The idea is that you wouldnt use a distortion pedal. You don't use any pedals, except the VG-88. If you use the magnetic pickups in your guitar, you defeat the use for the VG-88. You just use a hex pickup, like an RMC, Yamaha G1d, or Roland GK2a. Direct to a recording console or PA (not regular guiar amps). The VG does the rest, that is what is so cool about this system.