Time For A Pedal Board

[OlinMusic]

I am gonna go back to Pedal Boards for my current sound -

Need some help

First off - PEDAL PAD makes a killer 2 tier board which really helps people like me who have a ton of singing to do and cannot think too much on FX.
Thoughts?

Line6 DL4 for Delays
Line6 FM4 for pimped out sounds (gonna sell my Boss DynWah)
Dunlop Univibe??? or should I go Microvibe?
Octavia??? Fulltone or VoodooLabs? HELP!
Gain Pedals - I am in debates here. I was thinking to keep an OCD AND an FD2 for the comp cut mode, OR should I get a Fat Boost or Xotic?
Whammy? Is this a good choice for Glammed out sounds? If so, which one?
I was gonna stick with the Boss Chorus Ensemble
Maybe the Boss PH2 as well.
Do I need a compressor for funky stuff or lead boost?
Think I need a FUZZ? TS9?

Would love some advice. I will still keep my TC G Major

Should I put my amp switcher on the board?
Boss Tu-2 Tuner?

 

[aleclee]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

With the pedalboard you describe, you might want to find a chiropractor.

As far as dirt pedals go, I think a lot depends on what you're running through. Are you looking to push a driven amp or run through a clean amp getting all your drive from the stompboxes?

Will the Power Pad provide juice for two L6 stompers or will that require the use of their wall warts?

IMO a compressor is useful for funky stuff and very useful for country stuff. I prefer using an EQ pedal for lead boosts.

In general, asking "do I need a _____?" is dangerous stuff. Only you know what you really need. Others are more likely to tell you what they have or what they'd like to have, neither of which has anything to do with your needs.

 

[ParaGuitarMedic]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

I have a micro vibe for sale in the trading post...

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

I'd suggest the right size board with lid and a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power II, then whatever you need on it.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

hmm I plan to use my Shiva

I want to keep it simple, and I tend to go overboard

I like the Line 6 because they sound good and have many options
2 of those pedals is like 8 in any other brand.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

Voodoo PPII is the primary $170 you'll spend. It'll keep everything isolated and quiet. No matter what you use, that's a piece of gear you should have.

Everything else is personal taste.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

You don't think Pedal Pad is good? the board looked perfect for me. $235 out the door new!

 

[matt99camero]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

When I was searching for a pedal board, I heard some people say they didn't like how the pedals set on the pedal pad, but I don't know, never used one. You can get a custom made pedal board from NYC Pedal Boards for around $200, depending on the options you want. I've got the pedalhead, you may have to go with The Big Shot for all those pedals, but it's only $20 more. You should check them out, I've been really happy with mine. Here is a picture of mine.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

Pedaltrain pedalboards are very decent as well . . . you get a good steel chassis (less weight to haul around than a plank of wood is always good), a good case (or they have models that come with a padded gigbag), and a heck of a lot of decent velcro to stick everything on. You can pick them up on ebay for reasonable prices. I'm very happy with the one that I use. . .

 

[V!N]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

I think you need to step down and take a minute to think this over ..

Frist, do you really need all that stuff ? How much do you really need when there are already some decent sounds in your TC.

Second, if you have a ton of singing to do, you don't want to be tapdancing all the time. Getting a better multi thingy or stick all those pedals in rack drawers with a midi engaged looper, you can go from one bunch of effects to the other with just one stomp on your board.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

Olin,

For a Board, NYC Pedal Boards is the way to go IMO...I looked high and low for a good solid board and I couldn't be happier with my board, I have one a lot like the one that matt99camero posted.

As for the actual pedals on it I'll give you my 2 cents...

-Line6 DL4 is quickly becoming the standard, and for good reasons, I don't think you'll go wrong with it.

-Line6 FM4, is great for oddball filtered tones if you need it it saves a lot of space that would be taken up by a half dozen other noise makers.

-Dunlop Univibe or should I go Microvibe, of the 2 go Microvibe, but the
Fulltone DejaVibe deserves a look and to be honest one of the bets Vibe units I have ever tried is the Lovepedal Magic Boy, it's amazing and the price is vary fair.

-Octavia??? Fulltone or VoodooLabs-IMO An Octavia is a waste of space unless you are gonna use it ALL the time...I wanted an Octavia but knew that I wouldn't use it enough to warrent the cost and the space on my board o I got a Fulltone Ultimate Octave...amazing Octavia tones but you can switch the octave effect out making it a killer stand alone Fuzz...thus killing 2 birds with one stone. I have one and love it, great unit!

-Gain Pedals -If you want an OCD, grab it..those are supposed to be killer but if you're gonna get an FD only for the compcut mode just get a clean boost...there are loads of clean boosts out there.

-Whammy-The Whammy pedal is a sick, sick toy but it's hard to use it w/o it screaming Tom Morello. Also, NONE of the later Whammy pedals or the reissue are right, they just don't sound as good as an original which will cost you a good bit of cash...

