(Log in to disable ads.)

  • Gear

  • Putting together a Pedal Board... advice please

Right, so I recently acquired a Gt-8 to plug a few holes I had effects wise. The first being that I had no effects pedals and secondly that I hadn't the foggiest what I wanted/needed/liked.

I'm very happy that I bought the Gt-8, it's serving me well and I'm learning loads about which effects I like etc.

I cannot however see myself living with it long term. I'm just not really using the thing to its potential (I never use the preamp modelling) and I just don't feel I'm doing my amp justice by putting this digital monster in front of it.

What I like to do is start getting a pedalboard going and continue using the Gt-8 until I can switch over to the pedal board.

This is mostly going to be used for playing in my churches worship band. I play a MiM Strat into a 5watt valve amp (tweed Princeton clone).

I'd like to do this properly and would appreciate some input/advice on the pedals. I am also heading to the US in October, so I'm hoping to do some shopping there, so I'd like to have a shopping list when I go! ?

Tuner: Pitchblack / Polytune. I don't really have a preference. I like both and they both come highly rated.

OD1: Lovepedal Amp 11. I really dig the sound as well as the boost option. I don't like going very heavy on the drive, but the boost gives it a nice bump.

Possible OD2: something low gain / clean boost - like a sparkle drive. I probably don't need this as it's not too hard to achieve edge of breakup type drive with just the amp cranked while keeping volumes sane and then rolling of guitar volume for clean, but I think the flexibility might be nice.

Delay: DD20. What appeals to me is that I can switch between presets (dotted eight to normal etc.)

Reverb: Holy Grail Nano. Seems like the standard option...

Volume: Boss fv-500. Not sure which impedance though.

Power: BBE Supa Charger / PP2.

This is based on what I tend to use on my GT-8. I'd really appreciate some input on the pedal selection and well whether I'm missing something you might think import, like a compressor/booster/whatever?
    If you get a pp2 in the USA it will be set up for 120volt... not 24 as in SA......
    Maybe go for the BBE....

    Reverb: the EHX is ok :/ but not the best by anymeans..... I prefer the earthquaker Devices Ghost Echo
      Thanks for the tip Mika.

      I checked out the ghost echo review on PGS and it's very tasty!! 8)
        I'm digging my TC Hall of Fame reverb.
          rikus wrote: Tuner: Pitchblack / Polytune. I don't really have a preference. I like both and they both come highly rated.
          Can't go wrong with either here.
          OD1: Lovepedal Amp 11. I really dig the sound as well as the boost option. I don't like going very heavy on the drive, but the boost gives it a nice bump.
          Great pedal if you're playing your amp clean - really fattens up nicely and feels/responds very like a valve amp. Nice match with Fender-style amps. I'm setting my drive very low (9 or 10 o' clock) and kicking that with the boost set at 12 o' clock). However, I'm getting my Nova Drive repaired and that will likely bump the Amp Eleven off the board again. The Nova Drive is basically a programmable Sparkle Drive (TS with bypass mix) and a Rat (but with treble and bass controls instead of the filter).
          Possible OD2: something low gain / clean boost - like a sparkle drive. I probably don't need this as it's not too hard to achieve edge of breakup type drive with just the amp cranked while keeping volumes sane and then rolling of guitar volume for clean, but I think the flexibility might be nice.
          The Sparkle Drive is basically a TS, with the attendant mid hump, which is nice to help you cut through for solos. For transparency, rather look at the Barber LTD, Durham Sex Drive or BB RC Booster
          Delay: DD20. What appeals to me is that I can switch between presets (dotted eight to normal etc.)
          Fine. A TC Nova Delay would up the quality a bit with a few more options (like Having a quarter and a dotted eighth together). An Eventide Time Factor would also up the quality and add a lot more capability (and complexity) and a Strymon Timeline would give you more than you ever need.
          Reverb: Holy Grail Nano. Seems like the standard option...
          Meh. Never been a fan, but I prefer digital plate emulations. Neunaber WET is a nice springy type reverb. TC Hall of Fame is probably the best option for a fairly inexpensive do-it-all.
          Volume: Boss fv-500. Not sure which impedance though.
          Great - they are big though. Low Z if you want to control volume in the middle or near the end of the chain. Hi Z if you want it first on the floor, where it will also affect drive (like your guitar's volume control).
          whether I'm missing something you might think import, like a compressor/booster/whatever?
          Compressor can be useful, but if you don't know that you do, then you probably don't need one. ? I like a modulation effect somewhere on the board too (usually a vibe or one of the more liquid-sounding phasers) - just to add some swirly motion to clean sounds.
            raithza wrote: need a wah ?)
            I'll get one when I can figure out how to use one properly... ?
            Reinhard wrote: I'm digging my TC Hall of Fame reverb.
            I'll see if I can give it a listen!
            Alan Ratcliffe wrote:*snip awesome advice*
            Thanks a bunch Alan. Appreciate the detailed response.

            re the amp 11 - if you plan on moving it off the board and into the classifieds let me know! ?

            re the delay - It's a tough choice between the DD20 and the Nova. I prefer the way the dd20 operates over the nova and the nova doesn't cater for an additional footswitch like the dd20.

            re the volume pedal - I can live with big if it sounds good. The smaller pedals that sound good cost way more!
              Write a Reply...