New to pedals...just confirming what I don't know

[ThisDyingSoul76]

Re: New to pedals...just confirming what I don't know

That seems to be the thing with most of the pedals that are often dissed... People just aren't using them right.

Most dirt boxes that are hated on are usually the ones that are best used into an already dirty amp. Except the Metal Zone. It's that crazy mid frequency knob that draws all the hate there... When dialled in right it sounds great, but it's a 1 trick pony and most people who hate on it can't dial in the mid frequency knob right.

 

[Gainstage]

Re: New to pedals...just confirming what I don't know

Fine to learn what things do, some cat listed links to Gibson's effects description pages, very thoughtful.
As far as getting pedals, worry about your amp and learning how to set up your guitar, and what strings you are going to use.
First pedal, a TUNER, anything else is a waste before the foundation of a decent amp and functioning guitar. Pedals are great fun down the road when you are ready to expand your horizons. All pedals are different despite being the same "type". They have to fit the chemistry of your rig and the style you play or are trying to develop. Many of us have gone through a million pedals trying to find ones that fit us personally and create a magic chemistry with the entire gear rig.
You can learn a lot by having a POD type unit with multiple effects in so far as how things are chained and adjusted. The amp models also allow you to experiment with different amps without buying too expensive of an amp that ultimately is not the best choice. Word to the wise, nothing worse than an inexperienced player using too many effects and covering up bad playing with noise and ambient washes of nothing. Using effects is an art and an acquired skill that can expand your ability. If you do not know what something does or why then you really do not need it.
#1 pedal, a TUNER, 2nd some sort of overdrive, dist, or fuzz, from there you need some skills. Amp reverb can be a wonderful thing, getting into phasers, flangers, delay, etc too early can result in the pedal doing the playing.

I should mention I actually hated the POD for several reasons and you could not give me one but they do show how a chain can be designed. They are OK at a certain point in ones playing but if you don't get sick of it or cringe at the front end "effects" then best of luck.