I was gonna stick with the Boss Chorus Ensemble
Maybe the Boss PH2 as well...sounds like you have decided on a Chorus and Phase Shifter...

Do I need a compressor for funky stuff or lead boost?
Think I need a FUZZ? TS9? I do not think you need either of these things but look at it like this...if you do get an FD-2 you'll have the best TS type pedal ever as well as a clean boost (comp-cut mode) and if you get an Ultimate Octave you'll have the Octavis sounds as well as a straight fuzz!

If you're gonna keep the G-Major Im not sure why you still ned the boss Chorus and Phaser but if you want them/need them go for it.

Should I put my amp switcher on the board? If you use more that one amp, yes.

Boss Tu-2 Tuner, the Boss is the standard inpedal tuners...get one you'll love it!

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

You want simple???


I just busted it down to....

Tuner
Tophat Xpressor (clean boost & OD)
H&K Replex (reverb & 2 delays)
Startouch A/B (running to the 2 channels of a Tophat King Royale)
Startouch A/B/Y (controlling either the KR or Tophat Emplexador...OR BOTH !)

Thazz it

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

I'm in the process of building something like what the NYC Pedalboards unit is like. It'll hold a bunch of pedals but will be maybe 1/3 of the size and when it's done will have a tolex covering.

Were using a clamshell design for it and one of my techie friends wants to figure out how to make the front lip which would be facing the crowd have one of those scrolling text signs on it. He's thinking of trying to incorporate some sort of midi triggers for songs as well as just general random comments and weirdness.

But either way the cost of materials breaks down to much less than the $200 NYC unit; if it ends up going over $50 I'll be surprised.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

Don't forget the VooDoo Labs Pedal Power II+...this is a MUCT on any pro pedal board IMO!

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

I need to clear some things up

GUY WHO INVENTED - WOW THANKS!!!!

Ok -

AMP SWICTHER, I MEAN AMP CHANNEL SWITCH - I use the Bogner almost all the time now.

TC GMAJOR - I would at most use it for REVERBs or DELAYS BUT PROBABLY NEVER USE IT WITH PEDALS. I want the pedal board so I can quickly enjoy sounds. PLUS< it sounds SO GOOD, I will keep it for having the rack option. I love this thing, but I like to be on and OFF stage FAST. Also, the Shiva FX loop scares me. I lost the special cable once and was SOL. I don't use my loop for much more than Delay and Chorus. BROS on this FORUM told me to get the DL4, and I think I am VERRRRRRRRY HAPPY! IT sounds good straight in!

I have playe some huge places that made us work fast to get on and off. With holes I fear theft. One famous LA place is a cluster f*** backstage - so easy to lose gear. I want to have guitar, backup, pedals, head, cab. - done.

I like pedals like the LINE 6 so it can do a lot for me in one pedal, easy to access.

I will say for this post - I sing everything form backups in country, to doubling females parts, to lead in a Foreigner Tribute, to Plant/Stewart, to R&B Prince type. I want sounds to go with those styles AND AND AND

SWITCHING has to be easy. Funny thing, I barely get to look down or around. I have to know and feel my rig. TS9's as an example, have the worst switch to step on and just FEEL. FULLTONE stuff is sooo easy to switch on the fly and know what's in and out in a heartbeat.

This leads me to the ULTIMATE OCTAVE - VERRRRRRRRY INTRIGUING! It would give me 2 in one.

I can return the MKS Pedal PAD, but so far it seems like it has the angling that is like having the NYC Pedal Boards 2nd step, AND it has power built in.

You have me convinced I don't need the Whammy for now.

I usually don't need a Wah, but I love the AutoWah in the Line6 - total pimp funk.

I ALREADY OWN THE OCD and FD2. I have considered replacing the FD with a Clean Boost, if so which one? Would love to save space. I might not need it at all.

I used to use the FD2 AFTER THE OCD to boost the OCD for solos when I had no good sound guy.

I rarely use my Univibe - I like it for some swirly FX here and there - but I think the Boss PH or Boss Chorus might be enough. I might drop it all together. I like the Univibe for that Isley/Hendrix tone - but the Dunlop always colors my tone and changes volume and feel. I thought a true bypass, open feeling Univibe like a Deja or a Micro etc etc might change my mind. Perhaps I will drop it for now. Too hippy, and I am shedding that image lol.

I have a BOSS CS3 but I do NOT like it. I rarely use a comp, but I thought I might also use it more if I had a Keeley or MXR - but I do not know if it is worth the cash. A coil/parallel splitter on my APH1's gives shockingly dirty FUNK.

I agree with the TU-2. I use it in the studio and it's very easy to use and solid!

Keep the ideas coming - THIS IS REALLY HELPING.

YOU GUYS ROCK!

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

I hear ya bro...I like to have a lot of sounds ready at amy time...

This is what I would do...

