected. So to me that information might be something you’d at least want to be aware of.