The FX you have mentioned wanting are,

-Delay
-Filtering
-Univibe
-Octavia
-Overdrive
-Fuzz
-Clean Boost
-Distortion
-Chorus
-Phaser

This is what I would do, since you already have a Boss auto Wah for funky stuff, keep it and let the Line 6 Filter unit go. Replace the Line 6 Filter with the Line 6 Modulator...this gives you Chorus, phasing as well as a Univibe! Pair that with the line 6 delay and you have all the delay and modulation you need. Then go with a Fulltone Ultimate Octave, this coveres both your Fuzz and your Octavia sounds and let me tell you the Ultimate Octave is very versitile. Then drop on the the board your FD-2 and your OCD, if you want a seperate clean boost grab one, the Duncan Pedal booster is nice, the Banzai Cold Fusion is a poor mans Klon and I love mine...amazing box!

You signal chain now goes as follows

Guitar(s)->Tuner->Auto Wah->FD2->OCD->Clean boost (if you decie you need/want one)Ultimate Octave->Line 6 Modulation->Line 6 Delay->Amp

That should do it. If you decide you have to have the Line 6 Filter box then get it, and if you do not want the Line 6 Modulation unit but still want a Univibe clone the Lovepedal Magic Boy is amazing, cheep ($150) and small (the same size as a Phase 90), so that gives you several options right there plus you can cut down to about * pedals...in fact the fist set up I listed woulf be 8 units whcih can all be powered by a VooDoo Labs Pedal power II+. I really think that is the way to go!

 

[Corbic]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

-Octavia??? Fulltone or VoodooLabs-IMO An Octavia is a waste of space unless you are gonna use it ALL the time...I wanted an Octavia but knew that I wouldn't use it enough to warrent the cost and the space on my board o I got a Fulltone Ultimate Octave...amazing Octavia tones but you can switch the octave effect out making it a killer stand alone Fuzz...thus killing 2 birds with one stone. I have one and love it, great unit!

TGWIF, whats the fuzz like on the Ultimate Octave? Is it anything like a fuzz face/Hendrix-styled fuzz, or could it do Hendrix/Stones/Jeff Beck in Yardbirds style fuzz?

 

[Christobevii3]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

I'd build one out of aluminum that is two pieces for all that stuff.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

TGWIF, whats the fuzz like on the Ultimate Octave? Is it anything like a fuzz face/Hendrix-styled fuzz, or could it do Hendrix/Stones/Jeff Beck in Yardbirds style fuzz?

The Ultimate Octave is very versitile...it has volume, tone and fuzz controls as well as on/off switchs for master bypass as well as the octave up effect. It also has a mini toggle labeled Fat/Bright.

Between the tone control and the fat/bright I can dial in a lot of different tones.,..it's not axactally a Fuzz Face (hendrix) nor is it exactally a Tone Bender (Page/Beck) but it is a very versitile unit that gets me close enough to those tones that Im happy!

FWIW, I have 4 or 5 other true fuzz pedals that are now sitting and the ultimate Octave is the one on my board!

 

[noisenet]

Re: Time For A Pedal Board

Heya,
Personally, I use the Pedal Pad board - don't remember the model name, but it's the big one. I've been using rack/programmable effects since the late 80's. Without fail, I've always wanted something different in my sound, from song to song. Chalk it up to inspiration of the moment, whatever. With rack gear/programmable effects, that doesn't happen. You have to scroll through parameter lists, etc, to get to the setting you wanna change - by the time you do that, the mood's often killed. For that reason, I've decided to go back to pedals. Some rack stuff does sound cleaner but, not necessarily better. You have to let your ear be the judge on that one.

BTW - for Whammy fx, I prefer the Whammy 2 pedal. All switching between settings is done with your feet instead of turning a knob, and there's a cool "toggle" feature where you can toggle between two different settings without having to scroll through all the others. For me that alone is indespensable. They're somewhat hard to find, but worth it.

For phaser, I like the MXR EVH Phase 90. I use a Boss Super OD pedal and Boss EQ, and for lead boost I employ a Duncan Pickup Booster. Round it out with a Budda Wah and a Boss Super Chorus pedal and I've got a plethora of options. A note about the Super Chorus though - if you want that "swirly" chorus effect, look elsewhere. The Super Chorus, to me, just makes my sound "wider" (I use two 50 watt JCM 800 half stacks, one a 2204 through a 1982 260 watt 4x12, one a 2205 through a 1979 260 watt 4x12 - the contrasting tones blend nicely for a HUGE chunk and searing leads). For the chorus-y shimmer, I use the Detune setting on the Whammy. I love it, it's nice and shimmery!

Anyhow, just my two cents, hope it helps. Here's a pic of this assortment. BTW - I have an ISP Decimator Noise Reduction pedal on the way and will finish up with the MXR EVH Flanger in due time. And yeah, I know, there are a few "non-monster type" cables in there, they're on the way too, LOL!